Inferno

By Divamercury

Sorry for the delay. Enjoy Chapter 20!

Chapter 20

Unwillingly I stepped out of the chapel into the cold New York evening. But cold doesn't really give it justice. If I think cold, the image of a piece of ice comes to my mind. But thisthis was no ordinary cold weather. This was the kind of cold that seeped in through your skin and clung to your bones without mercy, making your insides the equivalent of a refrigerator. It was as if someone had exchanged my blood for ice water. I, not having completely lost my mind that night, had thrown my leather jacket on over my dress, but it didn't help much. Transforming me into a contradiction of fashion (leather and satin) was all it succeeded in doing, but I didn't give a damn about that. I never had paid any mind to fashion. All I wanted at this point was a functioning heater.

Gabe and Mac met me out by the door and we headed for his car, each of us still wrapped up in our own private thoughts. I threw the bag containing my jeans and shirt in the trunk of Gabe's car when we reached it, and Gabe and Mac added their own bags to the pile I had instigated. The three of us piled into the car, all shivering violently, and we started off for the place where the reception was being held.

The service had been beautiful, and terribly romantic (well, according to Mac). Three fourths of the congregation was in tears, the other fourth pretty much unresponsivebut I wasn't paying all that much attention to them seeing that I was pretty distracted at the moment. I was staring at Ian the whole time in confusion. Once during the service our eyes actually met, but just for a split second.

Why the hell is he here?' Obviously Ciara had invited him butI pondered all this and more as I stared out the window of Gabe's car. Well, at least it had a good heater.

* * *

When we all arrived at the reception, the band started playing slow songs. I had every mind to ask Mac to dance—God, she was a looker—but there was something I had to do first. Ian was off in a corner, and Sara was over chatting with Ciara, congratulating her. Since Sara was tied up at the moment, I decided that my first move in this operation would be made toward Ian.

"Hello, Gabriel," he said somberly as I approached. I followed his gaze, not even bothering to guess where it landed.

"Hey, man, if you're that lost on her then go tell her," I said.

When he glanced at me he had a how-the-hell-did-you-figure-it-out look on his face. "I don't know what you mean," he said warily.

"Oh, come on, Ian. It's written all over your face. You love her. Listen; just ask her to dance. If I know her, and I do, she won't say no. To be completely honest, I think she likes you, too." There. I'd done it. I was proud of my deviousness as he actually smiled and slowly made his way over to Sara.

* * *

"Congrats, Ciara. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks so much, Sara. You've really been a lifesaver, what with helping Mac and me out before the whole thing started and all. I'm convinced that things are going to work out. My first book is coming out in bookstores this week, and the critics are already loving it!" she semi-squealed.

"That's wonderful!" I said. "I'll have to make a trip to the bookstore this week." Ciara beamed with pride.

"And most of the proceeds from the advance payment for the book paid for all this. All my dreams are coming truebecause of what happened to me at the Angry Flame."

"What does that have to do with it?" I asked curiously.

"My book is called The War Within Me. It's my autobiography, and everyone's in it, but I changed their names. I really hope people like it."

"I have no doubt that it will be a bestseller. So who do you mean when you say that everyone's in it?"

"Well, you, of course, and Luke, East, and others in my lives. That kind of thing."

"Ah, I understand," I said.

Luke chose that point to appear out of nowhere, much like a certain someone that had showed up unexpectedly, saving me from a good deal of awkwardness.

"Ah! O-Drive, good to see you again," Luke said.

"Just Sara now, Luke. I've moved on, and you have as well, haven't you? A little bird told me that you're working over at Trappetto's now," I said, desperate to change the subject. This conversation just kept getting better.

"That's right, Sara. It's a great place, and the pay's good, too. I'm glad you could make it; Ci's talked about nothing but you for weeks."

"She is my best friend, after all, Luke," Ciara reminded her new husband.

"Well, everybody, what are you waiting for?" the announcer said. "We've been playing all night and no one's danced once! So come on, all you happy people, dance!"

Well, that was just slightly corny,' I thought. Ciara and Luke made their way to the floor, and I stepped off to the side.

Guess I'll sit this one out.'

"Sara?" A familiar voice said. I turned toward it. Ian was standing there beside me.

"Ian. Hello. It's nice to see you here." Damn, that sounded forced. You've got to work on those greeting lines, Pez.'

"Yes. I was honored that Ciara asked me to give her away. At any rate, Sara, I was wondering"

"Yes?" I asked. I was dying to know what he was going to ask me.

"Would you honor me with a dance?"

"What?" I was astounded. I wasn't totally sure what I had been expecting, but that sure wasn't it.

"Dance with me."

"Oh. All right, sure," I said softly. All of a sudden I felt like a schoolgirl, giddy and nervous, like it was my first dance. Needless to say, I was just slightly apprehensive at the upcoming prospect.