Finding The 10

25 - Engagement Party

Eli's POV

"We have to get going Frankie. Are you almost ready?"

It's the day of Marco and Beth's engagement party and Frankie and I decided to make the hour trip together. We decided this weeks ago and even though we are barely talking at the moment, I am kind of excited to spend some alone time with Frankie.

"Hurry up, Frankie!" I yell from the kitchen as I pour myself some juice.

I wanted to be in the car 20 minutes ago but it seems that Frankie has other plans.

Suddenly, a flash of colour catches my eye and I catch a glimpse of heaven.

Frankie enters the room whilst putting a hair pin in her hair and the breath leaves my body. She is wearing a floor length burgundy dress with a thigh high slit on one side. It hugs her body in all the right places and really emphasises her hour glass figure.

She slipped into some strappy black heels that make up for her short stature and has even put her hair up in a mass of curls.

I quickly shut my mouth so that she can't see my jaw touching the floor and pretend that I wasn't just undressing her with my eyes. But the same question keeps ringing in my head. Is she wearing those black lace panties I saw her in? Is she wearing any at all?

"I'm all good to go." She says throwing a tube of lipstick in an impossibly small purse.

I grab my suit jacket knowing it will get cold soon enough and look back over to Frankie.

"Are you grabbing a jacket to bring with you? It's supposed to be cold tonight."

"No need. I don't feel the cold."

I shrug but let it go and open the door for Frankie to step out.

....

The hour long drive was quiet and a little awkward. I didn't know what to say and Frankie didn't pry her face from her phone for most of the trip. She was probably too busy texting Colt.

The party was practically in full swing when we arrived with well over 200 people here. I always forget just how big Marcos family really is.

Frankie got bailed up by her aunt as soon as we arrived and I said a quick hello and then started to mingle.

I'm currently sipping a jack and coke trying to decide if I should sneak out for a cheeky cigarette or if I should stay put and not sink back into old habits. After a while, I give in and head to the back of the marquee and sneak out towards the end of the property.

Marco's parents have such a massive backyard that I forget where it ends and the national park that borders it begins.

I stroll towards the end of the clearing and fish my emergency cigarettes I purchased today for this very occasion out of my suit pocket. I light one and feel that instant gratification that comes from tasting the forbidden fruit.

"I hope you have a spare one of those." A masculine voice sounds out from behind me.

I turn to find the man of the hour making his way over to me.

"Anything for the groom to be." I say as I pass Marco a cigarette and light it up for him.

He inhales deeply and then sighs.

"I hope to God that the wedding won't be like this. I don't want this many people there. Maybe Beth and I should just elope."

I laugh at his suggestion and he chuckles along with me.

"Like your family would ever forgive you for doing that."

"Yeah, you've got a point there." Marco takes another long drag of his cigarette and then half turns to me. "How is the online dating going?"

I rub the back of my neck nervously with a shy smile on my face.

"I met up with Mandy a few days ago and kinda spent the night at her place. We have even been texting a bit since then."

"That's great news." Marco says but when he sees my fake smile he puts two and two together. "It's not great news, is it?"

I shake my head deafeatedly.

"What does she score on your list?"

"7."

"Thats pretty high. Are you sure your not being overly picky now?"

"The thing is that I have met someone that I'm pretty sure measures higher but she is seeing someone else. Not to mention that she is off limits."

Marco nods in acceptance before placing a hand on my shoulder. He goes to open his mouth and give some brotherly type of advice when we get interrupted by a loud female voice calling his name.

"Marco, it's time to make a speech and cut the cake." Marco's mother screams from the marquee.

"OK, I'm coming." Marco yells back before putting out his cigarette and taking in a deep breath.

"We will talk about this more later, OK? Beer at my house tomorrow?"

"Sure thing. Go do your speech. I'll finish this smoke and be right there."

Marco runs off while I take my last drag and stamp on the butt. I slowly drag myself towards the marquee and slide in amongst the mass of people crowding around dance floor ready to hear the speeches.

I manage to make my way to the bar and grab a scotch on the rocks and begin sipping my drink as the speeches start. Marco thanks everyone and tells the story of how he and Beth first met while the crowd goes ahhh.

It is a short and sweet speech followed by a round of applause and then the party is back in full swing.

Amongst the mass of people a familiar looking man makes his way to the bar next to me and orders a scotch. His hair is black with a few flecks of silver on the sides and is just a little shorter than my 6 foot frame.

I keep looking at him trying to place where I know him from but can't seem to remember when all of a sudden he turns to me and smiles.

"The only good thing about big family events like this is the free booze. Don't you think?" Even his voice sounds familiar.

"I definitely agree with you there. Family of Marco or Beth?"

"Marco. You?"

"Same. He's my best friend and business partner."

A light bulb goes off in his mind as he realises who I am but I'm still stuck in who he is.

"That means your Eli. You sure have grown up since I saw you last."

"I guess thats what happens when you turn 30."

"I wish I was still 30. I'm almost 60 now." he says downing his drink. "I hope your treating Frankie well now that you two are living together."

I almost choke on my drink when he mentions that name and then I realise who I'm talking to.

This man is Frankie father.