Текст книги "Love Me Back"
Автор книги: Michelle Lynn
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Текущая страница: 20 (всего у книги 21 страниц)
Before I can respond he is already gone. I see his back making his way to the front door.
Chapter 26 – Present Day
The next morning I am sitting down at the kitchen table drinking my coffee when Ian walks through the front door.
I look up at him questioningly when he holds up my mom’s extra key from the faux rock out front. He makes his way to me in the kitchen still wearing the clothes he wore last night.
“Where were you last night?” I snicker.
“Well…” he insinuates he might have met up with someone else. “Taking care of your drunk ass ex.” His voice sounding annoyed.
“Oh, I was wondering why you didn’t show up at Spades.” I get up grabbing him a cup of coffee.
“You don’t have to Maddy, I can get it.” He moves over to the cabinet to get his own coffee.
“No, I insist. Sorry, I know this trip hasn’t been that fun for you.” I raise my shoulders tilting my head displaying my best sorry face.
“It’s fine. It actually hasn’t been all bad. I love your family and your friends. Just wish I could have spent more time with you.” He blows into his coffee mug staring at me and I notice a speck of sadness in them.
“Ian, I’m going home with you.” I joke.
He remains silent taking a gulp of his coffee resting his head in his hands from exhaustion.
“So, how bad was Trent?” I ask.
“Remember when he won the Cup?” I nod. “About twice as bad. Mr. Soccer stud threw up in the woods, wouldn’t leave the barn, pulling out some old ass blanket sleeping on the upper level.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “I couldn’t even get him go up to the main house this morning so Gabe came down throwing a bucket of cold water on him.” He starts laughing. “Oh, you should have seen Trent, it was hilarious.”
“Glad to hear the Basso pranks are back on.” I smile.
“After last night they are in full swing. What Trent did to Gabe after his stunt…” he continues.
“I don’t want to hear about it Ian. I’m glad you had fun with them. They are a great group of guys. I just can’t bear to talk about them right now.” I grab the pot refilling my cup.
“Them or him?” He grabs the pot out of my hand. “Never mind, I already know the answer.”
“Funny Ian.”
“Maddy, we need to get to the beauty salon.” My mom walks into the kitchen completely put together without an ounce of a hangover.
“I know, I just need this last cup of coffee.” I sit back down but my mom comes over lifting me up pushing me out of the kitchen,
“No, we should have already left. This is Lindsey’s day, she doesn’t need the stress of us being late.” My mom bosses to me. Once I am making my way upstairs I hear her talk to Ian. “Now Ian, Mitch will bring you to the church, is that ok?”
“Of course Mrs. Basso.” Ian agrees.
“Great, I can’t believe my son is going to become a husband today. How exciting.” Her voice raising a couple pitches.
A half hour later my mom and I walk through the salon doors. It is the only beauty shop in town so Lindsey and her bridal party are the only clients this morning. I sense after us there will be some guests coming in as well.
Caroline and three other bridesmaids are already getting their hair thrown up in different hairdos. Lindsey’s blond hair is in a mess of large curlers and she sits in front of the make-up stand.
“I swear Maddy late again, you are lucky it’s my wedding day and nothing will get me mad today.” Lindsey happily speaks while the lady puts foundation across her face.
“Sorry Linds.” I genuinely say going over to give her a quick hug around her shoulders from the back.
“It’s ok. Like I said nothing will get me down today. I will be Mrs. Jack Jennings in a few hours.” She smiles and the make-up lady tells her not to until she is finished.
“And my sister.” I chime in.
“And my daughter.” My mom adds.
“I can’t wait.” Lindsey smiles but immediately stops smirking up to us that she doesn’t want to get yelled at again by the make-up lady.
An hour later I am sitting in the chair while Diana, the owner puts my hair up in a tight ponytail and curls small pieces of my brown hair tucking them under. When it is all done I have about thirty bobbie pins and a can of hairspray in my hair but it looks absolutely gorgeous.
When I get to the make-up station I am the last girl to finish while Lindsey’s hair is finishing up. I should have known Caroline would pick a time when no one is around and I am locked into a position to confront me.
“So, you told me he was available?” She brings a chair up next to me and Bridgett, the girl applying my make-up peeks through the corner of her eyes at her.
“He is.” I respond looking at her through the mirror. To be honest she is stunning. Her red hair is pulled in a bunch of twists and turns pinned tight and then it flows into large curls as it hangs down in a cascade of waves. Her plum eyeliner and mascara makes her green eyes stand out. I can’t remember which color dress she is wearing but I imagine none of the guys will be able to take their eyes off of her.
