A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection

by Melanie Jacobson

  Even though Lexi figured her appetite was completely gone, one bite of the teriyaki chicken, and she was hooked. “Wow,” she said around a mouthful. “I could eat this every day.”

  Apelu laughed, scooping a large helping of steaming sticky rice onto his plate. “This is the best of the best.”

  Lexi took another bite then ventured to taste the other dishes on the table. One was battered chicken with a delicious tangy sauce, and the other looked like short ribs. But she kept coming back to the teriyaki chicken.

  When she knew she was full, but still eating, she wondered how long David and Angel would be gone. “Is David coming back, do you think?” Lexi asked.

  Sydney looked up from her plate then over at Apelu.

  “Don’t know,” he said. “Looks like she’s got her claws into him good this time.”

  “Apelu.” Sydney said, her voice sharp.

  But it was plain that Sydney agreed. Her expression was the most serious Lexi had seen it since she’d gotten engaged. Everyone at the table was quiet.

  After a few minutes, Frankie came over to them, her face pulled into a frown. “David said he’ll be awhile and for you to take his jeep back to your place. He’ll catch up with you later.”

  Apelu stood. “What’s going on? Is he all right?”

  Frankie lifted her shoulders then sighed. “He’s a man now; he has to figure it out.”

  “We can walk home,” Apelu said.

  “No, take the jeep. You guys had a long day.”

  Lexi was grateful for the offer. She hadn’t realized how tired she was—‌and sore—‌until they sat down to eat.

  Frankie cleared some of the plates then walked away, mumbling something about “that woman.”

  For a wild instant, Lexi wondered if she should go and talk to David. But Angel was probably there, still yelling at him.

  Besides, what could Lexi possibly say?

  Back at Apelu’s house, Lexi sat down with Sydney and a myriad of Apelu’s female relatives and helped string leis. Apparently every invited guest would get a lei at the wedding. From the looks of the piles of flowers, there would be a couple of hundred people there.

  Even though the chatter was lively, Lexi felt gloomy. Her mind was still on David, on the fun they’d had, and then what he’d come home to. What was he was doing right then—‌cooking? Still arguing with Angel?

  She’d changed out of his shirt and had it folded up on her bed. She hadn’t planned on doing laundry on such a short trip. A small smile played on her lips as she thought about the subtle way David had talked her into swimming. But still her heart was heavy—‌odd that something with David would affect her so much. Why was she thinking about him anyway? She barely knew him, and his life and relationship with his girlfriend were none of her business.

  The evening passed in a flurry of stringing flowers and baking sponge cakes. The Grille was catering the main dishes, but Apelu’s mom insisted on doing the desserts herself. Pretty much everything Lexi had eaten on the island was delicious. No wonder most of the woman were larger than Lexi’s size six. A few months here, and she would be in the market for new clothes.

  By the time everything quieted down for the night, Lexi was exhausted from being around so much commotion, but she was too keyed up to sleep. It was close to 10:00 when she slipped out the back door and walked barefoot toward the water. It was too dark to see anything in the tide pools, so she walked along the beach, watching the moon move slowly across the sky. The salty air was still warm, and the breeze was almost nonexistent.

  In two days, her best friend would be married, and Lexi would return home alone… Her life would be very different. Lexi wouldn’t see David again either. She hoped he’d be okay, and that Angel would be nicer to him.

  Letting out a sigh, Lexi again wondered why she cared so much.

  After turning back, she wandered through the side yard. In the moonlight, she saw someone walking along the lane leading to the front yard. Lexi stopped, recognizing David. What was he doing here, and so late? He was probably coming to get his jeep.

  She hesitated. Should she slip around back and pretend she hadn’t seen him? Or should she say something?

  Is Angel done yelling at you? or Do you want your shirt back?

  Lexi took a step forward. Maybe if she talked to him, she wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore, and she’d be able to sleep.

  David walked slowly, hands in his pockets, head down. He looked up as Lexi approached.

  “Lexi,” he said.

  The way he said her name washed over her with warmth. How did he do that?

