Hard Game

by Harper Lauren

  Charlene gave me a sympathetic smile and a hug. “I wasn’t talking about the dresses, Cassy,” she said softly.

  My mouth dropped open in surprise and understanding. Of course. She was referring to Ivan.

  We didn’t have any more chance to talk as Rosie’s mom greeted us and ushered us upstairs. I forced Ivan out of my mind as I smiled at the bridesmaids who were already dressed in my creations.

  “I’m so glad to see you again!” Rosie said cheerfully, her face lighting up. “How’s city life?”

  “Pretty much the same,” I answered with a shrug. “Busy, busy, busy. No time to stop and smell the roses.”

  Rosie laughed. “Well, you should take a break and spend a week here, Cassy.”

  Charlene raised her eyebrows at me as she prepped Rosie’s hair with curlers and some sort of styling mousse.

  “I’ll think about it,” I told Rosie before excusing myself to check on the other girls and make sure their dresses were perfect.

  A photographer was present, taking snapshots of the girls who were beautifully clad in matching flowing dresses in blush and powder blue. I had designed the tops to vary, making sure that each style suited the wearer.

  “I’m loving this dress!” one of them exclaimed, giggling as she turned in a pirouette and let the skirt swish around her ankles.

  The others laughed. I grinned, delighted that they were all happy with the dresses. “Thank you,” I said.

  “I am so getting you as my designer when I get married,” another bridesmaid said.

  “Silly, you don’t even have a boyfriend yet!” her friend teased. We all laughed.

  One of them suddenly came forward. “By the way, did you bring the handcrafted boutonniere and bowties for the groomsmen?” a lady with short brown hair asked. “I think my boyfriend’s down there already with the rest of the groomsmen. Rosie said you made them from the same fabric as our dresses.”

  “Oh, right, yes,” I said, my heart beating like crazy. “You can give it to them.”

  I was about to hand over the pouch that contained the men’s boutonnieres and bowties I had sewn myself when the photographer whisked the girls away for another set of shots.

  “I’ll just, uh, give it to them myself,” I told them, heading over to the stairs. I could hear the guys laughing and joking around in the living room. My heart began to hammer uncontrollably. My throat had suddenly turned dry, while my hands felt damp with cold sweat.

  “Hi,” a big guy said when he saw me approaching. “I think I’ve met you before.”

  I gave him a forced smile, recognizing him as one of the football players of Windfield Warriors. “I’m Cassy,” I simply said. “I made the dresses for the girls and I also have your boutonnieres.”

  As I brought out the boutonnieres, he suddenly snapped his fingers and exclaimed, “Oh, yeah, I remember meeting you on the practice field. You came with Ivan, right?”

  The smile on my lips froze. “Uh, yes,” I answered uncomfortably as I pinned his boutonniere . The groomsmen were all wearing the same long sleeves with brown pants and matching suspenders.

  To my shock, he turned around and said, “Hey, Ivan! Your girlfriend’s here!”

  I looked up despite the slight tremble in my body, my eyes resting on the first man I had ever loved. He looked strikingly handsome in his ensemble, his gaze seemingly burning a hole into my eyes and making me feel self-conscious in my drab shirt and jeans.

  “Hey,” Ivan said when he was standing in front of me already, his mellow voice squeezing my heart. I had never seen him dressed like that, which made him all the more attractive to me.

  “Hey,” I whispered, mesmerized by his presence. It was as if the world had stopped revolving, leaving the two of us frozen in time.

  The guy who had called him broke the silence. “I’ll leave you lovebirds alone,” he said, chuckling. He grabbed a couple of boutonnieres and bowties from the bag I had placed on the couch, distracting me for a while. “I’m distributing these to the guys!” he shouted.

  “Do you have mine?” he asked me.

  “What?” I said in confusion. Then it dawned on me that he was asking for his boutonniere and bowtie. “Oh, wait.” I silently cursed myself for being so stupid while I fished out the remaining ones which the other guy had purposely left behind.

  When I handed over the bowtie to Ivan, our fingers touched. I felt an electric shock course through my body. He must have felt it too because his eyes widened as they searched mine. I averted my eyes, though.

  He quickly strapped the bowtie around his neck. “Thanks,” he said. “How are you, Cassy?”

  The way he said my name made my heart race more, if that was even possible. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck standing. “I’m okay, thanks,” I replied quietly as I handed over the boutonniere, making sure we did not touch this time.

  He tried to pin the boutonniere, but ended up pricking himself. “Ouch,” he said, holding his finger up to check the wound. He pinched the area to let some blood out.

  On instinct, I opened my handbag and took out my emergency kit where I had alcohol wipes and band aids. I took his hand and wiped it gently before wrapping the band aid around it. “We don’t want you getting any blood stains on your clothes,” I said.

  He smiled at me, igniting the sleeping desire within me. I could hardly contain my hammering heart as I realized just how much I still cared about him.

  He was about to try again with the boutonniere when I took the initiative already. “Let me,” I whispered, taking the boutonniere and adjusting it accordingly. I pinned it easily on his shirt, but not before I caught a whiff of his familiar cologne, which seemed to draw me in even more. And if that wasn’t enough, he had the audacity to suddenly grab my hands as I finished pinning the boutonniere.