“Listen, I know what you are doing Madeline. You can’t have them both.” She snickers at me.
“Not that it is any of your business but I don’t have either one of them. They are both single and available.” I snap back making Bridgett stop applying my eyeliner.
“That’s not what Gabe says. He told me he is seeing someone and I see the way he is always looking at you and last night…” she continues to go on and I really don’t want this to escalate. I have already caught Lindsey peeking our way a couple times.
“Caroline, if Gabe is seeing someone then I didn’t know about it. I apologize for misspeaking but last night was just my brother’s friend looking out for someone he views as a sister.” I calmly speak back to her trying to make her go away.
“Keep telling yourself that Maddy. I honestly don’t know what is so damn special about you. Those boys might be single but they definitely aren’t available.” She turns on her heels stomping away from me.
“What was that all about?” Bridgett whispers to me after she leaves.
“She wants Gabe Basso.” I give away.
“Ohh…well can’t blame her there. Before he moved away he was Belcrest’s most eligible, to Trent of course.” Bridgett smiles up to me signaling she knows all about the Basso brothers and me.
I grin at her through the mirror and then close my eyes allowing her access to my eyelids. One more day and I will back in my safe haven New York.
When the limo takes us to the church, we file in through a back door, as Doug makes sure Jack is securely hidden in the Sunday school room. I find my emerald green dress hanging among the rainbow of others so I grab it and make my way to the changing room. My mom and I have to be down for pictures and then make our way back up here for pictures with Lindsey. I have a feeling by the end of the day my feet are going to need a massage. Gabe gave the best foot massages.
I hear the boys laughing and joking as my heels click down the steps. I stop at the end of the stairway my hand on the railing. Closing my eyes I take a deep breath telling myself again I can do this. Jack and Lindsey, I rant to myself over and over again. Like taking a plunge into a cold pool my feet hit the floor and turn the corner. Those blue eyes find me immediately as though he was waiting for me.
Gabe is the most handsome man in casual clothes but in a tuxedo he is downright breathtaking. I see his vest is yellow which means he won’t be standing up with me. I twinge at the thought of him dancing with someone else.
“Hey Maddy.” Trent comes along side of me breaking my gaze from Gabe.
“Hey Trent. How are you feeling?” I turn my lips up in a grin.
“Better after about a gallon of water.” He smiles back to me.
“That’s good. I guess I better get going to the pictures.” I step away seeing my mom posing with Jack.
“Yeah…don’t want to delay the ceremony.” His hands are in his pockets as he rolls back on his heels.
“See you later.” I say making note that his vest is orange. I should have known Jack and Lindsey would know not to stand me up with Gabe or Trent.
“Maddy.” Trent calls out to me after my back is turned.
I turn around questioning what he wants.
“You look beautiful. Save me a dance, ok?” He raises his eyebrows in question.
“Of course.” I answer.
Twenty minutes later we are done with our side of the family photos. The groomsmen are sitting around the pews waiting for their turn. A smile forms on my face watching the three Basso brothers joking around like they used to reconfirms to me that I made the right choice. I find Gabe’s eye on me every so often but he never approaches me and when my eyes meet his he turns away.
My stomach seems to be in a constant ache feeling like I could throw up at any time. I need this day to be over and quick. I am happy to report back to Lindsey’s peaceful bride room. The girls are scrambling to get their dresses and shoes on when Lindsey steps out in her Princess gown. All the ohhhs and ahhhs from everyone in the room make her slightly blush. She is strikingly beautiful.
During the pictures Lindsey’s smile never falters. Her genuine anticipation of marrying my brother is evident to anyone around. I am not a true believer in marriage but my gut confirms that Jack and Lindsey are the lucky few to find the one they will spend the rest of their life loving. Suddenly I am filled with envy.
The bridal party leads the way for Lindsey down the steps to the ceremony. We double check making sure no one is lingering in the foyer with Lindsey hiding by the staircase so no one can see her through the windows.
The music starts and the groomsmen walk up lining the door waiting for their color-coordinated bridesmaid. Lindsey’s cousin steps up to Trent matching his orange vest and a small blond that is Lindsey’s high school friend slides along Gabe’s side in yellow sliding her arm through his I see him smile down at her in turn my face frowns. Finally walking to the second from the back of the line I see my match and to say I am disappointed is an understatement.
“Man do I owe Jack. May I escort you Ms. Jennings?” Shawn Edwards offers me his arm.
