Room for Two

Something Old

Bianca was sitting outside watching Dee fuss over an imaginary lose stitch on Kadence’s dress when Mason came out of the bathroom looking like a million bucks.

“Mmm mmm, if I wasn’t married,” whispered Dee, suddenly behind her, shamelessly ogling Mason.

“Dearne!” gaped Bianca giggling, “Don’t let Luke hear you say that.”

“Luke appreciates my fine taste,” she winked, “and even he would agree; that man right there is fine with a capital F! Check out those arms. That butt. I bet I could grate cheese on his abs,” giggled Dee.

“You know I’m right here Dee. I can hear you,” he smirked. “But yes, these babies are like washboards.” He grinned patting his firm stomach.

Bianca hadn’t actually noticed before but he was actually really good looking, okay Dee was right, he was hot. No longer was he the tall and lanky boy, but a well filled out man. She shook herself; Mason is her best mate and nothing more. It could never happen; even with that suit looking like it was made to fit every curve of his muscular arms.

“Shall we, madam?” Mason mocked in an awful English accent, offering his arm to thread hers through.

Grinning, she stood and mocked back, “We shall, good sir.” They wished Kadence and her bridesmaid Amanda luck and made their way back to the church in search of a seat.

The dulcet tones of ‘Your love amazes me’ by John Berry started to play as the whole congregation turned in their seats to watch Amanda make her entrance. Bianca let out a breath she didn’t realise she was holding. Mason reached over and squeezed her hand, giving her strength to get through the next half hour, when all she wanted to do was curl up in a ball, close her eyes and pretend it was just a bad dream. Instead, she looked across at Mason and gave a weak smile, thankful for his presence. As she looked into his eyes she couldn’t help but wonder how is he still single? He’s such a great guy… Then chided herself; I guess working in isolation minimises the chances of long term relationships. It was shame he had to leave and go back north in a few short weeks.

By the time Bianca had switched back on to the real world, the priest was saying “…It is time to kiss your bride,” and saw Matt’s beaming grin before he took Kadence’s mouth with his. Could there be any worse a time for her to snap back into focus? At her shocked expression, she felt the brush of Mason’s hand upon the side of hers and she jumped; then looked down to find an open hip flask in his hand being passed into hers. This man was surely a god; he always knew just what she needed. With a grateful smile, she took a big slug of the liquid gold as she felt it warm the frozen parts of her heart, giving her renewed courage to see through the evening.

Bianca closed her eyes as she breathed a soft sigh of pleasure at having some liquid courage. As she ran her fingers around the grooves of the flask she realised the surface was rough as though it was  engraved by an amateur.  An armature like Luke maybe…?

A smile broke out as she read the engraving, ‘Throw one back to get her in the sack ;-p, Love Bi.’ It was the hip flask she gave him for his 18th birthday and he’d kept it all this time. And by the looks of the worn silver plating, he’d made use of it often.

“I can’t believe you still have this!” she shook her head. Mason just smiled, knowing words weren’t needed. He’d managed to take away some of her pain for now, but there was still the whole reception to contend with. He made a silent vow to do whatever he could to keep that smile on her face throughout the night.

When the congregation had finally all followed the bride and groom outside, Mason suggested they make a move and held out his hand to help her up. Her delicate fingers clasped his strong work worn hands as she allowed him to lift her to her feet. With a sigh, and a gentle nudge from Mason, she exited the pew and made her way outside to join in the festivities. Mason’s hand lingered in the small of her back and he helped to guide her through her nightmare; her heart breaking with every step.