There’s no escaping them when we head upstairs for the reception, either, even though I try to lose myself in the crowd. The seats have already been assigned, and I have the misfortune of sitting with my family, of course. Meaning I have to sit with the girls, too.
“You’re here alone, Leni?” Deborah asks with an edge to her voice. “Wow, I’m so surprised. You’re usually so popular.”
I ignore her, taking my seat across from where she’s sitting. This won’t last forever. It’s only a few hours. And so many people are around. What’s the worst she could do to me? All right, maybe I don’t need to ask myself that question.
“Congratulations! Your father looked so happy.” I don’t know the person standing next to Colt’s chair, but she’s gushing like she’s never been to a wedding before.
“Thanks, it’s been a great day,” he replies with an easy smile.
“Is this your girlfriend?” she asks, gesturing toward Piper. Her cheeks flush, and she lowers her gaze, giggling. “So pretty. You make a beautiful couple.”
“What about us?” Nix slings an arm around Deborah’s shoulders, and she laughs uproariously while leaning against him.
“I’m blinded by the beauty at this table.” The woman shields her eyes, and everybody laughs at their shared joke. Then she glances my way, frowns, and walks off. Mom hasn’t taken her seat beside me yet, so maybe it’s not clear who I am, but still. How rude.
Now that I think about it, does anybody here know who I am? Did anybody bother learning about the bride and her family? More importantly, did Mom bother to tell anybody she has a daughter? Deborah shoots me an evil look from across the table, and I pointedly look away, glad to see waitstaff coming out with trays full of food. If we’re eating, we are one step closer to this being over. Mom and James take their seats, having been busy getting their pictures taken.
Though, even as everybody’s dining, there’s no end to the visits from other guests. Everybody gushes over the guys, how grown up they are, the sort of small talk people make at events like this when they don’t know what else to say. Since nobody knows who I am and none of my family goes out of their way to introduce me, I sit silent, eating my food and minding my business.
A hush falls over the room when someone gets on a microphone and announces the first dance is about to begin. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the bride and groom to share their special moment.” Immediately, dozens of cameras are lifted into the air so everybody can capture this.
There’s so much happiness all around me, so many smiles, even a few tears as James expertly guides my mother across the dance floor. She’s beaming, obviously in heaven. I want to be happy for her. I really do. Maybe once she’s happy and feeling secure now that she’s Mrs. Alistair, she’ll ease up on me a little. There won’t be as much of an excuse to resent me. I find myself welling up with hopeful tears by the time the song’s over, and James treats Mom to a deep dip that leaves the crowd gasping and applauding in appreciation. It’s a perfect moment, like something out of a movie. I know she’s living it up.
Now that that’s over, the floor is open for anybody who wants to dance. The plates are being cleared away, and many of the guests are getting up to enjoy the open bar. I can’t help but sigh in relief when Colt and Nix take their dates to get drinks, even though we’re all underage. Things like that just don’t matter when you’re in their position, I guess.
“Sitting here all alone?” James is smiling as he approaches, one hand extended. “That hardly seems fair.”
Yikes. As nice as he is for offering, I don’t know if I want the attention. “I’m not much of a dancer,” I admit, even though the DJ chose another slow song. That can’t be too difficult, swaying back and forth.
“Do you want to know a secret?” He leans down a little, eyes twinkling. “Neither is your mom. But I made her look good, didn’t I?” It has the desired effect, making me laugh and loosening me up. “Come on. It’ll be fine. There’s nothing to it.” I can almost believe him as I place my hand in his and stand, allowing him to lead me onto the floor.
“You know,” he murmurs as he drapes an arm around my waist while taking my right hand in his left. “It’s not always going to be like this. The awkwardness. I see it—I didn’t want to bring it up, is all. But I do see how uncomfortable things have been for you, and I’m sorry. I’ve been quiet about it up until now because I didn’t want to rock the boat before the wedding. I’m sure that everything will loosen up now. It just takes time to adjust.”
I can almost believe him. I want to. Who wouldn’t? I hate what my life has become. It was one thing when I lived only with Mom and had to avoid her for fear of her temper and the ugly things that came out of her mouth. But now?
I almost want to tell him what happened last night, but I wouldn’t dare. Not here, not now. “I’m sure you’re right,” I murmur.
“Besides, brothers are supposed to make their sisters a little crazy. But don’t you worry. If they ever cross the line, you can always come to me. I’ll always be here for you. I want you to know that.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
He is a very good dancer, surprisingly graceful and light on his feet. He almost makes me believe I’m good at this. “You know, you do look very lovely tonight. Almost as lovely as the bride herself.”
“Not hardly.” Mom looks like a princess, a queen, seeming to glow from all the way across the room where she’s snapping photos with guests.
He smiles across the room at his bride. “We’re finally going to be one big, happy family. I believe that with all my heart.”
I’m glad one of us does. It’s obvious he doesn’t know who his sons truly are. I would hate to burst his bubble and ruin his illusions.
When the dance is over, I excuse myself to go to the ladies’ room. It’s funny—even though nobody is really paying me any attention, I’m still overwhelmed and want to be alone for a few minutes, at least. It’s quieter in here, secluded, even cooler without so many bodies heating things up. I take advantage of that by sitting on a stool in front of a long mirror spanning the wall opposite the sectioned-off toilets. Maybe I can stay in here all night, pretend to be an attendant. I’m sure nobody would know the difference, anyway, since I hardly exist.
“I thought I saw you crawl in here.” I look up from where I’m rubbing my feet to see Deborah entering, a glass of red wine in one hand and an ugly smirk etched across her face.
“Can you please give it up for just one night?” I ask. “This isn’t the time or the place. I want to keep things nice for my mom.”
“Then you should have stayed home. Nobody wants to see your ugly face around here.”
“Whatever you say.”