“What did I do to my brother to deserve this?” I joke. Lindsey and Jack matched me with the right person. Conversation wouldn’t be an issue with Shawn and it wouldn’t cause any drama.
“You must have done something really awesome.” Shawn winks at me. The entire bridal party stares at us informing us we need to stop talking. I’m not immune to the fact Trent and Gabe faces stayed turned my way longer than the others.
“Seriously, I just don’t get it.” Caroline sneers behind us. Since she is the maid of honor she is walking down the aisle herself.
“What?” Shawn turns to her seriously asking.
“What is so fucking great about her?” She nods her head my way.
Shawn looks over at me shocked that she would say that and then I remember why I secretly love him. “Because she’s fucking awesome as hell and has a sweet little body to boot.” He turns around winking at me from the corner of his eye. My smile is automatic back to him as my hero from the evil red head.
Soon all the couples start their march down the aisle and it’s mine and Shawn’s turn. “Let’s do this.” Shawn squeezes my hand through this arm with his free hand and we both look at each other nodding our heads.
I walk down the aisle seeing friends and family to the right of Shawn. I return their smiles then glance up at Jack. His lips are spread open wide from side to side. I don’t know if I have ever seen him this happy. He winks at me with a smirk across his lips. As though my eyes deceive me they land on Trent who is also smiling over to me and then they drift to Gabe who holds a blank stare at me. His eyes are distant and remote. Although they are staring in my direction there are no feelings being portrayed. I can’t stop myself from looking at him as I make my way to the other bridesmaids but his eyes leave mine as Caroline saunters down the aisle.
The ceremony is beautiful going off without a hitch. When the pastor announces Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Jennings everyone claps standing up applauding the happily married couple. I link my arm with Shawn’s descending from the church. We stand in the receiving line while the guests file out. My family members hug me telling me how beautiful I look and they can’t wait to catch up with me at the reception. My smile is a reflex filled with no real emotion. I have less than 24 hours before I am back in New York far away from Belcrest and the Basso brothers.
“Honey, you look stunning.” Ian wraps his arms around me pulling me close. “Try to enjoy yourself. Your fake smile isn’t fooling me.” He whispers in my ear.
Before I can respond he is already onto Shawn shaking his hand.
The receiving line ends, we do a fake exit while everyone throws birdseed from fake roses at Jack and Lindsey with them running to the limo to drive them around the block. Everyone files out except for immediate family and the wedding party.
Mackenna and Bryan are setting up for the formal church shots so I make my way in sitting in a pew by them. They are bickering back and forth mostly regarding Kenna doing too much and Bryan should be lifting the equipment. So, I remain silent sulking in my own love problems.
Finally Jack and Lindsey come back from their faux departure. Mackenna hustles everyone inside demanding us in certain positions pointing her finger at some and snapping her fingers at others. Some of the people roll their eyes at her but she gets us done and out of the church before the time limit.
“Little Ross sure can dictate.” Shawn comes up to me as I exit the church.
“Yeah, she’s always had that bossy side.”
“I have seen it firsthand. My little brother never had a shot. He follows her around like a damn puppy dog.” He shakes his head back and forth.
“She is pregnant.” I excuse her.
“I’m not saying it’s bad, I’m just saying I couldn’t handle it.” He holds up his hands in defense.
The wedding party files in the limos and I am upset and relieved at the same time when I see Gabe and Trent hop in the other one. Trent is saying something to Gabe and Gabe is shaking his head up and down in agreement and then they get into the other one. It could have been my imagination but Shawn looks my way at the exact moment and his eyes seem sorrowful.
Two glasses of champagne later we pull up to the reception hall. The trip wasn’t that bad, Shawn had the limo laughing for the entire trip finally distracting my mind from Gabe. Shawn puts his hand out for mine helping me out of the limo. I see Gabe and Trent doing to the same for their partners from the limo ahead of ours. I cringe seeing Gabe walking with that woman. I wish it were me. Twenty-three hours I tell myself.
Chapter 27 – Present Day Reception
During the cocktail hour, I stay close to Ian when Shawn isn’t around. I had to thank Shawn; he is trying his best to keep my spirits lifted. If my heart didn’t belong to someone else, he would make a great partner. Ian keeps leaving me talking to Trent and Gabe. He eventually releases Bryan from Kenna’s assistant job before she kills him, making me solely by myself.
Trent smiles over at me a few times but he is enjoying the time with his family and friends. Gabe however, never glances towards me standing along with Trent not joining in on the conversations much.
