While her sisters and Marianne's friends doted over and attended to her every need, Evelyn sat in a corner of the room with her crew. She still never really felt a part of family engagements down here, though she'd been in California for two years. She wasn't sure if it was her, them or a combination thereof. Probably her, more than anything. She never really knew what to say or how to fit in. It was like coming in the middle of a movie and not having any idea what the plot is, and no one is there to fill you in. But they kept inviting her to showers, graduations, birthdays and the like; so she kept going. Maybe one day she'll feel totally included, but today wasn't the day.
Sasha
Dude, have you seen your dad yet?
Evelyn
Come to think of it, no.... do you think I should go find him and say hey?
Lauren
Maybe you should stay here. Elizabeth would have a heart attack if you weren't in the right place at the right time...
Sasha
True, but you can just go say hey. I mean, he probably wants to see you anyway. Besides, you're not really doing anything here. (sarcastically) I think Marianne is pretty much covered.
Evelyn looked over at Marianne and her entourage and decided that Sasha was right. She would have had Sasha and Lauren make a diversion so she could get away, but it was clearly unnecessary. Evelyn's dress swished as she walked down the hall. Her shoes made such a loud click-clacking noise that she took them off to mask the sound. She actually didn't know where to find her father in this complex of a country club, but she figured since he was like her, she'd hear him a mile away. She was right. After a left, and two short rights she heard the unforgettable laugh of her father and a chorus of other cackles. Down the hall, on the right she saw smoke billowing out from the sides of a set of dark wood double-doors, and new she'd reached the place. Not knowing why, she knocked. Obviously, they wouldn't hear her. So she knocked again accompanied by a loud "Hey! What's going on in there!?"
The door whisked open and a fog of cigar smoke billowed out. "Evelyn!" her father, Eric, cried. "Get in here!" Evelyn waltzed in with the utmost confidence, though on the inside she was shaking. She was good at hiding how she really felt which was both a talent and a detriment. The men, even Marianne's sad-sack son, Marcus, all seemed to be having a blast! Evelyn wished she were a guy so she could hang in the "fun room" instead of being bored to tears with the ladies. She vowed that if she ever got married (a big IF), she would have as much fun as the guys. Champagne and cigars for all!
Eric
Hey, everyone this is my, daughter, Evelyn! Some of you know here, but most of you don't.
Evelyn
Hey fellas! Looks like you're all having a great time....
(the Men)
Hell yeah! Woo! You know it!
Eric
Why aren't you primping with the ladies?
Evelyn
I'm all primped out. Besides, I heard this is where the party's at!
Eric
You heard right! Whiskey?
Evelyn
Um.. yes please! STAT!
Eric guided Evelyn through the smoke and laughter to a flask and a Solo cup. He was a pretty good looking guy; black, curly hair with a gray speckles, kind eyes, big but endearing nose, and short and a bit round. Evelyn, shared is stature, but her face resembled her mother more and she was thankful. Her mom was a knockout! Evelyn didn't think of herself that way, but her mom was definitely a hottie in her day. Evelyn hated that she didn't inherit her mom's well proportioned and taller frame. She was never as long and thin as her mom used to be. She was always, a bit hobbit-like, she thought. But even Hobbits look good in formal wear, she smiled to herself.
Eric
What are you smiling at?
Evelyn
Nothing. You just look smashing in your tux!
Eric
Yeah, I clean up pretty good. (sips a drop of spilled whiskey off his palm, then hands Evelyn her plastic cup) How's Marianne looking? She good enough for your old man?
Evelyn
(lifts her glass for a toast) She looks amazing! Here's to you and your new bride!
Eric
Here's to you being here on this day!
As they "clink" plastic cups, their little moment was broken by a shrill voice from outside the door. It was Elizabeth, screaming for Evelyn! She quickly downed her whiskey and looked around for another way out. The giggling men helped her locate a window they opened, and helped her crawl through. Laughing and slightly buzzed already, she jumped out the window and found her way back to the ladies' area. She didn't notice until Lauren pointed it out, that she had forgotten her shoes in the other room. And just as she turned to go back and get them, there was Elizabeth in the doorway holding them up, with a disproving look on her face.
Elizabeth
Really, Evelyn?? We're about to make our entrances, and you're galavanting? Is your make-up done? Is your speech done? Have you helped Marianne get ready?
