“I sure did; bacon, spinach and artichoke.” My mom smiled.
“You should get the recipe from her—it’ll snag just about any fellow out from his feet.” I said, scarfing it down.
“Maybe you should you take some of that with you to see Skylar?”
“I walked right into that one—didn’t I; touché Aunt Juanita.”
“You did. Ahem.” She grinned from behind her coffee cup.
“Oh my goodness it’s five minutes to nine. Where are dad and the boys?” I asked, looking around.
“They are somewhere outside.” She looked down at her coffee cup.
“Mom, they are not waiting outside are they?”
Just then, the door opened and in walked Grandma Rose, followed by Evi. “CeCe’s here and so is the hunk.”
“Grandma!” I said mortified by the loudness of her voice.
“Mom, don’t embarrass her.” Aunt Juanita called out. “So he’s really good looking, huh?”
“Well the young guy is not too bad but I was talking about the older one in the passenger’s seat.” She said nodding her head.
“Oh my goodness, is my dad out there Grandma?”
“Yes Charlotte. He and your brothers are cleaning their guns. It’s a nice day outside to do that.”
“Are you kidding me? Mom!”
I headed towards the door in a panic. CeCe and Skylar were getting out of the back seat of a brand new white BMW convertible. James and Sidney were getting out of the front seat. My father and brothers sat polishing their twenty-two’s, on the front porch.
“Char—are you ready for some fun?” CeCe asked, jumping around pointing to the car. “Do you like my new ride? It’s a present from my mom and dad for our wedding.”
“You betcha I’m excited.” I smiled nervously, looking at her and Skylar, who had a pretentious smile across his face. “That’s a very nice wedding present.” I said, thinking about their fondue pot I bought her a week ago for the wedding present.
“Richard, meet my son-in-law to be, Christian La Fleur and his father, Sidney.”
My father stood up and put his gun down to shake Skylar’s hand. My heart started pounding as I prayed silently that he wouldn’t say a word other than the congenial hello.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” Skylar smiled, showing his beautiful perfect white teeth and architecturally shaped jaw line. His face hadn’t changed. It was still the same beautiful face I fell for several summers ago. He looked like one of the Greek Gods we read about in middle school. His piercing blue eyes and dimples that exploded up the sides of his cheeks grew bigger as he smiled wider, keeping the attention of all the women standing on the porch and peeking through the windows.
“Dad, they’ve got to get going. You can give him his hand back now.”
“I love your dad Char; Mr. Buchanan, you’re so cool. Maybe we can come back and shoot the guns later—Christian and his dad might like that.” CeCe insisted.
“Don’t tempt him. We wouldn’t get to the Bachelorette party if we did that Ce. We should get going. Dad—give him his hand back!”
“You’ve got a great handshake Mr. Buchanan. CeCe has told me so many good things about your daughter and your family.” Skylar smiled, with his hand in my father’s grip.
“We’ve got a great family here.” My father said, looking him in the eye.
“Well, they are leaving dad. Richie, go get the car please?”
“Well, it was nice to meet you guys. Feel free to come back later if you want to shoot some guns. I’d be happy to bring out the big ones.” My dad smiled as he released Skylar’s hand.
“That might be fun. Thank you Mr. Buchanan.” Skylar smiled once more, before saying goodbye to everyone else on the porch.
“I love you babe. I’ll see you later.” CeCe smiled at Skylar.
My family waited for his reply, watching his every move.
He smiled at CeCe and then looked at me. “Have fun girls. I’ll see you later.”
We jumped in the car shortly after they left. I eyed my parents from the driver’s seat while CeCe was busy talking Richie’s ear off. “Bye guys, I love you.”
“We love you too sweetie.” My mother smiled as she leaned into my dad’s side.
We took off towards town for the spa. CeCe talked about Skylar just about as much as she talked about all the details of her dream wedding. The nausea was coming back. Richie just kept digging for more information while I pretended to be preoccupied with driving. She went over the details of the proposal underneath the Eiffel Tower and how he really knew her and loved her for her. She said that he reminded her of me because he accepted her for herself and wasn’t interested in changing her. So, I actually drew her closer to him? Fantastic, just what I wanted to do, I thought to myself.
