~* I only got 2 reviews for the last chapter so that leads me believe I lost my touch or my readers. So um this will be the end. Luv yas*~
Charlie's POV
I don't know what I was smoking the day I decided that being Bombay's best man was a good idea but as I stood in his living room adjusting my cummerbund for the twentieth time I was certain it was something very strong. The rest of the groom's men were getting dressed or showering, well except for Banks, he had decided not to get ready with us, he said he'd meet us at the church. I kind of got the hint he was avoiding me. It wasn't very hard to guess from the way he fled the rehearsal dinner when he noticed I was looking at him. He was gone at warp speed.
It was a good thing we were lucky enough that we got to wear those nifty pins rather then bowties with our tuxes because Banksie was the only person I'd ever met that could tie the damn things. Stupid Cake-eater talent I guess. But he wasn't there so we would've all been up the creek without a paddle.
My mother was actually going to this thing too, which absolutely boggles the mind. I mean I'm not sure which is weirder the fact that Ms. McKay let her fiancé invite his ex-girlfriend, the fact that Bombay did invite her or that my mom essentially didn't pass up the invitation. She said that she'd been friends with Gordon eight years and she owed it to him to be there.
"Hey Charlie were getting ready to go, the limo's already here. Are you set to roll?" Fulton and I had been pretty close over the years, I'd say after Portman I was his best friend. But ever since Adam and I had broken up he'd been pretty icy toward me. The bitterness in his tone was not lost on me at that moment either.
"Yeah, I'm all set let's go." I allowed the Bash Brother to descend the stairs of the coach's condo before me, not because I being kind, simply because I didn't trust him not to push me down all three flights then step on me at the bottom. I knew that Fulton was the second most loyal person to the ducks stick together motto but he was also the type that wouldn't let someone that hurt one of his friends go unpunished. And I hurt Banks.
I can't tell you what the conversation in the limousine on the was the ceremony was about. My mind was on things other then what they were discussing. Honestly I was dreading when the brakes would ease on, the care would stop and I'd have to go in. I was so nervous you'd think I was the one getting hitched that day. I guess in a way I did have cold feet. I had been up the entire night prior egging myself to get the lead out and beg Banks to forgive me. I didn't have any intentions of doing it though, no matter how I wanted to I was petrified that he'd spit in my face of something worse. If I didn't say anything at least I wouldn't be living with the truth that I ruined everything. If I didn't mention it, I could hold on to the hope that he'd have me back.
He was already there when we got to the altar, standing where he was suppose to be with his hands stuffed in his pockets. I have to say he were that tuxedo well. Basically he looked down right hot. I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm not going to say my breath didn't catch in my throat, my blood didn't start pumping triple pace time and my hands didn't turn all clammy at the sight of him. His soft blue eyes fixed on the floor and his hair glinting in the light of candles behind him. It took all my strength not to fall on my knees right there and plead. I controlled myself however. I tried to remain calm throughout the whole wedding. I had a plan, at that moment I decided I wasn't going home that night without him and I prayed to whatever god was listening to me, that it worked.
We made it through the wedding without a hitch, Ms. McKay managed to keep her tears under wraps until after she said her vows. I had feeling Bombay had told her the night before that if she didn't chill he wouldn't go through with it. That of course would have been a complete lie because he was totally head over heels for her. And no one made any objections when the preacher asked for them, not that I'm surprised, I think everyone thought this day was long in coming.
Anyway as the best man I got to ride to the reception in the limo with the new Mr. & Mrs. Bombay and the maid of honor. I used the time to think my strategy though, trying to repair and thing that may not work before we arrived at the hall. That was it, my last shot at happiness.
I had to make the champagne toast later that night. Can you believe that, a recovering alcoholic. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, they were thinking 'Look at Charlie with the liquor. Lousy drunk.' I however had known better and had previously requested my glass not be filled with alcohol. If I wanted to get Adam back I had to make every effort to get better.
After all the eating and drink and everyday lameness the tables began to clear as the guest started to dance. I waited until Guy set off to take Connie on a spin across the dance floor and seized it as my chance to make a move. I turned my head and noticed Banks looking at me, he looked away as soon as we made eye contact but it sent a shock up my spine. I scooted over three chairs down and I know he could tell in was me next to him because he continued to look away.
"Uh Adam?" I cleared my throat
"Charlie?" Well that was a step at least he acknowledged my presence.
"We have to talk."
