“Glad to hear the Basso pranks are back on.” I smile.
“After last night they are in full swing. What Trent did to Gabe after his stunt…” he continues.
“I don’t want to hear about it Ian. I’m glad you had fun with them. They are a great group of guys. I just can’t bear to talk about them right now.” I grab the pot refilling my cup.
“Them or him?” He grabs the pot out of my hand. “Never mind, I already know the answer.”
“Funny Ian.”
“Maddy, we need to get to the beauty salon.” My mom walks into the kitchen completely put together without an ounce of a hangover.
“I know, I just need this last cup of coffee.” I sit back down but my mom comes over lifting me up pushing me out of the kitchen,
“No, we should have already left. This is Lindsey’s day, she doesn’t need the stress of us being late.” My mom bosses to me. Once I am making my way upstairs I hear her talk to Ian. “Now Ian, Mitch will bring you to the church, is that ok?”
“Of course Mrs. Basso.” Ian agrees.
“Great, I can’t believe my son is going to become a husband today. How exciting.” Her voice raising a couple pitches.
A half hour later my mom and I walk through the salon doors. It is the only beauty shop in town so Lindsey and her bridal party are the only clients this morning. I sense after us there will be some guests coming in as well.
Caroline and three other bridesmaids are already getting their hair thrown up in different hairdos. Lindsey’s blond hair is in a mess of large curlers and she sits in front of the make-up stand.
“I swear Maddy late again, you are lucky it’s my wedding day and nothing will get me mad today.” Lindsey happily speaks while the lady puts foundation across her face.
“Sorry Linds.” I genuinely say going over to give her a quick hug around her shoulders from the back.
“It’s ok. Like I said nothing will get me down today. I will be Mrs. Jack Jennings in a few hours.” She smiles and the make-up lady tells her not to until she is finished.
“And my sister.” I chime in.
“And my daughter.” My mom adds.
“I can’t wait.” Lindsey smiles but immediately stops smirking up to us that she doesn’t want to get yelled at again by the make-up lady.
An hour later I am sitting in the chair while Diana, the owner puts my hair up in a tight ponytail and curls small pieces of my brown hair tucking them under. When it is all done I have about thirty bobbie pins and a can of hairspray in my hair but it looks absolutely gorgeous.
When I get to the make-up station I am the last girl to finish while Lindsey’s hair is finishing up. I should have known Caroline would pick a time when no one is around and I am locked into a position to confront me.
“So, you told me he was available?” She brings a chair up next to me and Bridgett, the girl applying my make-up peeks through the corner of her eyes at her.
“He is.” I respond looking at her through the mirror. To be honest she is stunning. Her red hair is pulled in a bunch of twists and turns pinned tight and then it flows into large curls as it hangs down in a cascade of waves. Her plum eyeliner and mascara makes her green eyes stand out. I can’t remember which color dress she is wearing but I imagine none of the guys will be able to take their eyes off of her.
“Listen, I know what you are doing Madeline. You can’t have them both.” She snickers at me.
“Not that it is any of your business but I don’t have either one of them. They are both single and available.” I snap back making Bridgett stop applying my eyeliner.
“That’s not what Gabe says. He told me he is seeing someone and I see the way he is always looking at you and last night…” she continues to go on and I really don’t want this to escalate. I have already caught Lindsey peeking our way a couple times.
“Caroline, if Gabe is seeing someone then I didn’t know about it. I apologize for misspeaking but last night was just my brother’s friend looking out for someone he views as a sister.” I calmly speak back to her trying to make her go away.
“Keep telling yourself that Maddy. I honestly don’t know what is so damn special about you. Those boys might be single but they definitely aren’t available.” She turns on her heels stomping away from me.
“What was that all about?” Bridgett whispers to me after she leaves.
“She wants Gabe Basso.” I give away.
“Ohh…well can’t blame her there. Before he moved away he was Belcrest’s most eligible, to Trent of course.” Bridgett smiles up to me signaling she knows all about the Basso brothers and me.
I grin at her through the mirror and then close my eyes allowing her access to my eyelids. One more day and I will back in my safe haven New York.
When the limo takes us to the church, we file in through a back door, as Doug makes sure Jack is securely hidden in the Sunday school room. I find my emerald green dress hanging among the rainbow of others so I grab it and make my way to the changing room. My mom and I have to be down for pictures and then make our way back up here for pictures with Lindsey. I have a feeling by the end of the day my feet are going to need a massage. Gabe gave the best foot massages.
I hear the boys laughing and joking as my heels click down the steps. I stop at the end of the stairway my hand on the railing. Closing my eyes I take a deep breath telling myself again I can do this. Jack and Lindsey, I rant to myself over and over again. Like taking a plunge into a cold pool my feet hit the floor and turn the corner. Those blue eyes find me immediately as though he was waiting for me.
Gabe is the most handsome man in casual clothes but in a tuxedo he is downright breathtaking. I see his vest is yellow which means he won’t be standing up with me. I twinge at the thought of him dancing with someone else.
“Hey Maddy.” Trent comes along side of me breaking my gaze from Gabe.
“Hey Trent. How are you feeling?” I turn my lips up in a grin.
“Better after about a gallon of water.” He smiles back to me.
“That’s good. I guess I better get going to the pictures.” I step away seeing my mom posing with Jack.
“Yeah…don’t want to delay the ceremony.” His hands are in his pockets as he rolls back on his heels.
“See you later.” I say making note that his vest is orange. I should have known Jack and Lindsey would know not to stand me up with Gabe or Trent.
“Maddy.” Trent calls out to me after my back is turned.
I turn around questioning what he wants.
“You look beautiful. Save me a dance, ok?” He raises his eyebrows in question.
“Of course.” I answer.
Twenty minutes later we are done with our side of the family photos. The groomsmen are sitting around the pews waiting for their turn. A smile forms on my face watching the three Basso brothers joking around like they used to reconfirms to me that I made the right choice. I find Gabe’s eye on me every so often but he never approaches me and when my eyes meet his he turns away.
My stomach seems to be in a constant ache feeling like I could throw up at any time. I need this day to be over and quick. I am happy to report back to Lindsey’s peaceful bride room. The girls are scrambling to get their dresses and shoes on when Lindsey steps out in her Princess gown. All the ohhhs and ahhhs from everyone in the room make her slightly blush. She is strikingly beautiful.
During the pictures Lindsey’s smile never falters. Her genuine anticipation of marrying my brother is evident to anyone around. I am not a true believer in marriage but my gut confirms that Jack and Lindsey are the lucky few to find the one they will spend the rest of their life loving. Suddenly I am filled with envy.