Tonight was the first time since they’d started dating that Sabrina shared a room with his entire family. They sat at a long table intermingled with Sabrina’s family. Tasha observed how everyone interacted. It was obvious that his family was a family of means. Just like it was obvious that Sabrina’s family was middle class through and through. Yet, they all still seemed to be getting along fairly well.
A delicate looking young woman smiled at Tasha. She bore a striking resemblance to Tim. Most likely, it was his sister, Jenny.
“Hi, I’m Jenny.”
Tasha held out her hand for a handshake, “Hi. You’re Tim’s baby sister right? I’m Tasha Stevens, sister to the bride.”
Most of the people there thought they were sisters. Although they weren’t related by blood, they were sisters in all the ways that mattered. They’d been joined at the hip for the most part ever since they’d met. They had shared almost everything with each other including the night Sabrina met Tim.
“I know. My brother Craig has mentioned your name often. I can finally put a face to a name.”
“Yes, Craig Horne. I’m really happy you all were able to make it.”
“Considering, they’ve only been dating for three months, I’m surprised we’re having a wedding at all.”
Tasha thought that was pretty rude but decided to ignore the comment.
“Well, they seem to be very happy and know what they want so we can’t really knock them for that.”
“Hmm…that’s definitely one opinion of it. So, how long have you known Sabrina?”
Her question sounded innocent enough but Tasha knew Jenny was trying to get background for the family. Tasha couldn’t be mad that everyone was curious.
She wanted to ease their fears, so she gave Jenny a warm smile, “I’ve known Sabrina since I was about fourteen years old.”
Jenny took a sip of her champagne, “Ahh…so you know where all the bodies are buried.”
The negative energy was strong and Tasha didn’t want to feed into it. She decided not to take that comment as a veiled insult. “Well, as far as I know there aren’t any bodies. But, I can tell you that Tim has made Sabrina happier than I’ve ever seen her before. And, he seems pretty happy too.”
Jenny took another sip from her glass, “Well, money has a tendency to do that to people.”
This time there was no other way to take that comment other than an insult. Was she really trying to insinuate Sabrina was a gold-digger?
“It’s interesting you should say that because one thing I know for certain is that Sabrina is not interested in Tim’s money. She does very well on her own. But, you’re right to a certain degree. Money can cause people to do a lot of things but it has never been able to turn assholes into angels.” Tasha got up from the table and walked away. How dare she try to insult Sabrina to her!
Just as Tasha was walking away, Sabrina’s dad stood up and tapped on his wine glass…clink…clink…clink, “I’d like to propose a toast to my daughter and Tim.”
Sabrina had disappeared. She was no longer sitting next to her fiancé. Everyone turned around looking for her. “Tim, where is your fiancé?”
He laughed, “She was here a moment ago. You can’t image how challenging it was to convince her to marry me and now I see it’s going to be even more of a challenge to keep up with her too.” Everyone started laughing.
Mr. Links made eye contact with Tasha before he spoke again, “Tasha can you find Sabrina? For those of you who haven’t met Tasha, she’s like a second daughter to me and the one who organized this lovely event.”
Tasha smiled warmly at Mr. Links. He was so much like a father to her especially since her own was no longer on this side of the living.
“Of course. I’ll find her.” Tasha thought she would check the balcony first since a call was coming through on her cell phone.
She looked down to see it was her boyfriend, Eric. They hadn’t been dating long, but she had such high hopes for this relationship. Tasha walked outside so she could hear him.
Once she was outside, she quickly realized that she wasn’t alone. She heard the sounds of clothes rustling, deep breathing, and kissing.
Someone whispered, “Wrap your legs around me!”
Whoever it was probably should go get a room. But, Tasha smiled to herself because it must be nice to be so hot for someone that you couldn’t wait to be together. When the moans started it was obvious they were having sex. They were making love right out on the balcony only hidden behind two tall potted plants and the darkness of the night.
How was she going to answer her phone without them knowing she was there? At first Tasha felt like a pervert for listening, but they were the ones having sex on a balcony in a public place. If anyone should feel embarrassed it should have been them.
Tasha turned her back to where she knew the couple was hidden and answered her phone but spoke softly, “Hey.”
“Hey babe. I’m sorry but I won’t be able to make it to the rehearsal dinner tonight. I’m going to be in the office late. I promise I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.”
She was disappointed but not surprised since Eric had already told her he may not be able to make it. The muffled sounds of the couple’s grunts and groans reminded her that she still had company on the balcony. They were so into each other that they didn’t even notice she
