Campus Stud

“You must have Jonah on a tight leash.”

Nathaniel said as he threw himself onto our couch.

“Actually” I rolled my eyes and laughed. “He's the one who kept pursuing me! I pushed him away at first.”

“True story” Jonah agreed with my statement just before taking a sip of his drink.

Nathaniel, or Nate as Jonah called him, was his old Harvard buddy. They'd met at freshmen orientation, roomed together their second year, pledged the same fraternity, graduated together, and eventually became room mates for a brief period of time after college. In Jonah's words, “He's the brother I never had.”

So, of course when Jonah filled me in on Nathaniel I couldn't say no when he asked if he could stay at our place. I mean, it was just as much Jonah's place as it was mine. I was excited to meet him. I'd gotten the apartment ready and stocked the fridge with goodies to accommodate our guest.

Nathaniel was an international businessman. He grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where he still currently lives, but his work always has him flying all over the place. Once he'd gotten some time off from his busy schedule he decided to pay his old friend a visit. We'd only planned for him to be with us for a night. But, one night turned into two, and two was just about to turn into three.

My level of tolerance was right on the edge of finding his stories interesting and wanting to strangle him. He'd sucked Jonah into some sort of nostalgia. The last 48 hours consisted of horseplay and reminiscing about college. It was cute in the beginning, but it was becoming irritatingly unrelatable. I knew how much this meant to Jonah, that his girlfriend and college bestie become just as good friends. So, I sucked it up, laughed and rolled my eyes every time I had to stop myself from losing it.

“Did Jonah ever tell you he was voted Campus Stud?” Nate bellowed over laughing.

Jonah's ears turned pink as he remembered. “Oh come on. She doesn't need to know.” He tried to shut Nate up.

I scooted forward in my seat and pushed Jonah back. I was actually interested in this. “No, no, I NEED to hear this!” Jonah tried to say something, but I covered his mouth with my hand. “Campus Stud?” I asked Nate.

He saw my excitement and Jonah's embarrassment and that gave him every reason to continue. “Part of our pledge week we had to see who could rack up the most dates. Every girl was crazy over him. I don't get it. I still don't get it!”

“Shut up, bro!” Jonah took a pillow from our couch and threw it at Nate.

Nate caught it before it could hit him in the face and threw it back at Jonah. “He had every girl on campus. Even the ones we'd gotten to agree to go on dates with us. Our frat brothers said they'd never seen anything like it. Needless to say he was pledged immediately.”

“Wow” My eyebrows were halfway up my forehead. “Is that so?” I looked at Jonah questioningly.

“What?” He looked concerned. “You don't think it's possible?”

“I mean...you definitely don't seem like the type of player Nathaniel is making you out to be.”

“Well, I was good with my words” Jonah said as he stood up and grabbed the empty dessert plates off the coffee table. “I guess” He mischievously smiled.

“Yeah, I'm sure that was it.” Nate shouted. The boys both tried to stop their laughter.

“It couldn't have been. You were barely able to form a sentence when you met me.” I returned Jonah's mischievous smile as I took the plates from his hand. He bit his tongue and shook his head in defeat.

“Ooh” Nate teased Jonah as I walked away to the kitchen.

They continued their conversation as I cleared the dinner plates and loaded them into the dishwasher. It was still early in the night, but I was quickly wearing out from pretending to know what the two were talking about. I cleaned up the kitchen and headed to bed.

The next morning I'd woken up to the sounds of Jonah and Nathaniel playing Call of Duty. I tossed and turned and covered my head with every pillow in arms reach. Nothing could block out the sound. I forced myself out of bed and into the shower.

“Good morning” Nate cheerfully sang as I walked out of my room

“Good morning, sunshine.” Jonah's voice followed after.

“Good morning boys.” I tightened my robe as I walked out into the living room. “I'm surprised to see you two up so early.”

“Well, I'm still a little jet-lagged, so I couldn't really sleep.” Nate said without taking his eyes off the screen. “Ooh did you see that! That was a straight head shot!”

“That was fucking amazing!” Jonah shared Nate's joy. They cheered and high fived each other as I waited. Jonah finally noticed me standing there. “Oh, we had breakfast already. Hope you don't mind.”

