Chapter 4

I think all of us had those times where we were too shocked to move, we feel like we’re going to have a heart attack or where we blurt out the first stupid thing that comes to mind when you the see the person you least expect to see. Most times, all those happen at the same moment. I hate those “face palm” moments, too.

Unfortunately, that’s what’s happening to me right now.

“NICK?!” I blurted out too loudly than I would’ve liked. I immediately clamped my mouth shut with my hand and my eyes widened.

God, please tell me I didn’t shout that.

“Oh my God,” I heard Eric say in a whisper.

The orchestra’s music abruptly stopped. I heard the shifting of people in their seats to get a good look at the girl who embarrassed herself by shouting at a high class event. I could see Nessa with her eyes wide and her jaw dropped. Emma and Missy probably have their jaws dropped too. I could already imagine my aunt slapping her forehead at the sight of her niece (who was supposed to be as professional as she could) shouting. To top it all off, Nick was holding back his laughter. His laughter.

He showed up here uninvited, shocking me, making stupid me scream, and he had the nerve to laugh in the inside. How dare he?!

“Uh… ha-ha.” I laughed humourlessly as I turned around to look at the crowd of wedding-goers behind me. Even the bride and groom were staring at me. “Sorry for the interruptions folks! You guys look great together. I hope the marriage works out. Not that I think it won’t work out. I’m sure your marriage will last long. It’s just that…uh. Carry on with the wedding!” I babbled uncontrollably, my cheeks turning pink. I turned back around and rushed out of the room, ignoring Nick and everybody else.

I ran to the reception hall and went into the room Nessa and I were filling favor bags earlier. I rested my back against the wall and slowly slid down into a sitting position.

That was so embarrassing!

“Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.” I chanted to myself banging the back of my head on the wall. Now all the people in that room think I’m an idiot. Why did Nick have to show up and ruin everything? I was doing perfectly fine until he showed up!

Why do these things always happen to me? Is karma out to get my butt kicked?

I’ve been good all my life. I swear. Well, unless you count the time I pushed Nathan in the pool when he was still testing the water out or the time when I hid Stella’s favorite cookbook or the other time when I told my cousin I couldn’t hang out because I had the flu when I really didn’t. Oh, or that time I babysat my nephew and gave him candy when his mom elaborately told me that I shouldn’t give him any kind of sugar. They all forgave me, except for my nephew’s mom. Family reunions with her were still tense but on the brighter side, my nephew loves me.

Is that enough to have karma chasing me?

“Riley?” I looked up and saw Nessa by the doorway. She walked over to me and sat down on the floor. The moment of silence was broken by her loud laughter.

I slapped her arm and scowled. “That wasn’t funny!”

“You’re right. It was hilarious!” I rolled my eyes as she begun laughing again. “Ok, I’m sorry. That was wrong.”

“I’m an idiot.” I muttered while I buried my face into my hands.

“No, you’re not.” Nessa said, placing her hand on my shoulder. “He just caught you by surprise and you acted stupidly, that’s all. That doesn’t make you an idiot.”

“I embarrassed myself in front of the whole crowd including the bride and groom, my aunt and Nick!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in frustration.

“Well,” She ran her hand up and down my arm in a soothing manner while she thought of something to say. “At least you were entertaining.”

I glared at her and she smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry. Joking about it is how I handle situations like this.”

“I wish this day never happened.” I said as I stood up. “I want to go home.”

“You can’t because all Fairytale Wedding staff members are required to stay until the end of the wedding.” Nessa looked at me sympathetically. “Let’s fix you up before we go to the reception.”

I looked at her in surprise. “The reception’s already going on?”

“Yes, it’s already been an hour.” She told me then led me to a chair and getting out her makeup kit. Nessa fixed my hair and did a few touch ups before she said I was ok to go out and mingle. I took off my blazer, smoothed down my dress and took a few deep breaths before exiting the back room.

The reception hall was packed with guests. They were talking, sitting on the table or trying to get a photo with the newlyweds. I was just standing there watching people enjoy the wedding reception when two guys, one with tousled brown hair and the other with jet black curly hair, passed by me.

