by Laura Del
Mortimer cocked his head, and she winked at him. His eyes lit up, and I swear he was going to cry, but I squeezed his arm, and he held it back. When she walked away, he leaned over to me. “Is dat who I t’ink it is?” he asked, and I nodded, but he looked confused. “How?”
“It’s a long story,” I whispered back. “One for another time. But at least you know she’s getting a second chance at it all.”
He nodded, and I swear I could feel the happiness radiating off him. I finally let go of his arm, walking over to where Tina was standing, my heels making a satisfying clacking on the hardwood floors.
“Let me see,” Tina said, taking me by the arm, turning me around. “I didn’t know it had that low-cut back. It’s gorgeous. It’s a shame that it had to come from, you know who.”
I nodded. “I know.”
“Sometimes, I just wanna punch him in the face,” she hissed.
“You and everyone else who’s ever met him,” I agreed.
She looked down, and when she saw my shoes, she cocked an eyebrow. “Who gave you the shoes?”
“Mortimer found them in the hotel room he’s staying in. But I’m guessing they’re from, you know.”
“Do you think they’re real diamonds?” she asked, and I shrugged. “Well, they look like real diamonds.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him.”
There was a knock on the door, and Pops, in his blue suit and tie, said from the stairs, “I’ll get it.”
I looked down the hall to see Pops opening the door to Father Flanagan, and I smiled. Father Flanagan had been our priest forever and a day. He was an old Irishman, and there was nothing to fear with Father around. It made me smile knowing that he would be performing the ceremony. It would be funny and charming. The Father Flanagan way.
“Afternoon, all,” he said with his light Irish accent. “How are you on this dreary afternoon?”
We all responded with “good” or “fine,” and he smiled, nodding. “That’s good to hear. So are we ready to do this?”
“Not yet, Father,” Moms said in Cindy’s voice. “We were waiting for the rain to lighten up.”
“Good idea,” he agreed with that jolly smile of his. He was tall and skinny, but with age had started to get that little potbelly. His hair, that was once brown, was all gray, and the wrinkles on his face made him look distinguished and not at all as old as he was. Over seventy, I would have guessed. His blue eyes always seemed to sparkle no matter what light he was in.
Father walked over to me, his smile never wavering. “Patricia Wyatt, is that you?”
I nodded. “Yes, Father, it’s me.”
“Look at you, you’re all grown up. Your father told me about your hard times, and I wanted to say I was sorry to hear of it. But God has a plan for all of us.”
Tina must have felt me tense because she stepped in front of me. “That is so true, Father. So very true,” she said earnestly. I loved that Tina always knew what to say when I didn’t. Just another reason we were best friends. “Maybe we could discuss this further.” Tina took him by the arm and winked at me over her shoulder.
“Thank you,” I mouthed and she nodded, whisking Father away.
“That woman,” Andrew said from behind me.
I nodded. “I know.”
“She’s a better clairvoyant than I am.”
I turned around, looking up at him. “You can say that again. Speaking of which, why didn’t you see all the shit that just went down?”
“See that’s the thing,” he explained, “I don’t see everything. Especially if I’m not looking out for it. Sometimes things come to me, like when the tree was about to fall on you, and sometimes I gotta work for it. Being able to see the future isn’t cut and dry either. There are so many possible futures. Sometimes it’s just too overwhelming that I shut it out. But if I knew that any of that was going to happen, I would’ve told you.”
“What about the stuff with Mike?” I asked, and he smiled awkwardly at me. “He asked you not to say anything, didn’t he?”
He nodded. “He’s been my friend a long time, Pat. So if he wants me to keep something a secret, I do.”
“I understand. You’re a good friend, Andrew.” I patted his shoulder, and he smiled at me. This time it was one of relief. “So is there anything else that’s going to go down tonight?”
He shook his head. “Just some good old fashion fun.”
It was my turn to smile. “That’s good to know.”