“I see” I said as I looked around the messy kitchen. There were open cereal boxes, a splash of milk on the counter, dirty plates, and half eaten waffles. This was definitely not how I'd left the kitchen last night.

The boys had gone back to playing their game and forgot about me once again. I sighed and silently cleaned up their mess.

Once I was done, I went back to the room to get ready. The weather the last few days hadn't been too tourist friendly. The snow was causing us to stay in and I was going stir crazy. I needed to get out of the apartment and away from these guys who were still stuck in their college days.

“Where are you going?” Jonah asked as I was walking towards the front door.

“I'm just gonna go to Jaime's for a while. Maybe go out for lunch or something.” I said as I walked away.

Jonah caught my drift. “Hey, count me out of this round” he said to Nate as he handed his controller over. He jogged towards me and pulled me aside. “Is everything okay? You've been acting weird since last night.”

I sighed. “Everything is fine.” Jonah raised his eyebrows waiting for me to continue. “Fine, I can't take another throwback moment, okay. It was fine the first couple of days but now it's just starting to go over my head.” I smiled at Nate as he turned back to say something to Jonah. I continued as soon as he turned away. “He's been here for almost a week now Jonah. I'm trying hard but I feel ignored and excluded.”

“Lynn” Jonah pinched the bridge of his nose. “I didn't mean for you to feel excluded. I haven't seen Nate in years. We're just trying to catch up. Besides, tonight's his last night.”

I cut Jonah off. “And that's fine...I just need to get out.”

“Okay” Jonah sighed. “Will you be back for dinner at least?”

“I'll be back for dinner” I confirmed.

I headed over to Jaime's place. I didn't find much peace there either. Jaime was too busy cleaning his apartment and studying for his upcoming exam. We talked briefly, but most of the time I was quizzing him or helping him clean.

Later that night Jonah planned dinner out for Nate at our favorite restaurant. Afterward Jonah and Nate went out for drinks with their friends from the City. I had class the next morning so I called it a night and went back to the apartment.

The next morning as I was silencing my alarm I felt something by my phone. I opened my eyes to find a folded paper. It hadn't been there the night before. So I rolled over interested to see what it was.

“Surprise” Jonah cooed in his groggy morning voice.

“What is this?” I asked as I read the letter. “Jonah!” I grabbed his hand and held it tighter with each word I read.

“I feel horrible about how left out you felt while Nate was in town, so I wanted to make it up to you. A whole weekend with just you, me, and the white sandy beaches of Mexico.”

“Jonah I was just being a brat. you really shouldn't have!”

Jonah laughed, “I know you're a brat, but you're my brat and I love you.”

Sarah's Perspective

Readers, I wanted to switch things up again and write a post from Sarah's perspective. Although she's a good friend to Lynn, she's a quiet character that isn't too involved in the story. So, I thought this would be a great way to get to know her a little better.

This post starts off just after Lynn has dismissed Woody and Sarah from helping with the laptop incident at Kadie's wedding. Enjoy and please let me know what you think! :)

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I'd been clenching my jaw so tightly it felt like someone had swung their purse at my face. I couldn't help it. I was seething. I mean, the nerve of that guy...no, boy! The nerve of that skinny, disgusting, boy! I could feel a steaming breath escaping my nostrils. That was it, I needed to remove myself from this situation or else I was going to lose it.

I grabbed my mobile off the dinner table and threw it into my clutch. “Henry, I'm leaving!” I snapped my fingers to get his attention. And just like that I slithered out of the room.

“Sarah! Sar!” his voice bounced as he chased after me. I didn't bother to turn around. I just needed to be outside to bring my body temperature down. “Can you just slow down for a damn second?” Henry's bony fingers poked my skin as they wrapped around my arm.

I only stopped to loosen the painful grip.“Dammit Harry! How many times do I have to tell you that your fingers are like knives!” 

“Sorry” He let go of my arm and his hand print slowly faded from my pale skin. I ran my hand over it hoping to circulate the blood faster. “Ignore that fucking wanker, he's completely arseholed.”'

Henry already knew why I was fuming. He always knew.

