“Yeah, she’s pissed over a bunch of stuff.”
“I really like her. Mom and Dad absolutely love her. Delilah was so star struck. She’s a sweet girl who adores you so tell me, why you aren’t with her.”
“See that’s the issue. I want to be with her now. Letting her go was the biggest mistake of my life but I just don’t feel worthy. What if I can’t stay sober? What if I have a drink at one of her movie parties and embarrass her? What if I cheat on her like I did with Aly?”
Ed stands and slaps me on the back before pointing to the streets. “Come on, life is full of what ifs. You need to stop making excuses and fight for her. Stop letting her go, stop pretending you can only be friends. Just go get her. Take a chance and stop taking the safe route. Kiss her, tell her how you feel.”
“It’s too late. She left town already.”
“Then go to her. Chicks love that type of stuff. The guy who will wait forever, move the world, romantic shit and all. Serenade her or something.”
“You think?” I could. I know she’s in Nashville at a wedding, but I have no idea where or when. I could text her asking her to meet me or I could try and find out where this wedding is.
“Go to her!” Ed screams, his voice echoing off the building. He lets out a large whoop that surely wake the neighbors. I bury my head in my arms as my brother keeps on screaming.
“My brother is in love!”
That’s my brother, the hopeless romantic, just like my father.
Ginger
I zip up my blue sleeveless bridesmaid dress and wrap the yellow sash around my waist. Bending forward, I give a small romantic curtsy in the full-length mirror.
“What do you think?” I ask Quinn.
She tries to look at me from her seat, but the hairdresser promptly grabs her chin and jerks it forward again. “Ouch! Sorry, Ginger. You look good.”
“Oh shut up. You look better.” I point to her long hair which is being pulled up into a high bun on her head. She normally wears it in a simple braid so this is an elegant change.
“How many people are here?” she asks.
I look out the large stained glass window to my left. The weather is every bride’s worst nightmare. Through the darkness, the wind blows the remaining autumn leaves from the tree. But it’s the persistent hammering from the rain that shakes the trees bare. Nothing stops the flood of friends and family that are pouring in under the drop off canopy.
“I don’t think a tornado could stop this crowd.”
“Don’t be silly. It’s not tornado season.” The hairdresser swaps from the curling iron to the blush brush and so does Quinn with the topic. “So with all the hustle since last night, we didn’t get to talk much about what happened with lover boy.”
“Well that’s because I didn’t feel like talking about it, and I still don’t want to talk about it.” I look into the mirror again and dab at my eyes. I can’t ruin my perfect face today.
“Come on. I went through all that trouble to find out where he was playing and talk you into taking me there. At least tell me what happened.”
I continue to stare outside at the guests. After I had gotten back to the plane, I’d cried myself to sleep in the back of the plane away from the other girls. Seeing Caspian has brought out so much in me that I thought had been resolved. My feelings for him never went away. They were masked by the other more pressing issues. He didn’t even have a good reason not to be with me, but that still wasn’t enough.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done, but I need to face the facts, Quinn. Caspian doesn’t see me as girlfriend material. No matter how much I change or try to be someone else. I will always be the fun one, the best friend, the pretty one you don’t take home to your parents.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“Whoa!” I spin around to face her. “That’s some hefty language for a wholesome bride.”
I give her a cheeky grin, and she sticks her tongue out at me.
“Maybe Caspian is just shy. You should kiss him.”
“He’s the quiet type all right.”
“Don’t let him get away!”
“How did you know Chase was the one?” It’s a general curiosity that I’ve never asked her but always wanted to know.
“There was this one time.” Her face turns a bright shade of pink. The stylists gives a huge huff and pulls out some powder. “Well, he did this unrealistic 180 degree turn around on his life for me. He was good to me and for me.”
“I’m so glad you found him.”
“Speaking of men, I need to check on Collin.” She stands up and tightens her robe around her waist. “I’m happy. I just want you to be as well.”