“If dat priest is Irish then I’m the Queen of England,” Mortimer said from behind me, and I jumped. “Sorry.”
I took a deep breath in order to get my heart beating again. “What are you talking about?”
“Dat accent is put on,” he clarified, pointing to Father Flanagan.
“How do you know that?” Andrew asked.
Mortimer gave him a look, and it was not a nice one. “Any real Irishman can spot a fake accent a mile away.”
“Why would he do that?” I asked him.
“People are more willin’ ta tell ye secrets when ye have an accent,” Mortimer clarified, and I cocked a brow at him. “Ye know what I mean.”
“Well, accent or no, he’s still a very good priest and a very nice man on top of that.”
“I’ll give ‘em dat,” he admitted, deflating a little.
“Besides,” I said, “it’s not like you don’t do the same thing.”
His mouth dropped open. “I do not,” he protested.
“Just a wee bit,” I mocked him with a smile on my face.
He looked serious for a second and then laughed, placing his arm around my waist. He pulled me to him, kissing my forehead. “It’s a wee bit true,” he admitted. “But not by much. Only when I’m tryin’ ta be charmin’.”
I pulled away from him and laughed. “See, I knew it.”
“All right, ladies and gents,” Father Flanagan said with his accent, and Mortimer and I giggled. “The rain has stopped by the grace of God, so we might as well get it done now. If that’s all right with the bride and groom?”
“It’s okay by me,” Pops said, and Cindy/Moms nodded.
“Well then,” Father gestured to the sliding glass doors, “shall we?”
We all agreed and started to file out into the damp. Andrew and Tina were one of the last to go out, before Mortimer and me, with Tina complaining about her heels getting dirty the entire time. But before I could even attempt to leave, Mortimer grabbed hold of my arm.
“What’s up?”
“I met Mike on the way ta the hotel,” he told me. “In fact, we’re stayin’ at the same one. Anyway, I explained the lack of security situation, and ‘e agreed dat he’d take the outside while I took the inside.”
I nodded. “Okay. That sounds like as good a plan as any. That all?”
“Yup,” he answered abruptly, but I didn’t believe him.
I knew by the fact that he was looking at the floor that it wasn’t all. “What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “Noth—” he stopped, looking up at me, and I cocked a brow at him. “Is Cindy really yer mother?”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “Apparently, Cindy was doing some crazy stuff and tried to kill the baby, so Moms stepped in. That wasn’t as long of a story as I thought it would be.”
“This is a lot ta take in,” he breathed.
“I know,” I agreed, placing my good hand on his shoulder, “but like I said, she’s getting a second chance. It’s worth it in my eyes.”
“Mine too,” he agreed.
“Hug?”
He nodded. “Hug.”
When I hugged him, I got a familiar scent in my nose. It was something I hadn’t smelled in a while. It was faint, but right there on his shirt. “Mortimer?”
“Yeah.”
“Why do you smell like Jimmy?�
�
“Who?” he asked, and I knew he knew what I was talking about.
“My ex-fiancé,” I clarified.
He looked away from me again. “I don’t know—”
“Oh my God,” I yelled before he could finish, pulling away from him. “You promised me no locals!”
“It’s not what ye t’ink.”
“Then what happened?” I asked, folding my arms.
“‘E was on his way ‘ere and was drunk. ‘E was ramblin’ on about ye and how ‘e was gonna get ye back, I just stopped ‘em. Dat’s all.”
“Did you feed on him?”
“A little,” he sighed. “But only ta subdue ‘em. Dat’s it.”
I looked at him carefully, and I could see that he was telling the truth. I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Thank you. But don’t do anything like that again, okay?” He nodded, and I went on, “Now, let’s get out there before all hell breaks loose. Again.”
“Let’s,” he agreed. Then he became silent for a moment before he said, “Patricia?”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t know how ta say this, but—”
“You slept with my mother,” I finished for him, and his eyes widened. “I know. She told me.”
He cleared his throat. “Well then, em, allow me ta carry ye out.”
