“Estrella, you’re back,” she greeted me and opened her arms to hug me, clocking Mason on the jaw in the process.
“Maisie, looks like you’re having fun,” I said and chuckled when she rained kisses on my cheek.
“I’m having a great time. This is so much fun. Willa, your wedding is magical. Maybe if I rub your belly some of your magic will rub off on me,” Maisie said and turned to Willa and rubbed her belly.
Willa stuck out her midsection for better access. “Rub away, I’m feeling generous since it’s my wedding.”
Her eyes went soft on the last word and the permanent smile on her face seemed to grow bigger. “Time to dance, girlies.”
She stood back up and Maisie stopped her assault. “Stella, Maisie, you’re with me,” Willa declared and took both our hands. She dragged us to the dance floor. Jameson went up to the DJ and “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls came on.
Willa turned to us. “Okay, it’s showtime. We’re doing ‘the dance.’”
Maisie and I groaned. “That’s the most embarrassing thing you could have asked us to do,” I said and wished I had time for a few more drinks.
“It’s my wedding, and I dance how I want to. If I want you to do the chicken dance, then you’ll do the chicken dance,” Willa declared and strutted to the middle of the dance floor
“She’s got a point. And at least she isn’t making us do the chicken dance,” Maisie said and joined her.
“Not yet,” I whispered loudly and followed, because there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Willa. Even if it meant embarrassing myself in front of Mason. Because he was the only one I cared about. Hopefully he’d still find me attractive after this dance. Because it was anything but sexy.
She started doing what could be called a tap dance, if you had a good imagination. We joined in, the whole routine was coordinated down to the smallest arm movement. There were a lot of things you could do when you were trying to procrastinate writing an assignment. Drinking and making up dance moves was our preferred method.
We wiggled, we twirled, we hopped, we dropped down to the floor, and sidestepped until we hit the end of the dance floor. Then we did it all over again. Our grand finale was coming up and we moonwalked to the center of the dance floor again.
Willa ended our performance with a handstand, Maisie and I on each side, holding her legs up with one hand, the other arm pointed up. Willa’s underwear was showing and her head was buried under a mountain of tulle. It was the perfect ending to the show.
There was thunderous applause and once we helped Willa back upright we curtsied.
Jameson came over and claimed Willa. “Thanks, ladies. That was quite impressive. Now it’s my turn.”
Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” came on, and I stood off to the side with Maisie. We watched Jameson skilfully lead Willa around the dance floor. She was anything but an accomplished dancer, but they looked beautiful together, and Jameson managed to coax her into a few turns without her tripping over her own feet.
Mason joined me and hugged my back to his front, swaying us to the music. I didn’t think it was possible for me to get to this point, and it didn’t feel real. There was so much I had to sort out with David, but for tonight I would just enjoy myself and celebrate my friends getting married.
We drank, we laughed, we danced, and once Jameson herded Willa outside we all followed to say our goodbyes. They found a Talbot Lago Grand Sport waiting for them and Jameson stood speechless in front of the classic car while Willa squealed.
“How did you find this?” Jameson asked Willa once he picked his jaw up off the floor.
Willa shook her head and nodded in Mason’s direction. “While I would love to take credit for this one, it wasn’t me.”
Jameson turned to Mason who shrugged. “I knew you always wanted to drive one. Called in a few favors, since it’s your wedding and all.”
Jameson crushed Mason to him and the brothers embraced. I heard a sniffle and found Mrs. Drake standing next to me, watching with glassy eyes, a tissue in her hand. I had met her earlier and loved her immediately. She was welcoming and easy to talk to, and it was clear she loved her boys, who felt the same about her.
“Wish I’d thought of that,” Willa said, putting her arm around her mother-in-law.
The car really was something else. It had been polished to within an inch of its life, making the black paint shine. The sleek body was the height of elegance and style.
Jameson walked around the car with Mason, taking in every detail. Willa was chatting with Mrs. Drake, who was no longer clutching a tissue but instead laughing.
The guys finished their inspection, and Mason took Willa’s place next to his mom. After Willa said goodbye to everyone at least three times and hugged each person just as often, Jameson managed to get her into the car.
We waved them off and once the car disappeared behind the trees, we went back into the yard.
“You ready to go back upstairs?” Mason asked me after he helped his mom sit down and got her a glass of water.
“You really need to ask?” I tilted my head back to look at all that was him. His tie was loose and his hair dishevelled, since I couldn’t help but run my fingers through it all night.
“Let me just tell Maisie that I’m leaving,” I said.
“Okay, beautiful. I’ll sit with my mom while you chat to your girl.”
Mason kissed my cheek and joined his mom while I searched the party for Maisie. She was easy to find in her dress, and I walked to where she was talking to Landon who was without his date.
“Cream Puffin, you look radiant. Love
