The Mystery Guest, Brandon
I'm sitting here, surrounded by police officers, yet, there's a distinct possibility I might be murdered today. That's right, murdered. I know neither the bride, nor the groom, not personally, but I'm here at the wedding, sitting off to the side on the bride's side. I suppose that's the best place for me. No, I'm not some crazy wedding crasher; I'm a guest. I'm dating one of the bridesmaids, the most important bridesmaid, in my opinion; I'm Emily's boyfriend, and I have yet to meet the parents.
I suppose I have actually met her dad, Emily's dad, but that was a fluke encounter, and I'll get to that in a minute. I'm here, and yes, I'm the boyfriend. Now, Emily isn't ashamed of me, and I really do want to meet her mom and almost stepfather, but it's been a bit awkward to explain everything. We were going to tell her mom a couple months ago, but her mom got sick. It didn't seem like the right time; it never seems like the right time, and that's why I'm now sitting here in this awkward state. Obviously, this is out of hand; we should have told them a long time ago, but there are a few "red flags" that will most likely concern them; they are things that would concern me if my own daughter brought a guy like me home. Let's start with that; I have a daughter, Brianna. She's 10 now, and she's my pride and joy. My ex-wife and I share custody of her. We divorced when she was five, and it's worked out well between us, all three of us. My ex and I still work at the same firm. We're one of these couples who "drifted apart" and are better as friends. Yes, I know that it's not what some believe is a good reason for divorce, but it's the truth. So, we work together at the firm. Firm. That's another "red flag." I'm a lawyer, and I've heard of-and met-Jack, Emily's dad. Again, I'll get back to that. So, to start, I'm a divorced guy, with a 10-eyear-old daughter and an ex-wife in the picture. I'm a lawyer, and oh, yeah, I'm a little older than Emily too. I'm 46, and well, she's not. She's still in her early 30's. That's as much as you will get because women don't reveal their ages, not until it's an issue with dating, which it's not. It will be, most likely with her mom just because. Let's just say that we've got some years between us, but we are both okay with it.
So, I'm here today. Emily and I should have done a much better job with all this. We know. We aren't kids, and we're acting like it. It is what it is. Part of the problem is the distance; we live 3,000 miles away from her family and have our own lives. We've been dating for several months now, since mid-summer-officially and exclusively, but even that has had its ups and downs. Our jobs are demanding. I'm a lawyer at a large firm in New York. I do boring work, though, not criminal law. I mostly do probate-wills and estates. While boring, it can get intense. Families don't like what was left to them or feel they were cheated out of what they were due; it's nuts, especially when the estate is a large one. I have always said the bigger the estate, the crazier the family. It's usually true. Emily's job, while vastly different from mine, is demanding as well. She performs almost each night and has practice at all times of the day and night. It's a wonder we ever go out on a date, but we manage; we make time. She's important to me, and I'm important to her. We quickly realized that after our second date. The chemistry was there, and we've been falling more and more in love. I haven't told her that yet, but I'm feeling it, and I hope she is too. I never thought I'd want to get remarried, until I met Emily. Now, I'm not proposing or anything like that right now; that would certainly get me killed at this wedding, but the thought of marriage has been floating around in my head, and that is not an idea I've had for a very long time.
Emily and I met when I was on a field trip with my daughter. Yes, that's right; I was a chaperone to the ballet with my daughter's class. I mentioned Brianna is my world; she really is. She's my everything, and when I get the chance, I like to participate in her school activities. My ex-wife just rolls her eyes. She's never been the "school" parent as I like to call it. She despises everything related to school activities. That's just how she is. It works, though, because I love everything about Brianna's activities at school-the plays, class parties, award programs, and yes, the field trips. I can't go on all of them, but I go when I can. Anyway, Brianna's class took a field trip to the ballet in early May as part of their end of year celebration. Emily was one of the dancers that day who came out and spoke to the students. As we were leaving, the students were given a few minutes to go up and talk to the professionals. Brianna and her little friends walked to Emily, and I tagged along with them.
"Thank you for taking time out of your day to speak with the class," I smiled and told her. "My daughter and her friend have had a wonderful time. They just love the ballet."
"Oh, that's great to hear," she smiled at me and then down at the girls. She'd already spoken to them all and had signed their programs. "I remember going to my first major production as a child, but it was nothing like this," she shook her head. "Back then, I thought dancing in New York was only a distant memory. I've come a long way from Los Angeles."
"So, you are from L.A.?" I asked her. "Long way from home."
"It is," she nodded. "This is where I want to be, where my heart is. Dancing is my life, even if I'm far from family."