  “How are you?”

  “Better.” David stood there, not making any move to hurry past her. Maybe he did want to talk.

  “The teriyaki chicken was amazing,” Lexi said.

  David smiled, and Lexi’s heart pinged. The sight was like smelling the sweetest flower.

  “I think I’m still full from eating so much, but the weird thing is that I’m craving it too,” Lexi said.

  He chuckled, and relief coursed through Lexi. Maybe she’d overheard the worst of it between him and Angel, and everything was okay now.

  “I told you it was the best.”

  “You were right,” Lexi said. “You may want to patent that recipe.”

  His smile remained but he stayed silent, his eyes taking on a thoughtful expression as he looked at her. Lexi felt her face and neck grow warm. Thankfully, it was dark, so there was no way David could know the effect his gaze had on her.

  Finally he said, “So what are you doing out here?”

  “I, uh, went for a walk.” She motioned toward the house. “It’s been crazy inside tonight.”

  “I can imagine.” David looked over at the house for a second. “Tomorrow I’ll start the chicken.”

  “Not much of a relaxing day for the best man, huh?”

  “No,” David said.

  “I can help,” Lexi offered then realized that Sydney likely had a full day of preparations planned for Lexi to help with, not to mention the little fact of David’s irate girlfriend.

  But he was shaking his head. “I’ve got some teenagers coming in to help. They need the money. Besides, aren’t you the maid of honor?”

  “Yeah,” Lexi said. “Who knows what Sydney has planned for me?”

  David nodded, watching her closely again. “I broke up with Angel.”

  Lexi didn’t know what to say. “Oh,” she managed. Her mind caught up with her senses. “I’m sorry.”

  He lifted a shoulder, not like an I-don’t-care gesture, but in defeat. “Apelu is wiser than I gave him credit for.”

  Lexi wasn’t sure how to answer.

  “Don’t tell him that, though,” David said, one side of his mouth lifting.

  “I won’t.” Lexi had a thousand questions but didn’t think it was her place to ask any of them.

  “I had a great time today… I’m glad you decided to swim.” His gaze seemed to soak her in.

  “Me, too,” Lexi said, her voice sounding small. Her mind kept chanting: He broke up with her. He broke up with her.

  “Well, I’d better get the jeep out of here.”

  Lexi nodded numbly.

  He stepped past her, and his hand briefly touched her arm. “Thanks, Lexi.”

  For what?

  “See you tomorrow,” he continued then dropped his hand.

  “Okay.” She watched him walk toward the jeep. He climbed into it with one swift movement, and the engine roared to life. She took a few steps back, getting out of the way. As he drove past, he lifted his hand in good-bye, and she lifted hers.

  When the jeep turned out of sight, she realized that the thundering in her ears hadn’t been the engine, but her heart.

  Chapter Seven

  Lexi didn’t see David the next day. She assumed he was busy with cooking, and Lexi was plenty busy with Sydney, decorating the yard. Apelu recruited a bunch of kids in the neighborhood to rake and mow the lawn then set up chairs and
tables.

  Lexi watched Sydney and Apelu together with a bit of a pang in her heart. Even when something went wrong, they laughed together. Lexi didn’t say anything about the visit with David last night, or about how he’d broken up with Angel. There wasn’t a good time to mention it.

  A whole day passing without seeing David felt strange, which was strange in itself. So when she woke up Sunday morning, knowing she’d see David for sure that day, she felt breathless.

  What’s wrong with me?

  The solution for intruding thoughts about a guy she wouldn’t see after the wedding was to stay busy. Lexi climbed out of bed and headed for the beach, even though it was still early, wanting to explore the tide pools before the day got underway. The wedding was at 5:00, followed by the reception, but there was plenty to do before then.

  She spent about an hour at the tide pools—‌not recording, just observing and thinking about when she’d met David here. The beach was not taking her mind off of him, so she returned to the house to help.

  If she was honest, she was happy that David had broken up with Angel. Not because she enjoyed hanging out with him, but if Apelu was his best friend, and he thought the relationship wasn’t good, David would be better off without Angel.

