Silver

by A E Gamrat

  As I start to make my way over to the table, a waiter stops with a tray full of scallops wrapped in bacon. My feet are cemented to the ground at the sight of these magnificent little morsels of food. Is it frowned upon to ask for the whole tray? The dapper men and women here tell a story of an elegant night, but all I want to do is rip this tray out of this boy’s hand, sit in the corner and slowly eat every single one of them.

  “Ma’am? Would you like a plate?” the cute waiter finally asks.

  “Oh, please.” God, I hope I didn’t drool over the tray or on myself. I was so lost in my fantasy bacon-eating, I completely forgot I had to interact with someone. Bacon short circuits my brain every time. Quickly I put three on my plate, so I can run away, when a hand grips my right hipbone.

  My eyes shoot up and to the left, staring into the eyes of my favorite gray scene. Tonight, with his black three-piece suit, his eyes remind me of a raging snowstorm. Grays from light to dark with white specs scattered throughout.

  Silver’s stare is intense with his grip biting into my hip, and nothing else in the world matters at this moment. The building could be on fire, and I’d still be lost in his snowstorm eyes.

  He hugs me in closer to his chest and openly peruses my outfit from head to shoes. His eyes stop at about mid-chest, staring hard. I wonder what is going on in his head when he asks, “Can I have one of those bacon scallops?” His eyes meet mine again but are in super puppy dog mode, trying to get one of my treasures.

  “You know most would open with ‘hi’ not ‘can I have some of your awesome-looking, you only have a few’ snacks.” I glare up at him. Even in heels, he still towers over top of me. Chills run up and down my spine at the realization, he’ll always tower over me. Height never mattered, but his heat and height surrounding me is a heady combination. So heady I might hand over all my bacon snacks to keep him with me all night long.

  His shy smile peeking out almost does bodily damage to every limb I own. “Hi, Gin, you look gorgeous as ever. I’ve been thinking about this dress since I saw you in it, and my memories did not do this justice.”

  My legs sway a little back and forth, and it’s not because of the few sips of champagne I had. His words are nice and make me feel unstoppable, but his eyes dismantle me every time. So, when he’s saying unbelievable words to me while his eyes are devouring me…there is no hope.

  “You can have all of my bacon.” Did those words leave my lips out loud?

  The sound of his belly laugh answers my question before I can even ask. People around us stop their conversations, trying to figure out what was so funny. They look toward us but get nothing else more than Silver laughing loudly.

  “Baby, I want all of your bacon,” he whispers down into my ear, grabbing me up harder. “But I’ll have one for now.” He chuckles while his strong fingers pop a bacon scallop into his mouth. Watching his plump, pouty lips wrap around the morsel of food sends my body into overdrive. There is no denying I want all of this man.

  We stand in the same spot for who knows how long, our electrifying touches burning up, and no one else in the room matters. Right now, I don’t care that my parents are watching us pulse for each other. Every time he looks at me like this, ready to devour me, my insecurities disappear. Confidence builds, and I’m ready for all he is willing to give me.

  “Silver,” his name leaves my lips as hope and promises of the future.

  “Yes, baby,” he answers.

  “I…”

  “Daddy?” comes out of nowhere, breaking our trance.

  Daddy? It could only come from one person, but his child being here was never brought up. Did he know she was coming? Did he not tell me for a reason?

  The realization of the word hits his face, and pure happiness spreads from one cheek to the other. I’m now looking at a proud father, who has not let go of my hip but puts his eyes on his pride and joy.

  “Abby? What are you doing here? I thought you couldn’t come.” His tone is surprised but happy. There’s not an ounce of distress or worry in his demeanor or words. Sounds to me like this is the icing on his cake. Silver’s whole family is here now, and with that realization, I want to throw up.

  This beauty standing between us can’t keep her eyes focused on either one of us. Back and forth she looks, like she’s trying to figure out this riddle. “Well…plans changed, and I found out my roommate’s grandparents would be here too?”

