Chapter 17

Philadelphia

Friday, April 3, 2009

The night before their wedding was the first time Debbie ever saw Jeff’s home - a large and lavish apartment in a center city building that had come with a long history as a publishing house before it was refurbished to become home to the city’s rich and famous residents. It was just off Washington Square, with a beautiful view of the square from his living room window. There were classic apartment buildings and older office complexes on all four sides of the square. The centerpiece was the square itself, a park treasured by the city’s residents.

Jeff had three large bedrooms, and the living areas were bigger than her parents’ entire home. Her jaw had dropped when she walked through the door with Jeff. “Jeff, this is gorgeous,” she said. “I had no idea.”

“I thought we could live here for a while after we are married,” Jeff said. “You can take a few weeks to sort out your things and move them here. Or we could just get movers in and put everything in the spare bedroom.”

“That’s a good idea. Let’s do it when we get back from our honeymoon.”

Jeff seemed pleased that Debbie didn’t put up an argument when he suggested moving into his place. She had been in her apartment for many years, but he also suspected that his place would be hard for her to resist. She was drawn to his Steinway grand piano, sat down and played a few notes. She didn’t often play her old upright piano, but she thought that Jeff’s piano might inspire her to play more.

***

On the afternoon set for their wedding, Jeff and Debbie arranged to meet their families at City Hall at 4 p.m. They arrived early, but Jeff began pacing back and forth. “Jeff, do you think they will like each other - your mother and my family? What if they have nothing to say to each other?”

“It’s not important. I doubt there will be many gatherings they will all attend.”

“It’s important to me, though. I would like everyone to get along.”

The discussion was cut short when everyone arrived, and Jeff’s mother finally met Debbie’s parents, younger sister, and nephew. Debbie’s parents had met Catherine and her boyfriend Todd a few times. Jeff’s mother, who attended on her own, looked Catherine up and down with a superior attitude. Catherine was beautiful and sexy, and had dressed to show it off. Genevieve frowned at Catherine’s low cut blouse and tight skirt. She said nothing to Catherine, even when introduced.

“Lovely to meet you,” she said to Debbie’s parents, who had not overdressed for the occasion, as Genevieve had. Genevieve extended her hand for a cool handshake, and instinctively stepped back when Debbie’s mother moved in for an enthusiastic response. “What a wonderful day,” Doris said in a strong voice. “We couldn’t be happier.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” Genevieve replied.

Debbie wondered what they would all talk about over dinner. She was annoyed that her nephew had picked this day to be whiney and demanding, pulling on her sister’s jacket to get her attention, then asking, “Mommy, why aren’t they getting married in a church, with a minister?” just as the ceremony began. Debbie’s sister leaned over and said “Shhh.” Jeff’s mother looked at them both disapprovingly. The child was quiet for a moment, and just as the rings were about to be exchanged, he said, “I have to pee.”

Catherine could not control herself. Both she and Todd burst out laughing, at the moment Jeff and Debbie kissed to confirm their vows. Jeff lingered over their kiss, and looked deeply into her eyes. For the first time, Debbie felt a warm feeling that she thought might have been love for Jeff. Whether or not it was, she was feeling happy, and ready to start their new life together.

Doris was the first to speak after the ceremony was concluded. “Well, congratulations to you both. I’m so happy for you.”

Genevieve gave each of them as cool a hug as she could muster, and said, “Jefferson, I wish you all the happiness you deserve.” Debbie swore it had a double meaning, especially since Mrs. Sadlers said absolutely nothing to her.

The group filed out and walked two blocks to the restaurant. Debbie was glad she wasn’t dressed as a bride. She had on a powder blue suit, with a straight skirt just below the knee. She had been to the hairdresser in the morning, and her hair fell softly around her face. Debbie felt more comfortable this time in Jeff’s favorite Italian restaurant, but she knew the rest of her family thought it was a bit like Mars. They had never experienced such fine cuisine or service. They were shocked at the prices, and tried to order just appetizers. Debbie insisted they choose from the dinner menu, where the entrees started at prices that would buy them four dinners at their local diner. After a couple of glasses of wine they all loosened up. The owners of the restaurant personally brought the wedding cake to the table.

“A wonderful occasion, for a beautiful couple” said Mario, one of the owners, kissing Jeff on both cheeks and folding his arms around Debbie. “And what a beautiful bride.

“Champagne for everyone,” he said. “We must drink a toast to the lucky couple.”

“Thank you,” Debbie said, turning back to Jeff and kissing him.

It was 10 p.m. when dinner was over. Mrs. Sadlers’ car was waiting outside the restaurant. She said goodbye. “Very nice to have met you,” she said to Debbie’s parents. She kissed Jeff goodbye on his cheek, and offered her own cheek for Debbie to kiss. She ignored the other guests and stepped elegantly into the back seat of her car, saying a couple of words to her driver that nobody else heard.

Debbie’s family had driven in from New Jersey. Catherine and Todd grabbed a taxi, and Jeff and Debbie walked to the hotel where they had left their bags and planned to spend the night in the bridal suite before leaving early in the morning for Mexico.

Their few nights together had been a rehearsal for this one big night. They declared their love for each other, and fell into each other’s arms as soon as they opened the door of the suite. Jeff had ordered champagne, which they sipped in the living room. They kissed, then Debbie excused herself and returned wearing the bridal peignoir that Catherine had selected for her. Jeff was breathless when he saw her. “You are so beautiful,” he said, kissing her passionately. Nobody had ever said that to Debbie in all her 34 years. Her transformation from ugly duckling to swan was now complete. She had never imagined that her life could be so perfect.