“Nick!” The black haired guy screamed in his most girly voice mocking me.

Jerk!

I rolled my eyes, ignoring him and the warmth in my cheeks.  He laughed his head off, his friend trying to calm him down, as they walked away. I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. I hate jerks.

“Well, well, well.” I heard someone say behind me. “Riley Summers, you sure know how to attract attention to yourself.”

I turned around, ready to face another jerk. I scowled as I saw him smirking. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Can’t a guy go to a wedding without being asked about his intensions?” Nick said, smiling coolly.

“A guy doesn’t go to a wedding uninvited.” I glared, hating the fact that I was talking to him when I swore I wouldn’t. “I saw the guest list and I definitely didn’t see a Mason on it.”

“Then you must get your eyes checked, Riles.” He said, making ‘tsk’ sounds.

“Only my friends call me that.” I told him, glaring harder.

“That’s harsh, Riles.” He said stressing the nickname and putting a hand on his heart. “If I could recall, I was once your friend.”

“Once is the key word, Nick.” I stated, rolling my eyes. He just loves to push my buttons, doesn’t he?

“I miss hearing you say my name, Riles.” He smiled, as he ruffled my hair like I was a little kid. I slapped his hand away and huffed. I would’ve believed him then but now, it’s just meaningless.

“Don’t call me Riles and don’t talk to me ever again!” I said coldly, turning my back to him and stomping to an empty table. I collapsed onto the nearest chair and sighed.

“Riley!” I heard Missy called. I turned my head and saw them walking towards me.

“Hi guys.” I said, not meaning to sound unenthusiastic.

“Oh you poor thing.” Eric gushed, hugging me.

“We saw the whole thing. You definitely didn’t deserve that.” Missy crossed her arms and gave me a sad smile. “I didn’t clearly see what he looked like though. He was just a head of blonde hair.”

“Nick was a total asshole for surprising you like that.” Eric scowled.

“You must be exhausted. I’ll go get you a glass of water.” Emma set off to the buffet table.

Eric sat down on the seat beside me. “What happened after that? Tell us everything.”

I don’t know if he just to know because it’s probably gossip worthy or if he’s genuinely concerned.

“I disappeared into a room then Nessa dragged me here. Some jerk mocked me and now an even bigger jerk is trying to push me over the edge.” I muttered more than ready to pull out my hair.

“You talked to Nick?” Emma gasped, catching the last few words I said. She gave me the glass of water and I thanked her.

“Riley, I hate to see you like this.” Missy said. “But would you stop whining and ignore him?”

My jaw dropped. Who was she to say that?

“I think he was equally surprised as you when you saw each other. You know better than to obsess over getting revenge on this guy who isn’t worth your time.” She explained. “You have way better things to do like hang out with us.”

“You’ll have way more fun with us.” Eric agreed and Emma nodded. I smiled at them, thankful to have them by my side.

My aunt suddenly appeared in front of us and pulled me off the chair. “I’m just going to borrow Riley for a minute. Enjoy the party guys. The bride says everyone can join in the festivities.”

She led me away from my friends who were sitting there confused. I asked, “Where are we going?”

“Listen Riley. If you’re wondering if I’m mad or disappointed at you for shouting in the wedding hall, I’m not. It will probably be my reaction too when I unexpectedly see my ex-best friend.” She ranted as she maneuvred through the guests who were watching the toasts. “I’m really sorry that you had to meet Nick that way. I just forgot that he was coming.”

“So you knew?” I asked, a bit angry that she didn’t even tell me. But the anger vanished when I remembered that she doesn’t know.

“Yes, I did. I’m sorry for not telling you. It just slipped my mind. But don’t get mad at me for this, ok?” I had a feeling that she wasn’t talking about not telling me about Nick.

My suspicions were confirmed when I saw a familiar man standing at the corner of the room. He had the same blonde hair but had warm brown eyes instead of ocean blue ones. I haven’t seen him for so long. I’m glad he didn’t change… even if his son did.

“Riley!” He exclaimed when he saw us coming. “Come over here, kid.”

Soon I was being bear hugged by the only father figure I had when I was a kid. “I missed you to Mr. Mason.”