We got to the spa and were greeted by Bev, Christine, and six other girls. I recognized all but one of them. I knew Pinky, and two of the other sorority sisters CeCe went to college with. The other two were cousins—of which I had met before. The third girl had long, silky dark-brown hair and blue eyes. I had never met her but she was beautiful and smiling widely at me. I saw Christine walk up and put her arm around her.
“Charlotte, this is Emma, our daughter.”
“Hi Charlotte, it’s great to meet you.” She smiled and extended her arms to hug me. A fresh scent of patchouli intermingled with possibly lemongrass greeted me with her embrace. “My brother still loves you.” She whispered into my ear as she hugged me tightly.
Her words drifted into my ear and re-ignited a flame that had flickered only small sparks since that warm summer night. “It’s very nice to meet you too.”
Emma stayed close to CeCe and I for most of the afternoon. She, like her brother, gave off a warmth and sincerity that is hard to counterfeit. I detected that Richie seemed to take notice of Emma’s beauty too. He was unusually quiet and observed Emma talk with CeCe and I. Emma shared stories of her and Skylar when they were kids and of the silly things he’d say and do. I could tell, by the way she spoke about him, they had a close sibling bond. She was three years younger than him.
“Emma came in early this morning. They have a house in Brunswick and she drove down from there.” CeCe shared.
“Oh wow, that’s not that far away.” I said thinking about Skylar and the beach house he told me about.
“Nah, it’s about 45 minutes for most or about a half hour for me. I have a bit of a lead foot.” Emma grinned.
“Emma, you crazy driver you!” Christine joked.
“I’ve got places to go and important people to see.” She smiled, clutching on to her mom’s arm before turning to look at me and CeCe.
After our pedicures and manicures, we were lead to a large room with 4 large tubs sunk into the floor filled with what looked like mud and floating flowers.
“Anyone for a swim?” Richie teased.
“I opted for us to have volcanic ash mud baths. They’re full of minerals and really good for your skin.” CeCe said, clapping her hands quietly.
“Hmm, really?” I said, thinking about mud squishing between my toes and other parts.
“It’ll be fun. Besides I want my skin to be silky smooth for Christian.” She said as she went to her changing booth.
The thought of Skylar touching her silky skin made my stomach hurt.
“Girls, am I staying or going in another room?” Richie asked a bit nervous.
“Richie, they provide you with a cover up—it’s like a Speedo. While you’re changing we’ll get in first and then you can get in.” CeCe said from behind her curtain.
He looked at me and then over at Emma. “Really a Speedo?” He mouthed to me.
“If I have to hear about her making out with Skylar—I don’t want to hear you complaining about wearing a Speedo.” I whispered back to him frowning.
“Are you girls almost ready?” CeCe asked, coming out of the booth in a towel.
“No, I was busy listening to Richie whining about the mud getting
in between his toes.”
“I’m ready.” Emma said pulling open her curtain.
I peeked around the corner and saw the back of Emma dip down into the mud. CeCe went in next. I quickly slipped out with my towel and headed towards my tub. I stuck my toe in and felt the warm mud. I dropped my towel on the ground and hurried in before Richie came out of his changing booth. The mud was surprisingly relaxing and not as gritty as I supposed it to be.
“Ladies, can I come out now?” Richie hollered from his curtain.
“Bring it on Richie.” CeCe yipped.
“Okay, turn around girls; I don’t want you to faint over my manliness.” He said, peeking his head around the corner.
“Oh my goodness Richie—your manliness?” I laughed.
“Hey now, that’s better than his girliness.” CeCe joked.
“I kind of like Speedos—all the manly European men wear them.” Emma smiled.
“See—she knows what she’s talking about. Listen to the cultured woman over there.” Richie pointed at Emma as he came out in a towel draped around his waist.
“I want to see the Speedo!” CeCe joked sitting back in her tub with the mud lying just below her collarbone.
