DAWN PAIGE GREY Young Adult Romance

Chapter 22 - Bridal Shower

 “Annie, do you really have to go home now? Tonight is my bridal shower. I really need your support at this formal do my Aunt has organised.”

“Dawn I’m so sorry, but Dad’s carer’s father has been involved in a serious car accident and she has to leave. She called early this morning. I just wouldn’t feel right leaving my Dad alone or in the care of someone strange.”

“Ohh Annie, I do understand, but it’s just such bad timing.”

“I promise I will phone you tomorrow and you can tell me all about your evening.” Annie smiled and gave Dawn a hug before getting into the car. This time she hired a cab to take her home, after politely turning down Chris’s offer to take her.

Dawn felt frustrated that Annie was not there to share her bridal shower and be a part of her plans for the evening. Locking herself in her room she hit speed dial on her phone and was relieved to hear Andy pick up on the first ring.

~~~

Dawn felt anxious and excited as she walked into the Breakwater restaurant at Hillarys Harbour Resort she glanced back over her shoulder at the boats anchored in perfect lines. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the boat she was looking for.

She wore an ankle length lilac maxi summer dress and sandals to match. Her hair curled softly round her shoulders with a purple orchid caught in a slide just above her ear. Her make-up and hair had been professionally set, organised by her Aunt who’d given her the dress to wear as a bridal shower gift.

Walking into the room was just as she expected. A generation of women her Aunt‘s age with just a sprinkling of girls her own age, her bridesmaids being among those younger faces. She quickly made her way over to them sitting between them and ignoring the place her Aunt had organised for her to sit.

Her Aunt stood up and addressed the guests making a silly little speech welcoming them all to this wonderful occasion. Dawn was already bored with all the polite formalities and after drinks and snacks were served she steered her bridesmaids outside and once out of earshot of her Aunty she quickly whispered to them.

A number of the guests wanting fresh air wondered outside too and chatted happily amongst themselves enjoying the cool breeze from the sea.

Dawn and her two bridesmaids ambled towards an empty space at the edge of the platform. Concealed in her clutch bag she pulled out a little torch and switching it on she flashed it on and off three times out towards the boats. The splutter of an engine could be heard as it roared to life. It was high tide and waves lapped up onto the platform as the boat pulled up along-side Dawn.

“Your chariot awaits Princess.” Andy said as he held out his hand to help Dawn into the boat.

“Andy I do love you.” Dawn said as she climbed into the boat and gave him a hug.

“Ladies, please step aboard,” James said as he helped the bridesmaids climb aboard the boat.

“Dawn, what in tarnation do you think you are doing? It’s time to open the presents. Your guests are waiting” Eve said, catching sight of Dawn climbing into the boat, she’d rushed outside.

Dawn felt like her life had just turned from zero to high velocity as she grinned at her Aunt’s disapproving face. “I’m off to have my bridal shower my way ….  and the guests are yours, not really mine.”

“Dawn this is outrageous, what about your presents.” Her Aunt asked, grinding her teeth in sheer frustration at her niece’s impudence.

“I’ll open them when I get home. I’m sure you’ll be able to make some acceptable excuse. Oh and Aunty Eve, the dress is lovely thanks but really not suitable for my bridal shower.” Dawn said as she slipped it off and tossed it back up to her Aunt.

Her Aunt gasped as she saw her niece wearing a skimpy bikini top and the briefest shorts she’d ever laid eyes on. 

“I think we’re done here.” Dawn said as she tapped Andy on his shoulder, “Let’s go party.”

“Dawn!” her Aunt yelled as Andy opened the throttle and sped off towards Dawn’s new venue for her bridal shower.

Another larger boat pulled up in the empty space left by Andy’s boat causing a wave of water to wash up on the decking covering Eve’s shoes. Eve swore loudly and when the rest of Dawn’s young friends climbed aboard, she felt totally beaten. To the astonishment of the older guests the young crowd of girls disappeared into the sunset along with the bride to be and her bridesmaids.

“Thank you for rescuing me from what was proving to be the dullest bridal shower ever.” Dawn said giving Andy and James a hug.

“You’re very welcome Sweets, so glad to be involved.”

“Me too,” James echoed, “First time I’ve been invited to a bridal shower never mind a rescue mission.”

Dawn and her bridesmaids laughed.

“I just wish Annie could’ve been here too.” Dawn said feeling a little sad her best friend could not have shared this adventure.  She knew Annie would’ve found it amusing.

A beautiful yacht soon appeared against the setting sun and twinkling lights on board the yacht began flickering as Andy pulled up next to it.  Extremely handsome ship stewards helped the girls on board and ushered them into the bar where tall glasses of champagne were waiting to get the party started.

When the girl’s thirsts were suitably quenched and they were all in high spirits at their unexpected adventure the music shifted to none other than  Its Raining Men and to the girls surprise the ship stewards along with Andy and James appeared topless moving to the music. Bodies glistening in the sunset as they rocked the boat with their rhythm, and just like the Chippendales the men stripped down to skimpy thongs and flirted outrageously with the girls.

“Now this is what I call a bridal shower.” Dawn shouted giddy with excitement and a little inebriated. She was surprised that Andy had managed to pull something like this together in such a short space of time.

Laughing hysterically she was lifted off her feet by the hunky, sexy men and placed on top of James as he lay on the deck, arms open waiting for her. She was stunned, but thrilled when Andy lay down on top of her making a human sandwich. Dawn was past feeling embarrassed at this stage and thoroughly enjoyed being sandwiched between her two best man friends, who happened to be identical twins, causing twice as much trouble and twice as much fun.

Camera’s flashed recording the craziest moments and the most outrageous thing Dawn had ever done, escaping from her Aunt’s ordered life style. This was her last bit of freedom to be her ridiculous self, and she was making the most of it all.