“I just...I can't Henry, I really can't!” I grabbed my temples as I thought about how ridiculous he was. “I mean, he's just so, stupid! I swear if I hear him call me a brat, or spoiled, or tell me to lower my nose one more time I'm going to...”

“I know, dear.” He rubbed my shoulder sympathetically.

Our attention was diverted to the creaking sound of the doors behind us. I groaned loudly at the sight of that annoying little prick walking alongside Jaime. The two of them laughing at something ridiculously insignificant, I'm sure.

“Hey you two, the speeches are about to start. They want everyone to come inside.” Jaime said. He was scrolling through his phone with one hand and holding a drink with another. That's exactly what I needed. A drink.

Henry gave Jaime a smug smile, “Mmhmm, yeah we'll be there in a second.” He rolled his eyes as Jaime turned around and walked back towards the doors. He said something to Woody that caused his laughter to rumble through the lobby. Startled, I turned around to see Jaime shaking his hand at Woody to stop from provoking him even more than he obviously already had. Henry snarled at the sight. “You think he knows Jaime's a Nancy boy?”

I laughed. Henry's attitude was always the only thing that could lighten my mood. “Does anybody?”

His face grimaced in disgust as he sighed. He turned to me and whispered “You good to go back in?”

“Yeah” I nodded. “I'm all right.” I'd spotted a table with punch. It was clearly left out since the social hour which was over an hour ago, but no one had decided to put it away yet. So, I went against my beliefs of drinking stale drinks and decided to pour out a glass. “I'll meet you inside. I just need a moment.”

“Sure” Henry mumbled before heading back inside.

As I was reaching for a glass tumbler I was intercepted by another hand. I looked over my shoulder thinking Henry had changed his mind and wanted a drink as well. But, to my dismay, it was Woody's unusually long arms that had reached over me. I groaned and stepped out of the way. “Move” he barked.

“You can't tell me to move after I've already voluntarily moved, you nitwit!”

He lowered his head so it was just about at my level. As if I were a kid and he was about to scorn me. “Speak En-gl-ish!”

I felt it again. The invisible steam pouring out through my nostrils. I turned around and grabbed my hands into a prayer, “oh dear Jesus, please give me the strength...”

“D'ya understan wha' I'm sayin'?” He croaked in his horrible accent.

“Also, thank you God for giving me a British accent and not whatever verbal disease Woody seems to have.” I turned back around.”Enunciate your bloody words!” I shouted just loud enough to shut him up. “You arrogant American arsehole!”

“It's asshole...ASShole” He smirked matter of factly. I rolled my eyes and did exactly what I was trying to do before. I walked away to remove myself from the situation. That's when Woody grabbed my wrist. He grabbed it tight, but it didn't hurt the same way Henry's grip always hurt. It was like a handcuff. Strong enough to resist, but loose enough to squirm. “Where do you think you're going?”

“Away from you!” I spoke low and firm through my teeth. “...now let go of me!”

“Oh yeah?” He took a step closer until we were toe to toe. I held my breath as there wasn't even enough space for us to share air. That's when I smelt something. It was hard to pin point. But, if I had to guess it smelt like the scent of a man who'd been chopping wood all day. It was pleasant, unfamiliar, yet confusing. I pulled my hand once more hoping to set it free. “Are you gonna go cry now?” Woody laughed.

“Yes, I'm going to go cry now.” I sarcastically mocked him. “Bugger off!” I pushed his chest away with my free hand. He managed to grab it after he stumbled back. He swooped in so quickly I didn't have time to process what just happened. My eyes were wide opened, in shock, as our mouths were adhered to each other.

What was going on?? I wanted to push him off and yet keep going at the same time. The way he softly sucked my lip felt divine, but knowing it was Woody on the other side was making me nauseous.

We finally pulled away from each other. His forehead rested on mine as our heavy breaths synchronized. Woody finally let go of my hand. I began walking backwards trying to avoid a potentially fatal situation.

He took one last heavy breath and sighed. His hands slide into his pockets and he looked at me. His eyes were big and apologetic as they gleamed. I'd never noticed them before, but now they were all I could see. “I'm sorry...” His voice trailed.

