by Ward, Alice
I looked pleadingly into Jackson’s eyes.
Please turn her down. Please shut up and change the subject. Please don’t make this worse.
“I could use some advice,” Jackson said, trying to sound reluctant. I saw right through him, but my mother didn’t.
“Of course you could. That’s what family is for sweetheart. So tell us what’s going on between you and this girl. What’s so complicated?”
“We get along really well and I know she has feelings for me. But she insists that we could never be together. She thinks family issues would make things too complicated.”
“Family issues?” Jack asked, his face full of confusion. It was obvious he found the thought of someone having a problem with the Montgomery family completely ludicrous.
“She thinks you wouldn’t want me dating her and her parents’ wouldn’t want her dating me.”
Rage and embarrassment battled within me, but I tried to keep my cool.
“What possible reason could she have for thinking that?” Mom asked. “Who is this girl?”
“I’m sorry, Gloria. I promised her I wouldn’t tell anyone her name.”
“Well, Jackson. That alone should tell you the girl’s imbalanced,” Jack insisted. I tried not to feel insulted and downed the rest of my Bloody Mary.
“Your father is right, Jackson. You shouldn’t waste your time with someone who’s not even willing to admit you’re seeing each other,” Mom told him.
“She’s not unbalanced, she’s just being… overly cautious,” Jackson told them. “What do you think, Kennedy?” He turned and stared at me, daring me to stand up for myself.
“I think it sounds like she’s not interested and you’re having a hard time taking no for an answer,” I said, looking him square in the eye.
“Kennedy!” Mom gasped.
“I’m sorry, Mom, but he asked. Jackson, how long have you been trying to win this girl over?” I asked.
“A few months,” he replied. His eyes bore in to me, but I didn’t back down.
“And has she gone out with you?”
“Once.”
“And after your date, she said she didn’t want to see you again?”
“Yeah… pretty much.”
I shrugged. “Then you should probably just move on. There are plenty of nice girls out there who’d love to date you. Maybe I could set you up with someone.”
“Oh that would be fantastic!” Mom agreed. “And I bet Jackson could help you meet new people too. I’ve always said that Kennedy is too reserved. Maybe you can help me loosen her up.”
“I’d love to give it a try,” Jackson told her.
“Look Jack, they’re getting along like brother and sister already,” Mom said with happy tears in her eyes.
Rhonda appeared at the table, followed by two other servers with large trays. “Here are the first course selections,” she said as they distributed the plates. “We recommend four selections for parties under one hundred and have a sliding scale from there. With the number you gave the chef, six selections will be best for your reception.”
“How big is this reasonable guest list?” I asked as I piled my plate with tiny food. I took a bite of crab cake as Mom answered.
“Around two-fifty. But when you consider mine and Jack’s business contacts, that’s a small number.”
Who is this woman? Two-hundred and fifty people? Oh God, at this rate she’s going to make me wear tulle…
We spent the rest of the afternoon sampling food and talking about the wedding plans. No one brought up Jackson’s mystery woman again and towards the end of the meal I realized that I was actually enjoying myself. When it was time to leave, I was sorry to say goodbye. We all stepped out of the restaurant together.
“Kennedy, can we give you a ride back to campus?” Jack asked.
“I can take her,” Jackson said quickly.
“Thank you, Jackson,” Mom smiled and wrapped him in a hug. “Take care of my girl.”
“We’ll see you both soon,” Jack added.
Once we’d all exchanged hugs, Jack and Mom slipped into his Mercedes and pulled out of the parking lot. I set off for Jackson’s BMW, but he remained rooted in place. I turned back to see what was wrong.
“What the hell was that?” he snapped.
“You started it,” I replied. “You could have just said ‘That’s alright Gloria, let’s talk about the wedding’. You put me on the spot. You don’t get to be upset about how I handled it.”
“I won’t give up on this,” he insisted.
“You have too. I just had a great time sitting in there and acting like we’re a real family. And I’ve never seen my mom so happy. You have to get your feelings for me out of your head.”
