Gravity

Chapter 2 - August 2017

"This place looks amazing!" Evelyn, gushed as the three friends stepped into the large, brightly lit ballroom which would, in just a few hours, play host to the biggest moment in Joe's life.

"Jesus," Joe gawked. "I knew what to expect but seeing it in person is . . . shit! I'm getting married today!"

"Nervous then?" Evie asked.

"Absolutely. Is it just me or is it roasting in here? Sweating like a bitch."

"Aye, that won't be the nerves, that'll just be all this shite we have to wear!" Michael complained, gesturing to his outfit, which matched Joe's perfectly in all but size. "Honestly, three layers in the middle of summer. Recipe for disaster."

"Yeah kilts look cool and all but what a nightmare they are to get on," Joe agreed.

"It feels great not being the one with outfit problems for once," Giggled Evie, feeling elegant in her flowery, summer dress.

"Seriously, no wonder our ancestors all got enslaved by the English. They probably weren't ready for the fucking battle on time!" Michael joked. Partly.

As the guests began to arrive and take their seats, Joe took up his position at the front to wait for his bride while Michael and Evelyn greeted people at the door after the photographer had gotten some perfect shots of them in the beautiful sunshine.

At a rare break in the proceedings, the photographer approached the two.

"Busy day huh?"

"I'll say. It's been nonstop so far," Mike agreed, straightening his tie.

"Have you two had your picture taken yet?"

"Uh no, but we'll get later," Evie uncomfortably shifted her feet.

"Nonsense! Come on get up close together, I'll get a picture of the second happiest couple of the day," He insisted.

Michael stammered "Oh we're not-"

"No we aren't a-" Evie joined in.

Despite their protests, the photographer edged them closer together so that their shoulders were touching.

 Knowing that resistance was futile, the two sucked it up and smiled, Michael putting his arm around her waist to indulge the photographer. This happened way more often than they'd like so they were kind of used to it by now. A few flashes later, they parted.

"Beautiful. You two look great together!" He purred.

After the remaining guests arrived and took their seats and the photographer took his position inside, Michael and Evelyn walked in together too.

"I hope he's going to be alright," Mike said of a nervous looking Joe.

"They love each other; it's going to be perfect. Are you all ready for your best man's speech?"

"I think so. But I think I'm more nervous than Joe is!"

"You're gonna do great. Trust me. I believe in you."

"Thanks buddy!" Mike smiled warmly, this time voluntarily putting his arm over her and pulling her in for a hug.

*

Over the next few hours, the new Mr. And Mrs MacDonald were officially married, more pictures were taken, Michael's speech went off without a hitch and many drinks were consumed.

"Thank you guys so much for being here. It really means a lot to both of us," Angela, Joe's new wife said.

"It's our pleasure. You look stunning, really," Evie gushed.