44. Leo
CHAPTER 44
Leo
The whiskey burns my throat as I swallow. It’s my third drink, and I have been nursing this one. I don’t plan on having more than this. I’m not trying to match the amount Veronica is guzzling down. She has her fourth glass of wine, staring at the guests on the dance floor.
We are separated at the long table that is stationed front and center. Between the two of us, Chloe and Myles sat in their seats as we listened to my father’s speech and ate our dinner.
We haven't spoken much since the two seats are keeping us apart. This is fine with me because my head has been working on overdrive since my conversation with Walter. I feel exhausted with his words rattling around in my mind and trying to keep up a good act with Veronica.
Walt asked if the person I wanted revenge on had hurt me. When I answered with a yes, he told me to do what needed to be done. Does he mean I have to hurt her as much as she hurt me? I know what that entails, but it is a risk.
Hurting her in the same way she hurt me could land me back in prison. I swore to myself that I would never end up back in there, not only for myself but for the sake of my family. I can’t miss Chloe and Myles’s married life or watching my best friend become a father. I can’t leave my father or Carter behind.
My heart warms as I watch my father and sister dancing together. They are talking, but I can't hear what they are saying over the music. Chloe smiles at our father, the man who raised us and loved us unconditionally.
Soon, her lips flatten, and even from where I am sitting, I can see the shine of tears in her eyes. I have no doubt that he said something about our mother. A pang in my chest diminishes the warmth that once wrapped around my heart.
We would give anything for our mother to be here to celebrate with us. Although the atmosphere in the hall is positive and full of joy, it still feels like something is missing.
Our mother.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. I thought that with time, it would get easier, but it doesn’t. Her being gone and never coming back fuels the constant pain that will never leave my body. As much as I try to suppress the emotions, they will live with me forever.
I drop my eyes from my sister and bring them to the white cloth draping over the table. After allowing myself a moment to wallow, I lift my gaze and twist my head in Veronica’s direction.
She was already looking at me with a soft smile as if she knew what I was thinking. Offering back the same smile, I bring the glass to my mouth and finish off the rest of the brown liquid.
Myles flops into his seat, blocking my vision of Veronica. Pure contentment and happiness gleam on his face. “You ready for your speech?”
This is the part I really didn’t want to have to do. Before I went to prison, I wouldn’t have had an issue, but almost everyone here knows what I did. They just don’t know the person I did it for is also sitting in this room.
“Can’t wait,” I state with sarcasm.
“Good because you’re up once the dance is over.”
On second thought, another drink sounds terrific. When the decision is made up in my mind, the music from the father-daughter dance ends.
Great. Looks like I’ll have to get that drink after the speech.
The DJ comes on the microphone, asking everyone to take a seat for the speeches, and as the guests make their way to the tables, the DJ comes to me with the microphone.
I stand, and everyone falls quiet. Clearing my throat away from the microphone, I begin.
“For those who don’t know, my name is Leo. I’m Myles's best friend, but I am also Chloe’s older brother. This means that, technically, I will be making two speeches tonight. Chloe.” I go to look at my sister but catch a glimpse of Myles, whose jaw is dropped. I pat him on the shoulder and shrug. “Sorry, man. Chloe will always be put first. Remember that.”
There is a light chuckle in the crowd, and Myles nods in understanding. I give my attention to my sister. Her eyes are already shining as she holds back the tears.
“Chloe and I have always been close. We bickered like siblings did, but we never got into a fight. When I was young, I didn’t have many friends in school. At first, it made me sad, but then I realized it didn’t matter because I had one friend who would always love me no matter what. A best friend. And that is what Chloe is. Again, sorry, Myles.” The guests laugh again, and Myles smiles. “She was and still is my best friend. No matter what either of us goes through, whether good or bad, we are there for each other. No matter what curveballs life throws, we deal with it together.”
I push back the tears, threatening to escape because what I’m about to say next will make all of us want to cry.
“Three years ago, our mother passed away. Before she left us, she talked about the two of you. She had told me that she only wanted you and me to be happy and loved. She knew you were on track because she saw the love between you and Myles.” I blink, allowing my eyes to remain shut to gather myself, but when I do, I see my mother lying in her bed, looking frail but still wearing that warm smile she always had on her face. Opening my eyes, they fall to where Myles and Chloe are now holding hands.