"You're very good at it," I smiled at her. "I enjoyed the performance very much. Oh, I'm Brandon, by the way. My daughter, Brianna," I gestured toward her, "is there in the pink dress."
"Ahh, she's a cutie," Emily grinned at me. "Are you one of the teachers too?"
"No," I shook my head and chuckled. "I might know all the kids and love doing this, but I don't have the patience to teach them full time. I'm an attorney, and I just enjoy chaperoning when I can. I think a girl really needs her dad."
"Hmmm," she nodded, and I detected a hint of sadness there. She confirmed it, "That's very true. I can speak from experience that not having a dad around leaves a void, a big one."
"I'm sorry," I frowned. "I didn't mean to say anything to upset you."
"No, no," she held up her hands in gesture. "It's okay, really. It's great," she nodded to Brianna, "that she has you in her life. She's a lucky girl to have both parents?"
"Yes, she is," I smiled. "She is lucky. My ex-wife and I are both involved and love her very much."
"Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bring up an awkward topic too," Emily blushed at me. "Seems we are both saying the wrong thing."
"Not a problem. Oh, I need to go. The girls are restless, and the teachers are waving us to the exit. Say, I don't want to make it more awkward, but why not?" I grinned at her. "Are you free sometime? I mean, are you available and would like to get a drink, a bite to eat?"
"Oh," she paused, clearly surprised by my question. "I, um, well, maybe," she nodded. "You still have your program?"
"Yes, yes, of course," I fumbled for it, and in the process, I dropped it on the floor. I heard her chuckle quietly as I bent to pick it up. Thankfully, Brianna and her friends were distracted by flipping through the pages of their programs, pointing out ballerinas, to not see me making a fool of myself. "Here it is," I stood and almost flung it at her, now breathless. She held her wrist to her mouth to keep from laughing.
"If you can find my picture," she said in a teasing tone as she flipped through the book quickly, "you might find my number. Give me a call sometime if you are serious about dinner. You seem rather harmless, being a field trip dad," she winked as she handed my program back to me. I grinned at her.
"I think I got the best autograph here," I smiled brightly at her. "I always loved field trips. I will call you, Emily," I nodded to her. She nodded back, a small smile on her face.
Three weeks later, we managed to find a free night to have our first date. Now, it took me almost a week to call her, as I was trying not to look to anxious or desperate. Thankfully, she put me out of my misery and said yes to that date, and we've been dating now since the very end of May. It took another week and a half to have our second date because of schedules, and that put us into June. We went on a couple more dates, one that even Brianna went on with us because of a scheduling issue, but we didn't really discuss dating each other exclusively until July. It was rather refreshing Emily knew about Brianna upfront. I love my daughter and always want to be honest with women I've dated, but many aren't interested in dating me after they've heard I'm a dad. Emily knew she was around and still agreed to our date. I didn't bring it up on our first date, but I do remember asking her about Brianna on our second.
"Before this goes any further, before I ask you out again," I smiled at her as we walked down the street, looking to her before I continued; I couldn't stop smiling at her. She is just so beautiful to me. That night was early summer, and we'd had a late dinner and were enjoying the evening sky as we walked. "I wanted to ask you if it bothers you I have a daughter? I've found it bothers a lot of women."
"Bothers?" Emily frowned and shook her head. "No, it doesn't bother me at all. She's part of you. You have a past; we all do. She's part of your life. If we are being honest, I suppose I should tell you that I'm not interested in having kids," she eyed me for a reaction. I gave her none; I just listened to see what she had to say. "Now," she rolled her eyes, "I'm not sure my mom wants to hear that. She's very progressive and all about women having a career and being independent, BUT deep down, I know she would love to have grandkids. She already loves being a grandma, and she'd probably be disappointed if she knew I really wasn't interested in having kids of my own."
"Does that mean you don't want kids around in your life?" I asked.
"No," she shook her head. "I don't want to have them. I'm a ballerina. Pregnant ballerinas, especially in New York City, aren't popular," she smiled. "I've chosen the career I want, the life I want, and I just don't want to have kids. I realize I won't be able to dance forever. I just don't want to end my career with a baby or try to work my body back to dancing. I am well aware others do that, but it's not what I want. Selfish? Maybe," she shrugged, "but, it's what I want from my life. Honestly," she grinned and continued, "I kind of like that you have a daughter. Who knows," she shrugged.
