Give Me a Chance (BYC #2)

8. Matt

8

MATT

R ina and Connor’s wedding takes place on the top deck of the yacht, now fully transformed into a wedding venue. The white tulle decorations, along with an abundance of wildflowers, almost make me forget it’s the same place Natalie lied covered in my cum. I never took myself for a guy wanting to mark his partners, but that was a sight I won’t forget.

Rina is the most beautiful bride in a simple, form fitting dress and my best friend doesn’t look too bad, either, in a three-piece navy suit.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the officiant says, and they kiss beneath the arch made from wildflowers. We all cheer as the sun sets on the horizon, casting a golden hue across the peaceful waters.

The bride and groom are both teary-eyed, and I feel water pooling in the corners of my own. Eric jumps into their arms—they are a picture-perfect family.

Rina’s parents arrived yesterday, and the commotion made it easier to blend in and pretend nothing happened. But today, standing directly across from the bridal party, it’s hard to keep my eyes from her.

She looks ethereal in a pale pink, floor-length dress. The V-neck showcases the tops of her breasts, and the side slit gives a peek of her tanned leg. Looking at her can only lead to an inappropriate erection, so it’s best I keep my gaze on the newlyweds.

The dining table is big enough for the eleven of us to sit together, so I take my place next to Connor. The menu is Mediterranean, and each course is like it’s out of a Michelin star restaurant. Knowing Connor, there’s a real possibility a Michelin star chef is working below in the yacht’s kitchen.

Ambiental music plays while we eat, and when we finish, the DJ hypes us up to the dance floor. I dance with Connor’s mom, who beams with happiness for her son and daughter-in-law.

“They are a beautiful couple,” I tell her, and her eyes fill up for the hundredth time today.

Natalie dances with Eric, the two of them enjoying making fools of themselves on the dancefloor. Eric doesn’t allow anyone else to come close, and I get it. I wouldn’t let them if I had her in my arms either. Connor’s mom leaves to dry her eyes.

“Can I get a turn in dancing with my son?” Rina asks, grabbing Eric under his armpits and he squeals with joy. Natalie and I are left to pair up.

Awkwardly, I take her right hand in mine and slide the other behind her back. Her posture is stiff, both of our smiles fake, though her body melts into my touch.

Boho-style lanterns illuminate the entire deck, wrapping it in a romantic ambiance. We sway in sync with the gentle sway of the boat. The salty breeze mixes with her intoxicating scent, confusing my senses. Her gaze is determined to avoid mine, so I do the same, focusing on the joyful people around us. She’s a mystery—one I’d love to unravel.

The tension is palpable, but neither of us break the silence, counting the minutes until another switch.

She lets out a sharp breath as we finally part, and I’m paired up with the bride.

“You look gorgeous, Rins.” She does. Her wedding dress is more on the simple side, but there’s nothing simple in the energy emanating from her and Connor. Her eyes shine with adoration and happiness, the blush in her cheeks deeper than the make-up.

“Thank you. And thank you for being our best man.”

“It was only logical. I was there from the start, after all.” I joke, remembering the two of them in high school.

They were head over heels for each other, but life pushed them away. I know they don’t regret it now. They both had to grow up until they could be the partners they deserved. Maybe I need to do some more growing up before I’m ready to find my partner. To find the happiness they so visibly have.

“Are you happy with your job?” I ask Noah, out of the blue, as we sit in a booth in Factory, our favorite bar, a week after the wedding. Our beers arrive and I pick at the label.

I was happy to get back to my day to day, excluding the tiny fact I’m still not satisfied with the place I spend most of my life.

Spending time with Anne, Rina, and Natalie, even Connor now, gives you a different perspective of what a career should be. They are all so passionate about their jobs. I, on the other hand, can’t wait to get out of the office each day and do something I like.

“Finally realized it, huh?” He doesn’t seem surprised by my question.

“What’re you talking about?”

“To answer your first question, yes, I’m happy. But my job isn’t my priority. And I like working from home and making my own hours.” The IT department had the option of remote work for a couple of years. “You, however, are not. You haven’t been for a while.” The perceptive bastard.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” He smirks.

“Maybe it’s time to look for another job,” he says as Connor approaches us.

“Here he is. How’s the married life treating you?” Noah swiftly switches the topic, and I’m grateful. The happy couple stayed another week for the honeymoon, so this is the first time we’re seeing him. I don’t want to dim his newlywed bliss with my existential crisis.

“Fuck, it was amazing. Love Eric to death, but having the week to ourselves was out of this world.” Eric flew back with us and stayed with Connor’s parents.

“That boat saw some kinky shit,” he adds, and Noah and I laugh. Connor and Rina are frequent visitors of a sex club named Lace you can google breath play. Or you can come to the club and ask around,” he takes a sip of beer, “and, of course, communication, consent and a safe word are a must.”

“Really doing a makeover on your life, aren’t you?” Noah pokes.

Connor gives me a questioning look, and I sigh.

“I might be having some doubts about my career. Probably a phase.” Connor and Noah share a look like they’ve both seen it coming.

“Hmm...I maybe have something for you. I’ll forward it to you tomorrow, so make sure you take a look,” Connor says.

He ignores my subsequent questions, telling me I should just look at it, so I drop it and get back on the subject of their honeymoon.

Reading his email tomorrow, my insides vibrate with hope about the potential future. It’s not a done deal yet, but, fingers crossed, it soon will be.