Chapter SEVEN

The hours between when I got to the venue and when the ceremony began felt like seconds. Jenna looked amazing and so happy. Her sisters, her mom, and Mateo's female cousins were all there in the room, getting ready together. And me. Jenna cried - for the tenth time - when she saw me fully dressed and done up. I mean, I looked good. I knew that. But I hadn't been expecting tears from here. We got photos taken and everything felt really good and real. I was a part of sometime special. Also, I didn't have a moment to think about my stupidity from the night before, which was nice.

The ceremony on the beach was nothing short of perfect. I stood at the front along with Jenna's sisters proudly. I watched as tears poured down my dad's face as he saw his bride walking towards him, along side Mateo. I'd never really seen my dad cry. I felt peace and excitement and a lot of things I'd never ever felt before. It was amazing.

The transition from ceremony to reception and the party was flawless. The ordeves were passed around outside before we headed in to the venue. There were more photos. A lot more. I met a lot more people - friends of my dad, more of Jenna's family. No one had mentioned my birthday, thankfully. And, best of all, I hadn't run into Thatcher.

Mateo was around, everywhere. During the ceremony he stood up beside my dad, focused. He didn't pay much attention to me, which I was fine with. I was sure he thought I was some easy girl who he only had to tolerate for one more day. He was expected to be in the photos, talk to all the family, be near his mom's side. And Mateo didn't disappoint.

At dinner, dad and Jenna sat at one end of the head table. Mateo was seated next to Jenna so I took my seat beside him, unsure of why I wasn't sitting on the other side of my dad. My feet were sore already, so I kicked off my shoes under the table. Then, I looked out at the room full of people. Strangers who were all there to celebrate my dad and his new wife. There were six round tables, eight people at each. Jenna's sisters and their families, their parents an aunt and uncle. A table of friends Jenna had known "forever". A table with my dad's co-workers and friends. The last table I saw was all the kids / teenagers. Thatcher was smiling at a red headed beauty; across from them were two of Mateo's cousins and two other teens that I didn't know.

As I looked at Thatcher for a moment too long, I realized that I really only felt regret. Maybe even shame. I wasn't even attracted to him and knowing he had a beautiful girlfriend right there, made me feel even worse. What a dick.

Our meals were served - stuffed chicken, veggies potatoes - and I realized I was starving. I hadn't even had breakfast that day. I focused on eating, staying quiet. Someone tapped their glass, indicating the happy couple should kiss. Everyone cheered.

"You don't want a drink?" Mateo spoke to me for almost the first time since the wedding had begun.

I shook my head. "I'm eighteen."

"Well. I'm nineteen. The bartender is a family friend," he said, smiling. "Plus, you drank last night."

I shot him a look. "I'm fine, thanks."

"Suit yourself. I'm not sure you could have any fun at a wedding without drinking. Especially with his family," he went on.

I watched as he shoved a piece of broccoli into his mouth. His blond hair was styled and the lighting made his eyes pop. He wore a suit with a blue vest and tie. He looked so good. But he was making me mad.

"I had pretty horrible hangovers the last two mornings," I admitted, whispering at him.

"Oh?"

"Friday night I celebrated my birthday, with my friends. And -"

"You drank a whole bottle of wine to yourself, last night," he finished for me.

"Shh," I said, giving him a dirty look. "I'm sorry I was venting... I guess it was bothering me more than I thought."

He nodded, then took a sip of his red wine. "I'm sorry I went to bed and left you with Thatch..." His voice was low, too.

"Not your fault. I knew what I was doing. Unfortunately, I remember it all."

Mateo laughed. "That bad?"

I blinked, hard, realizing what I'd said. "I'm not talking about that."

"Okay." Mateo looked away again, and went back to eating.

When dessert came, the speeches began. My dad had already told me I wasn't expected to say anything, but he and Jenna thanked everyone for coming and talked for a bit, and then Mateo pushed back his chair and stood up.

"Hi, everyone," he began. I watched as all eyes looked at him. "I'm Mateo, Jenna's son. I think I know pretty much everyone here... so... my mom and I were like a package deal, like my entire life. I was probably five or six when I first asked her why my friends had dads, and I didn't. She told me that we were such a good team that we didn't need one." The guests all laughed and awwwed. "She was - she is - the best mom. When I was like fourteen and went to high school, all my friends thought she was my sister... that was awkward." More laughter. "But even though she and I were a good team, and I didn't need a dad, I knew she needed a partner. Someone to take care of her and love her. I remember when she told me she met Johnny, on a dating app. I was like, No, Mom, what if he's a weirdo?" Everyone laughed, including me. "But I met him and realized that same day that he was such a good guy for my mom. And then he was just there, always. He was there for her, he loved her, and they got engaged and rushed the wedding so I could be here... and that was pretty awesome. So, yeah, cheers to my mom and Johnny, I really wish you all the happiness in the world."

The guests all erupted in cheers and applauding as Mateo went over to hug Jenna and then my dad. When he came back to his seat, he grinned at me, then sat back down.

Once the plates were cleared, the tables were all moved towards the walls and then the party began. They did their first dance, the bouquet toss and of course the cake cutting. They room was dark with the DJ lights and spot light on the dance floor. The music was a wide variety of oldies and new pop music.

I mostly stayed at the head table, and wandered around a bit to mingle. I didn't know anyone besides my dad, but everyone was happy and friendly. I guess I knew Mateo. And Thatcher, who was avoiding me like the plague. Thankfully, he hadn't even looked in my direction.

It was 9 P.M. by the time everyone was drunk, besides the kids. Everyone was dancing, laughing, having a great time. I'd planned to drink. I'd planned to flirt with cute boys, though I found out the other few teenagers there were a bit younger than me. Mateo said they were his cousins' friends.

"Why didn't you invite friends, then?" I asked him, as we stood together near the bar.

He was still drinking. He'd had a few. "Thatcher, Georgia, his girlfriend, and our friend, Francesca..." He shrugged, pointing over to where the three of them were dancing.

"So, go hang out with them?" I suggested.

He finished the drink in his hand and didn't say anything to me for a minute. It felt like forever.

"I'm fine here," he finally said, then threw me a smile.