  Lexi remembered how David had said it was on-again and off-again; maybe they’d been through breakups before. Maybe this was their cycle, and Lexi should stop analyzing it.

  The rest of the day passed in a flurry, topped off with the arrival of Sydney’s family. The only time Lexi caught her breath was when she helped Sydney with her hair. Her long hair was piled on top of her head, with plenty of curls, which Lexi pinned in place.

  The final touch was the haku, a halo of tightly woven flowers. It completed the ensemble with the white muumuu dress, making Sydney look like a Hawaiian princess.

  “What do you think?” Lexi said, turning Sydney around to look in the mirror.

  Sydney grinned. “I love it.” She hugged Lexi. “I’m so glad you came. It means everything to me.”

  Lexi squeezed her back. “I’ve loved it here.” Which was true, in more ways than Sydney knew.

  Music started up outside. “Sounds like they’re ready for you,” Lexi said. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” Sydney said, her eyes looking a bit moist. She gripped Lexi’s hand.

  “Let’s go.” Lexi led Sydney along the hall. Her dad was waiting at the door to escort Sydney down the aisle. For a second, Lexi thought about her dad and wondered if he’d come to her wedding if she got married. He’d taken off when she was about six; the only communication since had been a few birthday cards.

  They stepped outside and walked to the side yard, where the ceremony would be. Two flower girls, Apelu’s little cousins, were waiting. They looked adorable dressed up.

  Everything was beautiful and exactly like a tropical paradise. The sun was starting to set, casting golden light on the assembled guests. Lexi waited for the flower girls to start down the aisle first. Then she followed, aware of everyone’s eyes on her. She looked straight ahead, where Apelu waited, looking handsome. Lexi’s heart pinged at the happy look on his face. She knew he’d take good care of her best friend. Then Lexi’s gaze moved to David, who stood next to the groom.

  Their gazes met, and David smiled. Lexi’s heart was definitely melting now. He looked amazing, and she was suddenly extremely glad he was now single. Not that it would affect her in any way, but he was better off without Angel, so she’d be happy for him.

  Lexi took her place at the front, across from Apelu and David, and then it was Sydney’s turn. Everyone turned to watch the bride walking down the aisle with a huge smile on her face, arm in arm with her dad.

  The ceremony was beautiful and touching, and there were congratulations all around. Lexi didn’t have a chance to say anything to David because of the crowds. The music struck up again as the chairs were moved to the side.

  Sydney and Apelu led out on the first dance, and then others joined in. Lexi watched with a smile on her face then realized she was looking for David. Her face flushed at the thought. She was leaving in two days… Still she looked through the crowd and found him.

  He was behind one of the serving tables, arranging fruit on a platter. Of course he was on work duty, his restaurant did the catering. Someone moved in front of Lexi, blocking her view of David.

  She found a chair to sit on, but that didn’t last long. One of Apelu’s cousins/uncles/friends asked her to dance, and from that point, she danced most of the time. During a break, she went through the food line and piled up a plate with teriyaki chicken, rice, and fruit. David was no longer serving, so Lexi glanced around, thinking he might be dancing.

  He was nowhere to be seen. Was he in the kitchen? Had Angel called? Maybe they’d get back together. Lexi was distracted by whistling, and she turned to see Sydney dancing solo, Apelu sitting in a chair, watching. Guests tucked dollar bills into her dress wherever they could make them stay.

  Lexi found a table. She sat and ate while watching the dancing. She wished she’d had some cash with her so she could participate. When the song ended, everyone clapped and cheered. By the time Lexi finished eating, Sydney and Apelu were about to cut the cake.

  All of the remaining guests gathered around to watch. The couple made good work of smashing cake into each other’s faces amid laughter. All too soon, Sydney and Apelu said good-bye to everyone. They were taking a late flight to Maui.

  When Sydney hugged Lexi, she said, “You’ve been the best friend I could ever have.”

  Lexi squeezed back, swallowing sudden tears. “You, too. Have a blast, and I’ll see you back home.”

