Road To Love

by Courtney Brewer

  “Just tell me, is my mother’s intuition correct?”

  “I guess so; do you think that I’m crazy?”

  “I don’t think you’re crazy. You can’t pick the person you fall in love with.”

  “I didn’t say anything about falling in love.”

  Her mother’s raised eyebrows were enough to quiet her. “It just happens and if you believe that Travis could be the one to make you happy that should be what matters.”

  “I don’t know; Todd would never go for the idea. He doesn’t even know anything and he told me that he knows that Travis isn’t the man for me. I would never convince him otherwise. So, why would I try?”

  “Do you know how Travis feels about you?”

  “I think so, but he keeps saying that it’s only infatuation and attraction. Yet, when he looks at me I feel something. I’m just thinking that maybe I’m reading too much into it.”

  “It’s like this; you have to forget about what Todd wants for you and think about what you want.”

  “Easier said than done;” Abigail groaned and her eyes fell on the church door. Todd would be exiting at any moment and the last thing she wanted was him to overhear what they were saying. “It might just be easier to forget about what I want and do what’s best for everyone else.”

  She spotted Todd at the same time her mother did. Her mother stood up and placed her hand on hers. “Tell him how you fell; don’t worry about Todd. He’ll end up coming around.”

  “Thanks mom;” she smiled as her mother walked away. She didn’t expect her to be the one to make her see clearly. “Are you ready?”

  “Yeah; what were you and mom talking about?”

  She shrugged. “Nothing important;” he seemed to buy it as they headed to his car. She had a lot to consider; it was possible that her mother was right.

  ***

  Abigail avoided Travis like the plague when the next day arrived. She met at the church and saw the dress that Carolyn had picked out for her and Becca to wear; it was the first time seeing it and when she looked at her reflection in the mirror she was happy with the results. She was happy that Carolyn didn’t choose a frilly pink dress for them to wear. The dress that was chosen was practical and one that she could wear to any party that she attended. She chuckled out loud. It wasn’t like she was known to go to too many parties. “What’s so funny?”

  She looked at Carolyn and smiled. “I was just admiring the dress. It fits perfectly. How did you know my size?”

  “Your brother is a very good sleuth.”

  “He could have just asked.”

  “We wanted it to be a surprise.”

  Abby smiled. “Where’s Becca?”

  “She decided to just get dressed at her house. She’ll be here in about 15 minutes.”

  Carolyn turned away and started to act like she was looking for something.”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “I’m looking for my flowers. I thought they were…”

  Abigail picked up the flowers from the table. “Uh…are these it?”

  Carolyn laughed. “I suppose I’m a little nervous.”

  “Is there something I can help with? I’m done getting ready.”

  “I’m just worried that everything isn’t going to be ready for me to walk down the aisle. I still have to get dressed and makeup on and I’m sort of freaking out.”

  Abby laid her hand on Carolyn’s. “I’m sure everything is going to be great, but if you want me to make sure we’re on schedule, I will.”

  “You will?”

  “I’m your Maid of Honor; my job is to assist you. You get ready and I will be back in a little while.”

  “Thank you Abby.”

  “You’re welcome;” she left the room and made her way down the hall where the boys were getting ready. After knocking on the door her brother answered. “Woo hoo; you clean up nice.” He was already dressed, with the exception of his tie.”

  “Thank you; I just can’t get this stupid tie.”

  Abigail smiled. “Let me help you with that.” She redid his tie. “There; it really is a good thing you’re getting married.” She looked around the room and spotted Chad, Carolyn’s brother. “Hey Chad;” he nodded and waved and went back to combing his hair. “Where’s Travis?”

  “He’s around.”

  Abigail laughed at his vagueness. “Okay; remember, it’s only an hour to show time.”

  “I remember;” he laughed.

  Abigail left the room and continued down the hall. She looked in the sanctuary and stopped when she saw Travis talking to the photographer. He looked up and smiled, then headed towards her. “What are you…” they both began.

  Travis laughed. “Todd was a little nervous about things going smoothly. I told him I would check it out. What about you?”

  “The same; Carolyn’s a little on edge.”

  He nodded. “They’re in love; they want everything to be perfect.”

  Abigail had to look away; the way he was staring at her made her hope that he at least did want her still. “I better get back to Carolyn.”

  “Yeah; I’m sure Todd is wondering where I went.” Before he left he faced her again. “Everything is on schedule here.” He paused for a moment and then smiled. “By the way, you look amazing in that dress.”

  She stared after him; when she wrapped her mind around the compliment, she grinned. He was definitely getting better at his choice of words.

  ***

  Travis found himself more focused on watching the Maid of Honor, than watching the Bride and Groom. When Pastor Mark had said to kiss the bride, his eyes instantly met hers. He could tell that every bit of his pushing her away wasn’t getting through to her. Before they headed back to their everyday life he had to have one last talk with her. It was time that everything was out in the open.

  To his dismay Abigail had chose to ride with her parents to the reception; he had hoped to have their conversation prior to continuing the evening. The reception was at the hotel that they were staying in; so he headed back to the hotel.

