Page 17 of Into the Light

“There’s a dessert table over here,” I motioned to the right corner of the room where a small table, decorated to match the main one, was set up, already displaying a tray of cannoli from the restaurant’s pastry chef.

“This is fucking fancy,” Theo said, looking around the place.

“Charming, dear.” Sara elbowed him in the ribs.

“It really is, though. They did an incredible job.”

Just then, a cellist appeared in the doorway, and walked over to the back corner to set up.

“I didn’t even know we had a cellist in Moon Harbor,” Theo commented under his breath, and I giggled. I didn’t either. But soon, the courtyard was filled with beautiful music.

“They really went all out,” Raf said, appearing behind me. I nodded at him, but otherwise ignored his presence. I was still too confused.

“I think the cellist works for the restaurant,” Sara said, “but you’re right. Everything is gorgeous. They could have hosted the wedding itself here.”

“This would be a perfect spot for a wedding,” I said, “I mean, I know their wedding will be perfect for them. They have so many people to invite, it only makes sense to have it at the hotel. But this…” I trailed off and looked around, falling more and more in love with the space the longer I was in it.

Why did I never come here? I should start taking myself on dates.

I turned back to the dessert table to help Sara. We finished displaying the cupcakes and made sure everything looked perfect.

Theo had dragged Raf away, but they came back a minute later with glasses of champagne for all of us. I looked over to the opposite corner and saw a small bar set up, now manned by a bartender in a white shirt and black bowtie. Raf handed me a flute and then tapped his to it. His eyes burned into my soul.

“Cheers, El.”

“To the happy couple,” I said, deflecting whatever the hell look was on his face. He nodded, and we each took a sip.

Soon, the guests arrived. Gus and Cheryl McClintock, Our Aunt Anne and Uncle Peter, and even Alex’s long lost family, the old Sheriff Olsen and his son, Drew. She’d been connecting with them over the past year and while they weren’t close, they were definitely making strides.

I greeted everyone, keeping my smile wide, and refusing to think about Raf, but that was made difficult by the fact that he kept appearing nearby. Normally I’d love every chance I got to be close to him. But now I was just confused.

Luckily Sam and Alex arrived and we all sat down to dinner. Raf was placed across the table from me, but since it was so wide, it was much easier to talk to the people next to me, a fact I took and ran with.

I chatted with Sara about the season slowing down, and then with Cheryl about when I thought Alex would have babies. We ate and drank, and enjoyed ourselves. The night was perfect, but then Raf and Theo stood and announced it was time for a toast.

Theo went first and, ever the showman, told embarrassing stories about Sam’s early twenties. I wasn’t really listening, though, because my eyes were on Raf. I tried all night to avoid him, and now there he was, on display and staring right at me with his soulful brown eyes.

Theo finished his speech and a raucous round of applause and laughter surrounded me. I joined in for effect, but felt lost. When it died down, Raf spoke.

“A lot of people have been waiting for this. The union of the sweet new girl and the town hero. And it’s finally almost here. This time tomorrow, those two lovebirds will be husband and wife.” Some more cheers erupted and Theo whistled.

“We’re celebrating, not just because of love, which of course deserves its own celebration, but because of the hardships these two people faced in finding each other again. Neither of them had an easy life. But they didn’t let it make them jaded. They didn’t let it close them off to love and to the possibilities.

“Sam is my best friend, and I can’t tell you how much I admire him. He’s taught me a lot about life, even without trying to. Just leading by example.”

Raf looked at me again, tilting his head like he was speaking in code, just for me. “Giving us the hope that we’re all good enough for love.”

He raised his glass then. “I’m so glad we’re here celebrating tonight, because these two deserve it more than anyone I know. And their inspiration to us all, won’t ever be forgotten. To Sam and Alex.”

“Sam and Alex,” a chorus of voices responded, and we all sipped. Alex had tears in her eyes and Sam stood up to hug Raf. I kept the smile on my face and played the part of a doting, supportive sister. But inside, I couldn’t help but think about whether or not he meant what he said.

* * *

“El, wait up!” I heard Raf’s voice, but chose to keep walking down Harbor Street, though my tired and sore feet made me slow down anyway. The night had been a huge success, and after saying goodbye to everyone, and helping the staff clean up, I finally snuck out to make my way back to my apartment. Raf obviously wasn’t going to make it that easy.

He soon caught up to me and I couldn’t ignore him any longer so I decided to play nice.

“That was a really beautiful speech.”

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