Weddings

Blended chatter fills the hall as my heels click against the marble inked floor. I have taken a risk, the A line powder blue dress that floods to the bottom of my feet, the slit revealing open toe shoes with the same colour. Maybe it was too much blue. Who cares? I hope he does. 

As I approach the grand entrance to where his brother’s wedding reception is being held. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror that welcomes the guests just outside the doors. I have my black hair in a curly updo with the front of my bangs falling just above my blushed cheeks. I like the way my nail polish contrasts the light hues of the of the dress that hangs below my shoulders. Showing off my collar bone as well as the simple diamond stud necklace my parents gifted me for my eighteenth birthday. The matching earrings twinkle as the rays of sun coming through the skylight above me bounce of them. 

Taking a deep breath and fixing the bracelet he gave me on my wrist. I tell myself I can do this pushing the colossal oak doors. Revealing the most magical romantic scenery, it feels like a movie set.

Magnolias line the walkway and the tables have stunning willow trees as their centre pieces and candles held in glass orbs, it is almost like I have entered a secret fairy garden. Shaking myself from staring at the décor, I lock eyes with him across the room. 

“Anthony” I shout as I make my way over to him. He's already making his way to me, like we are magnets, inseparable from one another. 

“You look gorgeous Tiff” he mentions as he looks me up and down pulling me into an embrace. 

He smells of whisky and Versace Eros. I want to melt in his arms to stop myself from getting carried away, I have to wipe away all the feral thoughts from my head. So instead I just reply with “stop lying, you” and hit his arm as we make our way to the bar. His hand naturally placed on my lower back guiding me through the crowd. Today is the day I'll tell him how I truly feel, I can't do the friendship thing any longer. I know it's selfish but I want more. I deserve more.

In the soft glow of the evening, we get our drinks and get seated at the respected seats assigned to us. I keep glancing over at him. Ant. As he greets the guests and runs the errands to ensure this night is perfect for his family.  

"I want you all to give a massive warm welcome to the couple of the hour." The lights dim lower than I thought was possible as the DJ switches the music to a romantic style of jazz. A spotlight finds its way to the a couple that look like they have just stepped out of a vouge magazine. You wouldn't ever believe they were brothers. However the way Anthony is transfixed by the way Alistair leads his wife down to the steps of the dance floor that is now just a cloud of smoke and glistening lights, shows the bond they will always have. 

Ant flashes me a cheeky smile as we catch each other's eyes during the first dance. All I can imagine is us on the dance floor, him swaying me closer into him. The music fading away, the people disappearing so it is just us and the world. 

I look up to see a face of familiar faces but not one of them is the one I need. I make my way past all the people gathered watching the happy couple enjoying their night. He's not at the bar, so I decide to go to the bathroom and freshen up and to try and navigate my feelings. 

The world's tinniest clutch is in my hand as I dig deeper inside to get my lip liner out. A strange noise comes from the bathroom, it's clearly occupied. So I patiently wait and scroll on my phone for a bit. Abruptly, the door swings open blocking my view of the person behind it. 

Or should I say people. 

My heart can't sink any further down. A girl is wrapped up in his arms and he's too focused on getting his tongue down her throat than to see me breaking on the spot. As he separates from her for a breath, they both catch sight of me. His eyes growing wide as he shouts my name "Tiffany wait! Tiff please I can explain!" 

It's too late my legs have already started to take off. I want to go home. I need to get out of here, my breathing quickens and it becomes harder to take a full breath. How silly could I be? How could I think that I'd be an exception of the rule when it comes to Anthony Blackstone, the one man on earth that gets what he wants, whenever he desires. 

My heels start sinking into the grass but the car isn't as far as I thought so I rip them off my feet. Starting the car I try to forget everything but it is all I can see. The steering wheel has imprints of how hard I've dug my nails in the plush rim. Tears threaten to fall but I don't let them. I can hear his voice growing louder as he tries to catch up. 

Reversing out of the bay, I make a promise to myself. 

This is the last time you will see my face, Anthony Blackstone...