Camp Paramore

by Wendy Lea Thomas

  “Hey, Blondie,” Ethan’s voice rang out behind me.

  I turned towards him. “Hi,” I said, trying to gauge his reaction. He nodded to Dorian then eyed me for a second and then gave me a hug.

  “Well…it’s different. I’m not sure Avery likes it, though, judging from the looks he was surrendering your way during the ceremony, and you’re not supposed to wear white to a wedding unless it’s yours.”

  “Really? I haven’t heard that before. Where are Maya and Sara?” I asked with narrowed eyes.

  “Down the hall getting photographed, and probably waiting for Avery to join them,” Ethan said as Avery finished thanking the Officiate and headed off around the corner.

  “I should go see if they need anything.” I looked at Dorian for approval to leave his side. He just smiled at me and shook his head no. I pouted my lips as I returned his gaze with frost.

  Kim set a couple shots down in front of us and both Dorian and I quickly slammed them. I needed to relax and I needed that goddamn pill to kick in.

  Finally, after about thirty minutes, the bridal party came around the corner and back into the main hall. Maya, Sara, Sienna, and Melanie walked in with their hands high in mid toast with Champagne filled flutes, wide smiles, and giggling, until their eyes locked on me like they were laser sights. I feel like I just sucked the partying right out of the room.

  I could feel Sara’s wintry gaze on me as I left Dorian’s side and walked toward them. I better get this over with. I could tell Sara wanted to say something.

  Dorian shook his head, but he wasn’t going to stop me from talking this out with my friends. Not today.

  They tilted their glasses back and each one took a sip while Maya downed her full glass. Sara’s face fell when I stepped up to her. Sienna’s eyes were speculative. Maya’s face lit up.

  “Aria, oh my god. Love the blonde,” Maya said. I scanned her Victorian wedding dress. Red and black was a bold choice. Sienna leaned into me to whisper in my ear.

  “You’re not supposed to wear white to a wedding unless it’s yours.”

  “Thank you, very kindly,” I whispered faintly back to her, then directed my attention to the gushing bride.

  “Maya, you look gorgeous. Travis is a very lucky man,” I enthused.

  “Thank you for coming, Aria. I love the ivory dress. You look like an angel in a room full of sinners. It can’t be easy coming here with everything going on right now. I hear Dorian will be leaving soon. So maybe everything will get back to normal after he’s gone,” Maya said.

  I glanced over at Sara and caught her in mid eye-roll. Apparently, she had a different opinion of recent events.

  “Aria, I’d like you to meet my little sister, Melanie,” Maya finished.

  I smiled warmly at her and nodded then looked back to Maya. “Do you need anything?” I asked.

  “I think we all could use a little more to drink…Cate…ah…I mean Aria,” Sara said as her eyes stabbed into mine. She was still pissed at me.

  I turned around and followed them to the bar, sighing along the way. I didn’t need this shit right now.

  It didn’t register right away but Avery was over by Dorian whispering something into his ear. Oh, fuck. The conversation looked very animated. Dorian was leaning against the side of the bar in his casual way not even phased by Avery’s behavior.

  Dorian straightened his shoulders and smiled crookedly as his eyes draped over me from head to toe and back up again when I got close. As soon as I neared, Avery noticed my approach, stood tall, and stormed past me.

  “I don’t approve, Princess,” Avery said as he passed by me. I glanced down at the floor and didn’t answer him.

  Dorian held his composure then reached out for my waist. He leaned into my ear and took a long lingering breath.

  “Luv. You look exquisite. No one here looks more beautiful, not even the bride.” I deliberated on his words never feeling so nervous around all my friends before.

  “What did Avery say to you?” I asked.

  “It was nothing to worry about, Luv. He just asked me not to get too lovey-dovey with you while we’re at your friends’ wedding, and he doesn’t seem to be to fond of your new look, though I can’t imagine why not,” Dorian questioned.

  “Oh,” I said. Please lord; let me get through this evening without screwing anything else up.

  *****

  At dinner, I watched as Sara and Sienna fussed over Maya, and made sure everything was just right. I smiled inside knowing that she couldn’t have two better bridesmaids. Their hearts were as big as gold.

