The Marrying Type

by Laura Chapman

  “Like I would.” Smyth huffed but followed her to their seats. “I am not some dog you can leave in a car while you live your life.”

  “For the record, I would never dream of leaving a dog in a hot car during a baseball game.” She stuck her tongue out at him over her shoulder. “You, however . . .”

  “Don’t think I won’t trip you just because we have cameras and witnesses present.”

  Still laughing, Elliot stepped into their row and picked a seat near the middle. She and Smyth were first to arrive, which meant they had their pick.

  Taking in his surroundings, Smyth straightened his posture as a cute usher offered them free towels and sunglasses. “Why do they call this place the Joe?”

  “It’s a nickname.” Elliot thanked the usher and slipped on the sunglasses.

  “Nickname for what?”

  “Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park.”

  “Bit of a mouthful.”

  “Which is why people call it the Joe.”

  Smyth grunted in response, and lowered his sunglasses when the RiverDogs took the field for warm-ups. His jaw dropped when one of the players bent over to collect an overthrown ball. He gasped when another player jumped to make a catch.

  “I’m willing to give baseball a shot.”

  Elliot hid a grin behind her popcorn and directed her attention to the program.

  “What do we have here? The cat who swallowed a canary—meow,” Marissa said as she approached them, clipboard in hand. “I’m glad both of you got here early. I have a couple of items to run through with you.”

  “Can you step to the side a little?” Smyth asked. Brow wrinkled, she followed his orders. His view of the action clear once again, he said, “Thank you.”

  Confused, Marissa shook her head and handed Elliot a printout of the itinerary. Elliot scanned the list and raised her eyebrows at a few of the notes. Somehow the crew planned to capture several candid moments, which were undoubtedly pre-arranged.

  “What’s this about capturing Adam and Sadie on the Kiss Cam?” Elliot asked.

  “Isn’t it brilliant?” Marissa gestured widely, nearly taking out Chase in the process. “I made arrangements with the team’s production staff to capture the happy couple on the Kiss Cam. We’ll have one camera up here and another staged on the field to get multiple shots of the moment. It’ll be totally adorable.”

  “Do they usually do a Kiss Cam here?” Elliot asked. “It’s been a while since I caught a game, but . . .”

  “Does it matter? We’re doing it this afternoon regardless of precedent.” Marissa waved off the question while a production assistant appeared to attach their mic packs. “I’d like to do a quick ITM with you before everyone else arrives.”

  “What am I supposed to talk about?” Elliot asked. “Nothing has happened yet.”

  “She has a list of questions.” Chase gave a supportive grin from behind his wife. “Just do your best.”

  Elliot tucked the hot dog and one of the water bottles inside her tote bag and straightened her back. Rolling her shoulders, she craned her neck up and down to stretch before filming. The PA powdered Elliot’s nose and readjusted her sunglasses.

  Marissa took the itinerary back from Elliot and flipped over the page to read her prepared questions. “Tell us where we are.”

  “We’re at a RiverDogs game.” Marissa twirled her finger to silently remind Elliot to give expanded answers for the viewers at home. She cleared her throat and went again. “With one week to go until the Warner-Crawford nuptials, the bride and groom have decided to treat their closest friends to a night of baseball. We’re going to watch a Charleston RiverDogs game.”

  “Why did the bride and groom put this together?”

  “Because you made them,” Elliot said. Chase coughed to hide a laugh and Elliot nearly shrank under Marissa’s glare. “Adam and Sadie are a special couple with big hearts. They realize how much stress a wedding can put on their friends and family. Throughout the planning process, they have found ways to keep the experience fun for everyone involved. Breaking away from tulips and tulle to watch some baseball seemed like a good idea. Plus, they’re both big baseball fans.”

  “Where are you at with the wedding plans?”

  “Everything is on schedule and on target for this ceremony and reception.” Elliot flashed a dazzling smile. “The people of Charleston are going to talk about this wedding for years to come.”