“How am I supposed to do that, Kennedy? You say you had a great time in there. I was miserable. All I wanted to do was lean across the table and kiss you. Tell me you don’t feel the same way.”
Jackson took two strides towards me and wrapped me in his arms. Before I realized what was happening, his lips were on mine.
“Jackson stop it!” I said, wrestling out of his grip. “You can’t do stuff like this anymore.”
“Fine,” he snarled. “Find your own way back to campus.”
Jackson stomped to his car, climbed inside, and sped out of the parking lot. I took a deep breath to calm myself down and then set off on the long walk to the bus station.
***
“Oh Kennedy, you look beautiful,” Mom said as I stepped out of the dressing room.
“This isn’t really my color.” I told her, fingering the soft chiffon fabric of the dandelion yellow bridesmaid’s gown.
“I thought it was nice and summery, but you’re right,” Mom told me. “The color is completely wrong with your hair.”
“I’m sure they have this dress in other colors,” Lauren suggested.
It was a Saturday morning, nearly two weeks since Mom and Jack had made their announcement. Mom had called the night before and insisted we spend the weekend dress shopping. I was confused by why we needed the entire weekend until she explained we’d be taking one of Jack’s private jets to New York City. When I resisted the idea, she invited Lauren along. We’d been to three dress shops already and Mom had yet to try on a single gown.
“Mom, shouldn’t you try something on? You’re dress is much more important than mine.”
“Oh darling, we have all day,” she answered dismissively. “And looking for your dress is much more fun. I can just sit back and relax.” She leaned against the arm of the velvet sofa and sipped her Mimosa.
Sarah, our dress consultant, stepped in to the room with a platter of fresh fruit. “I thought you ladies might be hungry,” she said. “Linda is behind me with more Mimosas. How is it going so far?”
“You were right about that color,” Mom told her. “Kennedy hates it.”
“I love the lines though,” I added quickly. I admired myself again in the mirror. The gown had a fitted empire waist and then flowed elegantly out around my hips. It hid the flaws around my thighs and the extra five pounds I can never seem to shake. “Does this dress come in any other colors?”
“We can have it made in any color. I think emerald green would look fantastic on you.”
“This is precisely why I haven’t chosen any colors yet,” Mom announced. “Can we put her in something emerald so I can see how it looks on her?”
“Absolutely. If you like it, I can take Kennedy’s measurements and put the order in today.”
“How long will a custom order take?” Mom asked, worrying her bottom lip.
“Just two weeks on this one. Once it gets here, we can schedule Kennedy’s final fitting and make sure no last minute alterations need to be made.”
Linda appeared with the Mimosas and a broad smile. “I’ve pulled a large selection of gowns for you, Gloria. Are you ready to get started?”
“Sure, I’ll put on the first one while we wait for an emerald gown for Kennedy. Now, you didn’t
bring anything with sequins or tulle did you? I was serious about no poofy princess dresses.”
“I think you’ll be happy with the choices,” Linda assured her. Sarah left to get my next dress and Linda followed her into the hallway. She returned a few moments later rolling a rack full of dresses. They were all wrapped in thick plastic and it was almost impossible to make out any distinguishing details.
“You don’t really have time for a custom fit gown, so I pulled everything in your size that fit your description,” Linda explained as she pushed the rack into one of the dressing areas. “These are all pretty simple, they’ll be easy to try on. I won’t have to tie you in to anything.” She laughed, her blue eyes shining with amusement. We couldn’t help but laugh with her.
“Okay, wish me luck, girls,” Mom said. She finished her Mimosa and followed Linda in to the dressing area. I collapsed onto the sofa next to Lauren, still wearing the dandelion gown.
“Why don’t you change so you can have something to eat?” Lauren suggested.
“I’d just have to change again when Sarah gets back. With any luck, my part will be over soon and I can relax for the rest of the day.”
