Rolex Romance

Miss Political Strategist

Javier's P.O.V.

About twenty minutes after helping my father to his seat, the bridesmaids and their assigned groomsmen lined up. Outside the door I could've heard a pin drop. People were probably uncomfortable of the groom's father being present. I mean how ironic that his son writes the crime section in the city paper ? Alejandro actually got my brother that job funny enough.

Next to me Karenina stood quietly. God, I swear she looked more beautiful than the bride. Her hair was in a curly up do and that damn dress made her look elegant, yet ordinary. It was definitely her color, it complimented her light hair and deep blue eyes. As the wooden doors swung open, she twisted her arm into mine staring forward. I wished she would just look up a me, even for a split second.

I felt like the luckiest man walking next to her even though everyone was too busy trying to peek at the bride. After we took our spots, the music began but all I could look at was her. I prayed that no one was watching me practically burn her with stares, I'd seem like a mad man.

After the room roared in applause after the couple kissed, I held her arm tighter like I should've from the beginning. She looked up at me and I looked down hoping a weird noise wouldn't leave my throat.  Without saying anything we both smiled and looked straight forward again.

Taking the pictures outside the church was boring, but gave my social medias a boost in terms of attention. My publicist beamed with hope after seeing the pictures. All I could think of was the one where my arms were wrapped around Karenina and we smiled at each other. I asked the photographer to make copies and send them to me personally. He smiled as if knowing something I didn't and just walked away.

At the reception, I was bombarded by more family members and questions. Some I was able to dodge as the first dance took place. My eyes scanned the floor for her and that was when I saw her standing and watching the happy couple with tears. I laughed to myself watching her get so emotional. When I appeared behind her and place a hand on her arm she turned and wiped away tears with laughter.

"I told myself I wouldn't cry." I smiled and took her hand. Her tears dried as I took her in the circle that formed around my brother and sister-in law. Karenina looked up at me and I thought I was going to melt. I pulled her in close as other couples began swaying around us.

"I was heading for your room when I saw my dad. I wasn't expecting to see him and then he said he was sick and I couldn't turn him away. Everything in me was telling me to run after you, but he's dying.   " I tried to explain. Nothing could explain how guilty I felt turing her away last night.

"Leo and I broke up."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not."

I looked at her confused, but delighted. About damn time.

"I'm sorry about throwing everything off your desk. That was uncalled for. I was too embarrassed to see you again, but I should've. That would have saved us a lot of time." She laughed easing my worry. I tightened my grip on her hand not letting her go this time.

"No, I think this was the right moment for us. We weren't ready before."

"And you're ready now, Miss Espanova ?" I asked with a smirk. She gave me a look but calmed it with a smile.

"More than ever."

That was when I leaned down and kissed her. It took me five years and a spotty attendance to finally get her to kiss me. I fucked up along the way, but I got her. If I would've just ran after her at the Pancake House, I would've had her long ago. I still cursed myself endlessly for it, but I had her.

***

On the plane home Javier convinced the middle aged man that sat next to me to switch seats with him. It took a lot of convincing, but the man caved when I begged.

"When we get back I'm taking you out somewhere. Anywhere you want."

"How about the campaign trail ?" Javier looked over at me shocked. I had been curious if he was going to try again for mayor.

"Ive thought about it, a lot. My staff says I should go for it while my name is hot. I don't know if I want to go through losing again."

"Maybe you won't this time. You know what to expect now. I know you have good ideas, Javier. Maybe you just need to go about it differently. Appeal to a demographic you had less voters in."

"Listen to you. Miss Political strategist." Javier smiled surprised at her initiative. "Join my campaign."

"What ? I can't, I have my job at Seegaard."

"I'm not asking you to quit, just helping me on the side. You know the media and seeing you throughout my day makes it all better." Javier smirked before kissing me. God, I was never going to get used to the feeling of our lips touching. It sounded gross saying aloud, but I felt almost honored.

"Okay, I'll join. This time though, we fight." All Javier did was smile and kissed me again.