“Haven’t I told you to call me David?” Nick’s dad smiled at me. Right. It’s been so long since I called him that.

“Well, David, you haven’t changed.” I laughed, still smiling.

“You, on the other hand, have certainly changed Riley.” David said, looking at my curled hair and girly dress. “Last time I saw you, you were wearing a jumper with mud all over it.”

I rolled my eyes but still smiled. I guess this is another of the many things Nick and I once had in common. We were both raised with single parents. My mom and dad divorced when I was eight while his divorced when he was ten. It was something that we could both relate to and it made us even closer.

“Riley, I want you to meet my new clients; David Mason and Regan Phillips.” Mickey gestured to a woman, who I haven’t seen there before, standing next to David. Regan looked to be in her mid thirties, the same age as David. She looked classy and sophisticated in her sleeveless, peach dress and matching clutch with her hair in a half up-half down hairdo. She smiled warmly.

“I’m Regan.” She extended a hand for me to shake. I smiled back and shook her hand firmly. “It’s great to finally meet you, Riley. I’ve heard loads about you.“ She gushed as she looped her arm around her fiancé’s.

“Likewise.” I decided to say even though I just heard of her right now. I addressed David then, “Congratulations! You’re getting married.”

“Thank you.” He smiled. “That’s what we’re here for. We wanted to see your aunt in her natural habitat.” He joked and my aunt swatted his arm playfully. “Not that we had any doubts in her wedding planning abilities.”

“We heard she’s the best in the biz.” Regan complimented. My aunt smiled at her in response.

“Where’s Nick?” David asked, looking around for his son.

“Here I am.” I almost jumped when I heard him beside me. Was he there all along?

“There are a few things we need to discuss before we part.” Mikayla said, switching to wedding planner mode. “Your appointment is at eleven, correct?”

“Can we move that to nine? I have a meeting with my own clients at that time.” Nick’s dad asked hopefully.

“Riley do we have other appointments at that time?” She turned, asking me.

“I, uh, don’t think so.” I said uncertainly. How was I supposed to know when appointments are scheduled? I’m an intern not an assistant. We don’t even talk a work for Pete’s sake!

“Great! We’ll meet at nine.” Aunt Mickey exclaimed and clapped her hands. She turned to Regan and looped her arm around hers. “Now let’s go over some financial matters…”

Typical aunt Mickey, planning another wedding when the last isn’t even finished.

 “I think you two kids have a lot of catching up to do so I better follow them just to make sure we don’t go over budget.” David waved goodbye. He hurried after the two ladies, leaving me and him alone.

“So,” Nick drawled out the word. Before he could say anything else, I walked away mumbling, “Don’t even.”

I made my way back to the table where my friends have been and plopped down on the chair, more than ready to end the day with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s.

“Where are the others?” I asked Emma. She was the only person left.

“They’re enjoying the party.” She gestured to the dance floor. I saw Eric and Missy dancing away. I was still watching guests dance when my gaze went to the rose on the side of the dirty plate. I picked up and twirled it in my hand.

It was a lighter shade of pink than the other flowers I saw on the tables. The petals were already wilting which is expected since it was sitting on the plate for half the day. It looked like it didn’t belong here in this world of fuchsia colored flowers. It was different just like me.

“Do you want to dance?” A boyish voice brought me back to reality. He had a British accent, making it all the more mellifluous. I looked up and saw the boy who was with the jerk who mocked me earlier. Now that he was up close, I saw he had the prettiest brown eyes I’ve ever seen. It had little specks of gold in them.

I snapped out of my daze and glared at him. “Do you think I want to?”

“Before you judge me based on my friend, don’t.” He said, shaking his head. “I’m not like that. I apologize for his behavior. He’s uh… working on it.” The boy changed the subject. “It’s just one dance. Please.”

“Don’t be rude, dear.” I heard Emma pipe up. I glanced at her and she gave me an encouraging smile.

“Ok, fine.” I let him lead me to the dance floor where the other guests were dancing to a slow song. The tune was familiar but I couldn’t place it. I placed my arms on his shoulder while he gently put his on my hips.

