The Bridesmaid

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven:

JANE

                At 7:00 that night, Cynthia and I were stepping out of the lift into the posh lobby of The Cove. The boys were already there and were sitting on a couch, waiting. Grant immediately stood when he saw us approaching, like a true gentleman. Finn, on the other hand, stood up slowly, making it look like the most physically exerting task he had ever done. However, I couldn’t miss the flash of shock in his eyes when he saw me all dressed up. He was impressed.  I mentally rolled my eyes, reminding myself that I would not ruin this dinner for Grant and Cynthia. They deserved some peace before their wedding, not petty drama brought on by a spoiled, but breathtakingly attractive tool with a silver spoon shoved up his butt.

                Earlier, Cynthia had decided that we would eat at the restaurant connected to the hotel, with a perfect beach view. We casually made our way to the restaurant and were seated quickly in an outdoor dining room. Our small circular table barely fit four people, so we were snugly seated around each other. Grant and Cynthia had taken seats opposite each other, so I had the honor of sitting directly across from Finn. It just so happened that any time either of us looked around, we would awkwardly meet the other’s gaze. In order to avoid this, I had taken to staring intently at the menu, hopefully not looking like a complete idiot.

                “So…” Grant said slowly, trying to ease the thick tension around the table. Because no one knew what else to say, we fell into another stiff silence.

                “Hello folks!” A young waiter approached our table with a charming smile on his face. He was around my age and an American, most likely working at the hotel for a summer job. I couldn’t help but notice how cute he was, as well.

                “What can I get you to drink tonight?” the waiter asked kindly.

                “I’ll have a beer, whatever you have on tap is fine,” Grant responded.

                “I’ll have the same,” Finn said.

                I ordered an ice water while Cynthia ordered some fruity drink. When the waiter heard our American accents he brightened.

                “Americans? Are you guys vacationing? Oh, forgive me, I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Chad. I work nights here so I can surf down at the beach all day. What are your names?” Chad said enthusiastically. He obviously had a tendency to speak quickly if he was excited about something.

                “I’m Cynthia, nice to meet you. This is my fiancé Grant; we’re getting married here in two weeks. This is my best friend, Jane. She’s my maid of honor. And this is Finn, Grant’s best friend and best man.” Cynthia said.

                “Nice to meet all of you. Your other waiter will be here shortly to take your orders. Bye, Jane, see you around,” Chad said, with a fleeting smile toward me before he walked away.

                “He totally likes you, Jane,” Cynthia said.

                “He doesn’t even know me!” I countered. What was the use of someone like Chad taking an interest in me? Even if he was interested in me, we lived in two different countries! That’s what some people call an obstacle.

                “Well, I didn’t like him. He smiled too much,” Finn stated.

                “Yeah, ‘cause you know SO much about smiling, right Finn?” I said sassily. I had had enough of his attitude. Chad was nice. There was no need to be so critical of him just because of his positivity.

                “I know more than you do, Miss I-Have-A-Stick-Up-My-Ass,” Finn said. I gasped when he said that. How dare he? He didn’t even know me!

                “GUYS! Can we please be adult for a few minutes?” Cynthia said exasperatedly.

                “You’re right, Cynth. I’m sorry,” I apologized. I refused, however, to apologize to Finn. He didn’t deserve it.

                “Well, since we’re moving on, does anyone want to hear the plans for tomorrow?” Grant asked, his timing perfect.

                “Sure, honey,” Cynthia responded when it was clear that neither Finn nor I would.

                “Well, since we’re in Jamaica, I figured we should enjoy the beautiful weather and this awesome ocean. I rented a yacht online and we embark from the marina at 10:00 sharp!” Grant said happily, obviously proud of himself for making such plans on his own.

                “Grant! That sounds amazing!” Cynthia exclaimed. I agreed mentally. I had never been on a yacht before, but I had always wanted to. I can’t say I was surprised at Grant’s plans, though. Something big and flashy on a vacation was exactly Grant’s style.

                The rest of dinner went by smoothly enough, without any outbursts from Finn or me. I was looking forward to yachting the next day, but I didn’t want Finn in attendance. Maybe he could get really seasick and have to stay down in the cabin the whole time…I mentally slapped myself. I needed to get it together. I had never had such thoughts about people in my entire life. Somehow, Finn managed to make me feel a way that no one else could make me feel. He was irritating and stubborn. An obviously player and somewhat of a bad boy. I knew I shouldn’t let him get to me that way, but I couldn’t help it. He made me say stupid things and act in such a dumb way, that I found brain yelling at myself for doing everything I did around him. I couldn’t wait for the two weeks to be up so this strange feeling could get away from me.