"I really have nothing to say to you." He tried to stand but I reached for him, gently, I didn't want to hurt him, I couldn't do that to him again.
"Please just listen." I requested of him in a tone far more delicate then the one I normally used
"Okay, say what's on your mind because you may not get another chance."
"I know. Look Adam, I could spend the next fifty years telling you how sorry I am and telling you how miserable I've been since you left me, but I don't think that words are gonna make you understand what u mean to me. I know there's nothing I can do to make it up to you but I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Adam you gotta believe me, I didn't want to hurt you. I dunno why I ever let myself cause you pain."
"Charlie you know you've said this all before, it's just words." He retorted flatly
"I knew this is a bad idea, I should've realized I fucked everything up so badly. I'm going to make it up to you some how."
"Yeah well you think about how you're gonna do that, I'm going to talk to Russ and Ken I haven't seen 'em in awhile."
I can honestly tell you what I came up with was possibly the most embarrassing thing that I've ever reduced myself to. I conned the DJ into letting me karaoke. Yeah it was one of those things that if anybody got it on tape, I will shoot myself.
"Um hi, I'm Charlie." I shifted uncomfortably on the stage trying to gain the attention of the room. "I uh I'm not much of a singer but there's someone out there that really needs to hear this song so umm I'm gonna sing it, it's not gonna sound that good so um please bare with me." I cleared my throat and closed my eyes, hoping against everything that this would work.
"Darling I, I can't explain,
Where did we lose our love,
Boy it's driving me insane.
And I know I just need one more chance,
To prove my love to you.
And if you come back to me,
I'll guarantee,
That I'll never let you go.
Can we go back to the days
Our love was strong.
Can you tell me how
A perfect love goes wrong.
Can somebody tell me
How to get things back,
The way they used to be.
Oh God, give me the reason,
I'm down on bended knee.
I'll never walk again,
Until you come back to me,
I'm down on bended knee.
So many nights I dream of you.
Holding my pillow tight I know,
That I don't need to be alone.
When I open up my eyes,
To face reality,
Every moment without you,
It seems like eternity.
I'm begging you, begging you come back to me.
Can we go back to the days
Our love was strong.
Can you tell me how
A perfect love goes wrong.
Can somebody tell me
How to get things back,
The way they used to be.
Oh God, give me the reason,
I'm down on bended knee.
Baby, I'm sorry,
Please forgive me for all the wrong I've done.
Please come back home girl.
I know you put all your trust in me,
I'm sorry I let you down.
Please forgive me.
I'm gonna swallow my pride,
Say I'm sorry,
Stop pointing fingers,
The blame is on me.
I want a new life,
And I want it with you.
If you feel the same,
Don't ever let it go.
You gotta believe in the spirit of love,
It will heal all things,
Won't hurt any more.
No I don't believe our love's terminal.
I'm down on my knees,
Begging you please,
Come home
Can we go back to the days
Our love was strong.
Can you tell me how
A perfect love goes wrong.
Can somebody tell me
How to get things back,
The way they used to be.
Oh God, give me the reason,
I'm down on bended knee."
When I finished my song I don't think there was anyone that wasn't trying to put their jaw up where it belonged, even Banks. I walked over to him as he sat at a table in the back, his eyes were glistening.
"That so um."
"Adam I have something for you, it's something I've been waiting to give you for a long time." I pulled the small velvet box from my pocket and I could see him tense instantly "Don't worry it's not a ring, I had one of those but this isn't it." When he opened it, it wasn't what he was expecting I'm sure.
"What is that?" He pulled the token from the box and held it in the palm of his hand
"It's an AA chip, I truly am trying you know." I lowered myself into and adjacent chair
"You were drinking earlier, during the toast."
"Ginger Ale."
"What?"
"It was ginger ale. I'm not drinking anymore, I'm not going to do anything that's going to prevent me from getting you back Banks, I love you."
He sighed and I took his hand in mine
"I just want us to be like we were. If the Bashers can do it, why can't we?" I jerked my head in the direction of the dance floor where I large burly enforcers were slow dancing.
"Charlie I'm not sure about this, I love you I really do but…" I shushed him by putting my finger to him mouth
"Adam Jonathon Banks, will you please take me back?"
He nodded and opened his mouth to speak but was again stifled, this time by my kisses. His lips were so soft, his kisses so sweet, I had almost forgotten what they tasted like.
"Mmm." Banks grinned candidly "So tell me about this ring."
