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The Best Man

Page 18

by Michelle Lee


  Don't remind me.

  "We're waiting," Macy glares as she taps the water bottle.

  "I'm getting to it; don't get your panties in a wad. The other day he brought lunch to my office…."

  "And?" They both eagerly lean in.

  "Well, before we were so rudely interrupted, he um….his um….his hand found its way up my skirt and he began to um, to um, diddle my kitty," I clasp my hands over my face and wait.

  "It's about fucking time! But wait, what do you mean you were rudely interrupted?" inquires Macy.

  "Jackson walked in."

  "That little prick. I hope you told him off?" Macy asks as Chloe nods in agreement.

  "Oh, I took care of that little bastard prick fuck," I seethe as I remember Jackson's interruption.

  "Oh Kassidy, I'm so happy for you. I told you, you and Davis were meant to be together," Chloe finally speaks.

  "Oh Jesus, no need to start picking out fucking china patterns, Stevens. She only got fingered," Macy crudely reminds all of us.

  "We'll see." Chloe smirks as she taps her finger to her temple.

  The proverbial cat is out of the bag and a rush of relief washes over me. It feels good, no not good, it feels right to finally say out loud what I have been feeling lately. There is no turning back now; it is out in the open. I have feelings for Davis. The question remains if he has the same feelings for me. I know how his dick reacts to me, so that head is accounted for. I just don't know what the head with the brain is thinking. Sure, he tried to scratch my itch so to speak in my office the other day, but that doesn't necessarily mean he is into me, thinking about me, or feeling about me the way I am feeling about him. The realization that I have feelings for him and want more is overwhelming to say the least. Hopefully in time all my questions will be answered.

  Now that the Nosey Twins know, I hope and pray that the two of them will keep their big mouths shut. I don't want them running to him like we are in high school or middle school for that matter. Here Davis, check yes or no if you like our friend Kassidy, plays in my head.

  "Guys, please don't say anything to him, please? Especially you Chloe," I implore.

  "Well, I don't know about our red-headed matchmaker here, but my lips are sealed," Macy promises.

  "Chloe?" I look at her with the biggest puppy dog eyes I can muster.

  "Well, all right. But if you don't do something about it soon, I'm taking over because this thing with him isn't going to drag out like it usually does. You got me?" Chloe insists.

  "Fine, but just let me do this at my own pace, please Chloe. I know you mean well and believe everyone is destined for someone, but I need to do this my way, on my own terms, at my own pace…I don’t want it to be like.." A rogue tear pushes through my wall and trails down my cheek.

  "Kas, honey, I didn't mean, I just want you….your way, in your own time. I'm, we're here for you, okay," Chloe and Macy group hug me sealing their promise.

  "So, he's gonna be your date?" Chloe perks up.

  "I think so."

  "I still thought that you were going with Jackson or solo and I didn't think you would want to be anywhere near him, so you guys aren't seated anyway near each other. Damn it, it's too late to change the seating arrangements. Kassidy, I'm so sorry. Maybe we can…"

  I place my hand over her mouth, "Shhh, it's fine. It's not like I won't see him at all," I ease her worried little mind.

  "I know but still."

  "Stevens take a fucking pill. It's not like they will be separated by miles and miles of dance floor. I'm sure they'll bump into each other. Okay, I would love to talk about this some more but not here, I'm starving. Who's up for some sushi?" Macy asks as she stands up rubbing her stomach.

  "Ohhhhh, sushi sounds great," Chloe agrees.

  "Then it's settled, Kas?" Macy turns to me.

  "Let's go," I finish.

  We leave my apartment and head out for sushi. I know I can trust my girls to keep quiet until I am ready, even Chloe. They understand how I feel and will respect my wishes. My only concern is how this is all going to play out with Davis. Does he feel the same way, or am I just to be another name for his cell phone harem? Shit, no need to worry now I have other pressing matters to worry about, like deciding on a spicy tuna roll or a dynamite roll. Oh and not to mention the dance at the wedding. Embarrassing myself is not an option; and of course mailing my special present for Davis.