Evelyn
Uh, Marianne has all the help she needs, Bridesmaid-zilla! And yes, everything else is done. It's all good! I promise!
But it wasn't all good. Evelyn didn't have a speech. She tried several times to sit down and write something, but the words just didn't come. She usually was a pretty decent public speaker, but today she was nervous. What exactly was she going to say about a man everyone expected her to know, but she didn't? She was sure that Elizabeth had something perfectly prepared and polished. Erin, would be funny and cute. That would leave Evelyn, with her last-minute slop. Evelyn often sold herself short, though. She was actually amazing under pressure! Most of her papers and reports from second grade until her senior yer in college were written the night before, and she still pulled excellent grades. She would probably be fine. Probably....
In a matter of minutes, it was time for everyone to get in their places. Marianne's co-worker and Matron of Honor, Cecile was fluffing and primping Marianne's train. Elizabeth and Erin followed close behind with Evelyn in the rear. The other ladies had taken their seats in the audience and were waiting for the ceremony to begin. Evelyn didn't usually have trouble being in the spotlight, but today she just wanted to blend in. As the music queued up the ladies started their parade down the aisle. A Evelyn scanned the crowd for Sasha and Lauren, she paused when she noticed an older guy staring at her. She looked away, thinking he was just checking everyone out, but quickly managed another glance. Yep, he was still looking at her. But as she took her spot at the side of the alter, hers, and all eyes, were glued to Marianne.
She floated down the aisle eyes forward on her man. Everyone gasped and awed, in typical wedding fashion, as Marianne took her place by Eric's side. Elizabeth was smiling, because she knew that everyone was looking, but Evelyn and Erin could tell that it was forced. No one cared. The ceremony was short and to the point, which Evelyn appreciated, and soon the party got started! The one great thing about parties in this family was that they went all out! The food was amazing, the decor stellar. The evening outside even cooperated, though it was usually chilly mid-March. The sisters were situated at the main table with the wedding party, a tradition that Evelyn was firmly against (if and when) she had her own wedding. She would instead have people sit where they wanted, maybe a table reserved for the parents, and just her by her man. If she ever had one... She was waiting anxiously for the speeches to start, so the dinner would be over and she would be free to roam about and party with her girlfriends. Just as she wished this, the speeches were beginning, and she wished she could take it back.
In a matter of minutes, it was time for everyone to get in their places. Marianne's co-worker and Matron of Honor, Cecile was fluffing and primping Marianne's train. Elizabeth and Erin followed close behind with Evelyn in the rear. The other ladies had taken their seats in the audience and were waiting for the ceremony to begin. Evelyn didn't usually have trouble being in the spotlight, but today she just wanted to blend in. As the music queued up the ladies started their parade down the aisle. A Evelyn scanned the crowd for Sasha and Lauren, she paused when she noticed an older guy staring at her. She looked away, thinking he was just checking everyone out, but quickly managed another glance. Yep, he was still looking at her. But as she took her spot at the side of the alter, hers, and all eyes, were glued to Marianne.
She floated down the aisle eyes forward on her man. Everyone gasped and awed, in typical wedding fashion, as Marianne took her place by Eric's side. Elizabeth was smiling, because she knew that everyone was looking, but Evelyn and Erin could tell that it was forced. No one cared. The ceremony was short and to the point, which Evelyn appreciated, and soon the party got started! The one great thing about parties in this family was that they went all out! The food was amazing, the decor stellar. The evening outside even cooperated, though it was usually chilly mid-March. The sisters were situated at the main table with the wedding party, a tradition that Evelyn was firmly against (if and when) she had her own wedding. She would instead have people sit where they wanted, maybe a table reserved for the parents, and just her by her man. If she ever had one... She was waiting anxiously for the speeches to start, so the dinner would be over and she would be free to roam about and party with her girlfriends. Just as she wished this, the speeches were beginning, and she wished she could take it back.
Wedding DJ/Announcer
And now the daughters of the groom have some words for the happy Newlyweds!
Elizabeth
(clears throat) My Father has always been there for me. He's been my rock and foundation from childhood into womanhood. Sure, there were ups and downs, but I've always known through it all, that my daddy would be there for me. He's always had my happiness in mind, and on this day it gives me pleasure to support his happiness. (lifts her glass) To my father and is lovely bride, Marianne. May all your days be filled with all the joy in the world!
