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9
Since we all inadvertently met up on Wednesday, there was no need for a pre-wedding dinner. Instead, we run errands, gather decorations, make calls to the DJ and party rental company, and confirm my aunties have all they need. I went over to the Hilton and paid for two suites for when my uncles arrive. Since my place is the focal point of the ceremony/reception, the place will be crawling with people left and right.
For a small intimate gathering, this is turning into a big event. Close friends and family and their plus-ones quickly turned into a party for sixty. After listening to my aunts argue over not having enough food to support the reception, I called a caterer for reinforcement and added an extra refrigerator to help store all the food which should be delivered soon.
Lucas and his dad had to pitch in and help with grabbing the linens for the tables, the faux trees, and gazebo. Even though I’m still mad and hurt, I manage to keep those feelings bottled up for the sake of our parents. I look around at the magic unfolding and realize my mom was right. This is beautiful.
“We need to do a dry run,” mom says as she walks through holding the hand of her soon-to-be Mister.
“Mom, both of you have been married before. Why do we need a mock-up?”
“Charles and I were talking, and we both don’t know how we are to enter into the wedding or if we will be introduced as the Mr. and Mrs. in a grand fashion for the reception.”
I think about what she is saying, and it makes sense.
“Come on, son, let’s go and get in place.”
We all head inside and stand near the makeshift trellis they erected in my open living room. My uncle agreed to step in as the minister.
“Dearly beloved…”
“We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life,” Lucas and I both say at the same time.
Our parents aren’t happy.
“Sorry, Uncle Marv. Please continue.”
“As I said, we are gathered here to witness the union between this man and this woman into holy matrimony.”
He continues through the faux process, and my mind wanders to the past weekend. Friday night’s inebriated sex, to Saturday’s all-nighter with a little bit of sleep and a getting-to-know-you session. I can’t think about that right now. I refocus and pay attention to the mock ceremony at hand.
“You may now kiss the bride,” Marv announces.
The lovebirds go in for a kiss, and I’m not in the mood for PDA.
“Okay, now we’ve got that out of the way, we have hair appointments to get to, Mom.” I gather my things while she runs to the room to do the same.
Aunt Gwen and Bev are heading to the hotel to rest and make sure their attire doesn’t need any last-minute alterations.
“Hey, Simone,” Lucas calls to me.
“Hey, Lucas,” I say while going through my stack of mail before tucking it away. I look up and see him coming.
“Can I speak with you for a quick moment?”
“Sure, I have about ten minutes. What’s up?” I keep it casual, so he doesn’t know how he affects me. Last night while tossing and turning, I realized my developing feelings for him. Sure, usually you have these things then you fuck, but I think the anger I had masked those feelings all along.
“Lucas, baby. Hi,” a lady calls out, and the voice sounds familiar. She’s tall, blonde, with those trademark gray eyes. Tan skin and shapely.
“Aunt Rachel, you made it. So glad you could come.”
They hug for a few minutes, and I realize that’s the voice I heard through the phone.
“I couldn’t miss my baby brother getting married. And who is this lovely woman? Is this your girlfriend?”
The red tinge of blush on his face and smile giveaway his embarrassment.
“No. Uh, this is actually my soon-to-be stepsister, Simone Greene. And, in a strange twist of things, my colleague.”