  Our eyes met, swimming with words left unsaid. “Cassy, I’m really glad you came,” he said.

  I smiled and nodded, pulling my hands away. “Yeah, well, I couldn’t let Rosie down, could I?” I said. “Speaking of, I need to go back there now. Charlene must be done with her hair and makeup now.”

  He nodded in understanding. “I’ll see you around.”

  I bounded up the stairs hurriedly, breathing heavily, my heart thumping in chaos.

  Chapter 26

  Ivan

  Alex was my first buddy to get married. I had to admit--- the idea of settling down was still far from my mind, but as I watched him and Rosie exchange vows under the white gazebo that had been set up beside the lake, I began to wonder what it would be like to have that kind of love and contentment, the assurance that someone completely accepted and trusted you for who you were and was willing to give you unconditional love for eternity.

  Unknowingly my eyes drifted to Cassy who looked exquisite with her long blonde hair arranged in a loose braid with pink roses intertwined into the strands. She was seated on the other side with her best friend Charlene, wearing a classic light pink dress with a low neckline and a long slit skirt.

  I ached to be with her, imagining how it would feel to be sitting beside the only woman I had ever loved. This wasn’t how I had pictured us during this occasion. Sadly, I was filled with regrets that I could do nothing about for now.

  I looked at her intently, wondering if she would still be willing to give me another chance now that we’d had time to somehow heal. Her eyes were glistening with tears as she watched the couple.

  When the pastor declared Alex and Rosie as husband and wife, everybody broke into applause and cheer. And as they shared their first kiss as a married couple, I saw Cassy brush away a tear and then look at me across the aisle.

  She registered surprise upon seeing my eyes on her, but she still dared to meet my gaze. Despite the distance, we seemed to be caught in a spell, our eyes uttering words that only our hearts could hear and understand. My heart soared with hope. Perhaps there was still a chance for us.

  I hardly noticed someone tapping me on the shoulder as the crowd gathered round the
couple and showered them with rose petals.

  “Ivan,” a female voice said in my ear. I turned to my side to see a beautiful brown-haired woman that I would instantly recognize anywhere. It was my ex-girlfriend from senior high school.

  “Jill!” I exclaimed in disbelief. “I didn’t think you were coming. When did you arrive from London?”

  The young woman smiled brightly. “Just two days ago. How are you?”

  “Fine, fine,” I said, smiling. We had actually had a good break-up, but had lost touch over the years since I had left town for college and heard that she’d gone to London for an art scholarship.

  We chatted some more as the crowd dispersed around us. From the corner of my eye, I saw Cassy approaching. But when she saw me with Jill, she stopped and frowned. I was about to excuse myself from the conversation with Jill and run after her when she quickly left the scene.

  “Who was that?” Jill wondered. “She doesn’t look familiar.”

  “She’s the niece of Ellen Young, if you remember her.”

  “Oh, I see,” Jill said. “She’s so pretty, I thought it was some celebrity that Rosie met in the city.”

  I simply smiled. “Yes, very pretty and very special.”

  Jill grinned. “Sounds like someone special to you. And she looked quite jealous a while back. You should go talk to her.”

  “I guess,” was all I said.

  “Let me find my husband and kids in the crowd, and we’ll catch up later.”

  “Husband and kids?” I asked in surprise. “I didn’t know. Congratulations.”

  Jill laughed. “We met in London and here we are with two toddlers in tow. You’ll meet them later, I promise.”

  “Yeah, sure, I’d like that,” I told her sincerely.

  “Great seeing you again, Ivan,” she said before heading toward the other guests milling about.

  I smiled, truly glad that Jill had found her happiness. Now it was my turn to find mine.

  The sky was getting dark, creating a more romantic atmosphere suited for the wedding. With the lanterns and tea lights spread around the place, the creatively arranged flowers and driftwood pieces on the tables, and the smiling guests settling into their respective seats, everything seemed picture-perfect. I was of course happy for the newlyweds, despite the doubts and fears that gripped my heart when it came to my own romance.

  When I checked the seating arrangement, I wasn’t surprised to see that I’d been placed with our local friends instead of with the football team players. After all, my teammates had one table occupied already along with their dates. But what I hadn’t counted on was that Cassy and Charlene had also been seated at my table. Now I don’t know if Alex and Rosie had intended that or had just forgotten to change it.

  Naturally, the table was already almost occupied. The only empty seat was the one beside Cassy, which had probably been rigged by our friends.

  Glancing at Jenny and Mel and the others at the table, I took my seat and greeted everybody. They all greeted me as if nothing was up. Charlene said hello but had to leave at once to retouch Rosie’s makeup.

  “Hey,” I said to Cassy. “Beautiful wedding, huh?”

  “Yeah,” Cassy answered. “Alex and Rosie are lucky to have each other. They make such a sweet couple.”

  “Definitely meant to be,” I agreed. “Kind of rare these days…”

  “You bet,” she replied with a tinge of sarcasm.