(all cheers)
Erin
Wow, that's a hard act to follow, but I'll give it my best shot! Well, my dad as also been there for me as well. He's a great guy who deserves the best. But when I first met Marianne, I thought she was too good for him! I mean, come on, she's champagne, and he's tequila! (crowd laughs) But when I saw them together and watched them fall in love, I know they were meant to be together. So, here's to Dad and Marianne: champagne and tequila!!
(crowd echos 'champagne and tequila')
Evelyn
(nervous, but hiding it well) Well, I was going to write a speech. In fact, I sat down to write it many, MANY times. But I've found that some of the best speeches come from the heart more than the head. So, I'm winging it... (crowd chuckles/awes) As many of you know, I didn't grow up with my father. I really barely know him at all. But getting to know him, and my sisters, and Marianne has taught me that love knows no distance or time. Love gets and gives second chances. Love can be found anywhere and at any time in your life in ways and from places you never imagined. So my toast is not only to this wonderful couple who were lucky enough to get a second chance...(playfully) ...and third ...and fourth (crowd giggles), and who were brave enough to chase those chances; but also to love itself, wherever, and whenever it finds us. (hush over crowd) Cheers!
The guests raised their glasses and cheered heartily after Evelyn's speech. Hugs were exchanged, and Evelyn caught her father wiping away a tear. Elizabeth was sulking. Through the sea of praise and joy, Evelyn caught the eye of that guy who was staring at her earlier. She had to break away from the spotlight, find her girls, and get the skinny on who this dude was. When the DJ cued up the first dance, Evelyn made her break for the "singles table" where Lauren and Sasha were seated. Some drunk teenager was hitting on Sasha, and Lauren was loving every second of it. Evelyn shimmied her way over to her friends, relieved that she could just sit back and relax. Just as she was almost to the table, she was stopped by a deep voice and a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see the mystery man she'd been wondering about all night.
Mystery Man
That was an amazing speech. Are you sure you didn't write it beforehand?
Evelyn
Haha, no. I'm better on the fly.
Mystery Man
Well, I think you missed your calling as a speech writer!
Evelyn
Thanks! It was hard coming after my sisters, but I feel pretty good about it.
Mystery Man
As you should.
Evelyn
I'm Evelyn.
Mystery Man
I know. I'm Grant.
Evelyn
Well, looks like you know all about me and I have absolutely no clue who you are!
Grant
(laughing) I only know a little. I'm Marianne's boss. She's told me all about you and your sisters and Eric. She invited me to this little shin dig. Not a bad little party.
Evelyn
Ahhh, well I'm glad Marianne was the one who told you about me. She only knows the good stuff.
Grant
(obviously flirting) Oh, so there's bad stuff to find out?
Evelyn
If you're lucky...
Evelyn was taken by Grant's dark salt and pepper hair. He had blue eyes, great build, and a smile that makes your knees weak. She was trying to play it as cool as possible. He reminded her of James Bond, so she was nervous as hell. But she was a pretty good actress when she needed to be, so she played off her infatuation well. They were just about to enter into another round of cheesy cliche flirting, when they were interrupted by Sasha.
Sasha
HEY HEY super speaker! Nice Speech, babe!
Evelyn
Yeah thanks, Sash. Having fun?
Sasha
Totally. (cutting to the chase) Who's your friend?
Evelyn
This is Grant. Grant, meet Sasha, the wallflower.
Grant
Nice to meet you Wallflower!
Sasha
Likewise! So did you like, Evelyn's speech? Doesn't she look amazing in this dress?
Grant
Yes, and yes.
Lauren
(coming to save the day) Sasha, hey! I was just going to the bar, you want to come with me?
Grant
I'll get some drinks for you ladies. What do you need?
Lauren, Sasha, Evelyn
Fuzzy navel. Rum and coke. Jameson, neat.
Grant
Neat, wow. Ok, then. Coming right up! (exits to bar)
Sasha
He's a hottie! You going to hook up with him tonight?
Lauren
Of course she's not going to hook up with him tonight! She's going to be a lady.
Evelyn
SHE doesn't know yet, since her two shadows are cramping her style!
Lauren
Hey I came over here to rescue you from Little Miss Butts-her-head-in-everywhere!
