Intertwined

Chapter Nineteen

Scarlet gave herself the once over as she grabbed her things to head out of the door. She was happy Carmine and Bryce decided to get married before the birth of their baby. She just hated that she felt awkward in her pregnant body. She re-positioned her curls that seemed too voluminous for her face which had narrowed out quite a bit. She tucked her swollen breast into the dress for the tenth time. Hiding her stomach was pointless. The empire dress draped over the stomach accentuating it more than hiding it. The flats were good for nothing besides comfort. 

"Queen you look so beautiful. I used to always try to imagine what you would look like pregnant. My imagination didn't do this moment any justice." Stone kissed her passionately as he caressed her curves. "No you don't. We are already running late let's go." Scarlet walked out the door ignoring Stone's pouting face.

The drive upsate was beautiful. The greenery was turning shades of orange. It was a very scenic trip. Just as her bladder was at its breaking point they pulled into the beautiful estate. Scarlet couldn't wait to live like that some day. She had the means to do it but she wanted to do so much other stuff first. They pulled up to the valet and got out of the car. They were ushered inside to an area with chairs and an aisle. Even though the wedding was last minute and in somebody's home it was still shaping up to be an elegant affair.

Scarlet excused herself to the bathroom . She was shocked to see Ruby in the bathroom tuning up her voice. She knew things might get messy. "Hey Scar what are you doing here?" Ruby asked. Scarlet couldn't help but wondering the same thing. "A friend of Stone's is getting married here today. What are you doing here?" She asked. "I'm the wedding singer. I am with the same band that sang at the fundraiser. They called me and asked me to come to this event and sing with them. At $2,000 just to sing for a couple hours you know I had to accept." Scarlet smiled feeling the set up unfold. It was wrong of Carmine to have that woman sing at her wedding after she was pretty much the reason Ruby's marriage fell apart.

Scarlet couldn't get back to her seat fast enough. "Ruby is in the bathroom. She is the wedding singer for this event. Did you know about this?" The way his eyes popped open Scarlet knew he didn't. "Let's move our seats to a back row in case this turn into a ghetto catastrophe. I want to be able to get out quickly." They made their way to the back to watch everything unfold from a safe distance.

The wedding started and Scarlet couldn't help feel nervous. Ruby took her spot at the side near the band and began to sing a love ballad Scarlet had never heard of before but it was beautiful. The officiant walked in and took his place in front of the floral arc. Shortly after the groom and his best man walked in. The look on Ruby's face was pure shock. Scarlet thought Bryce looked just as shocked. Ruby kept singing as the flower girl walked in followed by the ring bearer and the maid of honor. When Carmine walked in she smiled her biggest smile as everyone stood. Scarlet didn't like the fact that Carmine looked over at Ruby and smiled. Ruby's voice began to crack a little. It was all hard for Scarlet to watch. Part of her felt protective of Ruby she had been through enough. Somebody wasn't going to be happy until she snapped and slit their throats.

The wedding went on smoothly despite the underlying tension between everyone. Scarlet was ready to go. Carmine greeted them as everyone was moved to another room for cocktails. They made small talk until Ruby passed. "Ruby. Thanks for blessing my occasion with your angelic voice. I know there's an ugly history between us but I am hoping we can put that behind us." Carmine smiled and Ruby smiled back. "Already behind me." She went to walk away. "Do us the honor of staying and enjoying the festivities. Please." She pleaded with her. "Just for a little while."

Scarlet and Jerrod played the corner just watching everything take place. It became clear quickly that Bryce and Ruby had something going on. No matter where she went he made his way over to her. The way he looked at her you would have thought she was his bride. He was barely paying Carmine any attention until it was time for their first dance. As they danced Scarlet noticed Ruby make her exit. She looked heartbroken. Poor thing Scarlet thought. When the dance was over Scarlet noticed Bryce looking around for most likely for Ruby, and the look of defeat on his face when he realized she was gone. "Babe I am ready to go. This mess was just way too much for me." Before they could leave Carmine was grabbing Scar.