My sister came back to the table to sit next to me, her pinched little face bringing the focus to her furrowed brow and pursed lips. She was pissed.
"What did he want?" I asked her.
"He... apologized."
"Well that's good, isn't it?"
"I don't want him to apologize - I want him to just go away!" she huffed, hooking her arm into her boyfriend's and snatching a pickle slice from her plate, biting into it.
I turned to see Jeff leaning against the fence on the other side of the pool, smoking a cigarette and staring off into space. He looked terrible, even in his nice suit. I was guessing that he was on his 4th or 5th drink at this point.
"I'll be back in a bit, guys."
"Where are you going?" Chrissy asked.
"Just... for a walk. I'll be back."
I stood up from the little white table, smoothed out my dress, and ran my fingers through my hair. It was such a muggy night for mid-April and I was glad I was wearing a short, sleeveless dress for the occasion.
I have always hated family functions, but weddings have got to be the worst. Not only are you pestered by every relative you've ever known, but you also get the joy of wallowing in the fact that you are very, very single.
"Fancy meetin' you here, stranger!" I smiled at Jeff as I snuck up beside him.
"Hey."
"You look terrible."
"Yeah? Thanks. I feel it," he said, taking a long drag off his cigarette.
I decided to try something else.
"Can I bum a smoke?" I asked.
"You smoke?"
"Yeah, but my family doesn't know - so I left my cigs at home tonight."
He held a cigarette up to my lips and then pulled out his lighter.
"Thanks. So... are you okay?"
"I'm an asshole," he blurted out.
"Yeah, I know."
"You know?? How do you know?!"
"Chrissy told me. I knew something was up and I made her spill. She's my little sister - I know when something's wrong."
"Yeah, well she told your mother, too. And your mother told me earlier this evening." He put a hand to his face. "I can't believe what a jerk I am."
"Did you not remember any of it?"
"No!! God, no! All I remember was us going for beer and then coming back. And I remember how mad everyone was when we showed back up. That's all I remembered. But...then your mom told me what really happened. She told me I asked Chrissy if I could kiss her! My wife's cousin! Jesus, I'm such an asshole."
"Jeff... you were drunk. People do stupid things when they're drunk. Trust me - I know!"
"I'm just such an ass. Your sister and I used to be close and now I've just fucked that all up. I don't know if I'll ever be able to fix that."
I put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Chrissy is a forgiving girl. She will get over it eventually. Don't worry about it, okay?"
"Fine. Whatever."
We stood there and finished our cigarettes, staring out over the reception. Several different floral scents filled the humid air, perfuming the partygoers. Under a tent on the other end of the lawn, a band alternated between playing country and classic rock songs. Children were playing on the tire swings down near the lake. Older people were sitting at the little tables around the pool, enjoying their cocktails and chattering.
I looked back over at Jeff. He's a good looking man, about 6'1", brown hair, big blue eyes, just a bit of a beer belly. He's in his late thirties, but he looks older than he is at times.
"So, let me ask you something," he starts as he turns towards me. "What would you do if I asked to kiss you?"
"Tsssss!" I said as I lifted my cigarette and pretended to put it out on his face.
"Good answer!!!"
We laughed and threw our butts to the ground, snuffing them out with our feet. It was nice to see him smile.
"I think we both need another drink, what do you say?"
"Sounds like a good idea to me!" I replied.
I'd already had two gin and tonics and a glass of red wine and was definitely feeling the buzz.
We got our drinks and found a table where Jeff's wife, her sister, and my mother were sitting and joined them.
I was halfway through with my drink when Jeff wandered off for a bit and came back with a Corona.
"Where did you get that?! I want one!" I yelled.
"It's a secret...but if you ask nicely, I'll show you."
"Pleeaaasseee? Pretty please with a cherry on top and I'll be your best friend?" I was definitely feeling the liquor by now.
"Inside the house... refrigerator... second shelf... in the back. There's at least a case of 'em back there. I don't think they'll miss one or two," he winked.
"Jeffrey!!" my cousin smacked her husband and laughed. She was the designated driver and wasn't having nearly as much fun as the rest of us.
I ran off to the house and came back with my prize, gulping it down quite quickly.
I was standing near Jeff while we all talked and laughed, and he kept letting his hands brush against my legs ... against my ass...
When I drink, I am easily turned on. My brain was telling me to ignore it, but my body was loving the sporadic attention. Each time he brushed against me, my heart leapt. After a few touches, I realized that my panties were beginning to get damp.
"You, my dear, need another Corona," said Jeff. I looked down and realized my bottle was just about empty.
"Come with me!" He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the house. I just started laughing and waved at everyone as we ran off.
Inside the house, Jeff opened the fridge and bent over to grab a beer.
I slapped his ass - I just couldn't resist.
"Heeeey there, little girl!" he laughed as he stood up. "You'd better be careful or you'll get yourself into trouble!"
"Oh I will, will I?" I said, giving him an evil grin.
What was I thinking?