  I ignored the tone of voice and tried to initiate a conversation again, but then, she cut me off and said, “I think there’s someone trying to catch your attention.”

  I followed her gaze and saw Jill coming toward us. “Ah, that’s Jill, my ex-girlfriend from high school.”

  “Oh, nice,” Cassy remarked with a forced smile. “Go ahead.”

  I couldn’t help chuckling, which made her snort with a dagger look at me. I wanted to kiss her right then and there because she looked so cute and charming getting obviously jealous. The hope that glimmered within me surged.

  I stood up and grabbed her hand before I could have second thoughts. On impulse, I pulled her toward me as Jill came up. Cassy was so astonished she didn’t even have time to react.

  “Hi, Jill! I’d like you to meet my friend Cassy,” I said casually. “Cassy, this is Jill, my high school friend. She’s also a very good friend of Rosie.”

  Cassy smiled broadly, but I could tell that she was very uncomfortable and annoyed. On the other hand, Jill was all friendly, unmindful of the other woman’s real feelings.

  I couldn’t deny the fact that I was enjoying the moment, seeing the present apple of my eye squirming and looking downright jealous.

  Suddenly, a four-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl came running toward us. They were giggling the whole time, shouting, “Mommy! Mommy!”

  I smiled even wider. It was just the right timing.

  The children hugged Jill, who hugged them back and introduced them to us. “Ivan and Cassy, meet my precious little ones.”

  Cassy’s eyes widened in apparent shock. She glanced at me, but I ignored her and simply said hello to the kids. Then I added to Jill, “So glad to meet your adorable children. Where’s your husband?”

  Jill turned around just as the kids both exclaimed, “Daddy!”

  A tall man with sandy hair came forward. He seemed a little bit older than us. As he joined Jill, he put an arm around her and shook our hands. “It’s nice to meet both of you,” he said.

  I sneaked a glance at Cassy who still seemed quite bewildered.

  The reception was starting already, so Jill and her husband said goodbye and went to their own table with their children.

  Cassy sat in silence, even when Charlene came back. She probably pretended to focus on the speeches and all the wedding traditions that took place, but studying her face, I could almost hear her mind whirring with all sorts of wild thoughts.

  Chapter 27

  Cassy

  I had a lot of doubts. I wasn’t sure if I should trust him again, but nevertheless, I just followed my instincts and let my guard down just for that evening.

  I probably won’t see him again after this, anyway…I thought as he led me to the dance floor and pulled me close to him.

  A romantic song was playing and most of the couples had begun slow-dancing around us.

  My heart was sprinting, the fast rhythm seemingly reverberating in my ears. He took my arms and placed them on his shoulders before wrapping his arms around my waist. The entire time his eyes were on mine, a loving gaze in them. I felt like I was melting as we slowly swayed to the gentle music.

  We didn’t say anything to each other, and I was happy with that. I had so many words stuck in my throat, but I didn’t know where to start. It was like we were both content just savoring the moment.

  Eventually, I slid my hands around his neck and pressed closer to him. It just felt so natural at that time. He held me tighter, which made my body temperature shoot up. I could feel the electricity coursing through my whole body, every inch of me screaming for his familiar intimate touch.

  I leaned my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. That was when I felt his lips brush against my forehead very gently and very sweetly. I smiled but didn’t open my eyes. I felt like I was floating in a dream I didn’t want to wake up from. It was a beautiful, peaceful place with no remorse, doubts, fears, and lingering pain from the past.

  Suddenly, I was shocked to feel his lips graze my ear. A single whisper made my heart swell with so much emotion I could feel tears rising in my throat.

  “I love you, Cassy,” he whispered in my ear, causing my heart to constrict because of the immense overflow of emotions that those three simple words conjured. I was almost afraid to open my eyes.

  He pulled back gently and faced me, searching my face for some sort of reaction. I was feeling so overwhelmed, I couldn’t get any word out. This was the very first time he’d said those words to me, and I wasn’t even sure if I felt the same way. My mind was blank, but
my heart was certainly full.

  “Come on,” he said, pulling me toward a portion of the lake where couples were lining up to have their picture taken on a live horse that was posing under a floral heart-shaped arch.

  “Really?” I asked, scoffing. “You’re serious?!”

  “Why not?” he said, grinning as we waited for our turn. We were the last in line.

  “This ain’t too mushy for the big football star?” I said in a joking tone.

  “Well, yeah,” he admitted, chuckling. “But just for kicks.”

  “Okay,” I said, smiling.

  Finally, our turn came. Ivan hoisted me up first on the horse then went up behind me, enfolding me in a sweet embrace. The assistant positioned the horse, the sudden movement causing me to wobble. I gave a little scream, which made Ivan laugh and hug me tighter. “I got you, don’t worry,” he said.

  After having our picture taken, he tipped the assistant whom he seemed to know by name. “Thanks, Tommy,” he said. “You can go eat dinner now.”

  I was taken aback when Ivan suddenly took the reins and led the horse to a trot. I gave a shriek, gripping his hands tightly in fear of falling. “Are you out of your mind?” I hissed.

  “You could say that,” he replied with a laugh, making me glare at him. That made him laugh harder.