Page 220 of Valentino

I tap my foot and glance at my watch again.

12:15am

Come on, come on.

Let’s get this show on the road, I look over to the bride and groom, don’t you two want to go home and consummate?

I’ve got some consummating to do of my own.

Visions of Anna all sleepy and messed up in bed play through my mind as anticipation runs through me. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so excited to go back to my room. Actually, I know I haven’t.

Don’t get ahead of yourself, it probably meant nothing.

“You look wonderful, sweetheart,” the woman tells the bride.

Oh. My. God.

Why is everyone acting shocked? We get it, she’s the star of the show, she’s supposed to look wonderful.

“You look like a fairy tale princess.”

I internally roll my eyes, give me a break….

It’s all I can do not to bundle this damn bride in the car and drive her away myself. She and the groom have been around the circle and kissing and cuddling everyone for an eternity now. Okay we get it, you’re married.

Good, now fuck off.

I glance over to see the waiter and I make my way over to him. “Do you need this wrapped up?”

“I….”

“Okay. I’m on it.” I march over to the groom and whisper in his ear, “I’ve just been told the function room is closing, we need to be out.”

“Oh.” He looks up.

“Immediately,” I whisper. “Go and get your wife and get into the car,” I whisper.

“Now?”

“Immediately, right now.” I fake a smile; I march over to the waiting car and open the car door and gesture to it. “In,” I mouth.

They ignore me and go back to talking and talking and I glance at my watch again.

12:35am

She’s going to fall asleep….

Get in the car, fuckers.

“Are you coming for a drink?” Loui asks. “We’re hitting the cigar bar.”

Ahh…I try to think on my feet. “I’m beat,” I lie. “I’m going to call it a night.”

“Oh no you’re not.” He grabs me in a headlock. “When do you ever go home early? You’re coming with us.” He begins to wrestle me.

Fuck’s sake.

“What’s going on here?” Marcus slurs.