“Here we are,” Sarah sang as she breezed back into the room. “I couldn’t find a similar cut in this color so this will have to do.” She held up a piece of emerald fabric large enough to be a tent. “It’s not even close to your size. If you want to change back in to your clothes we can just slip this over you.”
“Sounds fantastic,” I agreed, quickly rising to my feet. I changed quickly and stepped out of my dressing room at the exact moment Mom left hers. My jaw dropped when I saw her in the silky ivory gown.
“You look absolutely stunning,” I told her once the initial shock wore off.
“You really do, Gloria,” Lauren agreed.
Mom stepped up onto the platform and examined herself in the three-sided mirror. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to look at me. “I have to confess, I always thought brides were crazy when they talked about finding the perfect wedding dress. But I’ve never felt so beautiful in my entire life.”
The gown was simple but elegant with a high halter neckline and a slender, flowing skirt. She looked absolutely radiant.
“Where’s your emerald dress?” Mom asked.
“We didn’t have anything in Kennedy’s size, so I brought this to drape over her,” Sarah explained, holding up the gown.
“Come stand next to me,” Mom insisted.
I moved next to her and Sarah draped the fabric over my chest.
“You were absolutely right about this color,” Mom told Sarah. She put her arm around my shoulder and we turned to face the mirror. “Kennedy, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you here with me.”
I was touched and felt tears burn the back of my eyes as well. “I’m honored to be here, Mom. Most people don’t get to do this with their parents. I’m thrilled Jack makes you so happy.”
“I never thought I’d feel this way about anyone,” she told me. “When I’m with him, I feel like the best version of myself. We come from two different worlds, but we fit together so well. And the best part about all of this is that I truly believe in happy endings now. I know that one day, you’ll find your Jack and feel this way too.” A single tear rolled down her cheek and I burst into sobs.
“Kennedy, what’s wrong?” Mom asked, her voice full of concern. She pulled me into her arms and I tried to keep my weepy face away from her gown.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just so happy for you. Let me go, I don’t want to cry on your dress.” I pulled away from her and let the emerald gown fall to the floor.
“I’m sorry,” I told Sarah as I moved to pick it up.
“It’s okay,” she assured me, taking the dress from my hands. “Weddings are emotional, we see a lot of happy tears around here.”
I nodded and returned to my spot on the couch. I wished my tears were happy, but my mother’s words had just reminded me of my feelings for Jackson and the fact that I couldn’t have him. I was convinced I’d never know the kind of love my mother and Jack shared.
“Linda, let’s get me out of this dress,” Mom insisted. “I think the girls have had enough shopping for today. I believe my fiancé sent you the billing information?”
“Yes.”
“Wonderful. Ring up this gown and Kennedy’s custom order. We’ll go to lunch and then come back to have Kennedy’s measurements taken.”
“Of course, Gloria. There’s a wonderful bistro down the block, would you like me to call ahead for a table?”
“That would be fantastic,” Mom agreed, stepping down from the platform. She disappeared into her dressing area and I tried to gather my composure. Mom emerged in a matter of moments and joined Lauren and me on the couch.
“Sarah, will you give us a moment?” she asked.
“Of course. Enjoy your lunch, I’ll see you this afternoon.” She nodded and left the room.
“Kennedy, I know this is all happening rather suddenly,” Mom began. “You’re whole life, it’s just been you and me and now everything’s changing. That must be upsetting for you. I know you’re experiencing a lot of emotions, but I promise you’re going to love Jack. He already loves you.”
“I’m not upset, Mom, I promise,” I assured her.
“I’m your mother, Kennedy. I know when something’s wrong. You’ve been so supportive and I never stopped to think that this must be difficult for you. I’m not sorry I raised you alone, but I’m thrilled to give you a real family now. I know there will be a learning curve and we’ll all have to make some adjustments. But I know that in no time, you’ll feel like Jack and Jackson have always been a part of the family.”
“I’m sure you’re right, Mom. Let’s go have lunch.”
