foliage. A bride, groom, and complete wedding entourage had practically run them over rushing to get to the reception on time. As the sisters backed quickly away from the main walkway in an attempt at self-preservation, they bumped into one of the many elaborately decorated Christmas trees gracing the common areas of the hotel. After getting an up-close and personal look at the groomsmen, Natie had grabbed two fake gifts out from under the Christmas tree, handed one to Becki with a wink, and joined the stream of wedding guests on their way to the reception.
After depositing their “wedding gift” on the appropriate table, they had enjoyed cocktails, danced with the groomsmen, and flirted shamelessly all evening. As the party began to wind down, the bride’s father had strolled over to the bar where they were seated, and ordered three shots of whisky. After handing them each a shot glass, he said, “I don’t know who you gals are, but thanks for livening up this party.” He tossed back his shot and then added, “I can’t wait to see them open up that gift tomorrow.” He chuckled, winked, and then kissed them each on the cheek.
Becki and Natie ordered another shot as they watched him collect his wife, kiss his daughter, and glide to the door, pausing to tip his hat to them before he left. Natie and Becki had collapsed with laughter, and when they could breathe again, had decided it was the best wedding reception they had never been invited to.
Glancing toward the happy couple currently pledging to “love, honor, and cherish” one another, Becki shook her head.
“I don’t know about this one, Natie; they seem a little stuffy,” Becki grinned.
“Well, then, it’s a good thing we’re here to save the day,” Natie announced as she locked arms with Becki preparing to drag her toward the festivities. It was fun to see Natie enjoying herself.
Immediately upon arriving at the gardens, Jonah had decided to walk back to their hotel to “take a nap”. Right. Whatever his true plans were, Becki was glad to have Natie all to herself for a few hours.
“Ok, let’s liven this place up,” Becki said, enjoying the moment.
As she and Natie moved toward the gazebo, the ceremony was winding down. “You may kiss your bride,” announced the minister.
As the newlyweds kissed, their guests whistled and cheered. Becki smiled as she absorbed the joy of the couple’s special moment. Suddenly, she caught a slight movement out of the corner of her eye. Turning to investigate, she spied a familiar figure. The joy of the moment evaporated immediately.
“What the--” Natie began, as she felt her sister’s body tense and stiffen.
“Shhh, that’s him,” Becki said in a whisper, her eyes watching Royce with avid curiosity. What is he looking for? He seemed to be deep in thought, talking to himself and retracing his steps.
“Him- who?” Natie whispered back, ogling Royce. “Do you know that guy? Damn. He’s gorgeous--, and has a nice ass,” she observed as he bent to look under the branches of a small shrub. “Maybe we could help him find whatever he is looking for.
“Shut up, Natie,” Becki whispered, through clinched teeth.
“What are you so uptight about?” Natie asked, taking her eyes off Royce for a moment but only for a moment. “Seriously, do you know him?” Natie pressured, turning to watch him intently, again. “What is he looking for anyway?”
“I don’t know,” Becki hissed and simultaneously jerked Natie quickly behind a big oak tree.
“Oh my God, you have lost it,” Natie observed, swallowing the urge to laugh. “Look, is he dangerous? Should we be running? Do I need to go punch him in the nose?”
Natie sometimes forgot she was every bit of five feet tall. When they had been sophomores in high school, Natie had actually punched one of Becki’s boyfriends and bloodied his nose because he was saying mean things to Becki.
His mother had actually called their mother to tell on Natie for punching her son in the nose. Of course, the fact that he was six feet six inches tall made the story even funnier. Natie had actually jumped up as she swung her fist to hit him in the nose.
“No,” Becki whispered furiously, “just shut the hell up for a hot minute.” She stretched on her tiptoes, peeking out from behind the tree.
“You’re going to think hot minute,” Natie growled. She had just about had all the fun she could have, hiding behind a tree.