Chapter 30 #2
“Thanks, Keels. Your hair still looks perfect.”
“I noticed you keeping your hands away from it. Always so thoughtful.”
“I try.” He shrugs and I laugh, straightening his jacket, as I smile up at him.
“Shall we get back to it?”
“Yes. We should.”
“You go first and I’ll slip through the kitchen. Our secret will be safe for another day.” Sal nods, his eyes locked on mine as he brushes his thumb across my cheek.
“See you out there.”
“You will.”
He stares my way for another few beats before laughing to himself and heading for the door. “Oh, and Keeley. Why don’t you get yourself a nice glass of wine, sneak out onto the balcony, and have a moment to yourself. You deserve it.”
He doesn’t wait for me to respond, opening the door, only pausing long enough to check that the coast is clear. And the déjà vu makes me smile.
When a few seconds have passed, I open the door to find Paige and Isaac heading my way, thankfully lost in conversation, not noticing I’m there. With my heart slamming in my chest, I sneak across to the kitchen, exiting into the opposite side of the ballroom in the hope that I don’t draw attention.
Mom’s eyes catch me across the room, and she raises an eyebrow in concern, until I give her a thumbs-up.
Though I have no idea why I’m saying I’m fine, as my pulse has never raced so quickly. If Paige had been walking that way one minute earlier, that could have ended in disaster.
I mingle as I calm down, keeping a straight face, and after the entrées are served, I confirm the officiant has arrived and that we’ll be ready for the rehearsal once the main meals are done.
My shoulders ache, undoubtedly from the tension building, and Sal’s words run through my mind.
“Why don’t you get yourself a nice glass of wine, sneak out onto the balcony, and have a moment to yourself. You deserve it.”
He’s right. I do deserve it, only I feel bad for drinking on the job.
I subtly glance his way to find him already looking back at me, his expression pinched in concern. Most likely knowing I’ve had something on my mind all night. Sometimes he’s too observant for my liking.
He raises his glass to his lips and bounces his eyebrows, reminding me to relax.
“Okay,” I mouth back, rolling my eyes as I walk toward the bar.
“I’ll have a glass of your house red, please,” I ask the server as someone sits beside me, a man I don’t recognize out of the corner of my eye.
Paige and Easton originally wanted a small wedding. Easton’s exact words were “a handful of guests would be great,” and he wasn’t joking. The thing is, our family alone is more than a handful of guests, and they both have friends, and Easton’s teammates on top of that.
I was right, of course. There are at least fifty people here, and while I’d still consider it to be small, to Easton, it’s not.
The man beside me clears his throat, and I turn to find familiar eyes staring back at me, stifling a laugh when he smiles flirtatiously.
“I’m Marc,” Sal’s son greets me, holding his hand out for me to shake before leaning down and pressing his lips to my knuckles. It’s safe to say he is not like Sal at all. Yes, Sal is old-school charm, like that gesture was. The difference is that Sal’s charm comes without the corniness.
“If I’m not mistaken, you’re one of Paige’s beautiful bridesmaids. I saw you all taking a photo earlier but didn’t catch your name.”
“I’m Keeley.” I stare at him pointedly and he smiles back at me.
“Keeley. Keeley.”
He repeats my name as though he recognizes it from somewhere, and I huff out a laugh, waiting for him to catch up, but when he smiles again, it hits me. He’s truly clueless. God, maybe the D’Angelos never talk about me. I guess that’s possible.
“It’s a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
“Thank you.” The server places my wine down in front of me and I spin on the stool, facing the crowd of people mingling in front of us.
My gaze catches Sal’s again, and he frowns as his eyes bounce to Marc beside me.
I shrug as I stand. “I better get back to it. My poor brother looks confused over there.”
“Your brother?” Marc glances over his shoulder, his eyes darting to where I’m pointing to Easton, and his jaw drops as he laughs out loud. “That’s why I recognize the name. We’re practically family. Lucky I didn’t hit on you.”
“Lucky indeed.”
“Although, technically we’re not family, so…”
“I think you better look elsewhere.” I take a sip of my wine and instantly feel better. Sal was right. I needed that.
“Mmm, I agree.” Marc continues talking as I take another sip. “Easton’s pretty huge. He’d probably attack me for just thinking about the things I could do with his sister.”
I choke on the liquid traveling down my throat, coughing a few times with my hand in front of my mouth. “No doubt,” I say with a croaky voice. “It’s better if you don’t test that theory.”
“Noted. What about that Hollywood actress? Is she still dating that giant football player?”
“Very much so. You might want to find someone after the dinner. There are plenty of clubs around here.”
“You’re right. Good idea. Thanks, Keeley.”
He smiles before jumping up and walking outside, the strange conversation pulling another laugh out of me as he disappears around the corner.
“I see you met Marc.” Sal appears out of nowhere and I startle, almost spilling my wine. And yet, I’m not entirely surprised that he’s here.
“I did. He’s a friendly kid.” I’m careful with my words and Sal groans.
“God, what did he say?”
“Nothing. We just spoke about whether or not it was appropriate to hook up with someone who’s almost like family.”
I smile while Sal chokes on nothing, a similar reaction to what I had. “Because of…” His eyes widen as he trails off, and I bark out a laugh.
“God, no. Not us. Me and him.”
“You and… Did he hit on you?” Sal refuses to meet my eye, turning to face the rest of the room.
“Not exactly. Would it matter if he had?”
His head snaps to mine so fast, I startle again, until he shakes, glancing away. “No, it wouldn’t.”
“Okay. Good. I told him about a club he should go to later. I might meet him?—”
“Do not finish that sentence, Keeley.” Sal smiles as he seethes, and my heart races as a tingling sensation has me clenching my legs. I like seeing Sal jealous. A lot.
“So it does matter?” Jesus. So much for my panic over Paige almost catching us. It’s like I’m addicted to him.
“We can’t have this conversation here. But yes. I’ll let you enjoy the rest of the night in peace; no more work talk. I promise.”
Work talk?
I turn to find Luke and Amelia joining us at the bar, smiling when Amelia grabs my hand. “I need to borrow you for a minute,” she says, her eyes full of apology. “If that’s okay.”
“Of course. I’ve got my drink. I’m good. See you both later.” I wave to Luke and Sal, and follow Amelia over to the couches, sitting down on the armchair next to her. “Everything okay, Ames?”
“Everything’s fine, but I noticed that other than scarfing down your meal, you’ve barely had a chance to sit, and I know you’re not going to acknowledge that yourself. Take a second. Everything is running smoothly. We’re all having a great time. You deserve a moment to enjoy it. I’ll leave you be.”
“Thank you, Amelia. You’re right. But I don’t want to be alone.”
Because I’ve already taken a moment. I took a moment to shove my tongue down Sal’s throat, and I should not have done that here.
I need to distract myself or I might try and do it again, and relaxing on the couch is not going to work.
“Tell me what’s been going on in your life, Ames. How’s Juliet?”
Amelia smiles, and I know I’ve bought myself at least thirty minutes talking about her daughter. Just in time for the rehearsal to begin.