Be My One Regret

be my 1 regret / 2

WHAT HAPPENS AT A WEDDING STAYS AT A WEDDING....or does it?

Even with the odd selection of the modern electronic version of 'You Don't Own Me' playing from the small orchestra on the ballroom's stage, I'm laughing in mid swing of a waltz with one of Tanner's flirtatious uncles when I feel it. That feeling I knew so well. The familiar tension that use to have a hold on me. And the unsettling focus of eyes that I'd been avoiding since the second we we're seated in the third row of the chapel across the aisle from those penetrating and infiltrating orbs. My heart jumps to my throat. My chest tightens. My belly knots. And the sensation cripples me for a split second, my feet scuffle with an unflattering skip to the beat.

Damn it. Seriously? That's all it takes? I can't even handle a voyeuristic sensation? Especially from across a large, crowded room? Gawd. And was that sweat? Am I seriously sweating right now? 

Shit. Shit. Shit. This is not good. Where is Tanner when I need him?

A graciously and gentlemanly chuckle interrupts my panic attack. "Are you okay, my dear? I know I have two left feet, but I was hoping that if I at least dance with you, it would make me look better. My wife keeps telling me I need lessons."

I blush looking up at my dancing partner's charmingly polite face. I crinkle my nose and softly smile. "Sorry, Mr. Jones. I'm usually not this clumsy. Must be the new shoes."

Salty tones dust lightly at the crown of his Jones' trademarked auburn hair. The strands are neatly framed around a handsome older version face of Tanner. And as a gracious uncle, he genuinely smiles down at me tsking as he spins me another turn. "My lovely, Ophelia, after all the years we've known you, you know to call me Uncle Theo. And I've seen you in shoes taller than the ones you have on tonight. My suspicion is that you're either flustered over me which I doubt..." He laughs a little too loudly for an awkward second too long before returning to a teasing smile . "or there's a young man somewhere here that's got you in a insecure tizzy."

The boldness pushes my blush to deepen into a darker shade of crimson. I brush it off with a playful punch to his shoulder. "Oh my gawd. Uncle Theo, you know I came here with Tanner. I don't have any..."

Leaning quickly into my ear, Theo interjects with a chuckling whisper. "My dear, we all know Tanner is gay and you're his what do they call it..." He squares back and tilts his head with a sheepish grin. "beard, is it?"

The shock in topic rattles me. A small squeaking laugh escapes my mouth shockingly fast before I can stop it. "Um, I'm sorry, what? Oh my goodness Uncle Theo..." I giggle again shaking my head. "...no, no, no. Never say that again. That was...oh my I can't even believe you just said that."

Wise gray-green eyes twinkle as Uncle Theo shrugs. "My dear, when you get to be my age, you can say what you want, when you want. So, I won't ask for forgiveness in speaking my mind about your audacious relationship status with Tanner. I like the boy. He's actually my favorite nephew. And we love him regardless of his private life. Which makes me sad for you. You are an amazing girl. Even if...." He bends his head low and whispers. "my least favorite sister- in- law thinks you're a family wrecker."

The warm fuzzies in my chest from the sweet kindness he had always shown to me no matter what obliterates the instant of the mere mention of the age old tension between me and 'THE Gloria Jones'. The pettiness makes my belly knot, and I roll my eyes. "Is that what I've been labeled? A family wrecker? Oh gawd. Some people just can't let go of anything, can they?"

Theo's mouth curves up to one side in a knowing expression. "My girl, that you're here tonight proves that you can move on. Which means you're better than she is. So whatever happened between you and...."