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I FELT A BALL OF ANXIETY in my chest as Scott turned away from us. I loved the scowl and then the attempt at a smile as the bride began her aisle walk. He looked like a man who was preparing for his walk on death row.
I loved it.
I found myself drawn to Timothy’s strength, leaning into him and the comfort he offered. I watched Scott’s back, noting the stiffness of his posture. A wave of something between relief and satisfaction washed over me. He wasn’t as indifferent as he pretended.
“Deep breaths,” Timothy whispered in my ear, his voice steady and soothing. His arm was firm around my shoulders, his presence an anchor.
The bride finally made it to the altar, a vision of beauty in her white lace dress. She looked at Scott, her eyes filled with love and trust. A pang of sympathy rushed through me. I knew that trust was misplaced.
The ceremony started. Vows were exchanged in the soft light of the setting sun, words of love and commitment that were tragically hollow, at least on Scott’s part. I had no idea what he whispered to his bride, but her face exuded pure happiness and love.
While she was lost in her perfect fairytale moment, Scott’s eyes flickered over to us every so often. It was a strange to see the jealousy in his eyes as he stood at the altar with another woman. It was as if he was questioning his actions, his choices, all too late though.
After they were announced as husband and wife and made their way down the aisle past us, Scott looked at me. I smiled, hoping he was going to enjoy the bed he made. I knew there was no happily ever after in that woman’s future. I couldn’t bring myself to feel sorry for her. She knew I was with Scott when she sank her teeth into him. I had zero sympathy for her.
“Do you want to stay for the reception?” Timothy asked, his voice low and steady. I could tell he was ready to whisk me away at a moment’s notice, given my approval.
I thought about it. “Just for a few minutes. I don’t want him to think he’s run me off.”
He chuckled. “Good girl.”
As Timothy and I settled down at a random table, surrounded by chattering guests, I couldn’t help but be amazed at his ability to effortlessly engage in conversation. He blended in no matter what group we found ourselves in. He had an uncanny knack for putting those around us at ease, while subsequently making me feel like the center of his universe. It was a feeling I never thought was possible. Scott had certainly never treated me like that.
He was constantly touching me. It was subtle but effective. His arm was around my shoulders once again. I found solace in his touch. He would occasionally run his thumb up and down my shoulder. It was very soothing and grounded me.
“Would you like to dance?” Timothy asked.
“Sure,” I said, smiling.
Before we could get up from our seats, Scott and his new wife approached. It shouldn’t have bothered me, but it was weird to see them together. I wasn’t jealous, but it was awkward. His wife looked at me, her eyes flashing with a smugness I didn’t appreciate. It was comical to think she thought she had won. As far as I was concerned, she got the door prize.
“Congratulations, Scott,” Timothy said, standing to shake his hand. The forced camaraderie was painful to watch.
“I’m sorry, but who are you?” Scott sneered.
“Timothy Hastings,” he replied confidently.
Scott’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Nice to meet you.” Scott looked at me as I stood up. “Catherine,” he said curtly.
“Scott,” I responded just as coldly. His new wife shot me an icy glance before giving Scott a bright smile.
“Let me introduce my wife, Amanda,” Scott announced. We all exchanged polite nods and hollow congratulations.
Amanda extended her hand, her diamond-encrusted wedding band flashing under the lights. “I’m so happy you could join us on our special day.” Her voice dripped with false enthusiasm.
“It was a beautiful ceremony,” I replied, maintaining my composed demeanor. “I’m glad I could be here.”
“I don’t think we got your RSVP,” Amanda said.
“We weren’t sure we could make it,” Timothy answered. “I have a busy schedule.”
Scott was staring at him. “You’re not from Sleepy Hollow.”
“I am now,” Timothy replied easily. “I understand you recently moved.”
“Yes,” Scott said, nodding.
I could tell he was dying to ask more questions.
“We should greet our other guests,” Amanda said.
“We were just headed out to take advantage of the excellent DJ,” Timothy said. “Congratulations again.”
As Timothy took my hand to lead me toward the dance floor, I couldn’t resist one last look at Scott. His eyes were fixated on us. The fleeting satisfaction swept over me. It should have been more satisfying, but I honestly didn’t care as much as I thought I did.
A slow song came on. He pulled me into his arms. I was grateful for the comforting warmth that radiated from his body. It enveloped me, wrapping me in his security. He was everything Scott never was. He was attentive and considerate. He listened and he cared. Dancing with Timothy, I felt my burdens lighten and my heart dance along to the music with us.