“N-n-no” I stammered. “Don't...don't be sorry.” I awkwardly swayed my body unsure if I should walk away or not.

He looked so pathetic standing there I couldn't just leave him.

I tossed my clutch onto the table and swiftly walked back towards him. The uncertainty on his face grew into a grin. We embraced each other and began making out.

“Are you sure about this?” He asked.

“Just don't ask any questions or I may regret this.” I looked around the room. Woody nudged his head, pulling my hand with him and I followed after. We were in a dark closet. It was the only privacy we could find.

His hands were at my waist as he positioned me up against the wall. My hatred had suddenly turned into a burning desire. I don't know how or when it happened, but I was now longing for his once disgusting touch.

My body shivered as his hands trailed up my body. I couldn't see much, which may have been why I was enjoying this more than I was, but I felt his breath at the base of my neck. It had been so long since I'd let a man make me feel this way. I turned my head towards the direction of his breath and kissed him.

His tongued traced my lips and I fought back with mine. We were breathing heavily once again. I tried to stay quiet, but I couldn't help it. His hands found their way up my dress. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him in close.

We wrestled around until eventually I was on top of him on some sort of table. He was pulling off my dress when his elbow hit a laptop that jolted to life. The bright screen blinded us. Woody pushed it away and continued to bare me.

“Fuck” he whispered as I kissed his stomach. I kissed him slowly up his chest. He grabbed me by my hair and laid me onto my back.

And that's when Mark came running in.

I yelped as I reached for my dress to cover myself.

“Hey, man, what are you doing!” Woody yelled as Mark came closer to us. “Can't you see I'm busy here?”

Mark didn't say a word. He slammed the laptop shut and we were left in the dark once again. “Shit” Mark exhaled. “You fucking idiot” he yelled at Woody. “Didn't you see the laptop on?”

“Does it look like I care if a damn laptop was on?” Woody argued back.

We weren't going to solve anything with the two of them arguing. I calmly interjected, “What's going on Marcus?”

He rubbed his temple before he responded. “The signal for the wireless connection finally went through and the webcam feed started playing during Lynn's speech.”

“What the fuck!” I yelled. “Are you fucking kidding me?!” I zipped up my dress and stumbled out of the closet.

“Where are you going?” Woody came running out after me. He looked like he'd gotten into a really bad fight. His hair was messy, his shirt was wrinkled and half untucked, and his belt was undone.

“What do you mean where am I going?” I was in a brisk walk towards the elevator when I looked at him. “The whole fucking wedding party witnessed us getting it on in a fucking closet, Woody. I'm getting the fuck out of here!”

He'd obviously been debating in his head by the expression on his face. “I can't just leave. Kadie will kill me.” The elevator door opened and he stood blocking my way.

“Fine” I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Give me your phone.” He handed it to me and I typed out my address. “Meet me here after the wedding. And tell Henry I left. Actually don't. He's probably going to want to kill you after seeing what just happened.”

“What?” Woody's face struck with fear. I smiled as the elevator doors shut between us.

-_-_-_-_________-_-_-_-________-_-_-_-_________-_-_-_-

A few hours had gone by and I still hadn't heard from Woody. I went from fantasizing about his arrival to questioning why he stood me up. I even lit candles and put on sexy lingerie hoping to excite him once he derobed me.

“This is what I get for going against my better judgment” I whispered to myself and blew out the candles one by one.

“Wow, someone went all out.” I heard Woody's voice from across the room.

“When did you get here?” I asked, startled.

“Jeeves let me in.” His eyes wandered around my room. “This here is a fancy place you got.”

“His name is Rupert, not Jeeves.” I corrected his mistake. “I thought you weren't coming. It's midnight.”

“The wedding ran a little long.” He slide off his jacket and tossed it onto my bed. “So, should we continue from where we left off?”

I rolled my eyes. “I thought you weren't coming.”

“Does it matter?” He looked confused. “I'm here now.”

“If you'd came early we could have continued, but now that I've had some time to think...” I crossed my arms.

Woody sat down on the edge of my bed. “Oh sweet Jesus, the blonde little brat's been doing some thinking.” He sighed. “So, let's hear it.”