  Oh, I wonder who her roommate is. Silver and I have yet to discuss our children at length and which colleges our girls go to.

  “Mom?”

  Oh. My. God. “MaryAnn!” I screech.

  What in the hell is going on? Could Silver’s daughter and my daughter be possible roommates? On what planet would our daughters know each other and be best friends?

  Unlatching myself from Silver takes the strength of four men. Each time someone screeches our name his fingers tighten up. Probably will be sporting some bruises there tomorrow.

  “Sweetheart, why didn’t you tell me you would be here?” I really do try to level my tone and stay away from my only dogs can hear pitch, not sure it’s working out too well. “Are you guys roommates?”

  “Duh, Mom.” She laughs into my ear while grabbing me up for a hug. I’m the one who should be grabbing her up, but this shock isn’t going to be leaving anytime soon. Then she whispers, “I didn’t know you were seeing someone.”

  All I can do is shrug to answer her. My eyes keep shooting over toward Abby, and her expression is…surprised, but more annoyed, and even angry. Her anger is making me nervous because in my gut I know it’s because of me.

  What if this goes sour, and then Abby and MaryAnn hate each other? Not only would I lose Silver but dissolve a blossoming friendship. I can feel my wall forming at my feet again. This is what parenting is all about, keeping your family happy and healthy. Putting their happiness before yours. I already uprooted their lives one time; could I possibly do it again?

  Silver finally catches on to his daughter’s distraught demeanor and crosses his arms at his chest. He still doesn’t look worried, more annoyed than anything. “What’s this attitude for, Abby? Aren’t we supposed to be happy to see each other?”

  “Who is she?” Abby barks out, and time stands still. The collective inhales from everyone around are shocked by her angry words. If she could spit on me, she would’ve done it after her question. Distain oozes from every pore this young girl has, and I know we will never be.

  I try to take a step back as Silver puts his back up against my front. MaryAnn follows his action on the other side of me. If I could see how outrageous I look being shielded by two people, I would laugh. All I can do at this moment is stare at Abby, wondering how she could hate me so much right off the bat?

  “This is my mom, Abby,” MaryAnn chimes in, trying to calm her friend down. “They must know each other. Didn’t you say you thought your dad was seeing someone or hoping? Guess it’s true.”

  “Not with her though,” Abby barks out.

  What is she talking about? What does she know? This is his daughter, after all. We’ve been keeping us a secret, but maybe that’s why. Another woman, it can’t be. I would’ve felt her, wouldn’t I?

  The tension is building, and my instincts are kicking in to turn tail and run. I can’t see Silver’s face to get a feel on his emotions. All I can tell is his body hasn’t even twitched since she started yelling at him.

  By now his parents and mine have made their way over to the outskirts of this scene. Nobody has made a sound, but concerned looks cover all of their faces. Poor MaryAnn looks like she’s about to cry standing in between her mother and best friend. Abby is the roommate MaryAnn has been gushing over since they met.

  What a mess this evening is turning out to be, and thinking back to a few hours ago, I was nervous about going out in this dress and seeing Silver. Maybe this all happened too soon, but then why would he show up on my doorstep not once but twice when he was in the wrong or thought he was in the wrong
? A guy with another girl would not make this move, and I know deep down there is no other woman. Who has been in Abby’s ear, if this is shocking to her?

  “Sweetheart,” Silver calmly says, taking a step toward her. He’s acting like she is a scared animal who could take off at any moment, calmly talking to her, hands out in front of him, showing her his calm demeanor. “Let’s talk a minute. I don’t know what you think you know, but it’s all wrong.” There’s a pause; he takes a deep breath, but the girl gives nothing away. Abby is so her father’s daughter. “This is Gin.” He turns toward me, sticking his hand out for me to grab.

  Do I grab or not grab…this is my million-dollar question? Show a strong front, we are together, or question Silver and what I thought we were building on. His eyes plead for me to take his hand when a third or fourth party steps in.

