I knew my feelings are strong. And I didn’t think I could do just casual beyond the wedding. But I’m not a monster. I won’t take her dream away from her. So, I just sit back and watched her from a distance.
“You’re staring.” Natalie whispered in my ear. I glared at her softly.
“Maybe.” I sipped my wine. It went will with their choice of a ravioli dish and trees leeches cake for dessert.
“Have you guys talked?” She pressed.
“A little. She wants to be casual. I guess it’s better than nothing at all.”
“Yeah, but don’t let it hurt more.”
She was right. And it would hurt more at some point. I didn’t really want to stick around for that, but there wasn’t much I could do. I would rather have at least a piece of her than nothing at all. And the piece I was getting was pretty damned good.
Glasses clunk together and Levi stood up to make his speech. I wanted to be a good friend, so I didn’t do any asshole moves I was thinking of doing.
“Thank you, guys, for coming. I figured I would read my vows now incase Gabriella decides to leave me at the altar.” Everyone laughed at his joke, but I honestly wouldn’t put it past her.
He didn’t even read from paper as he talked.
“When I first met you,” he turned to her, and she gleamed up at him in her off-white evening gown, “I knew you were way out of my league. But I still went for you, because I couldn’t imagine not taking a chance. I would regret it if I at least didn’t get rejected by you. So, I did. But you said yes when I asked you out, and I didn’t know what to do. Because I didn’t imagine it going that far. But it did. You said yes to me even when I was just a poor farm boy, with no family. And no money. Now I have you—which is everything I could ever want. And I can’t wait to say yes to the rest of our lives. I love you so much.”
The room was up in applause and Gab was on him in seconds. Kissing him like they were alone, but I couldn’t be mad. They were in love, and happy. And it was one hell of a speech. Levi got the best end of it. He has one of those life stories that make you wonder how he can even get up in the mornings, but he does. And he is the better for it. Gab stuck around and gave him a chance even when he had nothing. Most women wouldn’t do that. It’s how I knew she really loved him even though she made him wait almost a decade to marry her.
“That was so sweet.” Natalie sniffed.
“Are you crying?” I gaped at her. She shoved me as she wiped her eye with a napkin before it could drip on her makeup.
“Shut up. It was beautiful.” She leaned into Kit and he kissed her forehead.
I avoided his gaze and looked on to Emilia. Since the order of the dinner was over, people started getting up to dance. Was I allowed to dance with her? I wanted to. And I mostly wanted her away from Luke. Sasha’s grandson.
“Excuse me.” I said to no one in particular.
I got up and headed toward Emilia. I touched her shoulder gently and she turned to face me.
“Tristan, you look dashing.” Sasha stood and hugged me.
“Thank you. You look ravishing as always.” She swatted me away, even though she was all pimped out in a gold dress.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to dance with Emilia.” Her eyes lit up. How do old people always know when you like someone?
“Of course.”
Emilia took my hand and I led her to the dance floor, the live jazz band played an easy track.
“You looked like you needed saving.” I rested my hand on her hip, and used the other to take her hand. Her hand was around my shoulders, her fingers swirling the nape of my neck. It sent a shiver right down my spine. The closeness of her body made me feel her heat against me; the warmth and softness of her body is a novelty.
“A little. Did you enjoy the party?” I stared down at her eyes. They pulled me right in and made me crazy.
“I enjoyed the flowers.” I smirked.
“His speech was good. He’s always been good with words, he is a lawyer after all.” I chuckled.
“Yeah. But it was nice. Gabriella looks really happy.” Speaking of the happy couple, we spotted them next to the cake, stealing some more. Levi is a pig, he used to always steal my food in our dorm.
“She does. I’m just ready to be done playing wedding planner. It’s stressful.” I laughed and she giggled softly.
“You did a good job though.”