  I was picking at my salad when Wren interrupted my thoughts.

  “To my big brother,” Wren said in a toast to our table. Caitlyn and Jenna had sat across from me.

  Dorian was sitting to my left. Ethan rolled his eyes. I snickered. They were identical twins and born five minutes apart. “Congrats on passing the bar. I’m so proud of you,” he beamed.

  I smiled widely and toasted with them. He must have studied during the week while most of the guests were away, and then assumed his houseboy duties on weekends.

  A round of congratulations went around the table and Ethan looked happy. I sipped on my drink as my eyes met Ethan’s. I leaned in to him.

  “I’m so proud of you,” I whispered, laying my hand on his arm.

  “Thank you,” his eyes shined. “Now, if only I could get the girl of my dreams,” he whispered back.

  “Ethan,” I stuttered, shushing him before Dorian noticed.

  He laid his hand on mine and held my gaze. “It’s okay, Aria. I understand. I just want you to know that I’m always here for you if you ever need me.”

  “Thanks,” I said. Ethan removed his hand from mine.

  “So what are your plans?” I asked him.

  “Actually, I got a job offer from a large firm in New York City, if you can believe it,” he chuckled.

  “Really!” I exclaimed.

  “Yes,” he laughed. “I start after the New Year. You’ll have to come visit sometime.”

  “Wow, but I don’t really think I’d like New York that much,” I replied as Ethan frowned. I sipped on my drink and looked to Wren smirking at me across the table. He glanced to Ethan, who looked deflated by my comment, then back at me.

  “Wren, what’s new with you?” I asked to belay his insinuating glances.

  “Just work. You know the usual,” he said in his bedroom voice.

  Nadia Dreygan coldly glanced up at him but he didn’t look at her. She always had the coldest eyes. They were distant, yet alluring.

  “How are you?” Wren inquired back to me.

  “Okay,” I lied. His lips curved upward sarcastically.

  “Looks like it,” he said, shooting a look at Dorian.

  I ignored him as my eyes then fell over on Avery at the main table. He was talking with Colt and yet seemed distracted.

  I was thankful when dinner was served and we all fell into casual silence. This was the most calm I’d felt in a week. The pill must finally be working.

  Genevieve stepped up to the bridal table and leaned her double D’s in Avery’s face and I felt nauseous.

  “Aria, save me a dance later?” Ethan interrupted my stare at Avery. Ethan asked the question to me but his eyes fell on Dorian.

  “Sure,” I replied. Dorian stiffened beside me. Ugh. Maybe I should just swear off men all together.

  We finished dinner and fell into muted conversation when the DJ kicked things into gear and got the happy couple up for introductions.

  Next, the bridal dance started and I had to admit, I was having a hard time watching Avery dance with Maya’s sister.

  She was a beautiful brunette with a conservative nature. She was the kind of girl a man like Avery should be with. I couldn’t help thinking what a good couple they would make. What was my problem? Why did I agree to any of this? Avery and I were very happy together before Dorian.

  I excused myself and made my way to the bar. I needed a breather. As
I downed another shot of Jameson, Kim set down a glass of chilled merlot.

  “This is the first time you haven’t worn your bracelet,” Avery stated as he moved up behind me after finishing his dance with Melanie. My hand went to my wrist.

  “I forgot it,” I replied. He studied me then he motioned to Kim for a drink. I could only hope that it wasn’t tequila. I actually hadn’t worn my bracelet in awhile. My wrist exposed my thoughts. Yep, he did a shot of tequila…he loved Don Julio. This was a bad sign.

  Avery put the shot glass down and turned towards me.

  “So, you’re blonde now. I didn’t see that coming,” Avery emphasized, motioning Kim to give him another shot.

  “I guess I’m full of surprises,” I sighed.

  “What happened to you being my date tonight? Dorian shouldn’t even be here. He doesn’t even know Maya or Travis that well. I’m not even sure how he knew the wedding was this weekend.”

  “I think I may have mentioned it to him,” I said softly as I sipped at my wine.

  “We really need to talk later,” he threatened dryly.