  After Sydney and Apelu took off for the airport, most of the guests left. A few hung around to clean up, but it didn’t take too long, because Apelu’s mom said they needed to wait until morning to do the tables and chairs. Lexi talked to Sydney’s parents for a few moments before they left for their hotels. Then she was left alone to wander the beach. Even though it was dark, the bright moon provided plenty of light on the sand.

  She hadn’t even reached the sand when she heard someone call out her name. David. She turned to see him walking toward her. He’d changed into shorts and a button-down shirt. Her heart skipped a beat as she waited for him to catch up.

  “I was hoping to find you,” David said, stopping in front of her.

  He smelled like he’d just showered; not that Lexi was noticing. At least he wasn’t with Angel, but where had he been?

  “What happened?” Lexi asked. “You missed a bunch of stuff.”

  “Yeah, there was a bit of an accident in the kitchen,” David said.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Nothing that can’t be fixed in the laundry. One of my employees dropped a platter of chicken, and I thought I could catch it in time…” He shrugged. “I guess my football skills are rusty. Ended up with sauce and chicken all over.”

  Lexi couldn’t help but smile. “I’m sorry I missed it.”

  He laughed. “I’m sure you are.” He looked toward the yard. “How did it all go? The cake, the dancing, throwing the bouquet?”

  “The cake was delicious, once we had a chance to taste it after Sydney and Apelu decided to stop smashing it into each other’s faces,” Lexi said. “Sydney’s mom caught the bouquet, and the dancing was okay.”

  “Just okay?” David said, an eyebrow rising. “What’s dancing like back in San Diego?”

  “I wouldn’t know. I’m not much of a dancing-party-girl.” Lexi glanced away, feeling her face heat up. “Although the dance Sydney did for money was pretty cool.”

  “That always gets the crowd worked up,” David said.

  It had been really sweet, actually, now that Lexi thought about it.

  “Want to dance?” he asked.

  She snapped her head up to look at him. “What?”

  “You know, dance. With me.” David moved closer, his eyes on her. “Since I missed everything.”

  “Dance… no
w?” Was he serious? And if so, why did he want to dance? “The musicians already packed up. Everyone’s gone.”

  David didn’t seem pay attention to her protests. He pulled an iPod out of his pocket and scrolled through some songs. Finding what he wanted, he pressed play. The sound was surprisingly loud—‌easy enough to hear without speakers. He slipped it back into his pocket. David held out his hand. “What do you say?”

  He was serious.

  Lexi looked past him into the yard, feeling self-conscious. But no one was outside. Lights spilled from the house, plus the occasional burst of laughter. Lexi took a deep breath and put her hand in his. David slipped one hand around her waist, and with his other hand holding hers, drew it against his chest.

  They swayed to the music coming from his pocket, which made Lexi want to laugh. She could have never created this scenario in her mind, ever—‌dancing to an iPod at the edge of the beach with a guy she’d just met.

  “What’s so funny?” David asked.

  Did I laugh out loud? “I just… I’ve never danced like this before.”

  “Hmmm,” he said quietly. “What do you think about it?”

  “It’s okay,” Lexi said, matching the quietness of his voice. In truth, her heart was about to pound out of her chest. Being this close to David, dancing with him, added a new dimension to her pulse. She probably shouldn’t let this go on much longer. It was far safer to go into the house, where there were a lot of people and tons of distractions.

  He drew back, his gaze capturing hers. His mouth quirked into a smile. “Only okay? You’re hard to please.”

  Lexi shook her head. “Not really.” Truth was, she felt out of breath, and being in David’s arms made her think crazy thoughts. About kissing… He was still watching her.

  “Maybe I’m just nervous.” What was she saying? She hadn’t meant to get personal.

  David didn’t answer. He released her hand and slipped it around her waist with the other, which meant the only place to put her other hand was on his shoulder. Lexi closed her eyes as they kept dancing and let herself relax in his arms. The music, the tropical scents, David… it was like a dream. One she wanted to last a little longer. She slid her hands higher, behind his neck.