  He entered the hall and glanced around the room. He spotted Abigail talking to her friend Chelsea and even though he knew it wasn’t right to interrupt he decided to do it anyway. He casually walked over and smiled at Abigail and Chelsea. “Chelsea, it is good to see you.”

  She looked at him like he had grown another head. “Hey Travis; it’s good to see you too.”

  “Um…Abigail; May I have a word with you?”

  “A word?” Abigail started to laugh. “I haven’t seen Chels in years; I see you all the time. I’m sure we can talk later.”

  He was disappointed by her lackluster response. “Okay; but…”

  “We’ll talk later.” She grabbed Chelsea’s hand and they left him standing there in shock. He would give her the space, but in time he would get her to listen.

  ***

  Abigail turned to Chelsea and tried, with every bit of her, to put him as far away from her mind as possible. “So, do you mind telling me what that was about?”

  Abigail shrugged. “There’s really nothing to tell.”

  “You think that I am that naïve? Come on Abby, be frank with me; I’m your best friend and despite not seeing you for a couple of years I can tell something is amiss. The last time Travis Jessup said it was good to see me was…oh, wait a minute, Travis has never said it was good to see me. Besides, I saw the way you looked at each other.”

  Abigail laughed. “You always have been a hopeless romantic, which is why you will probably be the next one married. Where is Scott?”

  “He’s around and don’t change the subject. You can’t deny it; can you?” Abigail turned to her and her eyes got big. “Oh my goodness; it’s true. You’re in love with…” Abigail quickly covered Chelsea’s mouth with her hand.

  “Please be quiet.” She looked around to make sure no one was watching them.”

  “Are you?”

  Abigail shrugged. “I guess so.”

&nb
sp; “What changed?”

  Abigail thought about that question; it wasn’t an easy one to answer. “I don’t know; it’s not like I can point to one time where I say that’s when I knew. According to my mom, I knew when I was 7 years old.” Chelsea frowned; “it’s a long story.”

  “I guess it would be.” A smile formed on her lips and she let a giggle escape. “Did you sleep with him?”

  “Chels, it was cold and we were stuck in a storm…”

  Her jaw dropped. “Are you serious? You did.” Chelsea turned and looked to where Travis was now standing. “Don’t get me wrong; he was totally hot, but I’m a little surprised. I never would have pictured it.”

  “Yeah, you and me both; it just happened. I never would have expected it to happen, but the truth is I do love him.” The moment the words escaped her lips she covered her mouth. It was one thing to think them but to say the words put it in a whole other ball field. There was no turning back.”

  ***

  “Ladies and Gentleman, it is time for the bridal party to dance.” Travis thought he would never hear the words. He was patient through the meal, the toasts, and the Bride and Groom’s first dance, but it was his turn to take to the floor with Abigail.

  Becca and Chad joined them, so it wasn’t very crowded on the dance floor. He saw the hesitation on her face as they met in the middle. “I don’t know why we have to do this;” she grumbled.

  “It’s tradition;’ it was the only quick response he could think of. “Why do you keep avoiding me; I thought we turned a corner.”

  “I’m not;” she protested.

  “Yes you are; right now you can’t even look at me.”

  The reluctance on her face was evident as she looked up. “You’re a smart guy; figure it out.”

  “I think you’re scared.” She opened her mouth, but he continued before she could interject. “Don’t deny it; just hear me out. You have feelings; they are stronger than either of us is willing to admit, but they’re there. We know how your brother would feel about that, so we came to a stupid agreement. You don’t want to honor it, anymore than I do.”

  “Don’t act like you know what I want; you’re an arrogant jerk. Maybe I’m not the one that’s scared, but you’re too pompous to admit that you are the one in the wrong.’ She pulled away from him, but he pulled her closer. “Let me go.”

  “No; not until the dance is over.” She looked away from him and they continued to dance. As the song came to an end; she pushed away. “Abigail, don’t rush off. I didn’t mean to make you mad.”

  “Travis; would you care to dance?” He looked over as he saw Becca approach them.

  “Becca, it’s not a good time; maybe later?”

  “Actually, you should dance; I was just leaving.” He watched as she stomped off. He forced a smile as he turned to Becca. He just wanted to follow Abigail, but she didn’t appear to want that.

  “Sure; I would love to dance.” He held out his arms and danced with Becca. It wasn’t going to be easy, but he had to find some way to get through to her.

  ***

  Abigail watched Becca and Travis dancing; it pained her to see his arms around her bed. She turned around and faced the bartender. “I would like a Fuzzy Navel.”

  “Coming right up;” she turned back to the dance floor and realized that Travis didn’t seem too concerned about her. She faced the drink that he placed in front of her and smiled.

  She hadn’t taken a drink since that 21 birthday party. She sat there and contemplated her options and nothing seemed obvious. She looked at the guy as he sat next to her. She didn’t know who he was, but that didn’t matter. She smiled. “Hello;” he nodded as he ordered a drink.

  “Hello; are you here for the bride or the groom?”

  “I’m the bride’s uncle, Bill.” She nodded; he didn’t look old enough to be her uncle. Age didn’t matter, but she was surprised. “You’re Todd’s sister? Abigail; right?”