When the dinner bells rings the guest file into the large room. It is decorated in white tablecloths with white napkins. Each table has a rainbow of roses in the center of each table with small votive candles around the vase. Every table has a different color sash tied to the chairs going along with her rainbow wedding theme. The little tulle packages are placed in front of each guest’s seat.
I walk along the head table trying to find where I am seated. I see instead of girls on one side, boys on the other they have it according to couples. Shawn and I are seated next to each other but a nervous feeling flows through me when I see Gabe’s name next to mine. Something must have slipped through Lindsey’s careful planning to put me next to him for the entire meal.
Taking my seat I see Shawn step up to the platform making a beeline for me. He files into the seat next to me wrapping his arm around the back of my chair. The rest of the wedding party joins the table but the seat to my left remains empty. Just as I think he must have already noticed the arrangements and he isn’t going to show I see him walking across the room. I haven’t seen him smile once today except in the pictures. His shoulders are slumped over and he stares at the ground walking towards us. He finally emerges next to me and I hear him sigh before he pulls his chair out taking a seat. He glances down at Trent who is staring at us and then puts his head back down. He remains silent saying nothing to me.
The speeches are made with roars of applause. As much as I hate Caroline her speech brought tears to my eyes. Doug did a fantastic job too, reliving stories from him and Jack as young kids. When the soup arrives, I can’t take the silence anymore.
“Gabe.” I whisper to him.
He turns his head my way with no expression.
“Can we talk?” I ask.
“There is nothing to say Maddy. You got what you wanted, Trent and I are ok again.” He put his spoon down next to the untouched bowl of soup.
“So, why are you being like this?” I ask.
“What way am I being?” He snickers.
“You haven’t said anything to me the whole day. You barely look at me.”
“I can’t talk about this now, not here Maddy.” His voice is cold.
“So when?” I impatiently probe. I notice Trent’s eyes glancing back and forth towards his soup and us.
“I don’t know. I don’t really feel like there is anything to talk about. It’s over.” He shrugs his shoulders.
“Are you serious? That’s just it, you aren’t going to talk to me ever again.” My voice starts rising.
“Hey Jennings, quiet it down a few.” Shawn softly speaks in my ear.
I put my hand up in front of his face. “Or not, whatever.” He shrugs his shoulders indifferent.
“So Gabe, is that it?” I repeat my question.
“I told you not here” he speaks through his clenched teeth.
I continue to stare at him and I know he sees me through the corner of his eyes.
“Jesus Maddy, first of all calm down. Second of all I am mad as hell at you.” He finally confesses.
“Mad at me, why?” My voice is innocent.
“Ugh…you frustrate me so bad sometimes. Why couldn’t you have fought? I know how you feel about me but you just toss that aside for him.” His voice is soft but anyone looking can tell our conversation is heated. I am hoping the clinking of the glasses means everyone’s eyes are fixated on Lindsey and Jack kissing.
“I did it for both of you, not just him.” I remark.
“I thought this time would be it but you just embarrassed me again. Make me look like a jackass following you around begging you to be mine. I should have known you would always pick him.” The waiter comes taking away the soup in exchange for the salad but Gabe doesn’t even pick up his fork.
“Following me around? Maybe you should just go back to your girlfriend in Florida.” I turn the tables on him. He’s not so perfect.
“What the hell are you talking about? Girlfriend?” he finally turns to me confused.
“Come on Gabe, I’m not stupid. The phone calls. Something you have to take care of in Florida.” I jog his memory.
“Again Maddy. You constantly don’t get it. Those phone calls were work things. We had a situation with a house. Grady and Rich wanted my input. It’s as simple as that.” His face looking madder than before.
“What about you telling Caroline you had a girlfriend.” I spat back.
“I lied. She wouldn’t get the hint. Do you actually think I would have a girlfriend and still chase you?” He looks hurt.
“No…I don’t know. I’m sorry.” I regret bringing this up.
“I am madly in love with you. Do you have any idea what it’s like to not get someone out of your head? There is no way I could have a girlfriend when all I dream about is you.” He turns away from. “You made your choice Maddy so please let me move on.”
“I’m not his Gabe. I ended everything with Trent.” I plea not moving out of the way for the waiter to place my salad down. I can tell Shawn grabs my salad from him placing it in front of me.
“Yeah I heard.” He sneers. “Don’t fool yourself Maddy, you did this to make him happy. Trent got what he wanted, me as his brother and you not with me. It’s only a matter of time before you fall back into his arms and he knows it.”