  “And how is everything going with your family’s . . . issues?”

  Elliot sobered; thankful her sunglasses concealed any real emotion. By now the camera crew had captured plenty of her family’s drama. She might as well give her take on everything, with reason.

  “This summer, my father, Libby, and I managed to pay off the loan we took out several years ago. While we’ve had some ups and downs along the way, I never doubted our ability to give our clients the weddings of their dreams. I’m relieved to put our financial issues behind us because now I can give my full attention back to our brides and grooms.”

  Marissa’s attention shifted as Adam and Sadie arrived with a few of their guests, including Eric. Thrilled for the distraction, Elliot released a breath and waved to the group. The PA set up their microphones while Marissa issued instructions, which prevented her from giving them a full greeting. Eric finished first with the preparations and walked toward them.

  “Were you saving this seat?”

  “No.” Elliot moved her tote to give him room. “It’s all yours.”

  “Thanks.” Eric sat down and tried to get comfortable despite the mic pack digging into his back. “I’ll be glad when I don’t have to wear one of these again. Not that I mind,” he added quickly. “I’m glad to help with the show.”

  “I completely understand.” Elliot lowered her voice, even though the sound crew would still probably overhear every word. “Everyone has been great to work with, but I miss being able to put on a wedding without having to be careful of everything I say or do. I mean, it could end up on national TV.”

  “I can’t imagine you saying anything too shocking.”

  “You’d be surprised what words come out of a planner’s mouth when something goes wrong.” A breeze blew through the stadium, and Elliot pulled up her hair to cool her neck. “Luckily, we’re almost done with this season.”

  “Will you do another?”

  Elliot shrugged. “Depends on a couple of factors.”

  “Such as.”

  “For one, the network might not call for a second season.” Elliot winced. “Sorry, Marissa. If you’re listening, I’m sure they’ll renew your contract. You’re doing a great job.”

  Eric tore his gaze away when she released her hair. “What else?”

  “When the network renews the show, they might want to start with a new batch of wedding planners. Ones who are more interesting than me.”

  “You’re interesting.”

  “Come on.” Elliot playfully nudged him. “I’m barely interested in my life, and I’m living it.”

  “We’re always our own biggest critics.” Eric turned his gaze to the team warming up. “I haven’t been to a baseball game yet this summer.”

  “Me neither. I haven’t been in years actually.”

  “Why not? You used to love watching baseball.”

  “I never seem to find the time,” Elliot said. She sipped on her bottle of water and followed his gaze to the field. “Baseball season and wedding season go hand-in-hand, and the latter usually takes most of my time.”

  “Understandably.”

  “Do you usually make it to many games while you’re at home?”

  “Sometimes.”

  She turned her gaze to his, shading her eyes with her hand to block the sun. “Only sometimes?”

  “The Giants are fun to watch, but I’m still a Cleveland fan at the end of the day. Time away doesn’t change how you feel about some things.” His eyes pierced hers. “Before I forget, I need to thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Wh
at did I do?”

  “My sister told me about what happened at the dress fitting,” he said. Elliot held her breath, unsure of what she should say. “We don’t talk about my dad anymore. We haven’t for years. It’s too hard for my mom. And for me, I suppose. Sadie was basically a baby when he died. I tried my best to make up for him being gone, but . . . I never noticed how much his absence affected her. I should have. It’s her wedding for God’s sake.”

  “She doesn’t blame—”

  “She wouldn’t, but this is still on me,” he interrupted. “I should have realized this would be difficult for her, especially after you warned me. I’ve been completely self-involved for years. I go where I want, when I want, to do what I want. Everything is always about me. I should have been there for her more.”

  He fell silent, twisting and untwisting his water bottle cap.

  Elliot chose her words carefully when she spoke. “Talking about someone you lost is difficult, no matter how long it’s been. We grieve differently,” she said. “You can’t always tell when a person needs to talk or say nothing.”