  I nodded my head in agreement. I had a lot to say to him. For instance, I still wanted to yell about the money he was paying me to be Dorian’s whore, but now wasn’t the time for any nonsense, especially with him drinking tequila. Instead, we chatted about nothing in particular. I could tell he was keeping himself distant. I was slowly killing him. I could see it in his eyes.

  I continued to sip my wine and hoped that somehow I could salvage tonight. Avery stood across from me like we were making a business deal instead of beside me like my boyfriend. He never even reached out to touch me. It sucked.

  The room was bouncing with life all around us, but I was wallowing in a state of self-pity and drowning in it.

  I needed to escape and alcohol seemed like the best way to do it. I needed to get drunk, plus I think that pill Pierce gave me was really making some magic. Thank god.

  “Hey, Aria,” Jenna said. Caitlyn stepped up beside her and smiled at me.

  “Hi,” I said to my only two friends.

  “Avery, can we steal Aria for a bit. We want to see her shake that fine platinum haired ass of hers on the dance floor,” Jenna said.

  “Whatever,” he said rather defiantly. “I need to make a quick phone call anyways. Go, have fun,” he said kissing my forehead stiffly and turning to leave. I rested my hand on his chest for a moment as he moved past me. He didn’t acknowledge it as he made his way to the end of the bar and ordered another shot as he made a phone call. So, I downed my wine. I might as well dance, that always put me in a better moo…I mean mood. I think I’m spinning.

  The lights were low as we danced, and even though it was a small crowd, there was a full dance floor. I put my hands up and swayed my hips just wanting to be free.

  Jenna and Caitlyn moved together and sandwiched me between them, Caitlyn from behind and Jenna in front of me.

  They both had their hands on my hips and ground into me.

  I looked to my right and saw that Sara and Colt were doing the same. Sienna and Sean were in front of me. Maya and Travis were beside them. Wren and Nadia danced with Ethan and Melanie. Even Pierce and Lucy were grinding to the music. I closed my eyes and let the rhythm move me.

  After several more songs, a tall muscular body took Jenna’s place and I smelled Dorian’s cologne immediately. My eyes shot open as he moved closer.

  “Hello, Luv,” he purred in my ear. “Miss me? You’ve been without me for too long.” I smiled drunkenly up at him and ground my hips into his as he spun away from Caitlyn. It felt great to be wanted. He crookedly grinned. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he said.

  “Hi,” I slurred.

  Dorian spun me around and I felt his shaft press into me from behind. I leaned my head back against his shoulder. I suddenly didn’t care where I was. I wanted Dorian to take all my stress away like he always did; with him, there were no boundaries. No expectations. It was simply whatever we could give each other in the moment and that was all that I wanted. It was our last night together and he was my escape. My weakness.

  He ground into my behind firmly, making me aware of his hardness.

  Dorian turned me towards him and rushed to kiss me. I pressed harder against him and ran my hands under his expensive suit jacket.

  I unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt, slipped my hand inside, and felt his gasp as my hand touched his chest. He shivered and deepened the kiss.

  I pulled my hand out of his shirt, slid it down the front of his trousers, and grasped his firmness. He was ready for me.

  Then suddenly, I was startled out of my dream state when Dorian was pulled from my reach and whisked away.

  My blurred eyes refocused and found a furious Avery holding Dorian by the shirt collar. The realization swept over Dorian’s face that we might have gone too far. He knew we messed up, as Avery’s hands found their way around Dorian’s throat and Dorian’s skin color began noticeably turning purple, and then everything happened quickly after that.

  Pierce, Colt, Ethan, and Wren ran up to get between them. Pierce and Colt pushed Avery back across the dance floor, trying to get him away from Dorian. Wren stood blocking Dorian from Avery’s onslaught. Ethan pulled me out of the line of fire. What the fuck was happening?

  Avery moved around Pierce by shoving Colt into him and went for Dorian. His emotions were out of control. He swung hard as Travis ran up to stop the fight and unwittingly stepped in front of Avery’s blow. Travis’s head spun backward and his body followed as he landed hard on the ground.

