Harassenger: Backseat Admirer ✔️

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Holt and Della's wedding venue was a beautiful opera house overlooking a sunset and a widespread crystal lake, the fish breaking the surface for a masterful picture for the happy couple.

Built in the early 1900s, this historic building seats approximately one thousand people. It was modernized over the years, but also held a very timeless look with brick and cast stone, with an oriental touch. I had been here once to celebrate a family member's wedding, but never did I think I'd be back so soon.

Inside, the first floor featured a beautiful ballroom decorated in crimson red and black with a neutral colored wall that blended well with any decorum. Fancy and expensive. They better have an open bar with all this money they must have spent.

As I walked down the hallway, famous actors like Clark Gable and John Wayne, who have visited in the past, lined the walls with their faces and autographs. The upstairs was just as breathtaking, with a large bathroom and a high stage hidden by a red and gold silk curtain. I snuck passed the guests, finding a free room to study my speech after slightly ditching Mick on the way.

The acoustics were outstanding, and I began to feel self-conscious that someone would hear me. I hope the walls were as sturdy and sound-proof as they claim to be.

Turns out, I was being being listened to.

"Holt, what are you doing in here?" Holt stood against the door frame, dressed in his tuxedo and black bow tie, his blonde hair freshly buzzed. He was handsome, even his smile, with crooked bottom teeth, could make me blush.

I felt a twinge of pain knowing that I would be standing at the end of the aisle with him, and I wasn't the one he was marrying.

"I thought I'd find you here. You're always finding a place you can be alone." He said, rubbing his trimmed beard.

"You caught me." I smiled.

Holt staggered into the room, grabbing onto a nearby marble table for support and blocking his eyes from a nearby floresecent light.

He was drunk; I knew this all too well. His light, blue eyes were glazed and the closer he sauntered to me, the more I smelled the alcohol fresh on his breath.

"Why are you drunk? Did you decide to have a bachelor party this morning?" I folded my arms, grimacing at the dashing groom in front of me.

"You're funny, Natt. No, I had my party last night, and as I was there, my buddies were reminiscing on the good times, like when we were in high school, no cares in the world. I started to wonder if this is the life for me, if I could picture my life with Della. I love Della, but is marriage the right thing for me right now while I'm still so young?" Holt shuffled closer, stumbling so close there a needle couldn't fit between us. He wasn't much taller than me, his lips brushing against my nose. I wanted to cringe from the smell, but I was too nervous to move. I didn't know what he was doing, or why he was so close to me.

"Holt, you're drunk and you're having wedding jitters. You and Della will have a beautiful life. She's getting ready in the other room, probably as scared as you are."

"You're so sweet, Natalie. You're always so patient with me, and you always keep me in line." He stepped closer, my beating heart popping out of my chest cavity like Whac-A-Mole.

"I'm your best friend. Of course I'm patient with you; I have to be." I confirmed, trying to keep an even tone when my vocal cords threatened to hitch.

"And you're stunning tonight. I could kiss you right now." Loose lips sink ships, and I was the ship going under.

I could kiss him, too, but I knew when he would sober up, he'd take those words back. He was only anxious, and he was talking nonsense. I had to realize this, no matter how deviously close he was to me.

"I think it's best if we get you down that aisle." And get me out of this room before I do something I'll regret.

He backed off, and soon enough, I met him again on the stage.

The bride looked amazing in her mermaid styled gown with subtle embellishments. She was smiling as if she didn't know she was killing me. Two hearts were joining tonight while mine was breaking in half.

As the ceremony began and the wedding party took their place upstage, or tried to at least, I began to give my speech.

"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate and witness the union of Holt Colin Andrews and Della Marie Clark in matrimony. Their hopes, dreams, and aspirations are better met together as one, so they've decided to join each other as husband and wife. May you always lead each other with an understanding tenderness, and may you never stray away when darkness and fear assail your bond. Love through the days when clouds are too tired to float because the fog will dissipate, and love will radiate through. You will learn to love each other more each passing day, and together, you will accept each other's flaws because everyone has them. No is perfect, and no one is a lion in sheepskin. We are all sheep, and in that, you both will follow each other in life. May God, and your family bless you with many years to come." I continued my speech and spoke to them with genuine blessings. I wouldn't dare wish bad on my best friend, no matter my love for him. It's because of my love I wish him the best.

My speech was done and the rings were exchanged, along with a provocative kiss. I listened to the melodic song cover of Heaven by Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams play through the speakers as the newlyweds lit their ceremonial candles. My eyes could have struck matches to light the candles, but I tried to contain my sadness.

It wall over, and I was too late.