  “Hey, Silvy, what’s going on?” This mysterious woman’s bright red talons try to grab ahold of his bicep, but Silver moves so quickly and violently back he almost takes me out.

  “Sorry, baby,” he says to me with clear, strong eye contact. “This is absolutely all a mistake…please believe me. I’ll square this all away.” The words are for me, but he says them loud enough for everyone to hear.

  The music is still pumping through the speakers, but all eyes are on us. This is by far the most embarrassed I’ve ever been. There’s probably one hundred or more people here, and all eyes are on us. These people know Silver, watched him grow up, know his parents, and probably even know of mine.

  Trying to find my ground, my eyes land on my parents. Dad’s eyes are full of concern, and Mom’s are angry. They both are feeling what I am feeling but are not trying to get MaryAnn and me out of here. They are silently on Silver’s side. There’s a good chance they know who this devil woman is.

  “What are you doing here, Trisha?” Silver booms out of nowhere. “You are never supposed to go near my family. NEVER!” The party can feel his anger; he’s vibrating so hard, I’m afraid he’s going to explode. He looks at his daughter and strongly states, “Whatever this vile woman has told you…DO. NOT. BELIEVE.”

  “She told me things. She was mom’s best friend.”

  “Silver, I would never.”

  “ENOUGH!” he yells, cutting them both off. The crowd around us quiets down. Angry Silver is not a normal character for him; everyone is listening to his commanding voice.

  While Silver tries to compose himself, my parents and his make their way over to me and their grandchildren. Nobody looks upset, more like they are showing where their loyalties lie.

  Poor Abby looks lost, and a few tears run down her pink cheeks. MaryAnn looks like she wants to console her friend but is unsure. This strange woman has a look of confusion, masking her victory smile. I watch people; I know when a person is hiding something, and she’s on my radar as “off her rocker.” This one is certifiable. I just know it.

  Out of nowhere, Silver’s dad pipes up, “Son, calm down…take some breaths… We know the truth.” His mom puts her right hand on her husband’s shoulder, nods her head in agreement, and then yells out, “Let’s get back to the party.” Silver gives her a grateful smile for stepping in and acting like this is no big deal. When the boss says disperse, the people obey without a bit of resistance.

  They might be back to mingling, but everyone still has an eye on us. Drama always draws interest, and this is hometown drama at its finest. People want to know is this a love triangle? Cheating on one with another? Do Silver and Ginny know each other and how? Great love stories are written off drama like this.

  How did liking a guy bring this circus into my life? Is he worth all of the ups and downs we’ve seen so far? I never fought for my ex, but Silver feels worth it. Every molecule in my body is ready for a fight to keep Silver ours. By the look on Silver’s face and the way he’s been acting, a fight might not be needed. More standing by him and believing in him will solidify our relationship. Abby will be the hurdle I’ll have to jump over, but I believe in hope, love, and honesty. If you live your life with these three in your pocket, good will come to all.

  Silver must see my resolve because his shoulders release, and in the next instant his lips are on my cheek. Gasps are heard around the room and instead of being mad or embarrassed, I feel empowered. Our lives were destined to end with one another. This simple kiss right here proves to me and all that Silver and I will be fine. Not fine, but great, and nothing will stand in our way.

  “Abby, sweetheart,” he pauses, looking at his daughter with nothing but pure love for her. “This is who I’ve been seeing. Gin and I knew of each other years ago in school and reunited a few weeks back. I want us all to sit down and get to know one another, but you have to listen to me real good.”

  “Okay, Dad.”

  “Stay away from Trisha and don’t listen to a word she says.”

  “How dare you, I’ve told her nothing but nice things. Nice things about her mother, about you, and about all of us,” Trisha says, interrupting Silver with her finger in the air.

  With a deadpan stare toward Trisha, Abby argues back, “The other day you told me you two were hot and heavy and getting ready to move in.”

  “Oh, you silly child. I’m positive I said no such thing; that’s probably what you wanted to hear.”