“She would be so proud of you both for following your hearts. Myles, my mother told me she couldn’t think of anyone better for Chloe and Carter. I couldn’t agree more. Knowing you for so long, I’ve come to know your heart. You are the best guy and friend anyone could ask for. Even though you are a pain in the ass sometimes, I wouldn’t trade you for anyone in the world. You treat my sister with so much love and respect; that is all I could ask for. You treat Carter like your own son, and I know you will be the best father to this little girl.”
“Growing up, we idolized our parents—not only for the way they treated us but also because of the way they treated each other. For those of you in here tonight who knew my parents, you know how much love they held for each other.” I face the crowd, searching for my dad. He sits at the table closest to us, listening to me with watery eyes and a loving smile. I return the gesture before turning back to Myles and Chloe.
“I knew one day you’d find someone who would treat you like Dad treated Mom, and I hope to find someone with a heart full of love just like our mother. She may not be here physically to celebrate us, but know she loved you so much. She would be proud of you both.” I raise my glass, sparing a glance at Veronica, who is hanging onto every word I’ve said. “So to my best friends, I wish you unconditional love and happiness for the rest of your lives. I love you guys.”
The crowd erupts in applause, and Chloe shoots out of her chair to hug me. Her arms wrap tightly around my neck.
Sniffling, she says, “I love you, too.” I kiss the top of her head and embrace Myles.
Once they sit back down, the DJ takes the microphone from me and hands it to Sylvia. Veronica is the Maid of Honor, but she told Chloe she would not be making a speech.
I take my seat and drown out the annoying voice of Chloe’s shitty friend. I don’t care to hear what she has to say. After finding out about the bachelorette party she planned, I liked her even less than I had before.
My finger taps lightly on the table, and I concentrate on that while she rambles. Some bullshit is probably spewing out of her mouth since she hasn’t been a friend to my sister. The only true friend my sister thinks she has is Veronica, and that whole thing is a lie. My thoughts wander to Veronica while Sylvia spews on and on. I have a plan in my head.
It’s crazy.
It’s not crazy. It’s what needs to be done.
I crack my neck, and the voice disappears. It makes me feel insane just thinking about what I need to do, but every time the memories of what she did to me flood my mind and the voices that creep in, this plan is the only possible outcome.
I just have to be strong enough to see it through.
You are strong enough, and you will see it through.
Fuck, I need that drink.
Thankfully, Sylvia keeps her speech short and sweet. The DJ grabs the mic from her and is about to head back to his booth. I stand up from my seat and head to the bar, but I stop when I see Carter step in the man’s way.
His little mouth moves, and the DJ nods and hands him the mic. My head whips to Chloe to see if she notices, and she does. Her brows dip in confusion as Carter stands in front of the table right before Chloe. All the people stop talking and tune in to the nine-year-old boy who has the floor.
“Uhm… Hi.” He waves a hand halfway in the air. “My name is Carter, and this”—he gestures to Chloe—“is my mom. She didn’t know I would talk, but I wanted to surprise her.”
His eyes meet hers again, and she nods for him to keep going.
“She is the best mom in the world.” His voice squeaks a bit, but he continues, “When I’m sick, she takes care of me. She makes me soup and cuddles with me even if it means she gets sick. When I’m sad, she holds me until I feel better. When I’m happy, she’s happy. I’m so lucky to have a mom like her. A mom who loves me with all of her heart and does whatever she can to make sure I have a good life.”
Tears fall from my eyes, and I want to look at my sister, but I can’t take my eyes off Carter.
He inhales a deep breath before he goes on. “I’ve missed out on having a dad. He wasn’t there to teach me how to ride a bike. He never played catch with me while I stayed at his house. He didn’t do the things that a dad should do with his kid.” Carter blinks rapidly, tears trickling down his face.
My hand blindly finds Myles’s hand, and I squeeze it in comfort.
“That is why I’m lucky that Myles is in my life. He started to do all the things my mom did when I was sick and upset. He took care of me.” He sniffles, his mouth twisting to keep from crying. “With him marrying my mom, I will finally know what having a dad is like again.”He turns around, facing Myles and Chloe. “Thank you for making my mom as happy as she makes me. I can’t wait for all four of us to be a family forever.”
