Jamie
Each of my legs felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds. I had spent the night before in church on my knees praying for forgiveness for being weak, for wanting a woman, for wanting my stepsister. Around five o’clock in the morning, I had picked myself off the floor and retired to the rectory for an hour of sleep. It wasn’t nearly enough, but it would have to do. I had to prepare for the early morning Mass and Jace and Lucy’s wedding.
Throughout the Mass, my mind had drifted to last night. I couldn’t rid my thoughts of her, nor did I want to. Eva was unlike any woman I had ever met. She was so honest, so willing to share a pain that was raw and unyielding. Why did it feel so natural to listen to her speak of a past that still haunted her? Why did she trust me, choose me to hear her confession? We had known each other for less than a week, but for whatever reason I felt tied to her, that with each passing day my soul was becoming enmeshed with hers.
And then there was that kiss. I would never forget the way her body had melted into mine as our kiss deepened or her response when I had told her that I should spank her for making me want her so much.
Please.
That was what she had said. She had begged for me to take her in that way I still craved. She had trusted me with her body and wanted me to use her to bring us both pleasure. How could Kevin whatsafuck not see how perfect she was?
The second Mass had ended, I knew I had to prepare myself to see that dickhead’s face once again. It would take everything for me not to drown his ass in the baptismal pool. He deserved it for what he had said to Eva. Straight-laced Kevin didn’t deserve a woman like Eva, a woman who was brave enough to say what she wanted, what she needed in the bedroom.
You don’t deserve her either.
I was speaking with the organist when the guests and members of the wedding party started filtering in. Jace had said they had invited over two hundred people and from the looks of it, many had accepted their invitation. The church was full and buzzing with positive energy when I saw Jace and his two groomsmen walk up the center aisle. My gaze landed on Kevin, and I silently dared him to look at me. Like a coward he kept his head down, forcing me to focus on the groom.
Jace flashed me a nervous smile. It was a shame. Jace seemed like a nice guy, and he loved his fiancé. I had learned in their pre cana sessions that Jace was a schoolteacher and Lucy was a social worker. They had also shared that they wanted to have children right away, a whole brood of them if God allowed it. With their finances in order coupled with the fact that they had been together for several years, I couldn’t see why they should wait if they were both ready to welcome such a blessing.
The only strike Jace had against him was that he was friends with Kevin. The man who looked like he was either going to heave or pass out at any moment. Kevin’s green complexion hinted that he was suffering from a nasty hangover. I took some comfort in knowing that he felt like shit.
Other than the best man looking like he was on the verge of puking, the ceremony went off without a hitch. Afterward, while pictures were being taken, Jace approached me. “Father, Mason told me what Kevin had said to Eva . . . your stepsister, before I arrived at the pub last night. I am so sorry . . .”
“Jace, none of that was your fault. No need to apologize,” I said, shaking Jace’s hand. Jace only looked slightly relieved as I tried to assure him that he wasn’t responsible for his asshole friend. “But I would have someone keep an eye on him. He looks like he could be sick at any moment.”
“He threw up twice on the way over here in the limo. I don’t know what happened last night. Kevin’s not a big drinker. But then again, ever since he and Eva broke up, he’s been a little depressed. I think he just wanted to let off some steam. Unfortunately, he had the worst timing, choosing to do so on the same night he runs into Eva. I guess when he saw her with you, he just assumed you two were together, and his mind just went to places he couldn’t handle. I’m sorry for the trouble he caused. It was the last thing I wanted to experience the night before my wedding.”
“Thanks, Jace, but your apology isn’t necessary,” I said, giving him a pat on the back. “Now, let’s get these pictures over with and get you to that reception, where you and your bride can relax and let loose a little.” Jace smiled, that look of mortification he had been sporting evaporating. He then left to retrieve his bride.
Kevin finally attempted to stare me down when he abruptly turned and bolted out the door. I trailed behind him only to find him throwing up outside behind a bush. Maybe I should have checked to see if he was okay. That was what a good priest would have done. But right now, I didn’t care about being the dutiful priest or a servant of God. Because all I saw was the pathetic son of a bitch who had tried to hurt and humiliate the woman I couldn’t stop thinking about.