Theo and Reed's Blessed Groomzilla Event

Chapter Fifteen

Once back in Rocky Creek Dennis had continued driving to his family's house and everyone else headed for the cabins. There was an unspoken agreement between the two couples as Reed and Saint put the sleeping children to bed before playing a rousing game of cards while Theo and Matt went with Winnie to the dark smokey lounge that was centrally located in the compound of cabins and motel rooms. Theo wasn't planning to drink and neither was Matt but they thought Winnie dearly needed a drink. Or two. Winnie just had a growing sadness that seemed to envelope him. He seemed too quiet and lost. In fact he looked like he was going to lose his best friend.

They sat in a booth near the back of the lounge. The place was pretty empty for early evening. Just them and a shaky looking White deputy sheriff who looked oddly familiar to Theo for some reason. The cop's eyes slid over them for the briefest of moments , lingering longer on Winnie , before he returned to his own beer. They ordered a pitcher of strawberry margaritas and spicy triple cheese nachos from a very gloomy old waitress who had made a big deal out of carding fifty one year old Theo , forty six year old Matt and thirty year old Winnie. Once she stomped off like her feet hurt her Theo sat back in his seat and looked at Winnie. " Ok , son , what's wrong ? You look like you lost your favorite blanket. "

Winnie shrugged and sighed almost listlessly. " Nothing. "

Matt laughed. " Yeah right. Give us a new one , kid. I come from Georgia and I learned everything on New York streets. And Theo here is kinda smart. "

Theo looked over at his best friend. " Thank you. I think. "

Matt grinned back at him. " You're welcome. I'm sure. Now out with it. You were so happy earlier. Until we got to the diner. Then it was like someone let all your air out. Is it the wedding ? Just elope. Saint and I did. Went to the courthouse in New York with a couple friends and then hit a couple gay clubs after to celebrate. "

At the mention of the wedding Winnie drooped even more. Theo was curious even more. Winnie had been planning this wedding every since Dennis had proposed via text after Winnie was hit by a car saving Theo's mother. Winnie blinked his eyes. He looked like he wanted to cry. Theo reached over and touched the younger man's hand. " Win ? You do still want to get married ? "

Winnie sighed. " Of course I want to marry Dennis. I love Dennis. I really do. I just don't think I'm right for him. "

Theo and Matt exchanged looks. Winnie continued on , " His family hates me. I can tell they do. They think I'm just poor White trash from Texas. They think I'm a fool and an idiot. I always knew Dennis and I are different people down deep but ....... but ..... I still love him so much. When I first saw him I fell hard. I love him because he's not like me. He's so stable and secure and hard working and sweet. He can be shy but take charge too. He's a little like you , Theo. I just worry that one day he'll start looking at me like his mother does. That he'll wonder what the hell he sees in me. Like my father did...... When I ....... I...... left Sweet Flower my father told me I would never find anyone dumb enough to love the likes of me. I've heard it all my life. I'm too flighty. Too annoying. Too loud. Too rude. Too extra. Too girly acting. And everyone is right about me ! I know that. But I can't change myself. I tried in high school. To act more normal. It didn't work out. It was hell on a buttered biscuit actually. But if I have to I'll try to tone down myself. For Dennis. Tone it down. Be more ..... normal. " Winnie stopped speaking for a second then asked," Teach me how to be normal. Please. "