It was so great to have him back and I swore I'd never let him down again.
The End
Charlie's POV
I don't know what I was smoking the day I decided that being Bombay's best man was a good idea but as I stood in his living room adjusting my cummerbund for the twentieth time I was certain it was something very strong. The rest of the groom's men were getting dressed or showering, well except for Banks, he had decided not to get ready with us, he said he'd meet us at the church. I kind of got the hint he was avoiding me. It wasn't very hard to guess from the way he fled the rehearsal dinner when he noticed I was looking at him. He was gone at warp speed.
It was a good thing we were lucky enough that we got to wear those nifty pins rather then bowties with our tuxes because Banksie was the only person I'd ever met that could tie the damn things. Stupid Cake-eater talent I guess. But he wasn't there so we would've all been up the creek without a paddle.
My mother was actually going to this thing too, which absolutely boggles the mind. I mean I'm not sure which is weirder the fact that Ms. McKay let her fiancé invite his ex-girlfriend, the fact that Bombay did invite her or that my mom essentially didn't pass up the invitation. She said that she'd been friends with Gordon eight years and she owed it to him to be there.
"Hey Charlie were getting ready to go, the limo's already here. Are you set to roll?" Fulton and I had been pretty close over the years, I'd say after Portman I was his best friend. But ever since Adam and I had broken up he'd been pretty icy toward me. The bitterness in his tone was not lost on me at that moment either.
"Yeah, I'm all set let's go." I allowed the Bash Brother to descend the stairs of the coach's condo before me, not because I being kind, simply because I didn't trust him not to push me down all three flights then step on me at the bottom. I knew that Fulton was the second most loyal person to the ducks stick together motto but he was also the type that wouldn't let someone that hurt one of his friends go unpunished. And I hurt Banks.
I can't tell you what the conversation in the limousine on the was the ceremony was about. My mind was on things other then what they were discussing. Honestly I was dreading when the brakes would ease on, the care would stop and I'd have to go in. I was so nervous you'd think I was the one getting hitched that day. I guess in a way I did have cold feet. I had been up the entire night prior egging myself to get the lead out and beg Banks to forgive me. I didn't have any intentions of doing it though, no matter how I wanted to I was petrified that he'd spit in my face of something worse. If I didn't say anything at least I wouldn't be living with the truth that I ruined everything. If I didn't mention it, I could hold on to the hope that he'd have me back.
He was already there when we got to the altar, standing where he was suppose to be with his hands stuffed in his pockets. I have to say he were that tuxedo well. Basically he looked down right hot. I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm not going to say my breath didn't catch in my throat, my blood didn't start pumping triple pace time and my hands didn't turn all clammy at the sight of him. His soft blue eyes fixed on the floor and his hair glinting in the light of candles behind him. It took all my strength not to fall on my knees right there and plead. I controlled myself however. I tried to remain calm throughout the whole wedding. I had a plan, at that moment I decided I wasn't going home that night without him and I prayed to whatever god was listening to me, that it worked.
We made it through the wedding without a hitch, Ms. McKay managed to keep her tears under wraps until after she said her vows. I had feeling Bombay had told her the night before that if she didn't chill he wouldn't go through with it. That of course would have been a complete lie because he was totally head over heels for her. And no one made any objections when the preacher asked for them, not that I'm surprised, I think everyone thought this day was long in coming.
Anyway as the best man I got to ride to the reception in the limo with the new Mr. & Mrs. Bombay and the maid of honor. I used the time to think my strategy though, trying to repair and thing that may not work before we arrived at the hall. That was it, my last shot at happiness.
I had to make the champagne toast later that night. Can you believe that, a recovering alcoholic. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, they were thinking 'Look at Charlie with the liquor. Lousy drunk.' I however had known better and had previously requested my glass not be filled with alcohol. If I wanted to get Adam back I had to make every effort to get better.
After all the eating and drink and everyday lameness the tables began to clear as the guest started to dance. I waited until Guy set off to take Connie on a spin across the dance floor and seized it as my chance to make a move. I turned my head and noticed Banks looking at me, he looked away as soon as we made eye contact but it sent a shock up my spine. I scooted over three chairs down and I know he could tell in was me next to him because he continued to look away.
"Uh Adam?" I cleared my throat
"Charlie?" Well that was a step at least he acknowledged my presence.
"We have to talk."
"I really have nothing to say to you." He tried to stand but I reached for him, gently, I didn't want to hurt him, I couldn't do that to him again.
