Page 72 of Imbalanced Minds
I scoff. Like outright, unladylike scoff. “I didn’t even know you were here! How could I have been the one to seduce you? It doesn’t make any sense.” I start to get riled up and Nat can sense my hostility taking over. With the best timing ever, she pushes us toward the crowd that’s now yelling their congratulations and wolf-whistling at us.
Pushing that little debate aside, I genuinely smile at all our friends and family who have come to celebrate with us. Nat, once again, being the best friend hands over two drinks, one whiskey for Cory and what looks like a cocktail for me.
“A virgin mojito.” She whispers.
I wink at her response to my puzzled look, then cover my face in embarrassment as this truly stunning human, with no warning, starts bellowing out one hell of a speech.
“Oi! Everyone, listen up. Thank you. Hello everyone,” we all laugh at her getting everyone’s attention, which works perfectly. “My best friend and I have been friends forever. I can’t even remember how young we were, and I don’t care. This babe here is my sister even if one day I will become it for reals.” She looks at Justin, who then cringes. “I want to tell you how amazing you are and how lucky we all are to have you in our lives. Now, Cory,” she pauses for dramatic effect and I lose it with giggles. “You, my fine friend, or Justin’s fine best friend,” she then winks at both boys, “I want to tell you it’s about bloody time! But seriously, thank you for being everything this girl needs. She’s very lucky to have you and we’re all lucky to have you both.” Taking a moment, she then yells at the top of her lungs as she raises her drink in salute.
“To Iris and Cory. Cheers.”
We all raise our glasses with her and the whole room breaks out in laughter.
After we’re all finished with being so publicly cherished, I launch at my bestie and squeeze her in a hug.
“We have to stop meeting this way.” She laughs at her own joke like the tipsy comedian she is.
“Honey, how much of that bottle did you drink before we got here?”
“Ahh… all of it.” She states matter of factly.
“Well then, that explains your little speech. It was perfect, thank you.” We coo some more before both getting pulled away for being ‘too clingy’ and ignoring everyone.
“Petal, I’m so happy for the two of you. And Nat, that speech was delightful, honey. I look forward to the day I get you as a daughter, too.” Mum looks at Justin with a knowing smile. Huh. Flicking that information away for another day, I turn to Mum and hug her. She’s going to have us all in tears if she keeps this sentimentality up.
“Thank you, Mum.”
“Ladies, how about a dance?” We look to all three men; Justin, Cory and my father. Dad looks at me and instantly, I’m like a little girl again.
“Dad, we’d all love that,” I answer for everyone.
We each take our respected partners’ hand and make our way to the dance floor. “My face is going to fall off from laughing so much,” I yell out, “Dad, you’ve got some sweet dance moves!” We whoop and holler as he and Mum bust it out for all to see. I’ve never in my whole life seen them like this. Justin is beside them trying to look disgusted, but we can all see a grin breaking through.
After we’ve all adjusted to the Mike and Rosie show, we all let loose and soon find ourselves being surrounded by everyone who has ever cared for us and likewise. Even Cory’s pop is here, although he waved us off and let us go have our fun.
A devious thought comes to mind. “Big guy, would you mind getting me another drink?” I flutter my eyelashes, not that I need to. This man is putty in my hands.
“Sure, baby girl. Justin, c’mon man let’s get the girls more drinks. Rose, you want anything?”
“No dear, but thank you.” She politely yells over the music.
They move in the direction of the bar and I look at Nat. “Ooo, girl, you’re in so much trouble.” She says, with a devious grin on her face matching mine. She knows exactly what I’m planning. I start moving, putting extra attention to the sway of my hips, but only enough so I’m not overdoing it for the parentals.
It’s not long until those same big, warm hands slide around my stomach and pull me against his solid body—just like that first time.
“Don’t stop on my account, Angel. I was just starting to enjoy myself.”
This time, I don’t freeze.
This time, I happily turn and melt to his touch; making my movements as seductive as the occasion allows.
This time, I’m fully in control.
This time, I’m going to make a memory that we’ll cherish for a lifetime because we both want the same thing.
Happiness.