One Night Only

Chapter 24

Tomorrow is the big day. Ever since our last argument, Owen has stayed home with Bryant and I. He has found numerous ways to keep us busy. Typically the bride and groom spend the night apart so I told Owen he could stay with Michael who asked me if he could play poker and get drunk with him. I agreed since he needs something to occupy him. I, on the other hand, have absolutely no plans. Bryant is with his grandmother for the night and once Owen leaves, I will be alone.

He comes downstairs with his duffel bag and sets it by the door before sauntering towards me. I take a sip from my wine glass before setting it down on the counter beside me. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay? Or take you to the Bellevue house so you have something to do."

"No, I'll be fine. I have plenty and worrying to do before tomorrow," I say. "I'll be fine."

"Don't be worried. Everything will go smoothly, I'll make sure of it. Make sure you get some rest tonight because you won't be getting any on the honeymoon," he says, sliding his hand around to my behind and pulling me against him.

I chuckle. "What's new?"

He presses a soft kiss to my lips. "I love you Madison. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Nervousness and excitement bubble deep within me. "I can't wait either."

We hear a honk outside so he kisses me once more before releasing me. I follow him to the door where he grabs his bag. Leaning in the doorway, I look up at him. "Be good."

He chuckles. "Always. See you tomorrow, baby."

He gives me a lingering kiss before leaving. I close the door and head into the kitchen. Spraying the counters, I begin wiping them down. By the time I'm finished, there is a knock at the door. Figuring Owen forgot his keys, I head to the door and open it without looking. Dominic stands outside wearing off-white pants and a blue button-up shirt. "What are you doing here?" I ask, confused. "If you're looking for Owen he's with Michael already."

He shakes his head. "No, I'm here for you."

"Why?"

"Because I knew you didn't really have girl friends and you deserve to have some fun before you get married tomorrow," he says. "I'd like to take you somewhere and -"

"I already told you -"

"And," he repeats louder this time. "I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't be stubborn for once."

"Where are you taking me?" I ask.

"The beach. There's a park there where they're showing a movie on a big screen."

"Dominic," I sigh. "I can't."

"You promised we'd stay friends no matter what. I'm the closest friend you have. Just let me make this night fun for you."

I purse my lips, debating. "Does Owen know about this?"

"No but if you want, I'll run it by him first."

I shake my head. "No, it's fine. I'll go. Let me change first."

He smiles in satisfaction. "That was easy for once."

Rolling my eyes, I walk away. He's right. It's my last night as an unmarried woman. I shouldn't be sitting at home cleaning - I should enjoy myself while I can. There's no telling how things will be after tomorrow. Hopefully they change for the better.

Changing into a pair of jean shorts and a cute tank top, I head downstairs where Dominic is waiting. Letting my hair down, I stop in front of him. "I'm ready."

Opening the door, he allows me to walk past him before following me out. There's a large black truck waiting outside. He opens the door and I step up into it. Closing the door, he gets in on the driver side and begins driving. Music plays quietly, filling the silence between us. After I while, I glance at him. He is leaning back comfortably with one hand on his knee and the other on the steering wheel. Glancing over at me, he smiles. "What?"

I shrug, looking away. "How long does it take to get to the beach?"

"About half an hour," he replies. It's silent for a long moment before he takes a deep breath. "So what's your favorite color?"

I chuckle. "That's random."

He smiles, glancing at me. "Just answer it."

I hum in thought. "Blue, I guess. How about you?"

"Blue," he agrees. "What's your favorite food?"

I tuck my hair behind my ear, biting my lip in thought. "My grandma's lemon pepper chicken with all of her sides. It was my favorite meal of hers. No ones cooking compared to my grandma's. I'll have to make it for you once I master it," I smile.

"I'd like that," he says. "My favorite food is lasagna, so maybe you could make that for me sometime too."

"Okay," I nod. "Next question."

"Favorite flower?"

"Sunflowers," I answer immediately. "I'll be carrying them tomorrow when I walk down the aisle."

"Why sunflowers?" he asks.

I shrug. "I've always thought they were beautiful."

He nods a little before continuing. "Favorite song?"

"There's too many too pick from. I like most music so it's too hard to choose just one."

"Favorite desert?"

"Ooh, that's a tough one," I sigh. "I guess I'd go with hummingbird cake. I could never get sick of that stuff."

"What's your favorite kind of ice cream?"

"Superman ice cream is the best," I answer.

He shakes his head slightly. "Never had it."

My jaw drops in shock. "No way. Are you serious right now?" He nods, chuckling at my reaction. "We have to try it."

He nods. "Alright. When we get to the beach we can stop at the ice cream place before heading to the park."

Smiling, I lean back in my seat. Realizing he stopped giving me his ans, I decide to ask him about himself. "Enough about me. I want to know more about you. Tell me everything."

He chuckles. "I don't want to put you to sleep, bubby. Plus, I like listening to you. Tell me about your family."

I didn't realize I never told him about my family. The only person I opened up to about my past is Owen. Dominic only knows a few things from my past. So I spend the rest of the drive filling in the blanks, answering all of his questions along the way. Although I felt terribly guilty about how I ended our friendship, things seemed to fall back into place. Almost as if that night had never happened. I am grateful for it because I missed him during our time apart. I'm used to seeing him often and I never want that to change. In that moment I decide to never let him go. Especially since he is the closest thing I have to a friend.

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