Chapter 12: Cheers: I'll Drink to That
The smallest statements are what have the ability to change our lives forever. "I do," two very small words that embark people on what is expected to be their happily ever after together. Today was supposed to be peaceful and fun even … why'd I feel like someone stole my fatty cakes? I'd watched my best friend get all gushy in front of all our closest friends. I faked a smile for her sake but I was just bummed all the way around. I toyed with the glass of champagne I'd been given. The reception had started about an hour ago and I was still playing with my first glass. I was almost finished with my maid of honor duties. All that was left was the speech. Then I could leave. I planned to be off the Scott estate before tomorrow's sunrise.
"Quick my mom keeps staring at me. I'm afraid if I don't dance with you again I'll be out my inheritance." Adam rushed me onto the dance floor. Another slow song played about the evil myth, love. I sighed while he rocked me slowly. I took a minute to glance over the dance floor of course I would get an eyeful of Freddie twirling around his little sidekick. I closed my eyes and buried my head in Adam's shoulder. I couldn't wait to get the hell out of here.
"So … Freddie huh?" Adam whispered as he continued to rock me. My body tensed up at the actual mention of his name. Adam snickered as he spun me around.
"Why are you bringing this up?" I groaned inwardly.
"Because today is one of those day when people are supposed to believe in all of this," he waved his hand and around in the direction of the décor. "People are paid handsomely to create this atmosphere this allusion. It's supposed to make you believe in love … or the very least give love a chance."
"I get all of that, my question is why are you bringing it up. I thought you wanted me?" I asked seriously concerned that I could repulse a guy in so little time.
" I do … I mean I did, I think you're amazing … just not for me, and don't pretend to be insulted. You most definitely aren't interested in me." I took another deep breath and laid my head on his shoulder again.
"Gee, I didn't know I was supposed to be searching for Mr. Right, all I can say Adam is that you are a great guy … and Freddie is complicated." I murmured while he rocked me back and forth. The song we were dancing to ended and then another started. Adam went to release his grip on my waist, but I continued to cling. I needed to be around someone who wouldn't harass me about this situation. I glanced at his mom, he was right she was indeed studying us as we danced and talked. Mrs. Scott was more than a little creepy.
"All of this is going to make it even harder when I tell mother the truth." He snickered.
"What truth is that?" I whispered curiously.
"That I've hooked up with Madeline, she a great woman full of energy and creativity." I looked up at him and he looked as if he'd been bitten by that damned love bug. I rolled my eyes at yet another fallen victim. "Don't look at me that way Samantha, I haven't looked down on you or judged you regarding your situation with Freddie I'd expect the same respect from you." He teased playfully spinning me.
"True … and you're right the chick doesn't seem bad, but are you sure she's really interested in you it looks like she spending a lot of time Benson?" We both looked over at the couple they were dancing slower than the music and seemed very serious about something. Seeing Benson that close to another woman never felt good, even when I hated him I didn't like it, and now that we've slept together … let's just say I made my skin boil.
"So you're quitting?" I was baffled. I'd danced two songs with Maddy and through our whole conversation she'd talked in circles leaving me really dizzy. From what I understood, she and this Adam dude have been intimate and decided to have a relationship, but I wasn't sure what else she was trying to tell me.
"No! Don't be silly Freddie, I love my job way too much to quit. I was wondering if you still wanted me to work for you now that I'm dumping you?" She uttered nervously. I couldn't contain my laughter I couldn't believe that she really thought we were an item. She began to laugh too, but had an extremely confused look on her face.
"Yeah Maddy, you can still work for me, and no I'm not heartbroken or anything. I didn't realize that you thought we were together. I'm just … this whole thing has been crazy." We'd stopped dancing and moved back to one of the vacant tables to talk shop.
"Of course, I thought we were together Freddie! I mean we did do the party with no pants … and more than a couple random times. We live together and I haven't seen you interested in anyone else, but I could tell you didn't love me." She shrugged. "Adam looks at me like he actually could feel that way."
"Well that's good, I'm happy for you." I placed my hand over hers. After a few moments Adam came over and claimed he needed to borrow Maddy, I didn't care. I was just waiting for this whole thing to be over. At least one good thing had happened due to coming here, Maddy and I now have an understanding as to what our relationship was and will be. I caught one of the waiter's attention and grabbed another drink. It was hard enough watching Sam dressed so beautiful and know that I couldn't touch her … what was worst was watching her in the arms of another man. I mean seriously I didn't know this Adam guy from dirt he could have playing with them both.
And now finally she was all alone. Everything in me told me to go to her. Even though I was slightly hammered it wasn't enough to give me the courage for another tongue lashing for Puckett, not tonight, not ever. I knew I was going to hate myself for not trying at least one more time what did I have to lose?
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, I hope you are having a wonderful time." My new mother in law greeted our audience of friends and loved ones. "I know my son and my new beautiful daughter in law are so happy you could share in this moment with them. We are ready to begin toasts, first the best man and the maid of honor will speak, and then we will open the floor to anyone to quickly give a small toast. Again thank so much for being here!" She cheerfully handed the microphone over to Adam who now stood in front of his brother and me.
"I secretly cringed with my brother told me I was going to be his best man. Even though I practice law there is still a big part of me that hates getting up in front of people." He looked at the crowded and took and big awkward breath. "Anyways, here we all are. The two of them are married and I'm up here scared I'm going sweat too much and end having to pay for this extremely overpriced monkey suit." I laughed and glance over at my husband who was shooting daggers at his brother. "Right, so I wanted to share a story with Carly for my toast. It was the first time that Dylan brought Carly to meet me, I knew something was up. My brother and I work in the same building but never has he ever asked me to take a long lunch with him. So I walk into the building and see him sitting next to Carly, and they were holding hands and he was giving her that look, those of you that are close to the couple knows what I'm talking about. Anyways, the part that Carly doesn't know is that after he called the cab for her he and I had a long talk at the end of it all he told me that Carly was the one … I was amazed and a little jealous that my brother had figure out what many of us are still trying to. He'd figure out when it was time to stop looking and just embrace happiness. I hope to do the same very, very soon. So here's to Dylan and Carly and I hope you have all the happiness." He raised his glass and everyone toasted us.
Mrs. Scott, I mean my mother-in-law cheered with way too much enthusiasm. Adam handed the microphone over to Sam. She smiled at us and then looked out into the audience. She held the microphone and didn't say anything. This was totally unlike Sam, she always had something to say. Her eyes glistened with the tears that were forming. "I … I've never seen you so happy Carls. Dylan you take care of her. She is by far one of the sweetest people I know. She's always been there for me and there is no other woman that will be as good as she is to you. I'm not a big believer in the whole happily ever after thing, but if anyone has a chance at it, it's you two. To the bride and groom." She kept it short and sweet. She raised her glass and downed her champagne.
"Wow," I murmured. I grabbed Dylan's hands. I was so happy with my new husband. I wanted Sam to feel that way. Dylan glanced at me and raised my hand to his mouth and kissed me sweetly.
"You can do but so much Carly, if it's meant to be it will be."
"I know. I just worry." I watched as my two best friends stole glances at each other across the room. Through all the happiness surrounding me, something wasn't right. I had one more trick up my sleeve and if this didn't work nothing would.
Author's Note: Okay, here's another one. Let me know what you think is going to happen next. Oh and on a completely un related topic if anyone knows a good slow song that reminds them of the seddie relationship please leave it in the review. As always please read and review and no flames.