Ch 8

"¡Ay, Dios mío! Where is the cake?! It was supposed to be here an hour ago! And where's Manny? He's supposed to be giving out the programs! ¡Manny! ¡MANNY!" Her voice echoed through the venue as guests began to trickle in, looking mildly alarmed.

Vincente strolled up, looking far too calm for Gloria's liking. "Relax, Mom. Everything is fine."

Gloria turned on him, her eyes narrowing. "Fine? Fine?! The cake is missing, Jay is nowhere to be found, and I just heard one of the flower girls ate three of the roses off her basket! How is this fine?!"

Vincente raised an eyebrow, holding back a laugh. "Okay, first of all, the cake is on its way. I just saw the delivery van pull up. Second, Jay's probably with Phil, pretending to care about real-estate or something. And third…" He shrugged. "Who even eats roses? That's kind of impressive."

"¡IMPRESIONANTE?! ¡Te voy a mostrar impresionante!" ("IMPRESSIVE?! I'm going to show you Impressive!") Gloria jabbed a perfectly manicured finger in his direction, but Vincente smoothly produced a glass of champagne from seemingly nowhere and handed it to her.

"Mom, you've got this. You're Gloria Delgado. You survived a crazy ex-husband, conquered PTA meetings, and raised Manny and me mostly by yourself. Today's just… a wedding."

Gloria sighed, shoulders deflating slightly as she accepted the champagne. "You better be right, Vincente. If something goes wrong—"

"Nothing will go wrong," he interrupted confidently, flashing his signature grin. "Now, smile, Mom. This is your big day."

He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before walking away, leaving Gloria sipping her champagne and muttering something about "niños descarados." (cheeky children.)

Vincente weaved through the bustling venue, searching for Manny, when he noticed something unusual in a quiet corner near the seating area. Mitchell was standing stiffly, arms crossed, brow furrowed in irritation. Opposite him stood an older woman with overly coiffed blonde hair and a smile so fake, she looked like a mannequin.

Vincente slowed his steps, curiosity sparking as he observed the exchange.

"Mom," Mitchell hissed through clenched teeth, "this is exactly what Dad warned me about when I invited you. You promised you'd behave."

The woman tilted her head, her smile widening into something almost predatory. "I am behaving, Mitchell! I've barely said a word to anyone. I'm just here to support Jay on this… unique occasion."

Mitchell's expression darkened. "Unique? It's his wedding, not an experimental theater performance."

Dede's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Well, marrying someone like Gloria does have a certain… theatrical quality to it. Very… telenovela."

Mitchell let out an exasperated laugh, devoid of humor. "You told the bartender that Gloria has a 'hot temper' and suggested he water down her champagne!"

"I was helping!" Dede said, placing a hand on her chest in mock innocence. "If she drinks less, there's less chance of her flipping a table when someone inevitably mentions her first husband."

"Well, hello there, Mr. Pritchett," Vincente intervened before Mitchell could yell at Dede. "And this must be your mother."

Mitchell, momentarily caught off guard, blinked. "Vincente! I… I didn't see you there." He cleared his throat and gestured toward Dede. "Yes, this is my mom."

He turned back toward Dede. "Mom, this is Vincente. Gloria's youngest son."

Dede's smile softened into something almost genuine. "Oh, aren't you just the most charming thing? Yes, I'm Dede—the original Mrs. Pritchett. You must be Vincente, Gloria's little prodigy. I've heard so much about you."

Vincente inclined his head politely. "The pleasure is all mine, Ma'am."

He glanced at Mitchell with a knowing look before continuing, "Mr. Pritchett, why don't you go look for Mr. Tucker? I think I heard him yelling something about… a duet rehearsal?"

Mitchell hesitated, glancing between his mother and Vincente, but ultimately sighed. "You're right. Thanks, Vincente. Mom, please… please behave."

As Mitchell walked away, Dede turned her focus fully to Vincente, her smile returning, though there was now a flicker of uncertainty behind her eyes. Vincente gestured toward the seating area.