“Are you okay?” Timothy asked as we moved elegantly across the dance floor. His voice was soft, a soothing balm over the sting of Scott’s betrayal.
“I am.” I assured him and meant it. “You’ve made this bearable. Better than bearable. Thank you.”
We continued to dance with my head resting against his shoulder.
“Don’t thank me,” he murmured, lifting my chin to lock his gaze with mine. “It’s all you, Catherine. You’re stronger than you’re giving yourself credit for.”
I didn’t know how to respond. Not because his words had caught me off guard but because no one had ever spoken to me like that before. He made me feel valued and respected, something that was foreign, given my past relationships.
When the dance ended, he quietly led me outside to enjoy the beautiful gardens.
“Timothy, I have to admit, I’m actually enjoying myself tonight,” I confessed.
We stood on the veranda overlooking the glistening lake. The stars above were so pretty. The cool summer air brushed against my heated skin. I inhaled and then slowly exhaled. I had been dreading this night, but now it all felt like nothing. It wasn’t bad at all.
“Thank you for making this thing look real,” I said.
He glanced inside toward the ballroom. “He’s watching us,” he whispered. “Can I kiss you and make this look as real as possible?”
Unable to summon any words, I nodded in agreement and closed my eyes. His lips met mine, and the kiss was anything but ordinary. It ignited a fire within me, sending sparks coursing through my veins. The kiss deepened. We both lost ourselves in the intoxicating dance of passion. His fingers tangled in my hair, holding my face close to his.
Timothy pulled away just when I was getting into the kiss. His gaze was filled with a hint of horror. Confusion and disappointment flooded through me. I let myself believe the kiss was real. I should have known better. It was all part of the show and he had shown he was a very good actor.
“Would you like another drink?” he asked quietly.
I shook my head. “I think I’m ready to leave.”
We walked out without saying a word to anyone. None of the people here mattered. They weren’t a part of my life. I was looking forward to never seeing Scott or any of them ever again.
In the car, things were awkward. It was too quiet. The tension was not okay. The kiss had been a step too far. I couldn’t tell if he was angry because it happened or angry because he liked it.
“Would you consider staying at my place instead of sleeping on your dad’s couch?” he blurted out. “You’d have your own room and bathroom, and the freedom to work whenever you want. You know how big the house is. We wouldn’t have to see each other unless we wanted to.”
The offer was tempting, practical even. I couldn’t deny the appeal of escaping my father’s snoring and the uncomfortable couch. However, doubts lingered, fueled by the memory of our electrifying kiss and the fleeting glimpse of horror I saw in Timothy’s eyes. But it would be very convenient to be able to work late and start early without the commute.
“That’s a very generous offer,” I said.
“It’s not a big deal,” he insisted. “It’s not like I’ll even know you’re there.”
It wasn’t exactly a warm and fuzzy invitation but I wasn’t surprised. It was the Timothy I had come to know.
“I’ll think about it,” I answered. “I really appreciate the offer. Thank you.”
Timothy’s offer was generous, but was it wise? Could I trust myself to keep a professional distance? After the kiss, I wasn’t so sure of that.
“Thank you for tonight,” I said again. “I got the closure you talked about. It was good. I am glad that it’s over.”
“I think he believed it,” he said.
I had allowed myself to believe in the illusion we had created. That was what I had been worried about. It was an illusion, wasn’t it? Or had that kiss felt just as real to him as it had to me?
We drove in silence for a while, both lost in our own thoughts. The only sound was the soft purr of the car engine.
He drove me back to my place, insisting on walking me to the door. “Thank you for everything. I hope you’ll let me pay you back for the dress and everything else.”
“No. I don’t want your money. It was my pleasure to see the look on his face. I’ll see you Monday. Think about the invitation to stay at my house. It really is no trouble.”
“I will,” I said, nodding. “Goodnight.”
He gave a brief nod. “Goodnight,” he echoed, and then he was gone.
I walked into my apartment, bumping into a box and silently cursing. I wanted to get out of the dress as quickly as possible. It was a reminder of everything I couldn’t have. He had managed to cast a spell on me. I believed he was really into me. The kiss had tasted sweet, like the promise of something I thought I’d never want again. I unzipped the dress, letting it pool at my feet.
In the bathroom, I turned on the water, grabbed a washcloth, and splashed my face. It did little to remove my makeup. I grabbed a few of the makeup remover wipes and slowly wiped my face. Slowly, I became me again, the woman I knew and not the woman I had been tonight with Timothy.