  “Right…you seem to know a lot about me.” She giggled nervously.

  “I read the program.”

  “Oh; right.” She looked back at the full glass in front of her; she was suddenly feeling foolish for having ordered it.

  “When you’re done with your drink, would you like to dance?”

  She looked at the Fuzzy Navel and then at him. “Actually, I’m not really thirsty.”

  “You can’t let the drink go to waste; I can wait.” His smile was unnerving. She picked up the drink; she could take just one drink and say it wasn’t very good.

  She had just picked it up when she felt a hand grab it out of her hand. “Don’t do anything stupid Abigail.”

  “I already did something stupid;” she glared at Travis. “I trusted you.” She started to grab the glass again when he swiped it from her grasp. “Will you stop that?”

  “Abigail, is this guy bothering you?”

  She turned to Carolyn’s uncle. “I can handle him.”

  Travis looked at the guy and then turned to Abigail. “What are you doing? You don’t drink; remember?”

  “I’m going to take it up; it beats the alternative” She looked at him.

  “What alternative? You mean, having feelings?”

  “No;” she mumbled. “Forget it!”

  “I know that you don’t want to take this drink.” He handed the glass to the bartender. “This isn’t needed, but thank you. I know that you can throw out all kinds of comebacks to my pranks, but when I want to discuss something seriously, you run away.”

  “Maybe, I don’t want to hear what you have to say. Go back to dancing with Becca and just forget anything you think you need to say.” She turned to Bill. “I would love to dance with you.” She turned to Travis who was blocking her from getting off of the barstool. “Excuse me; do you mind?”

  Travis threw up his hands and moved so that she could get past him. She wasn’t going to let anyone stop her from having a good time; even Travis.

  ***

  Travis couldn’t take it any longer; he was tired of the cat and mouse routine. When the dance came to an end he went out to the dance floor and grabbed her hand. “You’re coming with me.”

  “I am not a child; let me go.” She argued.

  “You’re acting like a child. I’m not letting you go until you listen to what I have to say.” He pushed the button to the elevator, but never let go of her hand.

  “You can’t be serious. People are going to wonder where we went. It will get suspicious and they’ll realize we’re together.”

  “Let them wonder; I don’t care. I am dead serious;” he spoke through clenched teeth.

  They got off their floor and she looked at him. “You don’t have to keep hold of my hand to make me listen.”

  “I wish I could believe that.” He put the card in his door and it opened.

  He let go of her hand and she crossed her arms in front of her. “You’re letting go of hand now? I could easily get in my room; especially when my door is right there.”

  “You won’t do that.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “Because despite everything that has happened this week you want to get to the bottom of these feelings. Plus, you’re not a prisoner and if you really want to go, I can’t stop you.”

  “First of all, there are no feelings; not on my end, anyway. You have to remember that.”

  “You felt nothing when we made love?”

  “You’re the one that said it didn’t mean anything. I’m just going right along with what you said.”

  “I don’t recall saying that.”

  “You said it was just passion and infatuation; you said that you’re attracted to me, but that’s where it ends.”

  “What do you do…write down everything I say?” He snickered and she looked away.

  “The point is I heard the message loud and clear.”

  “Abigail, it meant everything to me. I’m not the pig you think I am. Don’t you know that I would do anything to do it all over again? If I c
ould find a way to make it work; I would.”

  “I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

  He moved closer to her and ran his hands down her arms. He took in the sweet scent of her perfume. “I want to make love to you, but it could end in heartache and I don’t want that to happen to you.”

  “Are you worried about Todd and what he’ll say?”

  He turned away from her and groaned. “Yes, but that’s not all. What if something happens between us and we wound up hating each other?”

  Abigail laughed. He felt her arms slowly wrap around him. “It wouldn’t be the first time.” He bit back a sigh as her hands trailed down the front of his shirt. He turned around and touched her hand. “I can’t get you out of my head;” she whispered. “My brother shouldn’t have such a say. I’m old enough to come to my own choices.”

  “Abigail, family should come first and that probably isn’t what you want o hear, but it’s the cold heart truth.”

  “Are you pushing me away because you realize that maybe Becca is better suited for you?”

  He stared at her and started to laugh. “Are you kidding me?”

  “My brother thinks she’s perfect for you.”

  “It’s all starting to make sense; I was wondering why she was making a strong effort to get to know me.” He chuckled. “No; this has nothing to do with Becca.”

  “She’s beautiful.”

  “Not as beautiful as you; you have to trust my words. Just because I can’t follow my feelings, doesn’t mean I don’t still harbor those feelings for you.”

  “It just doesn’t make sense. You have feelings for me, you want to make love to me, but you won’t?”

  “In time you will learn that I am only trying to protect you.”

  Abigail nodded. He could tell that she was hurt, but understood. “Just one more kiss?”

  He chuckled. “I don’t think that’s a great idea.”

  “Maybe not, but I need to feel your lips on mine; even if it’s for the last time.”

  He wrapped his hand around her neck and pulled her closer. When their lips touched he knew that he was letting it linger longer than he should. “Abigail;” he whispered. He pulled away and turned from her. “You have to leave.”