Page 75 of One Week in Paris
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“WE NEED TO DO some major damage control,” I tell Matt. “We need to close down this party. Obviously, the wedding is off. And my mom doesn’t want to see your dad ever again.”
“I can take care of it,” he says matter-of-factly, and for the first time, I see the lawyer in him, a take-charge type who always has his ducks in a row. In other words, the complete opposite of me. Thank God he’s around to help because I don’t think I could deal with all this by myself.
He stands in the center of the room, and with a commanding voice, he starts, “Attention everyone.”
The buzz of chit chat and laughter stops abruptly as everyone turns to him with curious eyes.
“I have an important announcement to make,” he goes on, all eyes on him. “Because of unforeseen circumstances, this little soirée will need to come to an end.”
Eyes widen as people glance at each other.
Unforeseen circumstances.That’s a nice cryptic way to say, “Because my dad was caught getting a blow job."
“What happened?” Sarah asks.
“Unfortunately, Florence and Mark have had a disagreement and are reevaluating their relationship.” He delivers the words with no emotion whatsoever. I know for a fact that he is thrilled by this sudden turn of events, but you’d never know it.
“There won’t be a ceremony. We apologize for the inconvenience, and of course, gifts won’t be necessary. I hope you’ve all kept your receipts.”
Jaws drop. People are completely speechless. They look like car wreck witnesses.
“What the heck happened?” Sarah asks again — my big sister has always been curious. I’ll need to fill her in as soon as possible.
“That’s all,” Matt deadpans. “If you’ll all gather your things and make your way out now, it would be greatly appreciated.”
People scramble awkwardly about, lost and confused. Natalie, Mom’s best friend, scurries up to me. “What happened?”
“I’m not sure,” I lie. “I’m sure Mom will fill you in as soon as she can, but I probably wouldn’t call her tonight. She’s having a bath right now.”
“Oh, I know how she doesn’t like her bath time interrupted,” she says. “I’ll ring her tomorrow.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
Guests offer their goodbye to Matt and I and Sarah, wishing us the best — hugs, pecs on the cheeks and lots of “I hope it all works out.” When everyone is finally gone, save for the bar and wait staff, Matt, Oscar, Corrie and I, and Sarah are left.
“What the F happened?” Sarah asks again. Oscar is standing nearby, curious.
“Mom caught Mark with his pants down, literally,” I tell her. “With Nicole.”
She throws her hands up in frustration. “I knew it. I had a feeling about him. I didn’t like how he stared at me just a little too long, how his pervy gaze was always stuck to my tits, and the whole ‘I’m a richer than sin silver fox… you may adore me now’ thing."
Corrie laughs. “You’ve pegged him perfectly, Sarah. The man is a creep.”
Sarah shakes her head. “Why are all men such creeps?”
“Hold on a minute,” Oscar chimes in.
“Yeah, hold on. I’m not like my father.” Matt says. “Speaking of my dad, I should call him.”
“Tell him that my mom doesn’t want to see his creeper face again,” I tell him.
He nods. “I’ll get it sorted out.”
He leaves the living room and heads towards the study.
I grab a hold of Corrie’s arm. “Tell me everything.”