“I’m Matt and you are?” Matt asked while we swayed to the music.

“Riley.” I said and gave him a small smile. “So, what urged you to ask me to dance?”

“I wanted to know your name.” He smiled sheepishly. I could almost make out the faint dimples he had. “I also wanted to apologize for my friend.”

“Well, you got to do both.” We both shared a smile. “Are you on the bride or the groom’s side?”

“The bride’s.” He told me. “She’s a friend of my mom’s. Just between you and me, I only came here for the food.” I chuckled.

“What’s the story between you and that guy in the wedding hall? Ex, I believe.” He assumed.

“Heck no.” I almost choked at the assumption. “He’s an old friend who I stopped talking to. I didn’t expect him to turn up here.”

He nodded in response. “That explains the horrified look.”

I groaned. “That was so embarrassing.”

“Well you looked cute doing so.” Matt said. I blushed and tilted my head down. I was about to look up and say something after a moment of silence when someone cut me off.

“May I cut in?” Nick tapped Matt’s shoulder to get his attention. Matt looked at him then at me. I shot him a pleading look. I silently prayed that he’d get the message. Please don’t leave me. Please.

“Uh, sure.” He stepped aside and let Nick take his place.

“Matt – “

“Don’t worry Riley. I’m sure we’ll meet again.” He gave me one last smile and a wink before he turned his back to us. I watched him walk away, back to his mom, I think, who was talking to the bride.

At the corner of my eye, I saw David watching us. It would be rude to leave Nick while the song was still playing and his dad was watching. “I hate you.” I muttered as we continued to dance.

“You love me, Riles.” Nick smiled smugly. Ugh… what happened to that super sweet Nick I know? The populars probably brainwashed him.

“I do not.”

“Do so.”

“Do not.”

“Do so.”

“Why are you so aggravating?”

“You know, I almost thought you weren’t you when I saw you in a dress.” He said, changing the subject completely.

“People change, Nick.” I stated, rolling my eyes at him. And boy, that is so true. I heard the song end and the guests applauded the live band. I walked away from Nick, not bothering to say anything. He just gets on my nerves. I was more than ready to get away from that.

“Hi, girls.” The bride was standing at the end of the room a microphone in hand. I bet she’s about to toss the bouquet. I’m out of here.

“Come on, Riles.” Out of the blue, Missy and Eric came in a dragged me to where the single ladies of the party were gathering around. I’m assuming Emma’s right behind us.

“Are you ready to catch this bouquet?” The bride asked. Cheers were the response. “I’m so happy all of you guys could come. Are you ready?”

There was an eager buzz among the crowd. “Just think about it, feel it, catch it.”

“1!”

“Missy.” I complained. The bride looked a bit dizzy. Let’s hope she doesn’t fall.

“2!”

“It’s just a bouquet toss. It’s not like you’re going to catch it.” She told me as she readied herself.

“3!”

The bouquet flew across the air landing right where I didn’t want it to land… in my arms.

“Or maybe you will.” She stated, looking at the pretty bouquet of roses in my hands.

“Enjoy the party, girls!” The bride walked off the stage, almost tripping if it hadn’t been for her mother standing nearby.

I trudged up to the apartment, thankful that my aunt let me ride home earlier. I went to my room and threw my bag and blazer on the floor. I collapsed onto the bed.

Finally!

“I knew I heard someone.” I heard Stella say. I felt the mattress dip down as she sat down next to me. I turned to face her and saw she was already in her pyjamas. “Oh, you caught the bouquet. How fun!”

She took the bouquet from the top of my bedside table and examined it.

“What time is it?” I asked her.

“It’s a quarter to eleven.” She said after looking at her watch.

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

“I wanted to know what happened today.” She said, smiling hopefully.

I sighed before sitting up. “My aunt dragged us to a wedding.”

“Cool!”

“It was until Nick showed up.” I groaned flopping back onto my fluffy pillows.

“Shut up!” Stella stared at me, agape. “No way!”

“Yes, way.” I said, less enthusiastic as her. I know I couldn’t do anything about the Nick situation. I can’t deny it. I hated to say it but…

My ex – best friend is back.

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