"May I escort you to your seat, Ma'am?"

"Oh! Yes, sure. While you escort me, tell me something about your family."

"Of course, Mrs. Pritchett. Let me tell you a little about the Delgado family."

They began walking slowly toward the seating area, weaving through clusters of guests.

"You know," Vincente began casually, his voice light and conversational, "my mamá is an extraordinary woman. She's strong, passionate, and fiercely loyal to the people she loves. You've probably noticed that by now."

Dede let out a small, polite laugh. "Oh yes, Gloria is… unforgettable, let's say that."

Vincente smirked, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Back in Colombia, our family lives in a small but very, very beautiful village. It's the number one village in all of Colombia for… hmm, what's the word? Mu… murd—"

Dede froze for a second. "Murders?"

Vincente snapped his fingers as if he'd just remembered. "Yes! Murders. That's the one. But overall, fantastic place. Really charming in the daylight."

They continued walking, and Dede's smile faltered slightly.

"And my mamá, well, she's something of a favorite child in the family. The first to come to America, now marrying a successful man… everyone absolutely dotes on her. For her wedding, naturally, everyone wanted to attend. But sadly, some couldn't make it. And those who could attend? Let's just say they had to clear up a few… paperwork issues at customs. Don't worry, though—they'd all served their time. Paid their debts to society, as they say."

Dede's laugh came out more like a squeak. "Oh, well… that's… reassuring?"

Vincente kept his easygoing smile as they approached her seat. "They're a rowdy bunch, but they mean well. Jay had a bit of a tough time when he first met them—you know how cultural differences can be. And me? Oh, I was practically smothered the first time I visited. So much hugging. So many cheek kisses. You'd think I was royalty."

Dede clutched her purse a little tighter, her wide eyes darting around the venue.

Vincente paused, turning to face her directly. His smile softened, "You see, Ma'am, this wedding means everything to my mamá. She's dreamed about this day for a long time. She wanted a big-big wedding, but sadly the first time it didn't happen."

He leaned in ever so slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make it feel like a secret.

"So, I would feel truly sorry—deeply sorry—for anyone who might… disturb her special day. Because when someone upsets my mamá, it tends to upset the whole family. "

For a long moment, Dede stared at him, her smile frozen in place as her grip on her purse turned knuckle-white.

Then, Vincente's grin brightened again, "But I'm sure everything will be perfect today. After all, it's a day of love, right? Now, please, have a seat. Enjoy the ceremony. And remember—champagne in moderation!"

He pulled out her chair with a flourish and gestured for her to sit.

Dede sank into the seat stiffly, her wide eyes following Vincente as he turned and strolled away with his usual confident swagger.

(Scene)

The wedding was a beautiful affair, blending Gloria's flair with Jay's classic style. The venue shimmered with white linens and golden accents, and guests filled the neatly arranged chairs, buzzing with anticipation.

At the altar, Jay stood in a sharp black suit, a nervous but genuine smile on his face. Beside him, Phil fidgeted with his tie, already sweating despite the calm setting.

The music began, and the doors swung open. First came the flower girls, scattering rose petals—one a little too enthusiastically, the other with precise focus.

Then, Gloria entered, radiant in a white lace gown with an elegant train flowing behind her. She held a bouquet of red roses and white orchids, her smile bright and confident. On her arms were her two sons: Manny, walking with cautious pride, and Vincente, calm and composed with a knowing smirk.

As they reached the altar, Manny kissed his mother's hand, and Vincente gave her a warm hug before stepping aside. Gloria turned to Jay, their hands meeting, eyes locking with a mix of love and certainty.

"Now you may kiss the bride," the officiant announced with a smile.

Jay leaned forward and gave Gloria a chaste ki ss, mindful of the crowd watching them.

The audience rose to their feet, applause filling the air in joyful unison. The couple smiled against the backdrop of cheers and scattered whistles, their hands still intertwined—a perfect start to their happily ever after.