I smiled. “Thank you, Sir.”
Mortimer picked me up and sped out into the tent, not getting a drop of mud or rain on me. When he placed me down, I felt a little dizzy, and I had to steady myself. “Ye okay?”
“I’ll never get used to that,” I admitted. “Ever. It always makes me dizzy.”
“Trick is not ta open…” his voice faded away and his eyes widened.
I looked where he was staring to see Father had his rosary with the crucifix on it out. “Shit,” I hissed. “Are you going to be all right?”
“Yeah, as long as I don’t get too close, I’ll be fine. Besides, ye wear one and I’m okay round it.”
“That’s because I’m smart enough to keep it inside my clothing,” I added, looking at him go paler than normal. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah,” he answered with a stern nod, “I’m fine. I’ll just stay back ‘ere.”
I nodded, patting him on the arm. Then I made my way to the other side of the tent where everyone had gathered. After that, it was show time. Father went through the shortened version of an original Catholic ceremony, as per Pops request, and it was beautiful. He explained everything in wonderful detail, and when he was finished, everyone clapped. It was brilliant and just took about twenty-five minutes in total, which I thought was just right for this type of wedding.
When it was over, we all made our way back inside. Mortimer picked me up again, but this time, he was slower in front of witnesses. Sandy and Mad thought it was adorable while my father gave us the stink eye the entire time. Finally, Father Flanagan said his goodbyes, before we ate, adding that it was an early morning tomorrow, and he wanted to be refreshed for the ceremony. But really I think he was a little uncomfortable around Mortimer, who kind of stared daggers into him. Partly because of the Irish thing and partly because he never put the rosary away.
After he left, we all sat down for a much deserved dinner. We ate, we drank, and we were merry. Laughing at random stories, telling jokes, even Mortimer got into the whole thing, and no one seemed to notice that he didn’t eat. It was turning out to be an uneventful and fun night, and then it was time for the speeches.
Bobby, being the best man, went first. His wasn’t very eloquent, and he was a little worse for the beer, but he got through it. He thanked my father and Cindy for having him as best man. Then he went on to say that we were family, and he was grateful to have all of us in his life. There were a few aw’s and one eye roll from Tina, but everyone seemed to like his speech. That’s when I was blindsided.
“Baby girl,” Pops said with a smile, “why don’t you say a little something.”
Everyone was nodding, including Mortimer, so I stood up, holding my water glass waist high with my good hand, and spoke. “Well, this is awkward.” Laughter. “I probably should have prepared something as the matron of honor, but I guess I’m just going to have to wing it.” More laughter. “When I first got this honor, I kind of considered it a bit of a nightmare. In fact, I think I may have called it being the Matron of Horror.” Mortimer blurted out with laughter, and everyone else chimed in. “But that was before I knew Cindy. Before I knew she was the perfect match for my Pops. And, to be honest, she’s a perfect addition to this family.” I winked at her, and she winked back, placing her hand over her heart. “So here is to the woman who stole my father’s heart, and mine as well.” There was some sniffing, and aw’s. “Cindy,” I said, raising my glass, “cheers to you.”
They all raised their glasses and clinked them together. But before I sat, I said, “Oh, and Pops. Don’t screw this up.” Everyone laughed, and he stuck his tongue out at me.
When I sat down, there seemed to be a nice lull in the conversation. Then Bobby stood up, stretching. “Well, gentlemen,” he said, and they all stood up along with him. “I think we should say goodbye to these lovely ladies, because it’s time,” he paused, his smile widening, “to party!”
They all cheered, including Mortimer, and I looked at Pops. He winked at me, and I nodded. He was telling me that he did invite the vampire, and he was happy to have him along. I breathed a sigh of relief as Bobby walked around the table dragging Pops away from Moms as they were kissing. They went out of the house, with Mortimer as the designated driver, and us girls were left alone. That’s when it hit me.