“What?” I whisper with tears forming in my eyes. A rush of feelings flow through me and I can’t sit here anymore. I can’t be next to him. So I stand up walking away.
“Maddy, wait?” I hear Gabe sighing after me but I don’t turn around. I will not make a scene at my brother’s wedding.
I rush out of the hall out the doors breathing the fresh air through my lungs. There’s a fountain to the right surrounded by cement benches and flowerpots. Twinkle lights illuminates the trees and shrubs making it a picture perfect romantic scenery.
I take a seat on the bench hidden in the back of the porch area to be concealing me. I slowly wipe the tears from my eyes before they become so uncontrollable I can’t catch them all. How could Gabe think I would do this only for Trent? How could he think his brother was so conniving that he would be able to manipulate me into doing something I didn’t want to do? I wanted him and Trent to patch things up that was the whole point. Didn’t he know it was killing me being away from him? I can’t breathe when I think how Gabe won’t be my future but I made peace knowing I did the right thing.
My tears slow as I continue to chew my nails hidden from everyone in the garden. Hearing footsteps I quiet myself so no one will find me. I know I have limited time, people will notice I’m missing but the thought of sitting in silence next to him during dinner keeps me seated.
“Maddy.” I hear his voice calling me but I don’t want to talk to him. “Maddy, I know you’re out here.” Trent is pleading with me to come out of hiding.
“Just go away Trent. I need some time by myself.” I yell at him.
“Come on Maddy. Let’s talk.”
“What do you want Trent?” I ask staying where I am.
“I’m sorry.” He says.
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for. Obviously, I am the one who keeps screwing everything up. At least according to Gabe.” I snap.
“He’s just mad because you didn’t pick him.” Trent is still talking in my direction but hasn’t come to face me yet. He knows I need time.
“What are you talking about?” I question. “I let you both go.”
“Well, yeah…that’s what I meant.” He stutters through his words.
“Trent, why exactly do you think I did what I did?” I come out of hiding to talk to him face to face.
“Because you wanted us to mend our relationship.” He replies.
“Correct. It hurt to do it but I had to make it right. I caused too much strife between you two for too many years.”
“Gabe will move on Maddy, don’t worry.” He puts his arm on my shoulder seeing tears start flowing down again. The thought of Gabe with another woman brings bile to my mouth.
“You will too.” I confirm looking up to him.
“Nah, I’ll be waiting.”
“Waiting on what?” I ask.
“You. I know you’ll come back to me. Once Gabe is away not bothering you, you will realize you are meant for me.” He is holding both my hands. When did that happen?
“What the hell are you talking about?” I narrow my eyes at Trent. Holy hell, Gabe was right.
“Maddy” he sighs like I should melt with my name coming off his lips.
“Trent.” I spat back wanting an answer. “So Gabe was right? You somehow manipulated me to get him out of my life so I would come running back to you. Well, you know what…” I start screaming at him when we get interrupted.
“Hey Jennings and Basso, it’s almost dance time.” Shawn yells over at us lighting a cigarette disappearing behind the wall.
“Thanks Shawn.” I say before turning back to Trent.
“Did it ever occur to you that I love Gabe? Did you ever think about doing something for me? Do you even care about my happiness? Jesus you have consumed my whole life. I have let you come back into my life after you put your finger up saying fuck you to me how many times? I’m done Trent. Don’t you dare talk to me for the rest of this evening. I never want to see or hear from you again, do you understand?” I yell pointing my finger in his chest.
“You know we are fated Maddy, soul mates since childhood.” He argues.
“Trent, I don’t want to hurt you even though at this point I shouldn’t give a shit. You seem to disregard my feelings every chance you get. I love Gabe with every fiber of my being. I should have stood up to you years ago and picked him but I was a coward and now I have hurt him beyond repair. He won’t even look at me. Do you have any idea how bad that hurts? To know that you are the reason the person you love is hurting. No you don’t because you have no feelings for anyone but yourself.” I turn around sharp on my heels walking towards the door.
When I turn the corner Shawn is still standing there holding his arm for me to take. “Way to go Little Jennings.” He smirks at me escorting me back into the dining hall.
Jack looks up at me with raised eyebrows and I smile nodding my head informing him I am fine. He smiles back at me. Shawn lets me lead the way to our chairs and I see Gabe isn’t there and I wonder where he is. “Don’t worry, he didn’t leave.” Shawn whispers in my ear scooting my chair out for me. I had totally underestimated Shawn Edwards. He is one of the good ones.
