A hand gently waving in front of her face brought her out of her trance-like reflection. Glancing around guiltily, she noticed the grin on Lucy's face and groaned inwardly. She knew her friend would be bursting with questions, especially since she had such a hard time concentrating. This was the third time Lucy's sister had had to gain her attention as the wedding party moved to yet another location on the lawn as the wedding planner 'walked' them through the ceremony. Cutting her eyes toward Jack, her color heightened another notch when he winked at her, indicating he was aware of her addled state. Furrowing her brow agitatedly, she inwardly reprimanded herself and concentrated, determined to not let her mind wander again.
"So?" Lucy asked several minutes later as Mrs. Yamaguchi, the wedding coordinator, made her way to check on the lunch that was to be served on the lanai.
Sue's blank stare spoke volumes. "So...what?"
Lucy rolled her eyes and took Sue's arm, pulling her off to the side for some privacy. "Sooooo..." she exaggerated, "Spill. What happened yesterday with Jack that has him devouring you with his eyes and you staring off into space?"
"I haven't been..." Sue started to deny, only to have her tenacious roommate interrupt.
"Then tell me the order of the bridesmaids," she challenged. When Sue struggled to answer, she changed her question. "Do you walk straight to your spot or pause on the way down the aisle?"
"Walk strai..."
"See?" Lucy squealed, obviously thrilled rather than miffed at her friend's confusion. "You are completely clueless about the ceremony and there has to be a reason." A frown suddenly squelched her enthusiasm. "You and Jack didn't have a fight did you?"
"No," Sue answered, her eyes drifting off into the distance, "At least I don't think so."
"You don't think so?" Lucy asked comically. "Have you two never disagreed? Wait! I don't need to ask that question. I've seen you argue. You'd know it if you did."
Sue's eyes filled with unexpected moisture. "That's just it, Luce," she confided miserably, "Parts of yesterday are not quite so clear."
Lucy's mirth turned to concern when she finally registered Sue's distress. "It's okay, honey. Let's go sit down and you can tell me what you do remember. I bet you're just tired and still shaken up about what happened Saturday."
Sue allowed herself to be led to a shaded bench, immediately feeling ashamed. "Luce, I'm sorry. This is the first day of the most exciting week of your life and I'm already causing things to run less than smoothly."
Lucy waved aside her apology. "This is not a problem or even an uneven path. I've been waiting a long time for sloth-man to make a move. If he finally has I want to savor each moment of it."
Sue couldn't help but smile at Lucy's giddiness. Rubbing her head, she tried to focus, recounting for Lucy, in condensed form, what she could remember. "I know we got on that yacht, but from that point forward, things are just muddled."
"Were you nervous about being out on the water?" Lucy questioned. "Maybe you've just blocked that part out. Or," she said, sitting up straighter with an idea, "Did you take some medicine to ward off motion sickness? That stuff knocks me out!"
Sue was shaking her head before Lucy finished. "No. It was a big boat. I wasn't worried about the motion of it. I was excited about the excursion," she admitted shyly. "I remember being a little nervous and a lot hot so I went in search of something refreshing. I know we settled on deck to enjoy some sun. But from there I can barely tell you anything. I just get flashes of scenes."
"What kinds of flashes? Sue?" Lucy laid her hand on her arm, repeating the question. "What kind of flashes?"
"Just bits and pieces; Jack staring, jumping into the water, swimming, ...nothing that makes a whole lot of sense. And I have a nagging headache that makes thinking hurt." She rubbed her temples and looked forlornly at Lucy.
"Sounds to me like you had some kind of drink!" Lucy joked, hoping to lighten her friend's mood. Instead, she saw all color drain out of Sue's face. "Sue?"
"That's it, Luce. I was drunk."
"Jack got you drunk?" she asked incredulously, springing to her feet.
"No."
"No!"
Lucy whirled at the deeper, more adamant response.
Jack's look was thunderous, having heard Lucy's accusation and seeing Sue's stricken look. Keeping his eyes on Sue, he spoke to Lucy. "Lunch is ready. They are waiting on the bride-to-be before serving can begin. Sue and I will be up shortly. You go ahead and get started." He waited for Lucy's departure before addressing Sue.
"We need to talk."