We are US... (I am HER... Book 3) Page 8

  "Wow. I love your dress now," Paola says walking toward us. "It looks way nicer on you since you've lost all your extra weight." Okay. A nice backhanded compliment, but thankfully, Kayla just rolls her eyes as she mumbles 'thanks'.

  "When do we leave for the church?" Chicago Kayla jumps in with a little glare at Paola who shrugs at the look. Paola doesn't give a shit if she's nasty or not, but honestly, I thought Laura and Paola would play nice today on Kayla's wedding day at least.

  "Um, we have about 15 minutes until the limo which will drop us off hopefully on time. We probably should have timed it with a little extra time for makeup touch ups, but so far you all look beautiful," Mrs. Rinaldi adds, and I relax a little.

  That was another fight between them all. Kayla accidentally booked the dresses after the makeup, which was such a potential nightmare for Mrs. Rinaldi she screamed about it for days. Thankfully, we all seemed to have dressed ourselves without getting any makeup on our dresses or smudges on our faces though.

  I know my makeup is okay, because I look at my face constantly to make sure all the thick foundation is in place to cover my scars. It's actually the bright purple eye shadow I'm wearing that is giving me the biggest worry. I know we had to match makeup, but still, bright purple on my eyes makes my face look even more pale. Actually, with my pale blue eyes, the purple color makes my eyes looks a little sickly, almost like I have a cold or something, at least according to Chicago Kayla who gently leaned over and rubbed a little of the purple out of the crease of my eyelids at the hair salon.

  "Drink?" Kayla asks, and both Kayla and I groan.

  "I don't think so. Kayla had more than enough last night," Mrs. Rinaldi snaps.

  "Oh! That reminds me," Kayla says walking to her purse. Pulling out her phone I know what she's going to do, and I'm already giggling as Laura and Kayla step forward. "Here, Kay... Memories of your last single night for you," she laughs turning her phone around.

  When Kayla gasps and Laura starts laughing, I can't help laughing too. These photos are priceless, and yes, the glare of Kayla's drool is clearly visible on the tabletop.

  "Oh, no... What did you do?" Kayla glares and even Mrs. Rinaldi can't help laughing at the pictures as we all get closer to the phone being held up to us.

  "Ah, let's see... I sent them to Mack of course," she says over Kayla's gasp. "I sent them to Heidi at the hospital so she'll let all your coworkers see them today. I sent them to Suzanne so we can print them off when you're on your honeymoon, and I sent them to your cousin Tonia because she was hysterical. That's it I think," Kayla adds with a triumphant smile, until finally Kayla bursts out laughing, too. "They were the perfect Bachelorette party pics, so I had to."

  "You’re such a bitch," Kayla laughs, and I know we're all okay. "But if you print those Suzanne, I'll kill you. Understood?" She asks as I nod with a grin.

  "Okay, enough shit, let's get all our stuff for the limo. Thank god, they have room for our bags, otherwise..." Mrs. Rinaldi let's hang in the air her disapproval again at Kayla booking the dresses in the boutique instead of at her mother’s house, like tradition is supposed to do apparently.

  ➰➰➰➰➰

  After a long New York Saturday at noon drive to the church, followed by an unbearable attempt to get my ass-bow out of the limo, we 6 suddenly find ourselves the object of curious eyes and a few smiles in the street before we all head into the church. The wedding begins in only 20 minutes, which is to give us all time to freshen up, and 15 minutes for Kayla to try to pee with her dress on.

  "I have to pee now," Kayla says just as I imagined she would. She was chugging back water all morning to help her hangover dehydration and I was a little nervous she'd have to go during the ceremony.

  "Well, let’s go Bridezilla," I giggle as she glares at me. "I believe helping the Bride pee is a Maid of Honor's job, so come on." Looking down the entrance hall to all the stragglers not seated yet, I see the washroom door and we make our way.

  "I'm not sure how to do this," she confesses and neither do I. Her dress is so big and floofy, and just huge.

  "I think I just need to get in there and lift this thing for you while you squat. Good?"

  "Uh huh," she groans like she's in pee pain. Crouching down in the large bathroom, thank god, I work my way up her dress until it takes me over completely.

