Imperfect Storm

Chapter 6 Another Mrs. Scott.

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE BROKE OUT.

"Thank you all for coming here tonight." My dad said, raising his glass. "I don't want to waste any time by keeping you away from the buffet and the bar, so thank you for being here. It means the world to me and my gorgeous wife. You get to an age when you realize what really matters in life." He looks over at his new wife. "Vanessa Scott. You have made me the happiest man alive tonight."

I felt my stomach turn upside down when I heard him say, Vanessa Scott. Now we have the same damn surname. There comes a time in your life? Does he even realize what he is saying? I looked over at Hillary. She shakes her head in disbelief and downed her glass of champagne.

"Mom. Are you okay?"
"Wonderful honey!"
"Why did you come tonight?"
"Why not Meg? His your father. His getting married again, and I couldn't care less." She said, taking a sip of her red wine.

Mom looked absolutely breathtaking tonight. Her beige dress flowed down her body like a waterfall. Bare shoulders, no sleeves. I hope to look as good as her at that age. I hope I am still as strong as her at that age, too.

"I love you, mom."
Dorothy smiled, "I love you too, sweetheart."

I see Owen standing on the edge of the roof, alone. He gestures for me to come to him.

"Wow. The view is really something." I said.

Stars above us, and the ocean glistening on the opposite side below us, at the venue.

I look at Owen.

"Dance with me?" He asked.

I exhaled and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. Feeling the eyes of everyone follow us.

"Are you good at slow dancing?" I asked.
"I'm never quite sure what to do." He said.
"But I think it works like this." He continued, and put one arm around my waist.
I hate the way my body automatically reacted to him.
"Is this part of our business deal?" I asked.
Owen frowned. "Us dancing?"
I was pretty sure that dancing wasn't something we needed to do.
"Yeah. Us dancing."
"No. This isn't business. You wouldn't have asked me to be your date if this was just business. If this wasn't some sort of relationship, aside from business." Owen replied.
His large palm wrapped around mine.
He pulled me gently closer to him, and my legs shook with a weird mix of anticipation and unease. His hand was warm against mine. A part of me started questioning whether I should leave immediately or embrace the moment.
Owen draped his arms around my waist, his hand resting on my back. My breath heavy, swallowing hard, I tilted my head back. His gaze was different, those eyes sparkling in the moonlight, and that scent of him, being so close to me. I placed my hands on his chest-noticing how toned he felt under my fingers. I let my hands rest there. Feeling his heartbeat.
Moments later, we were moving, our chests pressed together. Owen's motions smooth and sure. Releasing a sigh, I tried to relax. To focus on dancing. To calm the hell down! But the knowledge of the closeness of our bodies, were like alarms inside my head, making it impossible for me to think about anything else. But him.
He spun me in a circle with a swift motion and pressed me against him one more time, making my heart race. The music was slow, perfect for forgetting about everything outside the rhythm. Ideal for getting lost in the peace that being in someone else's arms could bring.

That was probably when I tripped. Before I knew what was happening, my feet had messed up the beat and tangled together. They would have probably sent me straight to the floor if not for Owen.

"Thank you," I laughed.
Owen's arms tightened around my waist.
"Just for safety," he said, bringing me even closer.
"Okay."
Owen laughed, just as his thumb brushed my back lightly. Either I have been alone for too long since Aden Henderson, or I was losing my goddamn mind. Because this felt good. Really, really good. Those ocean-blue eyes, his face getting as close as it had ever been to mine, and making me forget about everything I've ever been through.
Owen spun me around one more time to the soft tune.
"I shouldn't have asked you to be my date, Owen."
"Why not?"
"It's unprofessional. This, right now, is unprofessional."
"Meg. Stop talking. We both know this has nothing to do with professionalism. This is about us. Just us. Not Gold Aroma. Not business. Just you. And me."
I shifted my palms across his chest and smiled. I felt myself relax. His right hand shifted, trailing further down my back.
"Thank you," he said. I felt those two words whispered against my ear.
"For what?"
"For not stepping on my foot again."
I laughed. The song came to an end. I looked up at him. I felt my hands raise to his face, I wanted to feel his lips against mine.
His touch has become an addiction.
"I need the bathroom," I said and walked away.

I splashed my face with cold water. What. Was. Happening? They're married? Like, literally said "I do" married?
A toilet flushed, and I saw Vanessa's entrance. She froze, a beautiful statue sculpted. The only sounds were the distant band and a rogue faucet determined to win a tap-dancing competition.
"This isn't how I pictured hitting rock bottom," Vanessa finally croaked. "We gotta talk, Meg. Please?"
"Congrats," I said, launching the used paper towel into the bin with the grace of a drunken bowling champion.

"There she is! My little MEG-LET!" My dad boomed, engulfing me in a hug that threatened to crack a rib.
He released me, then turned to Owen, smirked, and walked away.

"Home sounds good," I sighed, picturing my couch and a tub of ice cream.
Owen leaned in, tiny moans tried to escape, but he silenced them with even more kissing. The man smelled like... laundry detergent? Was that love?
"Owen," I rasped
"Let's go home." He smiled. God, that smile.

Back in the car, the silence was broken only by my mom's muttering.
"Mystery for another day." Glen winked at my moms story. "Bye guys!" Leaving Owen and me at my place.

"You look incredible," Owen said, his eyes lingering a little too long on my...face.
"Thanks, you too... Mr. Steal-Your-Girlfriend's-Mom?" I teased.
He chuckled, planted a soft kiss on my cheek, and disappeared into the garage. I leaned against the door, grinning like a fat kid in a donut shop. Maybe soulmates weren't so delusional after all.