Page 56 of Fixed Up Ever After
Luciana turned her head away from the poor man trying to serve up the appetizers to look over her daughter. She felt the woman’s judgment as she took her daughter in. “I see you decided against the shapewear I bought you.” Her mother’s words cut deeply. If it wasn’t a comment about her chosen profession then it was about her weight. Luciana hated how comfortable Lola was in her skin and tried to knock her down a peg at any opportunity she got.
“You saw me while we were getting ready and didn’t mention it then. I don’t understand why you feel the need to bring it up now.”
“Well, I had hoped you would come to your senses, but I was wrong.”
Ignoring that bitchy comment, Lola tried again. “Do you need me to do anything?” The patience in her voice should have made her a saint.
“Dolores, must I tell you everything? This is your sister’s wedding! Her big day. You should be making sure everything is going according to plan. We need to make this perfect for your sister; she deserves it.”
Lola had to grit her teeth. Deep down, she knew her mother was stressed and when Luciana was stressed, her cattiness came out tenfold. Anyone unfortunate enough to be in the way would be open for criticism and Lola was an easy punching bag for her. That didn’t excuse her mother’s behavior but helped explain it a bit.
“I’m trying to make it the best day of her life, but everything seems to be running smoothly. If there’s nothing you need my help with, then I’ll make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.”
At this point, her mother was back to barking orders at the wait staff, so Lola knew she lost her. “See to that,” her mother said off-handedly, signaling she was done with the conversation.
Lola sipped her drink, trying to forget her mother’s cruel comments. The dry martini burned going down her throat but also eased the budding anger and panic building inside of her right now.
It was too soon to go for round two of the martini, but not too soon to reach for the glass of champagne one of the waiters served. If it was a different person serving her a drink, it was like the first one never happened. Right?
A loud commotion brought her attention toward the entrance of the courtyard. People began to crowd together in groups, clapping and cheering. It wasn’t until she saw glimpses of a snow-white dress that she realized the bride and groom had made it.
The group of people parted for the happy couple. Genuine smiles plastered Archie and Marisol’s faces and a ping of jealousy worked its way through her body. Not jealous of Marisol marrying her ex, but the fact that she found someone to spend the rest of her days with. Lola still wasn’t convinced that their love ran deep, but hoped her sister truly found love and happiness with Archie. Not for Archie’s sake, but because Marisol deserved someone who would truly love her. Maybe it would mellow her out.
The music changed to a slower tune, making her think of far-off places and love that ran deeper than surface level. They were a sight to behold as Archie and Marisol took the floor, commanding it as if they danced together every night.
Dampness coated her cheeks and it took Lola a second to realize she was crying. Why the hell was she crying? Seeing them together shouldn’t have made her feel like this. Perhaps this was what healing was. Finally letting go of anger that had weighed her down for so long.
Lola wasn’t and would never be the type of girl Archie would come to love and Archie would never be the man of her dreams. Marisol was better suited to that role, but it had taken her until this moment to fully see that. The two of them fit together in a way she never would and she hoped she was seeing genuine happiness on both of their faces. Marisol was just so hard to read sometimes.
“Tissue?” The sound of a deep voice next to her made Lola jump. She had been far too caught up in her thoughts to notice Javi approaching. She gave him a puzzled look, but before she could ask, he shrugged. “When you have a daughter, you learn to carry all sorts of things in your pockets. I have chocolate too, if you’re interested.”
Actually yes, she was very interested in the chocolate and told him as much. He dug in his pocket before holding out a mini chocolate bar. She needed something in her stomach besides alcohol—which she was already feeling.
"Thanks,” she muttered around the first bite.
“No problem. Did you want to sit down?”
She shook her head. Her body was abuzz with newfound energy and sitting down would cause her nervous energy to manifest in leg shakes and overthinking.
“No, how about we dance.” She didn’t phrase it as a question. She was going to dance whether Javi wanted to join her or not. The first song between husband and wife had come to an end and the music had changed to a more upbeat tune that demanded to be danced to.
Lola took a sip of the champagne before joining the rest of the crowd on the dance floor. She turned her head to see Javi had followed her and she bit back a smile. Her body began to move to the beat, her hips swaying as she backed up against Javi. From this angle, her hips pressed right up against him.
Lola heard an intake of breath and rewarded herself with another sip of champagne. Two large hands landed on her hips, anchoring them together. “Lola…”
Her name was a warning on his lips, but she didn’t know what for. With her free hand, the one not holding the champagne glass, she reached around, snaking her arm around his neck. Javi cursed in Spanish and she giggled. “Are you okay back there?”
“I’m more than okay, but why do I have the feeling you are trying to distract me?” Even as he said it, she felt his hips against her ass. Just a touch from this man left her a wanton, needy woman incapable of speech.
“Distraction? From what?” The alcohol was clouding her mind but also made her brave. Before he could answer, Lola untangled herself from him and turned in his arms. Her lips met his with frenzied passion. She moved against him, demanding more from the kiss than what he was giving her.
“Lola…” He tried to protest, but she didn’t want to hear it. She didn’t want this moment to end and fade like everything else good in her life. She didn’t want to think, only feel.
“Javi, please.” What she was begging for, she didn’t quite know. Instead, she pressed herself closer to him, as close as two people could be with clothes on. She didn’t care that they were standing in the middle of a dancing crowd or that anyone could spot them in this compromising position because she frankly didn’t care.
“Lola—” Struggle played across Javi’s face. Heat coursed through their bodies and she knew a part of him wanted her, but the part of him hesitating seemed to be winning. She couldn’t have that, not now. Maybe not until they were done with their wedding week adventures.
Lola leaned in to kiss him again, but Javi backed up, putting a few inches between them. The hurt on her face softened his features, but only slightly. He remained firm, keeping her at arm's length. Her boozy brain wasn’t too pleased with this.
