More Than A Game

Chapter 60

We all gathered closer to Jordan and Gwen who were still beaming brightly after their marriage had concluded. I held onto my wine glass and took a sip of the cold red liquid as the blissful couple began to speak.

"We would love to thank everyone of you for coming here this afternoon. I know many of you all are busy with work and families, so we appreciate that you took the time to come out and support us on this evening." Jordan began as the whole room erupted in loud cheers.

I took another sip of the glass as I was unsure of how I was supposed to present myself. I've been to weddings before but as I got older, I found myself being extremely awkward during them and to this day, I couldn't think of a logical answer to this.

"We also wanted to thank both families for accepting us. I understand that it is difficult for you to accept new blood into the family ties but we are thankful to have the opportunity to expand the beautiful families." Gwen chimed in next as a few laugh emerged out from the crowd. Looking at the other the other guests faces, I could tell they were paying serious attention to the couple in front of me and decided to turn my attention back onto them as well.

I looked over my shoulder to find Ollie shuffling nervously as he scrambled to find something. I raised an eyebrow, whispering into his ears.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"I can't find my - oh wait, never mind Carmen. I found the piece of paper." Ollie said as he gently handled the paper in his hands, flattening out the creases on the front of red coloured suit jacket. I was curious to what was written on that paper but held me tongue; obviously I was going to find out soon, curiosity wouldn't help anybody, including myself.

I later realised that paper that Ollie desperately wanted in his touch was his best mans speech and immediately pushed away the thought as it was announced that the bride and groom dance was to be performed but before that Ollie was gestured to come onto the stage.

We all clapped including myself, as Ollie made his way to the front of the audience, standing next to Jordan and Gwen. He looked over at me where I gave him a shy smile.

"So I'm not that good with speeches as you can tell by now -" Ollie paused as the whole audience erupted in laughter. I giggled at Ollie's sudden awkwardness before settling myself down to listen to the rest of his speech. I watched him lead his eyes down onto the crisp white piece of paper grasped gently in his hands.

"Welcome all to this very special day, my name is Ollie, Jordan's brother and I'm here to give you a bit of background on why Gwen would put up with my brother the way she does. First though, I'd like give a special mention the beautiful bridesmaids who everyone I think will agree look absolutely gorgeous and Gwen. Can I just say you look stunning; whereas Jordan, you just look stunned mate.

When Jordan asked me to be his best man today, part of me was honoured and part of me was terrified, but mostly I was laughing inwardly that he's finally admitting what we've known all along, that I am, in fact, better than him. Some of you however, might have been surprised by how calm Jordan seemed today - it looks like he's avoided the wedding day jitters and kept insisting 'I'm fine, really' all day. However, that's probably because none of you saw him at 10 o'clock this morning when he was lying face down on his bed in his hotel room, in shorts and a t-shirt, with his mum rubbing his back and trying to get him to eat just a few more cornflakes. Sorry brother, you know I had to mention it.

I've known Jordan for a while now, perhaps because he was unfortunately my brother but hey, it's not all that bad. As those of you who know him can tell, he hasn't changed much. I mean his hairline has but just not him. Over the years, he's proven to be the best brother a man could have.