“I’m happy.” It wasn’t a lie. Caspian didn’t make me happy; he taught me how to be happy. I could be happier with him.
“I’m glad. In one hour, I will be Mrs. Chase Crawley.” She gives a very un-Quinn like squeal.
“I’m gonna go check on the guests,” I tell her. I leave the room and walk down the main hallway toward the entrance. Everyone should be enjoying cocktails right now at the bar, but I want to make sure everything is in check. Nothing can go wrong today. Quinn and Chase don’t deserve that. We’ve been dreaming of this day since we were ten, and given, I was convinced I would walk down the aisle before her, this way is just fine with me. Just earlier this year, I was halfheartedly planning my own wedding to Barrett, but wasn’t as excited as I am today. Nashville is the last place I’d have picked for the venue, but it’s actually turning out cute. Barrett will be here, no doubt. I pop my head into the bar and look around. They’d invited almost 100 people, and from the looks of it, everyone’s shown up. Quinn’s parents are chatting with Chase’s mom. I spy my mom and dad in the corner of the room. I may as well get this over with. I make my way through the crowd.
“Mom, Dad. Hey there.”
My mom looks the same. Years beyond her age from too many kids, but still as ravishing as ever. We look like twins with the same red hair and blue eyes. My dad, miraculously, doesn’t have a drink in his hand. My mom squeezes my hand and smiles. There’s no hugging. “Oh my girl. It’s so nice to see you.”
I look around the room. “Did you bring the kids?”
“Oh, no this wedding is far too fancy for them, but Ebbie is waltzing around here somewhere. I can’t believe this, there’re movie stars here!” she whispers it to me like I should be impressed.
“I know, Mom. I’m a movie star.”
“Well yes, I suppose but—”
“What? I’m not as good as them?” I try to keep my voice down, but she’s never been supportive. Never will be. I can’t take another moment of this.
“We all know the only reason you are on that show is because of that old boyfriend of yours. When you make an actual movie, we can talk then.”
I did make a movie, but she doesn’t keep up with me or anything I do. I want to jam something down her throat, but before I have the chance to act, someone cuts in.
“Ginger, Ginger. Who is this stunning woman?”
I turn my head upwards to see Barrett grinning at my mother with a drink in his hands.
“These are my parents,” I say between gritted teeth while glaring at Barrett. I don’t want him here.
“I’m Barrett Montgomery. Nice to finally meet you.”
My mom’s eyes widen slightly before holding out her hand to shake his. “Barrett, yes. We’ve heard a little about you.”
Barrett’s cocky grin doesn’t fade. “All lies, I’m sure.”
I’m tempted to grab the drink from his hands. Not to drink it, but to throw it in his face. He still looks exactly as he did the last time we laid eyes on each other, but not even a tingle passes through my body as he puts an arm around me. I try to subtlety shake him off.
“It was nice meeting you Mr. and Mrs. Teague. Ginger, I hope you are well.”
“I’m fine.”
He gives a slight nod with his head before walking away.
I’m bac
k to standing in front of my parents. I’m not sure how to act, how to pretend that I haven’t ignored them for the past few years. They practically ignored me my entire life, did they even care?
“Well. I suppose it was nice seeing you.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and look around at all the familiar faces. “I really need to get going. I hope you enjoy the wedding. The dinner afterwards will be amazing. I have to go.”
I keep an eye out for my younger sister, Ebbie, and am surprised to see her sitting at the table talking to Tucker. I have to save her. Tucker will not sink his claws into my little sister.
“She’s seventeen,” I announce, coming up to stand behind Ebbie. Tucker’s eyes grow wide and Ebbie gives me a death stare.
“I’m eighteen. I had a birthday last month, not that you care.”
I look at Tucker. “Can I have a moment with my sister?”
“Sure, nice seeing you Ginger. It’s been too long.” He winks before walking off. That relationship, or whatever it was we had, is so over. I’m not going there again.
