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One
River
It’s a lovely Georgia spring afternoon, chill and crisp, but beautiful nonetheless. Down here on the coast, the weather stays cooler for longer. One day soon, the oppressive summer heat will descend. But not today. Today, tender grasses unfurl. Young, still-green buds get the signal that they should soon bloom. The world seems to slough off its heavy winter mantle and worship the sun.
It’s a day full of possibilities. It smells like business deals waiting to be made.
Cape Bistro bar and winery is absolutely humming right now, because it is packed to the gills with a who’s who of Cape Simon families.
I take it all in with a jaundiced eye. The soft rustle of elegantly dressed guests mingling among tables adorned with crystal glassware and silver cutlery makes me feel restless.
Blush pink silk ribbons adorn the backs of chairs. The fragrant pink flowers that are gathered as centerpieces give the air a heavy, perfumed scent.
Instead of spending the day finalizing another million-dollar proposal, I’m here at Cole and Savannah’s engagement party, gritting my teeth.
These parties are not exactly to my taste. They’re meant to be a celebration of things to come… but the things to come are marriage and babies. Everyone knows those things aren’t exciting to me.
In fact, I would say that the signs of commitment and settling down make me a little nauseated.
Not that I would say any of that to anyone here. I sip the glass of whiskey I’m holding and try to assess the party.
Are there deals to be made here?
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Savannah sidles up beside me. Her voice is quiet and sweet. Somehow it pairs perfectly with the clingy blush pink silk dress hugging her curves. The fabric catches the sunlight and casts a glow on her skin that makes her look like a fairy princess.
She seems like the perfect woman to pair with my brother Cole. Together, they are a replica of the bride and groom you’d find atop a wedding cake. It’s nice, if you can stand how sugary sweet their whole deal is.
"Sure," I reply, adjusting my suit jacket. "If I was looking to throw an engagement party, which I am definitely not, I hope that I’d have half as much taste in silk hangings."
She grins at me. She's a sweet girl that can go toe-to-toe with my brother and my nephew. I’m glad that I talked Cole into kissing her feet and begging her to take him back. I might not need a partner in my life but Cole does. And he’s infinitely better for it.
"River, don't be such a cynic. It's a party. Lighten up," she chides gently. She flicks a fingertip at my blush pink silk tie. Her fingers graze my chest briefly.
I sigh. Lightening up isn't exactly my forte.
I'm more the guy who stands back and observes. That is, unless I am given a risky business venture. I’m willing to roll the dice all day long when I’m dealing with properties and investments. Love, however, doesn’t make my blood run hotter or my heart race. There is nothing so good as closing a deal that no one else could ever make.
I like to make mental notes of the dynamics at play in every situation. Just like right now, at this party. And the dynamics in play here are heavy and opulent enough to make anyone gag. Savannah may not be marrying my brother for his money. But my parents are celebrating this engagement with as many symbols of wealth as my no-nonsense brother will allow.
Speaking of the devil himself, Cole strides through the crowd. His suit is tailored to perfection. He’s the physical embodiment of coolness.
"River, come join us," he calls out, waving a hand in my direction. His smile is practiced, but it’s genuine enough to draw a few happy glances from the surrounding guests.
"Be right there," I respond. As I watch, as he turns back to a cluster of well-wishers, doling out firm handshakes and charming smiles.
I move through the throng of people, each step measured and precise. I can't help but feel like a wolf in a field of sheep. I’m different than most of these people. I don’t want their cheesy good tidings or need their sentimental happily-ever-afters. Having a new bride on my arm has simply never been a part of my plan.
I usually don’t think about it this much, but this party is practically bashing me over the head with Cole and Savannah’s pre-marital bliss. I hate every second of it that I’m forced to endure. But I do it with a pleasant smile.
"Congratulations," I tell Cole as I approach him. The words feel foreign on my tongue. "You two seem... happy. Aren’t you glad you listened to me?"
"Thanks, River," he replies, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "I’ll try not to take it as a ‘told you so’."
I straighten my lapels. “You asked, I answered. So I’m here with bells on. Until at least… what do you think? Eight?”
“You aren’t getting out of here any time soon.” He pins me with a look. “I don’t care how much you hate wedding culture.”
I raise my hands. “You won’t hear a peep from me about why it’s a huge waste of money and pretty insulting to women.”