“Hey, you’ve got your own Speedo to look at.”
Richie’s words stung. CeCe laughed at his silliness and was still none the wiser of the boiling emotions I covered up just below the surface. I looked down and thought about what would’ve happened if Skylar had called me when he promised. Maybe, we’d be sitting here in my honor. Her joy was choking what was left of my heart. I sat back and placed the warm wash cloth over my eyes.
“Good idea Char—you don’t need to see your brother in a Speedo.”
“Yeah, that would be a bit traumatic for her.”
“Are you okay Char?” CeCe asked.
“Yeah, I’m good.” I said trying to make my voice sound lighter. “I just didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.”
“She and Eric broke up.”
“Richie!” I said, removing my washcloth so he could see my angry disposition.
“What? Char, why?” CeCe looked concerned.
“CeCe this is about your day. I don’t want to spoil it with my depressing life.” I said, trying to get her to talk about something else besides Skylar.
“Sweetie—maybe if you talk about it you’ll feel better. I want to hear what happened.” She leaned towards the edge of her tub in my direction.
“We just aren’t meant for each other. He’s really incredible in all ways but he’s just not the one.”
“In all ways?”
“Yes, in all ways.” I looked at her as she raised her eyebrows. “CeCe, no—not that way; we’ve never…”
“Never, really?”
“No, never! Skylar was the only one. I’m not willing to give what’s left to anyone unless he’s the one and puts a big ring on this finger.” I said, holding up my mud-covered hand, wiggling my ring finger.
Richie and Emma looked over at CeCe and I.
“So, what would you do if you ever saw Skylar again?” Emma asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve thought about it so many times, I just never thought it would happen.” I said, losing my thoughts.
“What?” CeCe asked. “Did you see Skylar?”
“Oh. Oh no. I meant I’ve thought about what I would say or do if I ever saw him. I don’t think it’ll happen besides I’m pretty sure he’s moved on with his life—wherever he is.”
“Christian has some pretty cute friends I could set you up with.”
“Thanks CeCe. Don’t bother. The right guy will find me one day.”
“Well I hope that you find a guy just like Skylar—kind, handsome, funny, and just completely wonderful.”
“Thanks Ce,” I managed to get out.
I sat back and listened to Richie, CeCe, and Emma talk the remainder of the time. My heart continued to sink in the mud feeling helpless. CeCe was so happy and although Emma seemed to give me hope I still felt that telling CeCe was not an option. CeCe’s wedding was going to be the biggest party of the year for St. Marys. Her parents spared no expense in all the details to bless their daughter. Our mud baths finished and we met back up with the other girls and the mothers for afternoon tea before leaving for Cumberland Island for the wedding rehearsal. My mother met us at the harbor to drop Lucy off for the practice.
We boarded a ferry to get to the old beautiful Greyfield Inn that CeCe’s parents booked for the entire weekend. It was a short fifteen minute ride to the Inn. Our boat was packed with all the ladies and Richie. As we got closer to the dock I could see the rest of the wedding party. Standing at the end of the pier was Skylar and a few of his friends. I watched him silently as I leaned over the side of the boat. He looked like he had in my dreams. His hair was blowing in the wind. He was dressed in flip flops, a pair of relaxed jeans with a white tee shirt and a blue fitted sport coat. His eyes were covered up by his sunglasses. As we neared the dock he looked over at me and smiled out of the side of his mouth. His smile made my heart sick. He was like a drug that made me dizzy and weak in the knees.
“Auntie Ce—there’s Christian!” Lucy pointed with her tiny finger while she pulled on CeCe with her other hand.
Skylar’s attention changed to CeCe as she waved him down with air blown kisses. I prayed diligently, in my head. Please Lord, please help me. I don’t want to be here. Not here and not in this life. I can’t handle this and I need you to carry me. I can’t do this. I’ve been strong for everyone else but I need you. My world is crashing down and there’s no one to hold it up. Please, I prayed.