I sigh and put my hands on my hips. “Stay away from him, Ebbie.” She practically looks like a grown woman now except with shorter hair and horribly overdone and tacky makeup.
“What do you care? You don’t return my calls, you hardly email. You left me at home, with them.”
“What? You told me Dad stopped drinking. I figured things had gotten better.”
“He did, but they’re still them.”
I know exactly what she means. “I’m sorry.”
“Of course you are, but this is typical Ginger. Selfish. You wouldn’t even share your Barbies with me.”
“Really? You gonna bring that up again? Get over it, it was ten years ago. I said I was sorry. I didn’t mean to abandon everyone. Just Mom and Dad. It was wrong of me, and I’m here now to make my amends.”
She crosses her arms in front of her. “Well you ran off that cute guy. Bring him back.”
I give a dry laugh. “Sorry, Hun. I’ve already slept with him. You don’t want him.”
She stomps her foot and looks around. “But everyone else is so old.”
I need to get back to Quinn. “I’m sorry. I need to go, but you’re going to come visit me this year, okay? We’ll catch up. I’ll be a better sister.”
“Really?” Her green eyes light up.
“I promise.” I give her a semi-awkward hug before walking away.
Once I get back to my dressing room, I open my clutch and relax. For the first time all day, I look at my phone. I’ve been busy with hair, make up, and decision making duties.
I check the time. About an hour until the wedding starts. There’s an unusual number that’s called a few times and a text message. Confused, I click on it and read.
My Deena,
Last night, I didn’t have the guts to say what you have deserved to hear for months. I need to talk to you. Face to face. I have no idea where Quinn’s wedding is or at what time it is, but I will be waiting at the place where we first met until six o’clock tonight. Please come to me when you can. If you can’t make it, I’ll understand and won’t bother you again, but I hope to get a chance to explain.
Love always, Cas
This is it. This is it. Should I go? What am I thinking? Of course I wanna go! I look at the time. Ten minutes till six, and the wedding begins at seven. Do I have enough time to make it the sixteen or so blocks? I don’t contemplate it. Instantly, I unzip the back of my dress and pull it down. I grab the dress I wore to the hotel and pull it over my head.
“Oh my God, Ginger. What are you doing?” Quinn walks in with Collin on her hip.
“I’m sorry, Quinn. I need to get to Caspian. He made his grand gesture. I think he wants to be with me.”
“You think?”
I show her the text message. “I need to get back to the place where we first met in about five minutes, an old auditorium about a quarter of a mile away. I’ll be back before the wedding starts. I promise.”
Quinn eyeballs me as I throw on a pair of heels. “You’ll never make it in time. The traffic is bumper to bumper. There’s a sold out concert at the Bridgestone arena tonight.”
I put my hands on her shoulder and give a few excited jumps. “I have to try. I think I’m in love with him.” Is that the first time I’ve admitted it out loud?
“Here, take my shoes then. You can’t wear those five-inch deathtraps. You’ll break your neck on the wet sidewalks.” She sets Collin on the ground and pulls off her white custom-made converse with tulle laces. She had more fun picking them out than the dress.
“I’m not taking your special shoes. They’ll get ruined in the rain.”
“I don’t care. I won’t take no for an answer.” She holds them out, and I kick off my white heels and slip the sneakers on my feet. Holy crap these things are comfortable.
“Thank you. I’ll be back.”
“You better. I’ll hold the wedding off as long as I can.”
I dash from the room and out onto the streets. Quinn is right, the traffic is horrible, and I can hardly see beyond the fog and rain. The auditorium is about a ten-minute walk, but maybe if I run I can make it in time. I use my shawl to cover up from the rain, and sprint across the sidewalk towards my future.