(Scene)

The reception was in full swing. Laughter and chatter filled the air as guests mingled under the warm glow of string lights. At the head table, Jay and Gloria sat together, sharing knowing smiles and quiet jokes.

Suddenly, the microphone crackled, and the speakers buzzed to life.

"Testing… uno, dos… is this thing on?"

All heads turned toward the small stage, where Vincente stood confidently, mic in hand and a sly grin plastered on his face. Beside him, Haley adjusted her mic stand, offering a quick wave to the crowd. Behind them, Manny and Luke stood side by side—Manny holding a tambourine awkwardly, while Luke assumed a martial arts stance for no apparent reason. On the far side of the stage, Alex sat poised with her cello, her bow ready.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Vincente began, his voice smooth and charming. "Tonight, we wanted to dedicate something special to two people who've shown us what love, patience, and, let's be honest, occasional chaos looks like."

Haley leaned into her mic, smirking. "And we mean that in the nicest way possible."

The crowd chuckled, and Gloria clutched Jay's arm, her face glowing with anticipation.

"This one's for you, Mom… and Jay," Vincente said with a wink.

🎵 The opening chords of "Happy Together" by The Turtles began to play. 🎵

Alex started with a soulful, rich cello intro, the smooth notes surprising and captivating the audience. Then, Haley took the lead, her voice bright and melodic:

🎵 "Imagine me and you, I do

I think about you day and night, it's only right

To think about the one you love

And hold them tight, so happy together." 🎵

Phil gasped dramatically. "Is that… Alex on the cello? Oh, honey, our daughter is Amazing! Amazing!"

Claire rolled her eyes but smiled proudly. "Yes, Phil, she's great. Please don't cry… again."

At the head table, Gloria clutched Jay's arm with a teary smile. "¡Ay, look at them, Jay! My babies, up there performing! And Haley too—she's like one of mine!"

Jay nodded, clearly proud but attempting to play it cool. "Yeah… they're good kids."

🎵 "Imagine me and you, I do

I think about you day and night, it's only right

To think about the one you love

And hold them tight, so happy together." 🎵

Haley took the first verse, her voice clear and sweet. Cam was already tearing up, clutching Mitchell's arm. "Oh, Mitchell! Look at her! She's shining! Our little niece is shining!"

Mitchell winced. "Yes Cam I see that, stop hitting me!"

🎵 "If I should call you up, invest a dime

And you say you belong to me, and ease my mind

Imagine how the world could be, so very fine

So happy together." 🎵

Vincente took the second verse, his voice smooth and confident.

Gloria gave a shout of joy.

🎵 "I can't see me lovin' nobody but you

For all my life

When you're with me, baby, the skies'll be blue

For all my life." 🎵

Manny and Luke joined in now. Manny shook his tambourine with theatrical enthusiasm while Luke bounced next to him, looking as if he were mentally preparing for a life-or-death mission.

Cam gasped again. "Oh no… Luke's in karate mode."

Mitchell, eyes wide, muttered, "Everyone take cover."

Phil, however, pumped his fist in the air. "That's my boy! Go get 'em, Luke!"

At the head table, Gloria had both hands over her heart. "¡Ay, Manny looks so adorable! And Luke… oh, Luke, look at his little face!"

During the instrumental break, Luke whispered something to Manny and nodded toward a wooden board set on the side of the stage. Manny stepped back nervously while Luke adjusted his stance.

Jay, watching closely, muttered, "Is… is he about to kick that board?"

Phil, brimming with pride, yelled, "Yes, Jay! And he's going to nail it!"

🎵 "I can't see me lovin' nobody but you

For all my life

When you're with me, baby, the skies'll be blue

For all my life." 🎵

In the final chorus, Alex stood up, setting her cello aside, and grabbed a microphone. The audience gasped as her voice joined Haley and Vincente in the powerful final chorus.

🎵 "So happy together

And how is the weather?

So happy together

We're happy together

So happy together

Happy together

So happy together

So happy together" 🎵

The harmonies soared, and the crowd was entirely captivated.