“Hi ladies.” Skylar greeted all of us. “Emma!” He reached for her. “I see you met all of CeCe’s friends.”
“I did. They all seem really nice.” Emma beamed as Pinky perked up in awareness of all the guys standing around Skylar.
“Hey, you look familiar.” One of Skylar’s friends pointed in my direction.
“I do?”
“Yeah, isn’t she that girl at the party?” He looked at Skylar.
“I don’t go to any parties—it wasn’t me. I’m a mom.”
“Oh, it must have been someone else.”
“They say everyone has a twin.” I offered.
“Yeah, Char is the best mom. She’s always with Lucy. And now she’ll be with her even more.” CeCe said, rubbing my shoulder mimicking a sad face.
I looked at CeCe wanting to duct tape her mouth. Although she was being a good friend in any other situation, she was driving me nuts.
“Really, why is that?” Skylar looked concerned.
“She and Eric broke up last night.” CeCe said with a sad face, again.
“What happened?” He asked with a strange grin-like frown.
“My life is not that exciting. We should get going.” I said turning towards the Inn.
“I’m sorry I’m not embarrassing you, am I Char?”
“I just don’t want to talk about it—especially in front of everyone.”
“I know. Maybe you’ll meet someone this weekend. You are my best friend and you deserve to be happy.”
“We’ll see.” I said avoiding eye contact with her and Skylar.
I endured the painstakingly romantic vows during the rehearsal. Father John officiated. I watched silently as CeCe gazed into Skylar’s eyes. She had remembered every word of her vow. Skylar stumbled a few times and seemed distracted—this was a side of Skylar I hadn’t seen before. He seemed less confident during the reciting of his vows. I couldn’t tell if it was my presence or the fact that his daughter was running all around, pretending to be a butterfly in flight. Bev tried to catch her a few times to get her to land but she kept dodging her arms and Bev’s heels did not lend her any assistance. Several times, I caught Skylar laugh as Bev tried to lure her over. Emma watched the spectacle in delight. I wondered what all Skylar had told her other than he still loved me. She seemed to enjoy watching Lucy’s free-spirited self-run around with no care in the world as did her b
rother. She only bothered to stop running when dinner was served and she was promised a decadent strawberry-lemon crème cake sprinkled with white chocolate shavings.
After the rehearsal, I followed behind CeCe and Skylar towards a large outdoor patio, complete with an elongated table draped in white linen and enough silver and crystal to cast a glow, noticeable, across the river. Everything was dripping in luxurious detail. It was elegant just like CeCe and Bev. The evening sky lit up a beautiful array of colors over the water. There was an orchestra playing music during dinner and servers stood nearby, with water pitchers and champagne bottles. Nothing had been over-looked. I paid close attention to Lucy and eluded any interactions with CeCe and Skylar. Father John sat next to Lucy during dinner. As I cut up her food, I felt a warm hand on my back. Father John leaned over to give me a smile and a pat on the back.
“How are you doing?” He smiled. “I hear you’ve got a book that’s about to be published.”
“Oh yeah, my parents must have told you.”
“They did. They also told me other things when they asked for prayer for you this morning.”
“I’m fine Father.” I said in exasperation.
“I’m here if you need to talk.” He patted my back as he looked me in the eyes. “If you change your mind…”
“If I change my mind, I’ll let you know.” I said, before thanking him for the thought.
“Can I get your attention everyone?” Bev asked, clinking a spoon against her champagne glass. “These girls and guys have got to get going for their night out on the town.” She smiled. “But before they go—maybe a toast from the Best Man and the Maid of Honor to send them off?”
Great, I thought to myself. I was already emotional. Now to stand in front of all these people and wish my best friend and the love of my life a happy ever after was too much to bear. I looked over at Richie. He leaned his head to the side and attempted a smile. I looked down to gather my composure and to figure what I could say that was truthful and believable. We were just about to the point of no return. My time was running out as each moment passed.
“Since the Maid of Honor is a chatterbox over there, I’ll go first.” The Best Man joked, striking up laughter from the table.
Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970) Page 32