  ***

  I am on my way to meet Chloe and Macy for our nail appointment. Chloe has become a Bridezilla of sorts. She is usually demanding, but the pressure of putting on the perfect wedding has made matters worse. I have surrendered to the fact that the next couple of days I am going to be painted, pulled and teased to make up for a lifetime of not always being a girly girl. The wedding is in two days and when I am not working I am submerged up to my eyeballs in it. As much as it is an annoyance I would do anything for Chloe.

  "Oh Miss Kassidy, it's so nice to meet you," Shauna cheerfully says as I enter the nail salon.

  "Nice to meet you too." I smile back.

  "Well it's about damn time. Thanks for leaving me alone with Attila the Hun," Macy blurts out across the room.

  "Hey, that's Miss Attila the Hun to you," Chloe teases back.

  "Sorry, it won't happen again," Macy curtsies.

  "Okay, Miss Kassidy, have a seat and let's get started," Shauna motions to the nearby station.

  As I sit down my phone vibrates. I can't imagine who would be calling me when the two people I talk to the most were with me.

  "Hello," I answer as I Shauna takes my available hand and places in a bowl of suds.

  "Why, hello Miss Marshall," a velvet voice soothes through the phone.

  "Oh, hello Mr. Davis," I reply as I try to contain my giddiness.

  "I believe I have you to thank for my recent delivery," he inquires.

  "Who me?" I flirt.

  "Um, yes you, unless you know of someone whom would send me a box full of knotted cherry stems?"

  My heart skips a beat. "I really can't think of anyone."

  "Well played, Miss Marshall," he replies.

  "Thank you, Mr. Davis. I believe the score is Marshall 3 Davis 1?"

  "You would think that. I believe the score is Davis 4 Marshall 2."

  "You are so mistaken. I'm winning this game."

  "You may be winning this game, Miss Marshall, but you can bet that I am going to win the series," he teases.

  "Oh you can think that all you want, but the truth is you're gonna lose and lose big."

  "We'll see about that."

  "We sure will. Ball's in your court, Mr. Davis."

  "I'll show you…" he trails off.

  "You'll show me what?"

  "You'll just have to wait and see."

  "I most definitely look forward to it. And don't keep me waiting long," I playfully demand.

  "Hopefully, neither one of us will be waiting long." His velvet voice flows out of my phone and wraps around me.

  Holytruckingshitballs! I can't believe he can undo me through the damn phone!

  God help you if you make us wait!

  Easy Miss Impatient, in due time.

  Time is due. No more games.

  I know, I'm getting tired of them too.

  Finally!

  And my inner self does a back flip.

  "Bye Davis." I breathe as I feel the crimson wave settle on my cheeks and my heart rate accelerates.

  "Bye Kassidy."

  As I hang up the phone I feel a burning sensation on either side of me. I turn to right and then to the left and see Macy and Chloe staring at me with their mouths gaping open.

  "Are you fucking kidding me? Who the hell are you and where the fuck did Kassidy go?" Macy screeches.

  "Yeah, Kassidy what the hell? That was so not like you. That was really hot and well played," adds Chloe in amazement.

  "He just does something to me," I confess.

  "I'll say. Shit, if I were I guy I would have a hard on right
now after listening to that conversation," cracks Macy.

  "Me too," Chloe chimes in.

  "Sorry."

  "Honey don't be, we like seeing you like this. Thank God, Ryan Davis came along because we were about to lose all hope. We thought we would have to visit you at the convent," Macy conveys sweetly.

  "I second that. I'm so happy for you Kassidy, you have no idea. It broke my heart to see you so, so lonely for so long. Davis has truly opened you up, you seem happier, brighter. And I love that you're so playful with him. He honestly is a great guy, if he weren't I would be telling him to back the fuck off. You're my girl, my sister and your happiness means the world to me, just know and remember that," Chloe says tearfully.

  "Macy, is something wrong?" I question as I notice Macy's eyes well up with tears.

  "Nothing's wrong, the fumes in here are killing me." She diverts as she wipes her eyes with the back of her hand.

  "Fumes, huh? Okay Macy," Chloe and I speak in unison.