  Maya screamed and ran towards him, but she twisted her ankle trying to run in her heels. She went down hard. The realization of what was happening prickled at the back of my neck.

  Ethan gripped my arm harder and pulled me to the side of the dance floor where the towered wedding cake rested on the dessert table with a myriad of pies and pastries courtesy of Avery’s chefs in the Paramore kitchen. I took a step to try and get around Ethan.

  “Don’t,” he barked. “Let them settle this. You’ve done enough already, haven’t you?”

  It was if his words slapped me across the face. What did I do?

  Tears flew to my eyes as Sara moved to help Maya. My best friend didn’t come to help me, instead she knelt by Maya and flashed a glare my way like I was Hester Prynne and someone had just painted a big scarlet ‘A’ over my chest. She was judging me. So was everyone else in the room.

  Sienna then made it to Sara and Maya and they helped her try and stand.

  My chest shook as I fought to get around Ethan. Tears were running down my face. I was a disgrace and I wanted my execution.

  The room was clearly spinning now. Pierce’s pill wasn’t mixing well with the alcohol.

  Avery was a lion and Dorian was a tiger. In a universe of equals, they were evenly matched.

  The music blared loudly as Avery slipped around Pierce, and in doing so, tossed poor Wren to the side.

  Avery gripped Dorian’s shirt and pushed his face inches away from Dorian’s as they turned and spun almost as if they were doing their own private dance for everyone. Both were shouting and leveling accusations at one another as they each struggled to get the upper hand.

  “You touch her again when she’s not yours and I swear to fucking God, I will beat the living fuck out of you,” Avery shouted. Wren was on the floor from Avery’s toss.

  Ethan loosened his grip on me as if he was about to move to help his brother.

  “Avery, don’t,” I shouted. I broke from Ethan’s arm hold and took a few steps towards the dance floor as Ethan reached for me, and not knowing his own strength, pulled me backwards. I used my extra momentum to elbow him right in the stomach. Ethan’s eyes rolled back in his head as he fell to his knees wincing in pain, but he had just enough where-withal to grab my ankle and pull backward with all his might. My heel slipped off and I spun backwards, losing my balance, landing on the dessert table as my face plowed down into the wedding cake. Fuck.r />
  Then the table collapsed under my weight and I hit the floor with the cake. My face drove downward through all seven individual layers, and then the pies, pastries, and assorted puddings bounced over on top of me.

  Maya screamed in horror again as others laughed at the fool I had become. Sara and Sienna stared in shock as they helped Maya to her feet.

  Avery pried his eyes from Dorian’s and looked over at me with disgust. My own boyfriend looked at me like I was a stranger.

  I lifted my face still covered with sweet cake and pleaded softly. “Please, don’t.”

  Avery let go of Dorian’s shirt forcefully tossing him backwards to the floor. Dorian slid about four feet flat on his back. Avery recomposed himself then took the few steps back as Pierce made it to Avery’s side and rested his hand on Avery’s shoulder, hoping to calm him.

  Pierce knew all too well that tequila and Avery didn’t mix.

  Avery looked like he had been doing shots of tequila since before the ceremony.

  Ethan finally stood up and helped me to my feet. He then carefully scraped wedding cake off of my face and out of my hair. My hair had temporarily lost its platinum sheen and was now tinted with crimson icing from Maya’s velvety wedding cake. I was a disaster. I had pudding all over my back and little pieces of cake in my hair. My makeup was smearing because of my tears and my lipstick smudged sideways.

  Avery walked across the dance floor and right up to me. Ethan stepped away to give us a private moment, except it wasn’t private. Everyone was staring at us.

  “Do you love him, Aria?” he said harshly, pointing over at Dorian who was still recomposing himself. The veins in his neck were protruding out and I had never seen Avery this angry and this upset. “You were supposed to be my date tonight, but you invited Dorian! Didn’t you?” his words carried a slight slur in them from the tequila.

  My mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish. I didn’t know how to answer that. I just kept pulling cake out of my hair. Ethan ran to the bar and returned to wipe the pudding off of my back. I didn’t know what I was feeling. I could hear Genevieve and Jezebel laughing the hardest from over by the main fireplace.