Sasha
Whatever, dude. I'm totally playing wing man.
Evelyn
Well, thank you both very much, but I don't need a wing man or a rescue. I'm not even sure he's that interested. I mean, he's really good looking. And older. Not sure what's going on yet.
Lauren
Oh, he's interested. I saw him ogling you during the ceremony.
Evelyn
Oh my god, me too! I thought I was crazy!
Lauren
Definitely not, he's interested all right
Sasha
Find out if he has a boat.
Evelyn and Lauren
A boat!?
Sasha
Yeah, older guys with money always have boats. Especially if he's rich.
Evelyn
That's some crazy logic. Plus, we don't know if he's rich.
Sasha
Didn't you notice the bow tie you actually have to tie, and that tux is too good to be rented. Only rich guys own tuxes.
Lauren
That's crazy, you have no idea if he owns that tux or not.
Sasha
You just wait and see. He owns that tux, probably Prada or Gucci, and he owns a boat. We need more friends with boats so don't screw this up!
Evelyn
Ok, fine, whatever, but you guys need to make yourselves scarce when he comes back. Take your drinks and get the fuck out of here!
Lauren
Of course we will...
Grant returned with their drinks just as the girls finished dishing. Lauren made some excuse for them to leave about talking to the bride and groom, and they scurried off, but not before Sasha could make a quip about a boat. Grant asked Evelyn if she wanted to go somewhere more quiet so they could chat, and she accepted. They moved under a grove of trees lit up miniature Chinese lanterns. There was a surprisingly warm breeze the gently flipped and tickled the leaves. In spite of her magenta dress Evelyn was glowing, and Grant looked like he walked out of a romantic 50's film. Speaking of 50's Evelyn was dying to know how old he was, but didn't dare to ask. They talked about music, film, their jobs, and friends. Grant owned a small law firm that specialized in real estate law. Pretty boring, he said, but it pays the bills. Evelyn complained about being in tech support, and Grant confessed he was probably one of the tech un-savvy who would probably call her.
Grant
Yeah, we old guys let technology pass us by!
Evelyn
You're not old!
Grant
I'm much older than you!
Evelyn
I doubt it. I just have a youthful look.
Grant
Well, I'm 53. And you?
Evelyn
(jokingly) A lady never reveals her age. Haha, but you're right, you are a bit older than I am.
Grant
I hope that's not an issue.
Evelyn
No, not at all. I mean, people of all ages can be friends...
Grant
What if I want to be more than a friend?
Evelyn
Well, I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Grant
Well, I had the feeling we were already there.
Evelyn was stunned and tongue-tied, which never happens. She was awe-struck and wondered why this guy was hitting on her. There were gorgeous girls all around, but he chose her. She was sure there was some mistake. But then she considered that maybe older guys saw around the bullshit of being in your 20s and 30s. Maybe they looked for something different in a girl. Maybe they looked for a woman. While she was pondering these things, she didn't notice how close they had gotten, and how long she'd been in her own head.
Grant
Where'd you go?
Evelyn
Sorry, I was just thinking about something Sasha said earlier.
Grant
Yeah? (moving closer) What's that?
Evelyn
(nervous, blurts out anything to keep him from kissing her) Do you own a boat?
Grant
(lets out a full-bodied laugh) That's great! Why was she wondering about that?
Evelyn
She has a theory.
Grant
Please share!
Evelyn
She thinks that you own this tux, it's a designer label like Gucci or Prada, and that you own a boat.
Grant
What is this based on?
Evelyn
She's crazy?
Grant
Well, you're crazy friend is correct. Mostly. I do own this tux and I do own a boat.
Evelyn
That's not mostly, that's everything.
Grant
Nope. The tuxedo is Ralph Lauren. (with a wink)
Evelyn
I will definitely have to tell her how her crazy theory happened to be correct. I really love that girl. She never ceases to completely freak me out!
Grant
Haha, I love it! Well, you tell her that I will take her, and your other friend out sometime if you like. But under one condition.
Evelyn
(flirting again) What's that?
Grant
You come out with me on your own first. Just to get a feel for it, of course
Evelyn
Of course...
Grant leans in again for a kiss, and Evelyn doesn't fight it. How can you fight a charming, successful, smart funny guy... with a boat?
