Chapter 83 - Wow

"Earn my place?" It was as if I spoke a different language. "Yes, earn your place. Everyone earns what they put in. You may think because I was born with a gold spoon I just get what I want and that is not true."

"I still have to network, still have to show up to work, put effort in everything I do. I recognize I have less barriers than others but nothing I have is unearned. With the exception of my parents love I still work hard to earn their respect."

I shook my hands to remove excess water before I grabbed a tissue to dry them. "Your marriage to Felix will not just give you the life you want. I am not saying you should not marry him, but be prepared."

"I know his parents, in particular how his mother operates. She loves her son dearly and wants to give him the best. She only liked what I had to bring, not me personally. You can still earn her respect but it will be a tough battle."

I sauntered over to the door while she stood dumbfounded. Her eyes glazed over as if I told her she only had a few months to live. "I give you my personal promise that I will not interfere, just never bother me again."

I left feeling better. But I decided not to relish in the moment. I had someone else to focus my undivided attention on. 

Rebecca had seen me walk back and ushered Alan over to greet those of us at the table. "Hi!" She hugged me tightly and I could feel how hard and fast her heart was pounding. "Congratulations!" I hugged her back as fiercely as she did for me. 

After our hug I gave Alan a side hug also congratulating him. "Congratulations lovebirds. May your marriage last forever." Dean had also stood up and gave a one of those bro hugs to Alan while giving a side hug to Rebecca. 

He already had an empty glass on the table and another one in his hand that he was nursing. Our parents had also joined suit giving their well wishes. "Dinner will be served in a bit. The chefs are from 3 Michelin star rated restaurants, so you know the food will be to die for."

"I can't wait." We sat back down and the rest of the wedding proceeded forward. "Oh how I wish my son were next to get married." Dean started choking on his drink when Estelle made her comment out loud for the table to hear.

Dean flagged down a waiter while I harshly patted his back. "Another drink. Make it strong and neat. I will need that for this conversation." He hoarsely said. Though he rolled his eyes at the last part of the sentence. 

"Oh the kid is still young. He is in the prime of his youth. You don't like having him at home?" My dad surprisingly interjected his two cents while he handed Dean a glass of water to clear his throat. "Easy on the alcohol, while I know you have the tolerance of a sailor lets take it easy for now." He murmured as he handed the glass over. 

"Oh our son has long since lived on his own. As for having him home, as my only child of course I do. I love him dearly, but the messes he creates sometimes. I strongly think a wife will curb that wild streak in him and mellow him out."

"After all his father was the same way."

That piece of news was shocking. The straight laced business man being a wild mustang like Dean. It sounded comical. I wasn't the only one who thought so either. Dean barked out a laugh. "Don't make me laugh, MY old man...just like me. Impossible. Next thing you know up is down and left is right."

He snorted and drank large gulps pf the water. As for me I was intrigued. While I understood Deans wild behavior, I wondered what a mellowed version of him be. The drunk version of him from a few nights before came to mind as the closest to that reality.

The waiters came back around but this time to bring the dishes out. And as we ate, we conversed more on the subject.

"To a certain extent marriage does cool someone down, not in a bad way though. I attribute it to the sudden sense of responsibility you have over another person. Your spouses happiness, wellbeing, security, and everything is now in your hands. I would be surprised if it doesn't mellow someone out." My mom sprung in. 

"Man when my mom gets started it's gonna be a while before she stops." Dean had leaned over and began conversing with me. Completely removing himself from the other discussion. "Ahhh really?"

"Celeste honey what do you think?" I had missed the last part of their conversation so I had no context to Estelles question. "Pardon?" Before she could continue the MC interrupted. "Will the single ladies step up to the dance floor for the wedding bouquet toss."

Oh geez. My mother pulled me up and I instantly felt awkward. I was probably one of the few older women on the dance floor. The rest of the single girls were in their early twenties and or in high school. A few other women whom I wasn't familiar with who seemed older also joined in.

One of them was in a football starter stance. Knees bent rocking side to side and hunched over. She was ready to tackle for the bouquet. "Its mine, I will be the next one." She muttered to herself. 'I better steer clear.'

I moved to the back of the group since I only joined to be a good sport. "Alright ladies are you ready?" Rebecca got on a tall chair while her husband held her hand to stabilize her. "One, two, three!" Rebecca pretended to toss the flowers. 

The whole group moved forward but started laughing at realizing she did not toss it. "Awww ok for real this time ready! One, two, three!" She threw the bouquet back and as if divinely planned, it arched perfectly into my arms. "Wow."