Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 121

Scene : Hotel Ballroom

It was exactly one week before the wedding when Eddie and Buck found themselves blindfolded, arms held by Hen and Chimney on either side, being led through a hallway. The sounds of muffled giggles and hushed whispers swirled around them, making it impossible for either of them to predict what their friends had planned. Eddie could hear the soft shuffle of footsteps on carpet, the subtle hum of music, and the unmistakable pop of a champagne bottle being opened somewhere nearby. It was all a sensory overload.

Buck (grinning, his voice rising with excitement): “Okay, I know something’s going on. I can feel it! The suspense is killing me!”

Eddie (laughing nervously): “I’m not sure whether to be excited or terrified. I know this group too well.”

Hen (teasing, her grip tightening on Eddie's arm): “You should definitely be a little terrified, Diaz.”

Just then, the blindfolds were dramatically whipped off, and Buck and Eddie blinked into the light, their eyes adjusting to the dazzling scene in front of them. What they saw took their breath away. The grand hotel ballroom had been transformed into a space filled with warmth, fun, and celebration. Silver and gold streamers cascaded from the ceiling, shimmering as they caught the light. Across the far wall, large glowing letters spelled out "Congrats Buddie!" in bold, neon script, creating a focal point for the room.

The center of the ballroom had been cleared to form a large dance floor, while round tables draped in white linens were arranged around the perimeter, each one adorned with flickering candles and champagne bottles nestled in ice buckets. Music played softly in the background—a mix of upbeat pop and slow ballads—but there was an energy in the room that hinted things were about to get wild.

Their entire group of friends—Maddie, Chimney, Hen, Karen, Bobby, Athena, and even a few other members of the 118 crew—stood around them, grinning widely, glasses raised in their direction. They all wore knowing expressions, like they were in on a secret Buck and Eddie had yet to discover.

Chimney (stepping forward with a grin, raising his glass): “To Buck and Eddie! The two craziest, luckiest guys we know. Let’s make sure they have a night they’ll never forget!”

Hen (joining in, smirking): “Or a night they’ll barely remember.”

Laughter erupted from the group as Buck and Eddie exchanged amused but slightly wary glances. Eddie could feel a mix of excitement and slight dread. The crew had a reputation for going big when it came to celebrations, and tonight felt like it was going to be one for the ages.

Buck (laughing, turning to Eddie): “You ready for whatever they’ve got planned?”

Eddie (playfully dramatic): “Not even a little bit, but let’s do this.”

The next moment was a whirlwind of hugs and congratulations as their friends swarmed around them. Maddie threw her arms around Buck’s neck, pulling him into a tight embrace, her voice a mixture of laughter and emotion.

Maddie (excited): “I can’t believe this is happening! My little brother’s getting married!”

Buck (grinning, squeezing her back): “Believe it, Maddie. One more week.”

Nearby, Chimney clapped Eddie on the back, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Chimney (teasing): “Hope you’ve got your dancing shoes on, Diaz, because tonight’s going to be epic.”

Eddie (raising an eyebrow, amused): “I don’t know if I should be concerned or impressed by your level of enthusiasm.”

The formalities quickly dissolved into a relaxed, joyful atmosphere as the group mingled around the ballroom. Chimney, Hen, and Karen took turns filling Eddie and Buck’s glasses with champagne, insisting they make their way through a few rounds of toasts before the real party began.

As the evening rolled on, the atmosphere in the ballroom became more electric. The music turned louder, more energetic, and the dance floor started to fill with their friends. Chimney, never one to hold back, took on the role of unofficial MC, shouting out encouragement to everyone to keep the energy high.

Chimney (over the music): “Alright, Buck! Eddie! It’s not a bachelor party until you hit the dance floor. Let’s see some moves!”

Hen (cheering from the side): “Come on, Eddie! Show us how it’s done!”

Buck, never one to shy away from attention, grabbed Eddie’s hand and dragged him to the center of the dance floor, laughing as he went. Eddie followed, shaking his head but smiling despite himself. The crowd gathered around them as the music pumped through the room, a fast-paced beat that made it impossible to stand still.

Buck, with his usual energy, started dancing without hesitation, his arms swinging to the beat, his feet moving in sync with the rhythm. Eddie was more reserved at first, watching Buck with an amused smile before finally giving in to the infectious energy of the room.

Buck (laughing, spinning around Eddie): “Come on, Eddie! Don’t leave me hanging here!”

Eddie rolled his eyes but started to move, his natural athleticism kicking in as he found his groove. The crowd cheered as the two of them danced together, their friends joining in until the entire dance floor was packed. The lights flickered overhead, casting everyone in a warm, golden glow.

Maddie and Hen joined in soon after, pulling Karen and Athena with them as they formed a circle around Eddie and Buck, clapping along with the beat.

Hen (teasing): “Alright, Buck, you’re going to have to do better than that on your wedding night!”

Buck (grinning, out of breath): “Oh, you just wait. I’ve been saving the best moves for then.”

The playful banter continued as the music switched to a slower song, and the energy in the room shifted to something softer, more intimate. Buck and Eddie found themselves standing close together in the middle of the dance floor, the noise of the party fading into the background for a moment.

Eddie (quietly, smiling): “You having fun?”

Buck (looking around at their friends, the decorations, the love in the room): “Yeah, I really am. I think this is perfect.”