I wasn’t sure what to expect from Whitney after I sent her dinner. A text message admitting she wasn’t sure how to react to my gift or my note gave me hope. She didn’t shoot me down or friend-zone me, so that’s a positive. She didn’t call me and tell me she feels the same way, so that’s a negative. I’m trying to focus on the good things that have happened in the past two weeks instead of what hasn’t.
Good thing number one: The guys are adjusting to the new choreography better than I expected. Switching up a few of the routines was easy enough but adding completely new sets and costumes was my worry. Thankfully, the transition has been easy, and although I’ve had to adjust my budget a little and take on an extra transport gig, I’m okay with that.
Good thing number two: The new transport gig came with a case of beer as a tip. If they all did that, my loss of income wouldn’t be as much of an adjustment.
Good thing number three: Jessi sent me a text telling me to up my manscaping and steam my suit.
I’ll admit number three had me confused, but I did as instructed. In my line of work, the manscaping is already part of my regular life, but I’ll admit to stepping it up a little. My navy suit is pressed and the crisp white shirt I picked up last week is laundered and hanging in my closet.
School should have been added to my good thing list. Last week I met with a professor who commented on my work and suggested I stop by his office to discuss my future in medicine and the next step in my education. Not wanting to slack on school, I take the unusual break in my schedule to study. Sitting on my bed, I grab my laptop from my book bag to get a little studying in.
Some days, my choice of the medical field for a career path seems daunting and never ending. This has always been my dream and while I always knew it would be hard, I had no idea how fucking boring it could be. Medicine itself is great but some of these fucking assignments make me want to stab myself in the eye.
I’m deep into my work when there’s a knock at my open door. Glancing up, I see Carmen staring there with an envelope in her hand and smile on her face.
“Whatcha got there?” I ask, motioning to the envelope.
“Delivery for you.”
Confused, I turn my head as if it will help clear up my understanding of her words. It doesn’t, but I take the offered envelope.
“Open it, already.”
“Relax it’s probably just a bill,” I mutter as I flip it over and see my name written in a fancy scroll. There’s no return address, or my address for that matter. Strange.
I look up to see Carmen bouncing on her feet as Jonah steps in my room behind her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he rests his head on her shoulder, a smile to match hers on his face.
“What are you two up to? Eloping?”
“Bite your tongue, Lucas DeCosta. I’m going to have a beautiful wedding, and you won’t need an invitation. The ring bearer always knows where to be, it’s part of his job.”
Scoffing, I roll my eyes as Jonah chuckles at her tease and she smiles.
Slowly, just to piss her off, I slide my finger under the tab and open the envelope. Sliding out a note card, a huge grin takes over my face as all the of the knowing glances of these two in front of me and the strange suggestions from Jessi jog my memory.
Lucas,
Please meet me tonight at ten o’clock at the Huntington Creek Country Club. I’ll be the girl biting her nails and hoping you show.
Xo,
Whitney
She’s ready.
Holy shit.
She’s ready.
Looking up at Jonah and Carmen, I return the smiles they’re both offering. I open my mouth to say something but stop when Carmen squeals and jumps up and down clapping.
“Babe, our Lukey is growing up. He’s going to get his woman!”
“Dear God, Carmen. Stop shouting. We’re right here,” Jonah teases as he swats Carmen’s ass and throws me a knowing smile before dragging her out of the room in protest.
Looking at the clock, I realize I have three hours until I see Whitney. Food. I should eat. Tacos. I can always eat tacos. Why the fuck am I talking to myself in fragmented sentences? Because you’ve waited for this night your entire life, dipshit.
Grabbing my wallet and keys, I head for the door to find some tacos. I hope the next few hours fly by, because as much as I want to play it cool, I’m far from cool. I’m just a nerdy science kid hoping he gets to tell the most beautiful girl in school he loves her.
Those three hours did not go by quickly. The damn taco truck didn’t have a line for the first time ever, I hit every green light there and back, and, for some reason, I showered like someone was going to turn off the water.
Basically, I finished getting ready an hour ago and can’t sit still. Jonah left for work shortly after I opened the envelope and Jessi arrived about five minutes after I came home with tacos.
Now, I’m wearing out the carpet with my pacing, checking my watch every five minutes. I’m sweating like I’m dressed in a down parka, walking through the Sahara Desert. Meanwhile, Carmen and Jessi are sitting on the couch drinking wine and making fun of me. And taking bets on how early I’ll leave.
“You two as friends was a bad idea.”
Feigning shock Jessi says, “Why I never!”
“Yeah, Luke. Jessi is the best. Thank goodness Jonah introduced us. You’re jealous because we’re drinking and going to spend the night with Ryan Reynolds, and you’re all dressed up.”
“I think my plans are far better than creating a hangover and watching romantic comedies all night.”
“Dude, we’re watching Ryan shirtless. We fast forward to those parts. Duh.” Jessi rolls her eyes dramatically and I laugh.
“You know that’s totally demeaning, right?”
“Says the male stripper.” There’s a lot of eye rolling happening between the three of us, this time it’s my turn. “Look, Luke, don’t judge us. We’ll watch all of The Proposal. It’s The Proposal,” Jessi says as she lifts her glass to Carmen who taps the corner before lifting it to her lips.
“And, on that note, I’m out. Wish me luck, ladies.” Patting my pockets, I confirm I have my keys, phone, and wallet when Jessi stands and places her glass on the table. Stepping up to me, she places her hands on my biceps and closes her eyes.
“Sorry. You’re really muscular. Anyway,” she says, waving her hand dismissively between us, “no matter what happens tonight, treat my girl right and make her happy.”
Leaning down, I place a kiss to Jessi’s cheek. “Always and forever.” With tears in her eyes, Jessi nods and makes her way back to the couch and her wine.
The nerves hit me the closer I get to my truck. I know in my heart this is Whitney making her grand gesture, but regardless, nerves hit me like a ton of bricks. The drive to the country club isn’t long, but it feels like an eternity as I pull up to the valet and hand him my keys.
Turning toward the entrance, I note security and wonder if I’ll be able to get in. When I approach the two large men in dark suits at the door, I am surprised when my name is on the list of attendees. It isn’t until I walk into the main foyer and see the sign that I realize where I am.
Jones-Hamel wedding.