  Watching these two tell their sides of the story is like watching a train wreck that you see coming but can’t stop in time. Words keep coming from the both of them, and they are getting heated. Abby is not backing down, and Trisha is trying to make her look like she’s crazy, when we all know who the crazy one is.

  “You were Mom’s best friend…my aunt,” Abby throws in her face at one point.

  Silver makes eye contact with me at her words. His beautiful eyes break my heart. The look of defeat forms, like he has no idea how to come back from all of this.

  “I just wanted tonight to be special for my mom and you. When I saw Abby, I thought how much more perfect could this night possibly get? Guess I shouldn’t have counted my blessings early.” He scrubs both hands through his hair in frustration. It’s a wild, unhinged movement that piques my interest and makes me want to see him do this behind closed doors. Guess I should be glad my physical attraction to him hasn’t gone down. “Your night has been ruined and…god…Abby and your daughter. How crazy is all of that? I can’t keep my thoughts straight with all of this.”

  Grabbing his hands, I pull them from his hair and kiss the back of each one of them. Instead of my soul weeping, she is standing strong for her man, and I know exactly what to do.

  I squeeze his hands one more time for strength and walk out and around him. Claire and the guy she was talking to haven’t left the table, and when I look at her she gives me the go ahead nod. If I need her, she’ll be there, I know this.

  When I turn around to stop this madness, Trisha takes a step toward me, and I tell her to “Go ahead.” She stops in her tracks, giving me the opening I needed.

  “The only reason why you haven’t been dragged out of here by your hair is because of his parents and what this night means to his mother.”

  “Please,” she puffs out while rolling her eyes.

  “Let me tell you something.” I take a step closer to her. We are almost nose to nose, and now I can smell her cheap perfume. “You need to leave, or I’ll do what I need to do to make this happen.”

  She stares me down, and I swear I hear Claire clap for me in the background. “I don’t know all the details, but no one wants you here. Do us all a favor and yourself one while you’re at it.”

  She looks around to see everyone not bothering with her or smiling at my words. Instead of defeat she puts on the biggest smile. “One day you’ll learn, and I’ll laugh in your old face.” The about face she does is dramatic, and her walk is over exaggerated.

  I’m pretty sure everyone in the room is looking at me, and I want to run and hide. I’ve been hot since this scene started, but now I’m boiling. My face is beat red, and I can feel a layer a sweat coveri
ng it. All the hard work I put into my makeup tonight is ruined; I’m sure of it.

  A few people I don’t know have come by to ask Silver and Abby if they are okay. I haven’t moved a single beat yet. MaryAnn and Claire are gushing over my badass ways. Silver and the guy he hugged start whispering to one another. My hands start to shake while I’m assessing the room and aftermath. Confrontation has never been my thing. I never really had any true friends or relationships for drama to form within us or around us. The man facing me talking to Silver points toward me, and they both look at me. Silver’s look of pride melts my heart, but instead of looking cool and calm, my hands begin to shake even more.

  Silver is by my side in a blink of an eye, holding my hands and rubbing them back and forth with his own. His warmth is seeping into my hands, slowly calming my racing heart and shaky body.

  “Never done anything like that before.” My words are rushed, but I get them all out. “Not sure what took over me, but I can’t seem to calm myself down.”

  Instead of using words, Silver wraps me up in his arms, putting his cheek on the top of my head. We sway back and forth to a song while I compose myself.

  The party is back in full swing, but I’m ready to go home. Tonight will be the talk of the town for the rest of the year, so there’s no point in stressing over it. The people who were not here will hear all about it tomorrow. We are not a small town, but word still travels fast, especially when our families are involved.

  “Mom,” breaks our silent trance. I turn my head toward my daughter’s voice, but don’t separate Silver and myself for a second. She’s an adult and will have to learn to deal with her mother’s PDA. “You okay?” she asks like the good girl she is. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to think or say. Should I be mad at Abby? Did you know we were roommates, but didn’t tell me? The crazy thing is I wanted you to look nice to meet Abby’s dad.”

  How could I love this girl any more than I already do?