  "Pull it away from my face!" I yell realizing its covering my face until I feel her hands flapping the material down so I can see and breathe. "Shit! Did I get any makeup on it?" I panic, but Kayla doesn't seem to care. Within seconds hidden behind the dress she starts going totally embarrassing me by the sound.

  "Sorry," she giggles making me laugh harder. "I really had to go." God, I’m thankful for all the dress material because eye contact right now would kill me. It's bad enough hearing her. "You would make a terrible nurse, Suzanne," she says as I nod silently behind all the dress.

  "I'm well aware. The fact that I can't even handle seeing a red rosette without mistaking it for blood and freaking the hell out is kind of a good sign I think."

  "Plus the fact that you're heavily medicated 50% of the time, and mental the other half doesn't really work in nursing. Typically, there's mayhem when the patients are more sane than the nurses. I'm just sayin'," she continues until she's finished going.

  "Okay, enough Suzanne crazy jokes. You're done peeing," I laugh knowing she was just trying to fill the air with humor.

  "Can I say something slightly heavy but in a good way?" Kayla asks, again pushing her dress down a little so we can see each other.

  "Of course you can. Always."

  Waiting, Kayla says simply, "Thank you for everything." In a soft voice filled with so much emotion her voice cracks, she smiles.

  "You're welcome. Thank you for everything," I say just as quietly.

  Grinning again as she flutters her eyelashes to keep any tears from falling, she finishes with, "We did pretty good, huh? Looks like we're both getting a happily ever after."

  Though every single pessimistic, scared, nervous part of me wants to give her shit for jinxing us, well, jinxing me actually, I don't give into the fear. Smiling, I nod and flutter my own eye lashes to keep in my tears while she stands and I look away for a moment as she readjusts her dress to the floor.

  "I guess we just have to work on Kayla."

  "What the hell are you DOING in there?" Chicago yells banging on the door and we both laugh.

  "Yup. With Marty," I say wiggling my eyebrows as Kayla agrees. "We're coming!" We both yell back as Kayla starts washing her hands.

  Taking a big breath, Kayla says she loves me as she throws her shoulders back and opens the washroom door.

  "Laura and your mom are fighting because she pulled some of her hair out and it doesn't look sexy like Suzanne's, it looks messy as shit. And now Laura's freaking out trying to fix it quickly, and your other psycho sister is gone to look for Dee in the church to help. And your mother was screaming at her for ruining your wedding with her selfishness, and wow- your sisters and mom are always a trip, Kayla. I see where you get the Cra from now," Kayla laughs as I giggle at the Cra Kay comment again.

  "Listen. After this wedding when I'm normal again," Kayla smirks, "You don't get to call me Cra Kay ever again. Got it? The crazy title is reserved for Suzanne only. She's earned it."

  Laughing, I add a thank you with a little bow as we start walking back to the sitting room to a flurry of activity and drama.

  Dee is in the room already trying to bobby pin the loose hair and partial chunks that Laura pulled out in her attempt to pull solid hair pieces out, I think. Whatever. We didn't need this little delay or the drama.

  Sitting next to Kayla her mom starts handing out tons of makeup, though surprisingly Kayla doesn't need anything. Kayla still looks perfect.

  "Ma... I'm good," Kayla shakes her head no, but Mrs. Rinaldi is already turning her face for more lipstick.

  "You need more. People at the back won't be able to see how lovely you are without more.
"

  "This isn't gymnastics or a dance recital. And I'll look like a freak all made up, so stop. Please," Kayla whines and finally Mrs. Rinaldi gives up with a huff to turn to Paola's face.

  "3 minutes," Kayla's dad knocks on the door, and my stomach jumps. Jesus, it's not even my wedding and I'm nervous as hell suddenly.

  Breathing deep, I smile at Kayla watching me through the mirror.

  "I'm so happy for you. You and Mack are amazing together and I just couldn't love you both more if I tried," I whisper with Chicago Kayla nodding at her as well.

  "Holy SHIT! I'm so nervous," Kayla giggles shaking, and before I can say anything Kayla actually hugs her from behind and whispers something to her. Smiling from ear to ear, Kayla nods and relaxes. Huh.