Carter drops the microphone on the table and rushes to Chloe and Myles. They huddle together in a hug, and you can hear all three crying.
Hell, you can hear everyone in the room crying from that speech. Carter has always been bright for his age. More advanced than other nine-year-old kids. I wasn’t expecting him to twist everyone’s hearts.
Over the three of them, I see Veronica wiping away her tears with a napkin. He seems to have also twisted her nonexistent heart.
To break the sad tension, the DJ plays an upbeat song. I take this as my cue to get that drink I didn’t think I would be having. With my drink, I walk back toward the bridal party table. I sip the whiskey and watch everyone dance to the Cha Cha Slide. That should be the theme song of weddings, I swear.
From the corner of my eye, I see Veronica standing and making her way over to me. I finish the rest of my drink and set the empty glass on the table as she approaches.
“Your speech was beautiful.” She smiles.
“Not as beautiful as Carter’s.” The kid just ripped all our hearts out and is now having the time of his life on the dance floor.
“Yeah, that was something.” She laughs lightly. The ending notes of the music sound from the speaker and turn into a slower song. Couples flock to the dance floor, holding each other close. “Do you want to dance?”
I slide my eyes over to Veronica. “ You want to dance?”
She rolls her eyes. “I’ve never slow danced with someone before.” She holds her hand out for me, wiggling her fingers. “Humor me.”
I don’t hesitate when I take her hand in mine. Leading us out on the floor, I find an empty spot and place one hand on her waist while the other holds her hand. She rests hers on my shoulder, and we sway like all the other couples.
“I never told you how gorgeous you look tonight.” The compliment isn’t a lie. She looks fantastic in the deep red dress, and her hair is slightly curled. The front pieces are pinned back, drawing your attention to her green eyes.
“You look very handsome,” she returns the compliment with a grin.
“I got us a room tonight.” Chloe had blocked out many rooms for guests at the reception hall since it was at a hotel. I booked one before the epiphany that I’m an idiot and Veronica will never change.
“Oh, yeah?” she asks.
I bring her hand to my mouth, pressing my lips to her knuckles. “I wasn’t sure how much we would be drinking tonight. Thought it would be safe to stay here instead of driving home.”
“Smart. Will I get rewarded tonight? For behaving?”
My breathing quickens as I look down at her. “The wedding isn’t over yet. You still have time to prove you can keep a promise.”
“Mmm.” She hums, looking away from me to the people in the crowd. “I’ll be on my best?—”
Her body stiffens, becoming like a statue in my hands. My brows dip as I search her face for a clue as to what just happened. Her eyes stare off, and I follow her line of vision until I see what she sees.
Her sister is here… at my sister’s wedding… chatting it up with another guest, and Veronica is somehow not completely freaking out.
“What the hell is she doing here?” I ask, even though Veronica most likely won’t know the answer.
“This is why she was shopping for dresses,” she whispers to herself, but I still hear her words.
“What are you talking about?”
“I was shopping for a dress for our date.” She blinks out of her trance and stares up at me. “Stephanie was there.”
You’ve got to be kidding me!
Another thing she kept from you, Leo. How many other things has she not told you?
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was going to, but with the wedding?—”
“Veronica!” I curse through my teeth. “Remember when I told you we needed to communicate for this to work? This is one of those things you needed to tell me!”
“I know!” She drops her hands from mine and steps back. “I swear I was going to tell you.”
“Did she see you? At the shop?” Her eyes fall to the floor, and she bites her lip with a nod. “Jesus Christ.”
“She heard my voice and approached me.”
I stare at her dumbfounded. “Not only did she see you, but she came up to you? Talked to you? Do you understand what could have happened if she recognized you?”
“But she didn’t.”
“That’s not the point, Veronica!” I comb a hand through my hair, dropping it to my mouth.
Her expression turns helpless, as if she doesn’t know what to say. She looks from me to her sister, then back at me. “I need some air.”
I stand still as I watch her stomp off toward the exit. I exhale deeply, shutting my eyes to calm myself when I hear my sister’s voice behind me.
“Did you just call her Veronica?”