The most ironic thing about running through downtown Nashville is the fact that most of it’s uphill. The cold rain falls against my skin, but that doesn’t stop me either. I keep my eyes on my feet in case I lose my footing on the old sidewalks. I’m almost there; I think. All the buildings look the same, and I’m running late already. It’s already six. I’m sure I’m close. I’m possibly lost, but I spin around and try to find a landmark I recognize. Yes! I see the auditorium across the road. Looking both ways, I cross the street. I maneuver through the lines of cars till I’m standing before the old brick steps where Caspian first sat all those months ago. My hands come up to my chest because my heart is beating wildly, and I struggle to catch my breath. I’m so out of shape.
The bare sidewalks give me the creeps. Not even a colored umbrella can been seen moving out among this foggy wet side street. But where is he? A gush of wind blows around me causing my dress to stick to my legs. I use my hands to push a few wet locks of hair out of my face as I spin around and look again. This can’t be right. All my hopes drop, taking my strength with it. I’m too late. I walk over to the steps and sit down. After everything we’d been through together in the past year, a small part of me always thought we’d end up together. Hell, I just ran out on my cousin’s wedding to meet him. I didn’t even bring my phone to message him back.
“What’s a pretty young thing like you doing wandering the streets all alone?”
My head shoots up. Caspian is standing in the pouring rain against a wall. He’s soaking wet, it drips from his entire body. I lick my lips as my eyes travel back up to his face.
I don’t know what to say, so instead, I say the most ridiculous thing I can think of. “How long have you been waiting?”
“Six hours, give or take.” He sits down beside me. “I was about to leave.”
“You’re going to get sick.” It’s been raining for most of the evening.
He doesn’t hesitate before answering. “It’s worth it.”
“I’m so sorry. I just got your message. I ran from the hotel.”
What do I do now? Do I touch him? Do I speak first or wait for him to?
“I’m glad you came.”
I look over at him. His glasses are off, allowing me to stare into the depths of his crystal eyes.
I open my mouth to talk but nothing comes out. It’s like I have stage fright which I never get.
He saves me the embarrassment by talking.
“I look at you, and it scares me. You, all of you.”
“There’s nothing to be afraid of.” I raise my hand to shield my face from the rain. Every time I speak, rain is blown right into my mouth.
“I want to be with you. I can move to LA, I can move anywhere to be closer
to you.”
“You’d do that for me? But you said—”
His fingers shoot up to my lips, cutting me off. My lips twitch from the electrical shock that sparks from his fingertips. “I was an asshole not willing to fight for love. I let everyone else influence my decision. You will never, ever waste my time.”
Did I just hear him right? My eyes close as I indulge in the pure ecstasy that overwhelms me. “Say that again.” I pull his hand from my mouth.
“You will never waste my time.”
We aren’t going to waste any more time then. I cover his mouth with mine. His hands automatically move to my shoulders, and for a split second I’m not sure if he’s gonna push me away. They linger for a second before moving up towards the back of my neck and pulling me closer. A jumble of feelings and words that I can no longer decipher explode through my mind. All I know is that this is the best first kiss in the history of first kisses. I’ve waited my entire life for this moment to feel accepted and loved. Opening my mouth slightly, I swirl my tongue against the ridge of his teeth and bring my hands up to grasp at the front of his shirt. I want to taste, breathe, and feel every part of him against and inside me. I pull my lips from him slightly so I can speak. “I’ve been envisioning this kiss in my head for months.”
“Me too.” He presses three small kisses against my lips. The rain has slowed into a slight drizzle now, but the wind still blows against my skin, engulfing my body with goose bumps and a chill up my spine.
“Let’s get you out of this weather,” he tells me, standing up and holding out his hand.
I let him pull me up. “Want to be my date at Quinn’s wedding?”
“Sure, when and where?” He gives me an amused smile.
“Oh…like in thirty minutes.”
He raises a brow at my wet clothes, hair, and smeared makeup. “That doesn’t give you a lot of time to doll up.”
“I’ll manage. Besides, I’m ready to get this over with and do some celebrating back in my hotel room.”
Caspian gives me a devious look and kisses the top of my head. “Let’s hurry and get this place rockin’ then.”
The One Thing Page 22