  “You’re right. All of this made me realize we never talked about your mom or my dad.” He stared at his shoes, kicking a stray bottle cap. “All those years ago. We talked about everything else, but we held back on the one subject we should have covered. It’s a shame.”

  “Yeah, it is.” Elliot’s eyes burned behind her sunglasses. “Maybe we weren’t ready yet. We were young. We made mistakes. Lots of them.”

  “Maybe we’ve learned our lessons.”

  Hesitating a moment, she lightly placed a hand on top of his. He slowly turned his over to link his fingers with hers. She cast a nervous glance around their group. Smyth was absorbed in watching the players run sprints, and everyone else was getting camera ready. They were sitting amongst a crowd, yet somehow they were alone.

  “A lot can happen in a decade,” she said. “You can grow up. You can change.”

  “You can learn to say ‘I was wrong’ and own up to your mistakes.” He gently squeezed her hand. “You can learn a lot.”

  A shiver ran down her spine. She opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by Marissa calling for their attention. Eric released her hand, and they turned to face the producer.

  Elliot half listened while Marissa outlined the plans for the day of filming. She hoped they got the necessary shots by the ninth inning. With Heloise in rehab—and her issues unlikely to appear on camera because of her relationship to the producer and lead cameraman—they needed to create drama elsewhere. While every wedding carried its own amount of drama, the Warner-Crawford plans had moved along smoothly by comparison.

  They’d have to manufacture more drama if this storyline was going to carry the weight Marissa wanted. Imagining how that might happen twisted Elliot’s stomach into knots.

  Filming stayed on schedule through the first five innings. The crew captured the couple playfully bickering about hot dog toppings and arguing about the best baseball teams in the major leagues. Smyth contributed a few sound bites by complaining about the weather and asking Elliot a million questions about how the game worked.

  Elliot had to elbow Eric more than once to keep him from laughing too loud and ruining their take. She hated having to do second or third takes of the same conversation. She wasn’t a good enough actress for repeat performances.

  Before the seventh inning stretch, Sadie excused herself to go to the restroom. She wanted to be back in place for the Kiss Cam, which was the only moment—short of Adam miraculously catching a foul ball—that had to be done right on the first take. Marissa went down to the field to oversee filming with the second unit, leaving Chase to handle the action in the stands.

  “You guys are doing a great job,” he said. “You and Smyth have great on-screen chemistry. I want to laugh every time something flies out of your mouth.”

  “What can I say? The camera loves me.” Smyth preened at the praise. “When you guys finish with this show, you should come up with a spin-off series for me. We can travel the country saving people’s weddings from total disaster.”

  “I’d watch that,” Elliot said. “What would call it?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe Smyth Says I Do.”

  “How about Smyth Saves the Date?” Eric offered.

  “Smyth Saves the Date.” Smyth tapped his chin, considering the idea. “I kind of adore it.”

  “Hey, look at the big screen.” Adam pointed straight ahead where the Kiss Cam began its tour of the stadium. Elliot checked the aisle hoping to find Sadie on her way back to the seat. She wasn’t. Elliot turned the other way. Still no Sadie.

  “Marissa is going to freak out,” she muttered.

  The Kiss Cam caught an elderly couple, followed by a father holding his little girl. After catching both team mascots locked in a good-natured embrace, the camera focused on their section. Eric and Elliot’s faces filled the giant screen. Elliot’s chest lurched. Smyth nudged her and Chase mouthed a silent, “Kiss!”

  Eric’s face blanched, but without hesitation, he slipped an arm around her shoulder and leaned forward. Her eyes fluttered shut as his lips brushed hers. A cheer erupted from the crowd, but she barely heard it through ringing ears. Her hand moved up his chest and she angled her head as he pulled her closer.

  The fullness of his lips, the gentle pressure and movement, took her back. Back to stolen kisses between classes. Back to Friday nights in, cuddled up on his futon. Back to a time when she’d been completely content. A time she’d tried to forget, but never could.

