Page 19 of For One Night

She laughs all the way to the car, jumping in before I can get to her. I scurry around and jump into the car. She starts the car, backing from the driveway. “I’ll get the shoes tomorrow.”

“You better, woman.” I glance at the clock, it’s twenty till ten. “We’re going to be late.”

“Maybe it’s time you get your license.” Her lips twitch. “Besides, I’m driving, so we’ll never be late.”

One week later…

The room fills with the sound of clinking glasses. I turn to Carter, smiling as he leans in and kisses me to the echoes of awes. Our wedding was elegant, yet simple. Something to the right of me moves; Millie is standing with a glass in hand.

She clears her throat before tapping the side of the glass. “Ladies and gentlemen, as the maid-of-honor or, as I prefer, ‘the better choice’.” She winks at me to Carter’s chagrin.

“In another life, baby.” I blow a kiss at her.

“Lola and I met the first class of our freshman year, and we immediately became best friends. By our second year, we moved in together. Some might think it odd for a straight-laced girl like Lola to live with a dyed in the wool lesbian like myself, but she never gave it a second thought.

“That’s who she is, Lola is good to the core. She’s the person we should all aspire to be: kind, considerate, loving and understanding. My dear friend, I pray you live every day to its fullest. My hope for you is that you never know pain. I wish you an abundance of love that fills your life every day.

“All my love to you and Carter, congratulations.” We drink to her words before I stand to hold her close.

“Thank you.” I kiss her cheek, making her blush.

She touches the corner of her eye to prevent the tear from escaping. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

Carter joins us, leaning in to place a fake kiss on Millie’s cheek. “May I have my bride?”

“Only because Phillip said so.” She smiles sickly sweet at him.

My dad was as reluctant as my best friend about this union, until I promised them I’d let them know if he mistreated me. Carter’s never even raised his voice to me, so why they think he’d harm me, I have no clue.

Carter takes my hand, guiding me to the dance floor. He twirls me around, pulling me in close to his chest. He smiles, but it doesn’t match his eyes. My lower belly knots as I prepare for what’s coming.

“Does she always have to be so gay?” he grumbles into my ear.

“She’s only being who she is, Carter.”

His jaw ticks against mine. “Today isn’t the day to do that. She should have more respect for me.”

“She didn’t disrespect you.” I grit my teeth to keep from cussing.

Carter’s fingers dig into my back. “Don’t you dare cause a scene.”

“Don’t you pick a fight, and I won’t start one.”

He leans ever so slightly back, looking me in the eyes. “It would do you well to remember, you’re my wife.”

I blanch, not sure what to make of his high handedness. “Excuse me?”

“I didn’t stutter, be careful.” His glare bores through me, and I become uncomfortable to the point that I have to distance myself from him, if only for a moment to gather myself.

“I need the restroom.” I plaster on a fake smile and work my way through the crowd until I find a place all my own.

I find a door leading to the back of the venue. Carter’s parents insisted on having it at a private club in Charleston, and my family had to drive here and rent rooms to stay. “I should’ve said something then.” I sigh as I push the door open and take a deep breath.

“Should’ve said what?” Millie steps around the corner.

“Geez! Are you trying to scare me to death?”