As with Lawrence, Matt is more than I expected. And his stiffness is complemented by the lightness and energy of Sami. She animates him and draws out his emotions. He reminds me of my dad, and I imagine the struggle is painful for him, but the fruit his efforts bear are worthwhile. He is incandescently in love, lit up by the flame Sami carries and adds to even the smallest of things.
Not a single person in our office believed in this romance, but being here with them for the last four days, I cannot imagine a more perfect balance.
My gaze drifts to Brady and Nat and I realize I’m wrong.
Somehow these four people were not only given beauty, wealth, and success but also true love and a great friendship.
The catacomb in my chest where my heart once sat fills with envy. I don’t wish to have what they do; but as Lawrence said, I want to find a love like theirs, on my terms. I want someone to stare at me the way Matt is watching Sami.
The Lumineers finish the song and bow, offering Sami a wave. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you, I can’t believe you came. Thank you!” She waves back as they leave the stage and a different band comes on. I didn’t know Sami could fangirl, but she visibly adores the Lumineers and it’s sort of adorable and unexpected.
The new group onstage is the cover band Bev was talking about and the instant they start to play, it’s obvious she hasn’t exaggerated their greatness. They choose one of my favorite songs as their opening; it’s from Tangled. Grace Potter, “Something That I Want.” I love that movie.
The crowd moves in on Sami and Matt, swallowing them.
Hands grab mine. Bev and Sukii drag me onto the floor. The lights above us in the lattice of the pergola pulse with the beat.
My hands fly into the air and my body starts moving.
The melancholy of the envious moment I was having is gone and the beats drive me.
Sukii was right. This is going to be a top night!
No holds barred.
Nothing but fun.
16 Little Drummer Girl
Lori
I slam back another shot at the bar and nod my head to the song playing.
“This is the best wedding I’ve ever been to,” Cap says loudly, shouting over the group who turned out to be the best cover band I’ve ever heard. They’re crushing “Brown Sugar” by the Stones to the point even Mick would be impressed.
“Me too,” I agree and turn, following Cap’s eyes to the dance floor where the little brunette he’s not so discreetly banging is dancing up a storm with Jenny and Beverly.
They’ve been at it for hours, drinking and dancing, and now everyone is lit.
The outdoor room is crowded and rocking. The lights make it feel like a proper club.
“Sami killed this.”
“She’ll easily be able to make this a package and sell it,” I say with a laugh. “So weird. You’d never met such a spoiled lazy girl in your whole life.” My voice cracks as my gaze follows Sami across the dance floor. “And then she meets that schmuck and all she wants is to earn his respect. Now she’s a workaholic.”
“How long have you known her?”
“I’ve known her for a while, but we’ve only become friends in this last bit. I don’t think she paid any attention to me though our families have known each other forever. Same with Matt. I guess our dads were friends. Probably shared mistresses.” I chuckle and give him a side-glance. “Speaking of which,” I face the bar again, lowering my voice and leaning in, “you’ve never struck me as someone who would—”
“I’m not. I know what you’re about to say but it’s not like that. Sandy left me last summer, right before the start of the season. Sukii's the first person I’ve hooked up with in almost a year.” He pauses. “I didn’t want the media attention and bullshit so I didn’t say anything. Sandy’s filing and we’re hoping it can be swept under the rug.”
“I’m sorry, man.”
“Thanks, Lori. I should have said something before but—”
“Like I said, Cap, you don’t come across as someone who’d do that sort of thing. You owe no one an explanation. I know who you are.” I slap him on the arm and hold my fingers up for the bartender.
She winks and stalks over, lifting the bottle and pouring.
“I don’t think I can do another.” Cap waves it off but I lift it, insisting.
“Drink up.”
We clank the glasses and shoot the sipping tequila like assholes. He shudders, making me laugh.
Sami appears out of nowhere, grabbing my hand. “Why aren’t you dancing, Lori? You’ve barely danced with me.” She pulls me away from Cap as “Another One Bites the Dust” starts up.
In her massive dress, Sami spins me, sending me shooting into the crowd with a giggle.
She and Nat attack, dancing seductively.
Matt lifts a drink in my direction from his hiding spot. I flip him off but dance along as they sandwich me, sliding hands and bodies up and down me. The booze is hitting, and I catch a glimpse of the face in front of me. Sami beams, flawlessly.
Someone grabs my hands, spinning and depositing me in the middle of the dance floor, and I turn to find a mess of red curls being pulled from a pinned bun. The scent of cherries wafts in and saves me. Her locks tumble down right in front of me, mesmerizing me in the flashing lights and the beat of the music.
Jenny turns and stares briefly before her eyes light up. I want to kiss her glossy lips. The shot hits and I stumble forward and somehow the movement starts us dancing.
Jenny can dance and I’m feeling everything all at once: booze, attraction, the need to fuck. I get lost in it, in her.
The song ends and the two of us are standing across
