My older sister's college roommate was getting married. There was family money and it was going to be a grand affair, taking over the entire country club for an afternoon and evening. Late in the game, it was discovered that the youngest bridesmaid, a niece of the bride, did not have an escort. Leslie took on the task of finding a suitable male and decided I would do. She called me and said I had been drafted for a special assignment on a Saturday in June and it was not negotiable.
"Where are you calling from?"
"I am at Matty's house, working on arrangements. I promise you will have a good time. I haven't met Amy but am told she is nice."
"Leslie, if this turns out badly, I will see that Jeff takes you over his knee and..."
Jeff was a big bruiser of a football player, who also happened to be smarter than hell, went to Columbia Law, and had been lovingly married to my sister for a year.
"You wouldn't! The last time he had to discipline me, I was sore for days."
"Just remember that Jeff and I are scrimmage buddies, and he will learn of my misfortune in a hurry."
Leslie sounded a bit stricken because she had done no intelligence gathering before foisting Amy on me, and was clueless about what she was getting me into.
Of course, it wasn't just the wedding day. There had to be a Friday rehearsal, and a rehearsal dinner, and I was required.
I turned down a ride, having decided my own car might be needed for a quick getaway. The bridal party was being hosted at the nicest hotel in town, and I showed up in coat and tie as instructed. There were at least twenty people in a conference room being introduced and looking awkward.
Leslie caught my eye and motioned me over. It wasn't until I was ten feet away that I noticed she was standing next to one of the prettiest women in the room.
"Amy, this is my youngest brother, Alec. Alec, this is Amy Smith. She is headed to Amherst in the fall. The two of you are paired up for the duration of the wedding by imperial decree." Leslie laughed and Amy and I said hello.
Before we could say anything to each other, the room was shepherded to two large buses that took us to the church.
We sat together towards the back. Amy took my hand and said, "Why don't we pretend this is a blind date and we each have decided to make the best of it?" She had an instant smile and dark eyes that flashed at me. I leaned forward and touched my lips to hers fleetingly. "I'm already thinking this might work out. We don't have to drive or pay, just follow orders and stay close to the bar."
Amy was digging in her large shoulder bag and coming out with heels. "I really hate these, but bridesmaids don't get to wear sneakers." She smiled and bent over with a light kiss as she edged by to be directed about the procession.
Forty minutes later, the rehearsal was over and she was sitting on my lap changing out of the heels. I liked the package. "You're some kind of jock." I whispered in her ear. She wiggled and said, "You are too. Where did those biceps come from?" The arm I had around her for support tightened.
We took the very last seat in the bus returning to the hotel, where she leaned back and pulled my head down. "You kiss very nicely. This seems to be more than a blind date."
My hand was creeping up her side and she moved it to caress her breast. "Are you staying at the hotel? Do you need a roommate tonight?"
I kissed her again and said, "Certainly not. Escorts are supposed to behave themselves."
"That's what I had in mind. I am a damsel in distress. I was going to drive home after the rehearsal but it's almost an hour, and you are going to get booze into me, and it won't be safe. You are required to protect me."
The makeout session would have gone on, but we were arriving. She sat up and gripped my hand firmly. As we descended the steps of the bus, I noticed she had on very fashionable black sneakers.
"You are just kidding around with me. Those sneakers are for running away."
"Watch your mouth. My elbows are sharp. Get me a glass of wine." I really liked the way she flashed those dark eyes.
At least the rehearsal food was great. Too many toasts, but we expected that. Leslie stood and announced that dancing was next, and dessert would be served for those interested in the rooftop lounge a little later.
Amy folded into me very nicely. She whispered, "Tomorrow, I have to do this in heels. Tonight you get me in my stocking feet." I looked down and the sneakers were missing. "I can't run as fast this way. Maybe you can keep up." She got on top of my shoes and I moved us around, as she told me she hoped to run track for the university. Her whole weight couldn't have been more than a hundred and twenty.
"There must be a boyfriend around somewhere. I'm not going to get a second date, am I?"
The voice in my ear was soft. "I sent him packing. He only had one thing in mind, and I told him I wasn't giving up my cherry yet."
She shuddered and pressed herself tighter to me. "Why do I have the idea that you aren't going to hit on me unless I ask you?"
"But we haven't sorted out no means no and yes means yes."
Her arms were around my neck and her lips were wet. I eased us toward the dark side of the room.
"I have the hots for you. Are you actually going to let me bunk in your room?"
"What will mother say?"
"Mother is in Europe with Dad. He is getting some kind of award. She asked Leslie to supervise me."
I was trying to understand how my sister was supervising the bride's niece when she stopped us and said, "Enough dancing. Let's find a quiet place to talk. I'll tell you something funny about Leslie."