  "Yes fucking fumes! Now can you both drop it." The pit bull retracts her fangs and shows me a tender smile.

  She's happy for you too.

  I know.

  We all are.

  I know.

  I hope you know that you deserve this, to be happy.

  I think I do.

  You better because it's been way too long.

  Too long.

  Shauna continues to French my nails as does Chloe's and Macy's nail technicians. We continue to talk wedding plans, especially about the night before, because we will all be together at my place. I stare out the window feeling content for the first time in a long time. Davis has done that. I close my eyes as Shauna massages my hand and my mind is flooded with visions of Davis smiling at me. I take a deep breath and see my everything in that smile. We have only known each other for a short time, but somewhere deep inside the feelings have grown and flourished and for the first time I am not so scared.

  ***

  "Okay my beautiful bitches, a toast. Chloe, we couldn't be happier that you've found your, as you call it, your destiny. Jason is a lucky man and if he ever does anything wrong by you let it be known that I will castrate his shit faster than he can say 'Macy No!' To Chloe and Jason." Macy raises her glass with a wink.

  She is brutal and blunt but her words ring true. We will do anything to anyone that would hurt the other. We are bound together like sisters.

  Thank God Macy is on our side.

  You can say that again.

  Yeah, I pity the fool who decides to mess with her. She's one tough bitch.

  Don't I know it?

  I gently rub my side as I try to soothe the bruise that Macy had put there when we wrestled for my box.

  We drink our champagne, put on some tunes and just girl talk. It isn't going to be a late night, after all the wedding is tomorrow. Torture will ensue first thing in the morning. I’m not looking forward to it. While Macy and Chloe chit chat, I make my way to bedroom and grab something I have been saving. When I return Chloe and Macy are in an embrace and they both are crying.

  "Hey don't forget me," I cry.

  They both reach out their arms, while not breaking their embrace and welcome me in. We hug for what seems like an eternity before I remember the box I am holding.

  "Here Chloe this is for you," I choke as the emotional lump is still stuck in my throat.

  "What's this?" Chloe asks wiping the tears from her eyes.

  "It's a little something for your big day," I reply.

  Chloe carefully unwraps the ribbon and stares at its contents.

  "Oh Kassidy," she breathes as a tear escapes, "it's beautiful.”

  Chloe pulls out an embroidered hankie from the box. It is made out of white silk and had C E A embroidered in aqua on it. With it clutched in her hand, Chloe pulls me in for a big hug and holds me tighter than ever. We both start to cry again and this time it’s not me asking not to forget about me, it’s Macy who does. The three of us just hold each other and cry for what seems like an eternity. Finally the gush fest is over and we pull apart.

  "Okay, so tomorrow, bright and early we go see Alec for our hair and then Amber for our make-up. So I think we should call it a night," insists Chloe.

  "Yes, Mom," Macy and I say in unison.

  We all curl up in my bed and eventually they both quickly fall asleep. I stay awake for a little while longer as I go over the dance routine in my mind. At one point my thoughts turn to Davis holding me, and I smile immediately erupts across my lips. For the first time I look forward to dancing.

  ***

  Chloe is a tornado in the morning, swirling all around my apartment, making sure everything is in order. Her cell phone is permanently attached to ear as she speaks quite often to her wedding planner. The three of us make our way to the salon to get what Chloe calls pampered. Her idea of pampering is more like having bamboo skewers shoved under my finger nails. But for Chloe, I will endure such torturous things; it is her day after all.

  Alec, twists, pulls and teases my hair into the most elegant wave of curls I have ever seen. Amber plucks, smears, brushes, and glosses every single millimeter of my face. When all is said and done and I look in the mirror, I honestly don't recognize the woman staring back at me.

  "Oh, Kassidy, you look amazing," Chloe tearfully compliments.

  "Shit, bitch I'd do ya," teases Macy.

  "Thanks, guys." I blush.

  The three of us look amazing. Chloe looks like the most beautiful bride that there ever was. The limo arrives to take us to The Peninsula. It is great that the ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue. I can feel the butterflies flutter in my stomach. I’m not nervous about the ceremony, although the thought of walking down the aisle in front of everyone and falling on my ass does pop into my brain on several occasions. Audrina, the wedding planner, comes to inform us that it is time. Chloe looks to me and Macy and I can see her eyes begin to well up.

