Words Left Unspoken-Part 2

After the wedding, Kate put on her winning smile as the photographer snapped away with his seemingly obnoxious camera, in her opinion anyways. She knew the last thing she should be doing is letting her mood dwindle. But she was blaming a certain guest for its sudden change: Noah Parker.

“Come on; let me see those beautiful smiles, ladies! We are about finished.” The photographer gave them a little extra encouragement, while Kate was sure he was especially directing that comment towards her. “All right, fantastic!” The camera clicked a few more times before they were set free. Anson was waiting for her.

“You know, you are probably the most cheerful person I know.” His sarcasm made Kate laugh, lightening her mood. She was very thankful to have him by her side. “I’ll get over it as soon as I get a drink.”

They walked on in silence, across the lawn and to the tented reception area. Inside, the announcer was full of excitement as he prepared to introduce the wedding party and of course, the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Therone.

In true Kristina fashion, they all danced inside as each of their names was announced. They had worked for weeks on the goofiest dance routine they could come up with and the crowd roared with laughter as they all made fools of themselves.

Breathless, Kate and Anson made their way to the bar. “Well, I think that turned out a lot better than we had hoped.”

She couldn’t help but scan the reception area. Her nerves were certainly on edge. Damn him for doing this to her. He had no right.

“Kate?” Anson looked at her as if waiting for her reply. She had completely missed everything he had said and he read that on her face. “I think it’s time we took our seats.” This time, he did not pose his comment as a question; instead he guided her to where the wedding party was taking their seats for dinner.

Once at the table, Kate reached for her glass of red wine and took a hearty swig. Anson reached for the bottle in front of them and poured her some more which she gladly drank. He couldn’t stop from laughing.

“Whoa there, let’s try and stay sober for the maid of honor speech, okay?” He looked at her in all seriousness, leaning closer so only she could hear.

“Easy for you to say.” The last thing she needed was for him to be coddling her. He had always been protective over her since they had first met in college. Now was not the time. She needed to drink and in large quantities.

“Drinking like a sailor is not going to make him being here easier. He isn’t worth it anyways, and you know he never was. Just let it be and let’s have some fun tonight.” Kate looked up at Anson after his little spiel and couldn’t help but really hear what he was saying. He had never liked Noah and had always been so right about him. Why let his presence start bothering her now? It had been 6 years since they had seen each other last and 4 years since they had stopped talking altogether.

“I know, I know.” He looked at her questionably, trying to see if she was indeed ok. Anson knew what a great cover upper she was. Masking her true feelings was something she was skilled at.

Kate met his gaze and sighed. “Really, I’m fine. Look, I have pulled myself together completely. I told you all it would take is some alcohol.” She flashed one of her gorgeous smiles and he threw back his head with laughter. The arrival of the first course ended their banter and they dug in heartedly, famished from a very long, eventful day.