'Who knows' is right. I know that I'm falling for her every single day. Who knows what will happen, but I'm finding myself more and more in love with Emily. She's wonderful, and the age issue has never been an issue with us. I hope it won't be for her parents. I'm not really worried about her dad, Jack. I've heard all about him and even met him, which was a fluke. I'm more worried about her mom and stepfather. I want them to like me; I want them to see I make Emily happy. I want them to almost give us their blessing because that's what I would want for my own daughter. I would want to be happy for her, to know she's got a good head on her shoulders to make sound decisions. I hope that they see that about Emily. She's a grown woman, and yes, while we are all aware she can do whatever she wants, I want her family to like me. I don't want to get in the middle of family drama. I want this to work.
As I mentioned, I've met Jack. Wow, he's a piece of work from the stories I've heard, but thankfully, he was decent when we met. I can still read people well, and I could see it in Jack, even if he was on his best behavior. I'm almost surprised Emily is related to Jack, but then I remind myself that he wasn't around to raise her. That makes me like her mom, Sharon, as she keeps telling me I should call her mom, even more. It's odd to me to refer to her as Sharon just yet since I haven't met her, but when I see how wonderful Emily is, I have to think Sharon is equally wonderful because she raised this amazing woman. I've heard all about Sharon from Emily, and I'm really anxious to meet her. I'm a little nervous that she's going to grill me as I've been told she can do with suspects and even police officers at work. I'm okay with that; I deserve that after we've kept this hidden so long. It's just awkward. Of course, Emily jokes that Andy was grilled more than probably any police officer in the LAPD, and that didn't turn out too badly for him. I just hope they both like me. I understand Emily not wanting to say anything over the summer. We were still trying to figure everything out between us. Her mom was busy with work and planning her wedding. I've heard all about that. Emily wanted me to meet them in person, but that opportunity, before now, hasn't happened.
As our relationship progressed into September, we discussed this issue on several occasions. Emily would sit down and almost start to call her mom, but then something would come up. She'd send her a text, and we'd find out her mom was working or babysitting the grandkids, something, anything that was a distraction. We didn't want to "introduce" me with a boy sword fight going on in the background. Then, Sharon got sick. She was down with that flu forever, and that wasn't the time either. Since then, it's been work, wedding prep, and doctor's appointments. I hate I'm sitting here with this secret, but it is what it is. I'm just glad her dad hasn't spilled our news.
I met Jack only a few weeks ago, early November. It happened to be the week Emily's holiday production opened, and I had taken Brianna to the ballet. Brianna really likes Emily and is enamored with the idea I'm dating a professional ballerina. She's suddenly very interested in the ballet and has been begging to see Emily dance. So, that night, I took her, and everything was going so well. When the ballet was over, Brianna and I moved backstage to wait for Emily; we were all going to celebrate. Briana wanted to take Emily for ice cream, and even though I tried to explain on several occasions ballerinas don't necessarily want ice cream, Brianna was so excited about taking Emily out that neither Emily nor I could burst her bubble. So, the two of us were waiting, when I heard a man asking around for Emily.
"I'm looking for Emily Raydor's room," I heard and looked up from my spot. I'd been standing there talking to Brianna, wondering how, at this late hour, she wasn't tired, but I was. She looked so beautiful in her black dress with a pink ribbon around her waist. She was looking more and more grown up by the day. She tugged on my hand, having heard the man asking about Emily as well.
Dad," she said quietly and pointed to him. I put her finger down, as I've told her over and over not to point.
"This is Emily's room," I gestured to the room. "She's in there with three others. She should be out shortly. Is she expecting you?" I asked and noticed the man was carrying a bouquet of flowers. Brianna also had flowers, ones she'd picked out for Emily too.
"Thanks for the tip," he nodded to me and moved to stand in the free space next to me. "I'm surprising her; she doesn't even know I'm in town."
"Oh?" I asked. He had my interest. "How do you know Emily?" I studied the man, and for some reason, it didn't click with me at all that he was her dad. I guess I'd heard story after story about how he wasn't in her life, and it just didn't dawn on me he'd do something like this, that he'd surprise his own daughter.
He eyed me, "Jack Raydor," as he held out his hand. "I take it you know Emily?" As he said this, he looked to my daughter and gave her a small smile. She looked at him, unsure about who he was.
"Brandon Roth," I held out my hand as I tried not to stumble over my words as I heard the name. "You are Emily's father?"
"The one and only," he nodded and eyed me. "How do you know her?"
"You are Emily's dad? She's so pretty and such a good dancer," Brianna interrupted and started to twirl around in her dress. "I wish I could twirl like she does."
"This is my daughter, Brianna," I gestured to Jack. "I'll just cut to the chase. I'm dating Emily and have been for awhile now."
