Wedding Plan (Part III)

                                    

                                          

It's officially my boy's wedding day. That makes me smile. Bertram's the first of us to take that leap into commitment. I wake around 7-ish and go jogging. I ran five miles then came home and showered.
Egg whites with turkey bacon is my breakfast. As usual, I play my word game and then chill. It's now 2:45 p.m. The wedding starts at 3. After contemplating, I set my alarm for 5 p.m. and nap.
I get up, shower, and shave a little under my arms and in my genital area. Men need to groom too. Women love that. My tuxedo is all black with a black shirt, cummerbund, and bow tie. Once dressed I stare at myself in the mirror. Out loud, I say, "It's a good night, Que."
My eyes go soulless the longer I stare. A loud inhale breaks my train of thought causing me to blink. One last glance at myself and I leave.
A host leads me to my reserved seat next to the wedding party. All my boys look extra dapper. I can't help but smile. Their stoic faces turn my way, but then they smile. I'm grateful that they accept me as I am.
Trish's wedding colors are mauve, white, and black. All the men wore black tuxedos with white shirts, mauve bow ties, and cummerbunds. The bridesmaids wore mauve dresses of course. Then there's Bertram, looking like a king with his white tuxedo jacket, mauve bow tie, cummerbund, and black slacks. I approach him and he grabs me tightly, kissing my cheek.
Bertram grins from ear to ear, saying, "You look like royalty baby!"
"Nah, that's you," I replied, gazing at Trish. Even though her face is all scrunched up, I say, "Hey beautiful. Congratulations. You look a queen."
"You're lucky Bert loves you, or I'd have you escorted out."
"I love you too Trish."
Cortez comes down from the wedding party stage to hug me. Tone and Micah follow. We're talking when I feel a tap on my back. I glance over my shoulder and it's Perceval.
He says, "Ona, this is my brother Quinn, but we call him Que. Que this is my lady, Ona."
Ona's eyes light up when I face her. I slyly cut my eyes at the fellas as they all frown at Perceval. I say, "Nice to meet you, Ona."
Almost thrilled, Perceval suggests, "We should double date soon, okay?"
Micah face-plants himself and then peeks through his fingers. Awed, Cortez glares his way while Tone shakes his head.
I answer, "Of course Pee. You're my brother."
Perceval gives me a dap and then escorts Ona to her table. Bertram grabs my shoulders, howling in laughter, and asks, "Did this guy just ask you to double date?"
All I can do is sigh while my boys mock Perceval. Suddenly I hear, "Excuse me groom and groomsmen, but dinner is about to be served. I need everyone seated. Thank you."
Cortez elbows me in my ribs because it's Lilah. Mauve accentuates her flawless skin. Their gowns are strapless, exposing her dainty shoulders and nicely toned arms. She looks directly into my eyes and gives a huge grin. Those deep dimples show as her beautiful round eyes brighten from seeing me.
"Que, you look very handsome. Much different from work, as do I, I'm sure." Lilah smiles.
"Thanks. You look beautiful, Lilah."
She smiles brighter after my compliment and says, "Let me escort you to your seat."
I'm seated with another coworker and friend named Felton. Lilah, Bertram, Trish, and I work at the same company, so their coworkers and friends are also mine. As the caterers serve us Felton notices Lilah's stare.
He teases, "Your girl can't keep her eyes off you. We're outside the office. Lilah's probably been praying for this day, hoping you'll approach her."
Avoiding her gaze, I reply, "I'm cool."
"Mhmm," grunts Felton.
"Don't worry about me. Where's your date?"
"The Misses don't know these people. Plus, I'm leaving shortly. Just wanted to celebrate with Trish and B."
Suddenly the crowd starts tapping their glasses, so I ask, "What's up?"
Felton answers, "Oh we tap the glass so the bride and groom will kiss. Afterward, we drink to celebrate their love."
"Weddings are crazy," I chuckle.
"Oh, but it's a good wholesome place to get wasted," Felton laughs.
The reception is going smoothly. Like a busy bee, Lilah is fast at work. The night's finally ending, so she rests at my table and says, "I'm ready to go home."
I nodded and she covered her face, releasing a loud exhale. "Are you alright?" I ask.
Grinning she answers, "I'm alright, just not a big drinker. I think I toasted too much champagne. My head's starting to spin."
"Oh no. Did you drive yourself here?"
"Yes. I mean no. Well, I drove to Trish's sister's."
She pauses to catch her breath and continues, "I'm delirious. You know who Courtney is. Anyway, I drove to Courtney's house, and then she drove us here."
Lilah is in pretty bad shape. Suddenly, Courtney calls her name. Lilah says, "Excuse me, Que."
She goes to get up but falls back into her seat. I jump up, asking, "Are you sure you're, okay? You need to sober up a little then get home ASAP."
While I help her stand, nodding, she answers, "Yes, I know. God, I'm so embarrassed."
As she blushes from shame, I say, "Cut that out. We're celebrating. Getting tipsy is the least everyone here has done."
Now gazing into my eyes, I smile at her. Bashful, she says, "Thanks."
"I live less than two miles from Courtney. Let me get you to your car so you can go home and rest."
Courtney calls out for Lilah again and I whisper, "I'm going to get my car from valet. Meet me by the door."
Lilah nods and then heads to Courtney.
The valet gets my car as I reenter the reception. Lilah points my way, but Courtney and Trish head towards me with her.
Trish scolds, "So you're leaving without saying goodbye?"
"Trish, I'm still here."
Courtney adds her two cents by saying, "And I'm leaving in a few minutes. I'll take Lilah to her car."
Head hanging, Lilah lifts her eyes and then cuts them toward Courtney and Trish. Hesitant, she says, "That was sweet of you to offer Que, but I don't want to put you out of your way. Thanks so much anyway."
With a nasty smirk, Trish hugs me and says, "Good night." Her mouth is still near my ear when she yells, "Bertram! Come and tell Que bye!"
Bertram, Cortez, and Tone come and hug me, but I'm watching Lilah. She glances back and waves goodbye. Everyone walks off as Cortez walks me out. He's fantasizing about sexing Courtney tonight, but I cut him off saying, "Give me a minute. I need to go back inside."
Courtney's off entertaining guests again when I find Lilah sitting alone in a corner, breathing deeply. I'm sure she's attempting to hold down her puke. I walk over and gently tap her from behind. Startled, she looked up. Seeing me she grins, and I say, "You sitting here sick is pissing me off. Get your things, I'll get you home."
"Courtney can get my things, I simply need my purse. Give me a second!"