As I thought, the ceremony went fast. I don’t get to steal a moment alone with Carly before her parents are all over her. I grab my mom, holding her back.
“Cool it, Mom.” I keep looking over toward Carly too. Mom isn’t the only one chomping at the bit to get to her.
“I want to meet my future daughter-in-law. Is that such a crime?” This is exactly why I’ve kept Carly away from my parents, but at this point there is no stopping them. If she was scared and ready to run before, once my mom gets ahold of her and starts talking about wedding plans and grandchildren, she’ll surely run for the hills.
“You have to cool it, Mom. I’m still working on that part.”
“What’s taking you so long?”
I smile at how impatient my mom is. “Let’s not scare her. She’s talking to her mom.”
My mom's smile drops, her lips pursing. I might have filled her in on that too. I am close to my parents. It’s hard not to tell them everything. More so when I myself am trying to close the deal with Carly. Who else do you ask but people who are still madly in love thirty years later? “They don’t know about me.” I pull at the bow tie, hating that. I want everyone to know Carly is mine. That I love her and want to be with her for the rest of my life.
Thankfully the wedding planner is in full force, ushering everyone across the way to where the reception will be. The entire thing is taking place in the hotel, which makes everything convenient.
“You okay?” I ask Carly as she takes her seat next to me at the small bridal table.
“My parents are here.”
I reach for her hand under the table. “I know.” I give her hand a small squeeze. What I want is to pull her into my lap. Tinsley makes her way back to the table after she goes around the room talking to a few people. I noticed that she lingered with Reed’s father. I have a hope that maybe there is some healing happening there.
“I didn't invite them. I swear I had no idea,” I hear her say to Carly when she sits down on the other side of her.
“I know that.” Carly turns toward her and I can’t make out the whispers any longer. My irritation grows. I don’t miss the fact that my mom has planted herself at the same table as Carly’s parents. I don’t know if this is brilliant or the worst idea ever. I guess only time will tell.
The next hour is pure torture. Carly can’t sit still to save her life and there isn't a damn thing I can do to put her at ease. An anger starts to simmer inside of me. I stand, offering my hand to Carly. Her eyes go big.
“You can dance with me. I’m the best man and you’re the maid of honor.”
“Right.” She tentatively starts to take my hand, but I find I have no patience. I grab her instead, pulling her up from her seat and onto the dance floor, wondering when we can leave. The cake has been cut and dinner served. I can tell Reed is wondering the same thing I am. I wouldn't be surprised if they just disappear.
“Are you thinking about running yet?” I ask her again.
“I believe this is dancing.” I spin her around before pulling her back tight into me. “Are you angry?”
My eyes fall to her mouth, her lipstick long gone. She looks even sexier now than she did hours ago. Her makeup is smudged around the corner of her eyes. Her hair is disheveled. The same way she looks when I get her into bed.
Am I angry? I’m not sure what this is I’m feeling right now.
“Can I cut in?” my mom asks.
“Of course.” Carly steps back. I reluctantly let her hand go.
“I want you to calm down,” my mom says as we start to dance together. I watch Carly’s mom motion for her to come over.
“I’m calm.”
“Ah.” Mom laughs. “If this is calm we’re about to have a very big problem then.”
“What?” I pull my gaze from Carly down to my mom's concerned face.
“I overheard Carly’s parents talking.” Now she has all my attention. “I thought you might need a heads-up. They invited a man here to meet her.” I stop dancing. Oh, one of the fucks her mom is always trying to set her up with. Mom grabs the front of my suit. “Remain calm.”
Calm? When my eyes find Carly again I see it for myself. A man stands next to Carly’s mom, who is gushing over him. His eyes are all over my girl. He looks familiar but I can’t place him.
“He’s an Astor.”
“An Astor? The fuck.” I never met an Astor that wasn't a piece of shit. That’s who Carly’s mom thought would make for a good husband? He shouldn't even breathe the same air as her.