  "Chloe Elizabeth Stevens don't you dare mess up your make up, cause I have no clue as to how to fix it if you do," I joke to relieve some of her nerves.

  She chuckles, "Thanks, Kas."

  I reach my arms carefully around her, as I am afraid I will wrinkle her or something, and gently kiss her cheek.

  "You girls ready?" asks Audrina.

  "Yes, I think we are," confirms Chloe.

  "Okay then, Macy you're first and then Kassidy," Audrina directs.

  "Ready Mrs. Anderson," I ask.

  "Ready." Chloe affirms.

  The music cues up for our entrance. Macy starts the long walk to the minister first. Audrina stops me before I follow after Macy.

  "Not yet, Kassidy," she directs.

  As I stand there, waiting my turn, I feel the butterflies in my stomach pick up speed and it feels as though some of them are attempting an escape. My palms are sweaty and my heart rate is well on its way to win the Daytona 500.

  "Kassidy, it's your turn," Audrina informs me.

  I freeze.

  "Kassidy?" Audrina nudges.

  I am paralyzed.

  "Kas, it's okay. I'll be right behind you," Chloe reassures me, full well knowing how I hate being in the spotlight.

  I dig down deep for my inner strength to move.

  Don't panic, we've got this.

  Are you sure?

  Trust me.

  If I land flat on my face with my ass in the air, so help me!

  No need, I've, you've--we've got this.

  With my inner self's reassurance, I step one foot in front of the other and make the long walk down the aisle. I feel all eyes on me, burning into me. My heart goes into hyper-drive, my mouth feels like the Sahara, while my palms are the Nile.

  If this is how I react to being a maid of honor, what is going to happen when I'm the damn bride?

  Don't think of that now, look.

  I suddenly feel a magnetic pull tug at my core. My eyes are instantly drawn to the same direction as the pull and at the end of the aisle, he stands. Davis’s
green eyes twinkle and dance as I meet his gaze. A wave of calm flashes over me. He smiles as if to say you can do this. In that instance, I know I can. I continue the walk down the aisle, focused on Davis. He is like the Death Star and I am the Millennium Falcon caught in his tractor beam. It feels as though I have the hugest smile on my face because my cheeks have started to hurt. Davis smiles back as he shakes and bows his head in amusement.

  I blush. I finally make it to my place next to Macy without incidents.

  I told you, you had this.

  Davis helped.

  He sure did. She winks.

  Chloe gracefully floats to Jason's side. I feel the tears prick as they say their "I do's". Finally, the minister pronounces them husband and wife and the place erupts in cheers and whistles. Chloe and Jason go arm and arm back up the aisle. Davis takes my arm in his and we follow behind. I feel a tingly sensation that creeps up from my toes and nestles between my thighs.

  Holy!

  Keep it together. No need to become a pool of orgasmic goo right here in front of everyone.

  I'm trying, but when he touches me.

  I know, believe me. I feel it too.

  "You look beautiful," he whispers, as he leans into me for the photographer to snap a shot of us.

  Cue that crimson wave.

  "You look quite beautiful yourself," I whisper back as I reach deep inside for a truckload of confidence.

  Nice.

  Thank you.

  And he really does, right out of the pages of GQ.

  You can say that again.

  The rest of the guests make their way out into the hall to greet the new Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. Chloe and Jason look beyond happy. They are truly meant for each other. The photographer pulls the wedding party away from the guests to arrange us in many poses for memories. Chloe insists that Davis and I be photographed alone in more shots than is necessary. My little meddler is still playing match maker even on her wedding day. Usually I hate having my picture taken, but today isn't the case. Alec and Amber have worked miracles on my hair and make-up. I actually feel pretty good standing next to the Adonis that has walked into my life months ago.

  When the photographer finally finishes, Davis’s arm snakes around my waist and he pulls me to a secluded corner. "Have I told you how amazing you look," he breathes inches from my face.

 

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