With perfect timing, Luke let out a dramatic "HI-YAH!" and executed a flawless karate kick, splitting the wooden board in two. The pieces flew into the air, and the crowd exploded into applause and cheers.

Phil leaped out of his chair. "YES! THAT'S MY BOY!"

Cam sobbed into Mitchell's shoulder. "This is too much! Too beautiful!"

Gloria had tears streaming down her face as she clapped. "¡Mis bebés! ¡Mis bebés hermosos!"

Jay chuckled, shaking his head. "Well… they sure know how to put on a show."

The kids took an exaggerated bow together, arms linked and grins wide. Gloria rushed forward, pulling Vincente and Manny into a crushing hug.

Nearby, Jay gave Luke a proud pat on the back, while Phil practically tackled him with an emotional high-five. Alex and Haley were pulled into an affectionate hug from Claire, who whispered, "You two were amazing."

But before the applause fully died down, Vincente and Manny exchanged a quick look and made their way back onto the stage.

Vincente, now holding the mic again, smirked at the crowd. "Well, that only took about two weeks of non-stop practicing, setting boundaries, and cleaning up about a dozen broken wooden boards."

The crowd chuckled, and behind him, Haley and Alex rolled their eyes in perfect synchronization. Luke gave an enthusiastic cheer, while Manny snorted into the mic, causing another ripple of laughter.

"But," Vincente continued, his voice softening as he turned toward the head table, "there's one more performance tonight. This one is just from Manny and me… and it's for a very, very special someone."

He turned fully toward Gloria, his smile warm and sincere.

"And that special someone is you, Mamá."

The room fell silent as the soft chords of "Te Amo Mamá" by Marco Antonio Solís began to play.

🎵 "Esto es para ti

Tan solo un humilde regalo

En agradecimiento

A lo más grande que tú me has dado

La vida" 🎵

Vincente's voice carried the opening verse with a tender clarity.

🎵 "Manantial de cariño

Mar inmenso de alivio

Pedacito del cielo en mi sentir" 🎵

Manny joined in softly, his voice complementing Vincente's as they harmonized beautifully.

At the head table, Gloria's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes already brimming with tears.

Jay, sitting beside her, smiled softly, his gruff exterior briefly cracking as he placed a comforting hand on Gloria's shoulder.

Claire and Phil sat with misty eyes, Phil whispering, "I can't handle this, Claire. They're— they're too pure!"

Cam was already a mess, using Mitchell's pocket square to dab at his streaming tears.

Mitchell, though trying to keep it together, blinked rapidly and cleared his throat.

As the chorus swelled, the emotion in the room became palpable.

Alex was visibly touched, clutching her cello case tightly. Haley had her arms crossed but was clearly fighting back tears. Luke, not entirely sure what to do, simply gave Manny a thumbs-up mid-performance.

🎵 "Amo

Tu cansancio al caminar

Y esas huellas que en tu rostro

Nacieron de tanto amar

Te amo, mamá" 🎵

As the final notes faded, Vincente and Manny lowered their microphones and looked toward Gloria, their eyes bright and sincere.

The crowd erupted into applause—thunderous, heartfelt, and unwavering.

Gloria stood, tears streaming freely down her cheeks, and made her way to the stage.

She pulled both boys into a crushing embrace, her voice trembling as she spoke.

"Mis amores… ¡No tienen idea de cuánto los quiero! ¡Gracias por este regalo tan hermoso!" (My loves… You have no idea how much I love you! Thank you for this beautiful gift!)

The three of them stayed locked in their embrace for a long moment before Jay joined them on stage, clapping Manny and Vincente on the shoulders.

"You two… you did good. Real good."

As the family shared their moment, the guests clapped and cheered, some wiping away their own tears.

The night carried on with laughter, music, and joy—but this performance, this tender duet, would remain in everyone's hearts as the defining moment of Gloria and Jay's wedding day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do you think about that one?

So, I have decided to go with the original plan of having Billie Eilish as a childhood friend.

Thank you for reading!!!