"Dating?" he looked to me extremely surprised. "I haven't heard anything about this." As we were starting to discuss this, the door opened, and the dancers started to pile out. Emily was still inside, fixing her hair at a mirror. When Brianna saw her, she took off in a run for Emily to give her the flowers. Emily turned toward us as she caught sight of Brianna, and I saw the shock in her eyes when she saw me standing there with her dad.
"Dad?" she stood and started to walk toward us. She paused to get the flowers from Brianna and gave her a hug, but then she walked the rest of the way toward us. She shook her head, "What are you doing here?" She turned to me, "Did you do this?"
"No," I quickly shook my head. "I just met your dad here," I gestured. "He came to surprise you." Emily nodded, now stunned and turned to Jack.
"Em, good to see you," he smiled at her and moved to embrace her. Emily returned the hug.
"Dad, I had no idea you were coming. You haven't been to any of my productions in years," she said as they hugged. She gave me a stunned look, and I just shrugged my shoulders.
"I know, and I'm trying to do better. I really am. I haven't been drinking for a few months. I know your mom has been under the weather and is busy with that ridiculous wedding to Flynn she's planning, and I wanted to come see you. I know it doesn't make up for all the performances I've missed. You were wonderful, by the way," he stood back and smiled at her. He then realized he had flowers and gave them to her as well.
"I'm just shocked you are here," she put her hand to her face and then turned to me. "Dad, have you met Brandon? I've been wanting to introduce him to all of you, but he and I have been dating for awhile now."
Jack turned and eyed me. He just nodded, "I heard. He just told me. So, the little girl is your daughter?" Jack asked me and looked to Brianna who had walked back to my side.
"Yes, this is Brianna, as I said. She's Emily's biggest fan, which is saying a lot because I'm a huge fan myself," I smiled at Jack and then turned to Emily. She wrapped her arm around my arm and looked to her dad.
"Dad, I haven't told Mom yet. I beg you, if you do anything, please do not tell her. I want to tell her, but you and I both know she's been sick and stressed. Brandon is coming to the wedding. I hope to tell her before then, but it's almost getting awkward. Please, Dad," she begged. We both looked to Jack. He frowned slightly, almost as if he wanted nothing more than to spoil our news. Finally, he just rolled his eyes and nodded.
"One condition," he looked to both of us and waited. We looked to each other and back to him, "I'd really like to take you out for dessert if it's not too late. I understand the munchkin might need to get home, but I take it by the looks of things," he eyed us both again, "I should get to know you?" That, he said as a question, one that I could tell was almost a challenge as to the status of our relationship.
Emily gave him a soft smile and nodded, "We were already planning to go out for dessert. I would enjoy it if you did get to know Brandon. He and Brianna are pretty great."
That evening, we had an enjoyable time out with Jack, which I know isn't the norm with this family. In fact, we are going to have lunch with him tomorrow afternoon before Emily and I fly back together the next evening. It's crazy to think after all this time, he might be getting his act together. I hope that is the case for Emily's sake. I can't imagine not being in Brianna's life, and I want Emily to have a good relationship with her dad. I know she has a good one with Andy, but she deserves to have one with her dad as well. As I sit here today, I'm quite shocked he didn't spill our news. I'm nervous and excited about meeting Sharon and Andy. I've heard so much about them. As for my "guest appearance" here, Emily said she took care of adding me to the reception list and put me at the table with the rest of the family. I'm really uneasy about all of this, but the last few days again have been so busy. Emily and Ricky handled a lot of the last-minute wedding details. She told me all about it on the phone. I flew in late last night, as I've been dealing with a case. Brianna wanted to come, but this just wasn't the time or place for that. Perhaps I will bring her the next trip. Emily mentioned wanting to come back after the holidays, and that would be a good time to bring Brianna if her school schedule allows.
So, today is the day. I'll meet the rest of the family here at this family wedding. Emily picked me up at the airport very late last night, but even then, her parents were still working the case around the rehearsal. Now, I did get to meet Ricky. In all this, she's told Ricky and Rusty, but that only came recently when they all got to town for the wedding. I think she wanted some backup from them, but I got to meet Ricky last night. He's a funny guy, and he spent our very late dinner giving the two of us a hard time. I realize I'm the odd guest here. I don't know much about Sharon or Andy, other than, like me, they are divorced and have found amazing happiness with each other. I want that. I think I've found that. Today, I'm going to sit back and watch. I'm going to watch two families join together, and then, I'm going to meet these wonderful people Emily respects so much. Time will tell what my, our future holds, but with the stories I have heard of their pathway to each other, I do believe in second chances at marriage and happiness.