  Chase’s voice broke through the haze. “Thanks, you guys. We got the shot.”

  Elliot opened her eyes and met Eric’s gaze. They drew apart, and she took a shaky breath, waiting for her heart to stop pounding. His chest rose up and down, too.

  Smyth let out a whistle. “Damn. And here everyone’s been saying we have great on-screen chemistry. Maybe you’re the ones who need a spin-off show, because I’d watch that little moment replayed forever.”

  Elliot’s cheeks flushed. “I don’t . . .”

  “I’m going to stop you, before you get shy on me.” Smyth held up his hand to silence her. “That was hot with a capital H-O-T.”

  Realizing she was still gripping onto Eric’s shirt, she released her hold and eased back. He turned away and after another moment removed his arm from her shoulder. By silent agreement, neither spoke about what had happened or what it meant. They faced forward, staring straight ahead at the field without actually watching the game.

  Marissa ran up the steps with Sadie close behind.

  “I’m sorry . . . I’m sorry,” Sadie repeated over and over. “The line for the sinks took forever. I figured I’d have plenty of time. Then I saw the screen and . . . I came running . . . I’m sorry.”

  “I got here as fast as I could,” Marissa said, trying to catch her breath. “I can’t believe we missed it. That was going to be our big shot for the game. It’s the only one we can’t do again.”

  “I wouldn’t worry,” Chase said.

  “Why not?”

  “Like usual, the wedding planner saved the day,” he said. “With a little assistance from a friend.”

  “Let me see.” Marissa stepped around the cords to check the camera playback. She didn’t speak for a long while, but darted more than a few glances Elliot and Eric’s way. She nodded at last. “You’re right. We can make that work.”

  Elliot peered sideways at Eric, who was still sitting with his back rod-straight. He seemed to be doing his best to ignore the excited whispers between Adam and Sadie and pretending not to notice Marissa replaying the shot over and over. When he caught Elliot’s not-so-subtle stare, he flashed a quick smile. Then he winked, sending her stomach somersaulting, before turning his attention back to the game.

  There was zero chance Elliot would be able to forget this moment, with or without the video footage. She pressed her lips together, which brought back the sensation. Zero chance.

  THE NEXT M
ORNING, ERIC wrapped up the conference call with his assistant in record time. Apparently, everything was running fine in his absence. They were still on target to launch a new upgrade in September. No one had any problems. No questions. They didn’t seem to need him.

  That should make him happy. He’d hired the team, and they were a reflection of him when they performed well or poorly. But after years of having his hands on every step of the process, it was weird to be disconnected and unneeded.

  He started to close the laptop, but a new email—marked urgent—popped on screen.

  Eric,

  After our conversation yesterday, I wonder if we should do something at the ceremony to represent your father’s presence. I’ve toyed with having a rose on an empty chair or releasing butterflies, but neither of those feels right. Any ideas?

  - Elliot

  He grinned. Someone needed him. He only wished he was as adept at finding solutions for weddings as he was for programming and networking.

  He pushed away from his desk and paced across the room. They hadn’t discussed what happened the day before. At first, he hadn’t wanted to accept what the semi-scripted kiss meant. Now, with plenty of time—and a sleepless night—to mull it over, he couldn’t deny it had changed everything.

  Eric would have to decide what that change meant later. They only had a few days until the wedding, and Elliot needed him—to help his sister. Trust Elliot to want to come up with a unique way to honor his father’s memory. His lip curved up as he stared at the water outside the window. She wouldn’t miss a detail like that.

  What should they do?

  Turning away from the window, his gaze moved to his desk. It landed on the photo of his father, dressed in his police uniform. Eric had kept that photo on every desk he’d ever had. From the one in his bedroom when he was a kid to his massive corner office at the Cav headquarters—it always traveled with him. Like the photos of his mother and sister, his childhood home, and a snapshot from his first trip to Palo Alto, they reminded him of his beginnings.