"Please just listen." I requested of him in a tone far more delicate then the one I normally used
"Okay, say what's on your mind because you may not get another chance."
"I know. Look Adam, I could spend the next fifty years telling you how sorry I am and telling you how miserable I've been since you left me, but I don't think that words are gonna make you understand what u mean to me. I know there's nothing I can do to make it up to you but I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Adam you gotta believe me, I didn't want to hurt you. I dunno why I ever let myself cause you pain."
"Charlie you know you've said this all before, it's just words." He retorted flatly
"I knew this is a bad idea, I should've realized I fucked everything up so badly. I'm going to make it up to you some how."
"Yeah well you think about how you're gonna do that, I'm going to talk to Russ and Ken I haven't seen 'em in awhile."
I can honestly tell you what I came up with was possibly the most embarrassing thing that I've ever reduced myself to. I conned the DJ into letting me karaoke. Yeah it was one of those things that if anybody got it on tape, I will shoot myself.
"Um hi, I'm Charlie." I shifted uncomfortably on the stage trying to gain the attention of the room. "I uh I'm not much of a singer but there's someone out there that really needs to hear this song so umm I'm gonna sing it, it's not gonna sound that good so um please bare with me." I cleared my throat and closed my eyes, hoping against everything that this would work.
"Darling I, I can't explain,
Where did we lose our love,
Boy it's driving me insane.
And I know I just need one more chance,
To prove my love to you.
And if you come back to me,
I'll guarantee,
That I'll never let you go.
Can we go back to the days
Our love was strong.
Can you tell me how
A perfect love goes wrong.
Can somebody tell me
How to get things back,
The way they used to be.
Oh God, give me the reason,
I'm down on bended knee.
I'll never walk again,
Until you come back to me,
I'm down on bended knee.
So many nights I dream of you.
Holding my pillow tight I know,
That I don't need to be alone.
When I open up my eyes,
To face reality,
Every moment without you,
It seems like eternity.
I'm begging you, begging you come back to me.
Can we go back to the days
Our love was strong.
Can you tell me how
A perfect love goes wrong.
Can somebody tell me
How to get things back,
The way they used to be.
Oh God, give me the reason,
I'm down on bended knee.
Baby, I'm sorry,
Please forgive me for all the wrong I've done.
Please come back home girl.
I know you put all your trust in me,
I'm sorry I let you down.
Please forgive me.
I'm gonna swallow my pride,
Say I'm sorry,
Stop pointing fingers,
The blame is on me.
I want a new life,
And I want it with you.
If you feel the same,
Don't ever let it go.
You gotta believe in the spirit of love,
It will heal all things,
Won't hurt any more.
No I don't believe our love's terminal.
I'm down on my knees,
Begging you please,
Come home
Can we go back to the days
Our love was strong.
Can you tell me how
A perfect love goes wrong.
Can somebody tell me
How to get things back,
The way they used to be.
Oh God, give me the reason,
I'm down on bended knee."
When I finished my song I don't think there was anyone that wasn't trying to put their jaw up where it belonged, even Banks. I walked over to him as he sat at a table in the back, his eyes were glistening.
"That so um."
"Adam I have something for you, it's something I've been waiting to give you for a long time." I pulled the small velvet box from my pocket and I could see him tense instantly "Don't worry it's not a ring, I had one of those but this isn't it." When he opened it, it wasn't what he was expecting I'm sure.
"What is that?" He pulled the token from the box and held it in the palm of his hand
"It's an AA chip, I truly am trying you know." I lowered myself into and adjacent chair
"You were drinking earlier, during the toast."
"Ginger Ale."
"What?"
"It was ginger ale. I'm not drinking anymore, I'm not going to do anything that's going to prevent me from getting you back Banks, I love you."
He sighed and I took his hand in mine
"I just want us to be like we were. If the Bashers can do it, why can't we?" I jerked my head in the direction of the dance floor where I large burly enforcers were slow dancing.
"Charlie I'm not sure about this, I love you I really do but…" I shushed him by putting my finger to him mouth
"Adam Jonathon Banks, will you please take me back?"
He nodded and opened his mouth to speak but was again stifled, this time by my kisses. His lips were so soft, his kisses so sweet, I had almost forgotten what they tasted like.
"Mmm." Banks grinned candidly "So tell me about this ring."
It was so great to have him back and I swore I'd never let him down again.
The End