The Good Intentions

Chapter 34 - Bethany

Bethany

My family looks like a bag of clementines as we all walk into The Palm — the most high-end restaurant in Bayside. Yes, we all look absolutely amazing, head-turning, I just wish Paige would have been the only one to dress in her mother-in-law's favorite color. Though my dad's orange long-sleeve button-down makes him look tanner than he is and my mom's dress really brings out the flecks of gold in her eyes, I feel like a bottle of Tropicana.

Despite my feelings towards my attire, I don't dwell on it much. No one I'm trying to impress is here. That thought gets swallowed quickly as the Fisher family saunters over to our table. Most importantly Gabe Fisher, with his dark brown hair and light emerald eyes, and just a couple of inches shorter than his brother. Drool nearly seeps out of the corners of my mouth at the sight of him.

The entire drive over here, my mom would not stop talking about him, mostly about how single he is. I'm already dealing with my own love triangle. We don't need to make it a square.

We all stand to greet them. I give the Fisher boys an awkward-ish hug before sitting back down. Paige on my right, Gabe on my left. I keep my hands folded in my lap, trying my hardest not to twiddle with my thumbs. I'm not good at small talk.

Paige has been around her in-laws very frequently. But my parents and I have only met them a handful of times. They live a couple of hours away, so it's been hard to do this. With the wedding quickly approaching — according to my mother — it was imperative we all meet up, have a nice dinner, and bond as a newly founded family.

Well, here we are. Let the family bonding begin.

Our dads hit it off great. Talking about baseball, fishing, literally anything. Our mothers on the other hand, it's like watching two stray cats that see each other for the first time. A competition is occurring for dominance, subtly. No yelling or anything like that. But I see it in my mom's demeanor. The way her back is taut. The way her lips curve a little too much as she smiles.

And I see it in Sherry Fisher. Her laugh is way too loud for this type of restaurant and she keeps making comments about how Easton — where she and her husband live — is such a beautiful place to raise a family. Which then my mom counters with how great the school system is here and how it's great for daughters to be close to their mothers, especially when they have kids.

I merely drown myself in my water, trying my best to avoid this conversation. I hate to admit that this night is making me want to have an actual drink again, even after what happened on the cruise. I talk myself out of it though, chew on ice instead. Allowing the chill to numb my tongue and all my other senses.

"Right, Bethany?"

I nearly choke on an ice cube hearing my name. Coughing a bit, I say, "What?"

"Sherry asked you a question, darling." My mom smiles from across the table.

Sherry laughs. "I was just asking if you have a date for the wedding."

Ah, yes, the million-dollar question. The one everyone is dying to know. I know this because all eyes are on me. Even Gabe's, which were glued to his phone all night but now he's staring into the side of my neck.

My mouth goes dry as the question plays on repeat in my head. Do I have a date? I haven't even asked anyone. Who do I ask? I've been putting Kaden and Teddy out of my mind all during dinner. The family has made that pretty easy. But now all of those thoughts I kept dammed up are flooding in and I can't control it.

Kaden or Teddy? Who do I take to this wedding? How do I decide?

"Your salad, miss." The waiter places a plate in front of me and I stare at the leafy green mixture. Hoping to find the answer there.

Nothing.

I look up again and still, all eyes are on me. It feels like an eternity passes, but it's only been a few seconds.

"May I be excused?" I ask around, but stand up without giving anyone time to respond. I hustle through the restaurant and over to the bathroom.

Slipping inside, I close the door and check under each stall to see if I'm alone. I am. And with that fact, I let out a strangled, frustrated groan into my hands. Dropping them, I grip the marble vanity and stare at my reflection in the mirror.

All I have to do is choose.

Kaden or Teddy?

Teddy or Kaden?

The man I have been head-over-heels in love with for the longest time. Or the guy that suddenly came into my life and I can't get out of my head?

Teddy is kind. He's so smart and funny. My family would like him.

Kaden has a reputation. But he's so much more than his past. He's good. He's caring.

How do I choose between two amazing men?

"Okay," I say to my reflection, narrowing my eyes, and furrowing my brow until they nearly touch in the middle. I know what I'm going to do. As soon as I step out of that door, the first name I think of will be the one. My one and only. My wedding date. The only one I want.

With a heavy breath, I tap my knuckle against the cool stone and try to clear my head. Thinking of anything I can except the two of them. Make it fair game.

Done.

I inhale sharply and head towards the door. Resting my palms on the surface, my eyes close and I let out a breath, opening the door, taking a step. I choose—

My body slams against the wall and I stumble back. But the wall didn't feel much like a wall. My eyes fly open and my heart stops in my chest when I see him.

"Hey, you."