We made our way back onto the street and walked to the bistro. I wished I could tell my mother the truth and explain that I wasn’t upset she had found someone. But how could I tell her that by marrying Jack, she was interfering with my chance of finding happiness with Jackson? I couldn’t. So instead, I put a smile on my face and made a silent vow to push Jackson from my mind for the rest of the weekend.
***
“Kennedy, you look lovely dear.” Jack smiled and patted my hand. “I’m so glad you could make it today. How has your break been so far? Your Mom said you enjoyed the trip to New York.”
“I did Jack. Thank you,” I told him with a smile of my own. It was Saturday afternoon, a week after our trip to New York City. Mom, Jack, and I were having drinks around the kitchen island of the Montgomery’s gigantic family home. Mom and Jack’s engagement party was set to start in half an hour and the catering staff worked around us, putting last minute touches on the appetizer trays. I felt odd sitting and relaxing while so many people worked around me, but Mom and Jack seemed perfectly at ease.
“My summer has been great so far, but I haven’t had much of a break,” I confessed. “Summer session started on Monday.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize you’re taking summer classes,” Jack replied. He finished his Mimosa and refilled both of our glasses.
“I’m not, but I have three tutoring students.”
“Darling, I told you that Kennedy works at the Student Services Center,” Mom reminded him. She smoothed the arm of her pastel pink tunic and I wondered where it had come from. For as long as I could remember, my mother’s wardrobe consisted of three colors: red, grey, and black. And it wasn’t just her wardrobe that had suddenly changed. The Celtic goddess symbol that almost always hung around her neck had been replaced with a simple strand of pearls. Matching earrings adorned her lobes and her usually unruly hair had been pulled into an elegant chignon. She looked more like a Stepford Wife than my mother, and her appearance did nothing to calm my already shaky nerves.
“Yes, that’s right, I must have forgotten about your job,” Jack said, looking embarrassed. “Do you enjoy tutoring? It must be a bit of a drag, having to stay around campus over break.”
Yes, we
ll some of us have to work for a living.
“It helps cover my tuition.” I shrugged. “And I don’t mind the work.” I wondered how long it had been since anyone in the Montgomery family had had to worry about money.
“I wish my son had your work ethic.” Jackson laughed. “I offered him a paid internship for the summer, but he turned me down. He said there will be plenty of time for him to work once he’s out of college.”
Maybe you’d have better luck if his allowance wasn’t already in the high five figures.
“Where is Jackson?” Mom asked. “I thought he’d be down by now.”
Jack checked his watch. “I woke him up about an hour ago. Kennedy, why don’t you go upstairs and see if he’s fallen back to sleep? If you go up the entryway staircase, his room will be the first door to the left of the landing.”
He made the suggestion at the exact moment I was taking a sip of my Mimosa and I choked on the bubbly liquid. I’d hoped my friends would get to the house before Jackson. I’d had no idea he was already there and I had zero desire to pay a visit to his bedroom.
“Kennedy, are you alright?” Mom asked as I struggled to regain my breath.
I coughed and cleared my throat. “I’m fine. My last sip went down wrong, that’s all. Jack, could you point me to the restroom?”
“I’ll show you darling,” Mom insisted. “Jack, people will be showing up any time now. You go check on Jackson. Once I’ve got Kennedy settled, I’ll make sure everything’s set up by the pool.”
“Alright, sweetheart.” Jack planted a kiss on Mom’s forehead and left the room. I finished my Mimosa and moved to set the glass in the deep, porcelain sink. A waitress in black pants and a starched white shirt took the glass from my hand.
“Let me get that for you, Ms. Nightingale.”
“Thank you.” I blushed. My new family came with plenty of perks, but I was certain I’d never get used to being waited on hand and foot.
“Come with me, Kennedy,” Mom said in a sing-song voice. She looped her arm through mine and guided me out of the kitchen. The hallway we stepped into was twice as big as my room on campus. The walls were papered with a floral print and thick, white carpet covered the floor. I’d never been in such a mismatched home. The outside was elegant and regal. The inside looked like it had been abandoned in the early 1990s.