  I'm sooo curious what she said, but they're allowed to have moments between them, too. I know that. I still get jealous sometimes though when they do. Call it residual insecurity, or potential insanity, or you know… just me. But I always get jealous that their relationship is stronger than mine because I can still be an immature idiot sometimes.

  "Kayla! Let’s go," Mr. Rinaldi barks making me jump again as Kayla grins with another deep breath. "Line up. Christ, Laura! Let’s go."

  Walking to the suite doors, I make sure to do my Maid of Honor duties, fluffing out and smoothing out Kaylas dress with her mom’s help.

  "I've got to go." Turning to Kayla, Mrs. Rinaldi smiles brightly and kisses Kayla right on the lips quickly, probably to prevent lipstick smearing, but when she smiles back at her I see the love between them instantly. "You look beautiful, Kayla. And your dad and I are so proud of you."

  "Mom-"

  "And Mack is just perfect. We know he's going to make you very, very happy, and we love him very much. You did good, Kay," she whispers as I watch in complete fascination.

  Kayla looks so happy that her mom approves, and Mrs. Rinaldi looks so happy for her daughter. Again, this is a world I have no knowledge of, but it's amazing to see. A crazy mother and her loopy daughter who love each other is a comfort I find I enjoy watching from the sidelines.

  "Mack's waiting for me, baby. I'll see you from the front row," Mrs. Rinaldi says with such emotion in her voice, I smile at the two of them. "Be good Laura or I'll beat the shit out of later," she threatens still looking at her middle daughter Kayla with affection as Kayla grins at the threat to her sister.

  Waiting, Laura, then Paola, then Kayla begin the slow walk down the aisle to way too many eyes watching.

  Turning to a fidgeting Kayla being held by her dad, I whisper sing, "You're getting married. Kaylas getting married," until she laughs and nods calming instantly.

  "Get going," she whispers back, so inhaling deeply I move slowly on an exhale.

  No one is here, and no one can see me. My giant ass-bow hides my real ass, and my black dress hides my lower belly flub. My hair is lovely, and the long side bangs and wisps falling hide my scars. My eyes are bright, and my pink lips are attractive. I don't look ugly or fat, and I can do this. No one is here anyway but Z.

  When I almost reach the front, I see Z smile at me and I find another huge exhale escape my lungs. He is stunning in his black tux, with purple tie, and handkerchief. He is a tall god staring at my eyes with a smile. He is willing me forward, and I'm walking toward the love of my life.

  Smiling, he doesn't acknowledge my ass-bow or my face or my belly flub, or anything else but me. He sees only me and as he nods his head slightly, I find myself entranced moving toward him.

  Z is always everything in every moment between us.

  Taking my hands, Z kisses my cheek and whispers in my ear, "Wrong side, love," with a cute little smile until I realize what I did.

  "Oh!" Looking at my Mack grinning down on me as well, I turn to him and just hug him.

  I don't care if it’s weird, and I don't care if I should be on the other side. I need to give Mack a hug. Turning into him, he hugs me right back. A Mack hug. Hard and intense, and filled with so much emotion, I nearly choke up.

  "I love you, Mack. And I'm so happy for you both," I whisper in his chest as he says softly, 'I love you, too, Suzanne. Thank you for Kayla,' he grins pulling away from me as I nod.

  When Z nods his head toward the other side, I realize I'm still with the men and move quickly. Oops. I hope I don't get killed later, but I'm sure the bitchy sisters will point out my mistake as soon as they can.

  Noticing only one dirty look from Laura, I don't have time to panic before the music changes and everyone turns and stands to look at the back of the church for Kayla.

  Looking stunning in her huge white dress, her dark tanned skin and dark eyes are such a contrast to her dress, I don't think anyone could stop staring at her face if they tried. With a slight flush, and with her pink lips slightly parted she actually looks like a nervous virgin on her wedding day which really is too funny considering she and Mack have been having off the charts sex for a few years now. Smiling, I almost laugh at the thought of Kayla a virgin bride.

  Waiting for Mr. Rinaldi to shake hands with Mack and turn Kayla over to him, they smile at each other so beautifully, I find myself looking at my smiling Z. But when Kayla touches my arm, I jolt from my Z trance.