“Cindy,” I breathed, smacking my forehead, “I completely forgot.”
“That’s okay,” Sandy said as she got up from the table to go into the living room. She came back with a big black bag in one hand and Fang in the other. “Look who’s up,” she cooed to him, handing him over to me. And as she placed the black bag on the kitchen table, we all knew what was coming.
“Sleepover,” we all giggled like little girls, and we went up stairs to get everything together. As we got to the landing, Tina volunteered to get the T.V. and D.V.D. player from my sister’s room. Then she rolled it, with a little help from Sandy, into my room, because my room was a little bigger than all the rest. It was just how the house was built.
We plugged the cord into the wall and then took turns in the bathroom getting ready for bed. After everyone else was done, and before I left the room, I entrusted Fang to Madison. As she petted his ears, I saw that he was in puppy heaven, so I went into the bathroom to put on my comfiest sweats and oversized gray hoodie. Then I walked back into the room, throwing the dress and shoes in a pile on my closet floor.
Sandy, in her long-sleeved nightgown, opened up the black bag further, taking out several D.V.D.’s. “Okay, I got Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and a lot more. Which one first?”
“Pride and Prejudice,” Mommy and I said together.
“Good choice,” Mad said, reaching into the bag while still holding onto Fang. “Shit,” she hissed.
“What?” I asked.
“I forgot to pop the popcorn,” she replied with a pout. And by the sheer effort it took her to make it up the stairs, I didn’t want her to go back down. So, I offered to make it for us. “You sure?” she asked with a smile.
I nodded. “I am. You just watch Fang for me,” I replied and in the same breath said, “I’ll be right back, ladies. I’m going to make some popcorn, please start the movie without me.”
“She only says that because she’s seen it a million times,” Tina over exaggerated, but she wasn’t far off.
They all laughed, and I walked downstairs with a smile on my face. As I went into the kitchen, I placed the popcorn in the microwave and waited. When the first bag was done, I pulled it out placing the second one in. However, before t
he microwave dinged, I felt the air get heavy behind me. I turned around quickly to see Bobby standing there.
I placed my hand over my heart. “Bobby, you scared me. What’s wrong?”
He rolled his eyes. “I forgot the beer.”
I laughed, pointing to the microwave. “Mad forgot the popcorn. I’m sure the beer’s in the fridge.”
“Yeah,” he breathed, walking closer to me. “Pat, I know it’s not my place to ask, but are you and Mortimer… you know?”
“You’re right,” I huffed, folding my arms, “it’s not your place to ask. But if you must know, for the thousandth time, no, we’re not.”
“Good,” he said, and before I could come back at him, he walked over to me, grabbed me by my waist, and shoved his tongue down my throat.
I tried to push him off me, but he just kept kissing. His mouth muffled my screams, and I said his name at least four times before I heard the back door slam open. Mike ran over to us, grabbing Bobby by the back of the neck, throwing him against the refrigerator. After which, he started strangling Bobby. Mike’s eyes turned yellow and his teeth sharpened, as did his nails. “You stay the fuck away from her, little boy,” Mike growled, “or I will rip your throat out. Understand?”
“Mike,” I said as calmly as I could. “Let him go. He’s drunk. He didn’t mean anything by it.”
The wolf didn’t loosen his grip; he just stared Bobby down. “I said do you understand?” Bobby nodded, and he let go. “Get out,” Mike hissed, getting the beer out of the fridge and shoving it in Bobby’s hands. “Now,” he growled again, and Bobby left without another word.
“You okay, bébé?” he asked, placing his hand on my cheek. “Did he hurt you?” His face was back to normal in an instant, and he was as tender as tender could be.
I shook my head. “I’m fine.”
“Ya sure?”
“I’m fine, Mike,” I insisted. “I think you put the fear of the wolf in him. He won’t be trying anything like that again.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Pat. I know it must’ve been awful, but I couldn’t stand him touchin’ ya without your permission. It reminded me of…” his voice trailed away.