  Stepping forward, I know my ass is on full display, but I have duties to perform, so I get to them. Bending low to fan out Kaylas dress, I rise back up, take her bouquet and smile at my sister, for all intents and purposes.

  "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today..."

  ➰➰➰➰➰

  "I did it!" Kayla yells as soon as we've exited the main chapel for the exit hallway. "God, I didn't think I could pull this off, but I did it!" Kayla beams again with a smile as Mack leans forward to kiss her.

  "Have I told you how beautiful you look today?"

  "Um, no. You didn't say that earlier and I've been waiting," she grins as Mack kisses her again.

  "Sorry. Those annoying vows got in the way. Mrs. MacDonald, you look beautiful today. Well, all days, but today you look extremely beautiful."

  "Thank you, Mr. MacDonald," she grins as more and more guests walk out past us.

  "10 more minutes until we can relax in the limo with drinks," Chicago Kayla adds and I'm so on board. I need to sit for a minute and I need to exhale all the residual tension and nervousness of a long day already, at only 2:30 in the afternoon with like 12 more hours to go.

  When Z takes my hand, I lean into him and exhale. He is always so grounding for me, and just a comfort always.

  "Nice ass, Suzanne," he whispers in my ear as I burst out laughing like he intended I think.

  "Say another word about it Mr. Zinfandel and you'll never again get to see what's underneath this huge ass-bow. Are we clear?" I growl to him smiling and nodding.

  "Very clear. Not another word, because I really want to see what's under that tent-sized bow later," he smirks as I hit his arm grinning. "Seriously, Suzanne. You look beautiful. I couldn't keep my eyes off you during the ceremony. I nearly forgot to give Mack the rings I was so distracted by you."

  "Thank you. Now you may see what's under this tent-sized bow later."

  "I plan on it," Z says in his sexy voice as I shiver, also like he intended I think.

  "Are we ready?" Mrs. Rinaldi asks excited as we all prepare for the big dramatic exit on the church steps so everyone can pelt us with rice, and take our photos before we leave for the official photos.

  CHAPTER 6

  Finally sitting at the head table, I hate being this far from Z in public. As the hundreds of people stare in our direction, I know sitting beside Kayla is a major disadvantage for me. Everyone who looks at her can see me just as clearly, and though I hate it I'm trying my best to pretend I'm not here. I'm pretending I'm at home around our dining room table with my people, calm and comfortable. I'm pretending really well, too.

  "Everything looks really good, doesn't it?" Kayla asks at my side.

  "It really does," I say lying again. Christ, everywhere I look I see purple something.
From the table cloths, to the flowers on each table to the bridesmaids and even Mrs. Rinaldi, I'm drowning in a sea of purple. "Thank god purple isn't my trigger color," I mumble before realizing I said it out loud until Chicago Kayla barks a loud laugh on the other side of me.

  "No shit," she smirks and thankfully Kayla laughs too before the glass tapping starts again as she rises to kiss Mack for the tenth time before dinner is even served.

  Once dinner is over, Z finally stands to start the speeches. I've been dreading this, and Mack said I could opt out if I wanted, but I couldn't. This is important and I'm as prepared as I'll ever be. I'm Suzanne Zinfandel now, and though I usually stay away from ever standing out in public I'm going to stand at that goddamn mic and say what needs to be said about the people who mean the most to me in the world.

  Laughing at a Z-ism, Chicago Kayla squeezes my hand under the table for support, and I wish I could take her up to the podium with me. With her beside me, I know no one would dare glare at me or question why I'm here or wonder what the hell Z sees in me. With Kayla standing beside me I almost feel like I deserve to be sitting among these amazing people who love me for whatever reason.

  "Suzanne..." Kayla whispers and I jolt back to the present. I missed the end of Z's awesome speech which he only rehearsed in front of me once because he nailed it the first time. It was sweet, and funny, and just perfect for the lifelong friendship he's had with Mack. Z even managed to choke me up when he spoke about Kayla and how well suited they were for each other, and how shy of his own wonderful marriage, he couldn't think of 2 people who would love each other and support each other more in life than Kayla and Mack would.

  It was beautiful and charming and funny, and so Z, I ended up happy-crying with him in our living room by the time he finished.