“One, I'm not a brat. And two, I thought you hated me...What are we doing?”

Woody's eyes were big again. The room was dimly light with flickers of candlelight, but his eyes still shined. “I...” He rubbed the back of his head trying to puzzle together his words. “I didn't think a girl as pretty and smart and...” he glanced around my room again, “wealthy as you would be into some country bumpkin like me.”

“If you hadn't been so rude, I would've been attracted to you.” Woody looked up from the floor. “I was actually quiet fond of you when we first met. But, you made it impossible to keep my feelings.”

“Really? You liked me?” A small curved formed at the edge of his mouth.

I laughed. “You want to know the best part of it? It was your dumb accent that mesmerized me.”

Woody joined in on my laughter. “Your sweet voice and your accent is what drove me crazy about you.”

“You're leaving tomorrow.” He was holding my hand now as I stood in front of him. “Imagine all the time we could have spent together if we weren't both so stubborn.”

He  placed my hands onto his shoulders. Woody kissed me on the cheek. “We still have tonight.”

A Little Birdie Told Me

“So are you going to explain what that was all about?”

Jonah's hand slid across the table and his fingers interlocked between mine. We were sitting in the corner of a quiet little restaurant off of 28^th and 5^th. I couldn't look at Jonah without my eyes trailing over his shoulder through the glass windows to admire the view of the Flat Iron building. The place was unusually empty for a Thursday night. We were only reminded that there were others around by the occasional breeze from the waiters walking past us.

“Huh?” My eyes followed back to Jonah. He looked over his shoulder to see what I was looking at. He almost did a double take. He wasn't expecting to see anything, but the sight of the Flat Iron in front of the vibrant pink sunset was enough to keep his attention.

“You know they say the west coast has the best sunsets...” Jonah finally turned back towards me. “But, I think a sunset falling over the cityscape is a beauty of it's own.”

“I have to agree” I smiled.

Jonah leaned his elbow on the table and lifted his hand. We both watched as my hand followed. Our woven fingers were now palm to palm. For every finger Jonah moved I moved the other. We must have looked like teenagers on their first date to anyone who was watching.

I sighed and finally let go of Jonah's hand. “You were saying something?”

He'd just taken a sip of his wine and furrowed his brow as he tried to remember. “I was asking what that whole spiel at Kadie's wedding was about?” He leaned forward onto the table and crossed his arms as each hand held the other elbow.

I felt a warmth splash onto my face as I blushed. I couldn't help but look down and away from Jonah.

We had gone the whole week without bringing it up. It helped that our schedules were just as busy as ever the days following Kadie's wedding. Of course the moments when we were together after Kadie's wedding, we were so fed up with all the events that we hadn't talked much about it. Tonight was the first night we were finally able to recollect the whole weekend.

“Oh come on” He tried not to laugh. His hand reached across the table and nudged my shoulder. Jonah knew it was completely out of character for me to be so straight forward. He knew I was having a triumphant moment where I finally stood up for my feelings. So, of course, being the overly confident guy that he is, he had to tease me about it. “Why are you being so shy now? You had a lot more to say then.” He curled his lips forcing back a smile.

I finally looked at him and sneered. “Very funny”

Our waiter arrived at the table with a tray of plates. He effortlessly pulled out a portable stand with one hand and put the tray down with the other. A trail of steam followed the plates of food as they were set in front of us. The rich smell of basil infused marinara sauce filled our noses. He replaced the empty basket of bread with a fresh loaf and went back on his way to the kitchen.

“If you must know” I shook my napkin before placing it in my lap while keeping my eyes locked on Jonah. “I had to make my intentions clear.”

Jonah raised an eyebrow. “You mean to tell me dating actually leads to something?”

“Oh!” I reciprocated Jonah's sarcasm as I held my hand to my cheek. “You mean to tell me you actually knew that?”

His expression filled with confusion, but he didn't acknowledge it. Instead he grabbed his fork and spoon and twirled his pasta.

“I heard...from a little birdie....”

Jonah cut me off. “Let me guess, this birdie is tall and blonde?”

I laughed at how quickly he'd caught on. He didn't find it as amusing.

“So, what'd she tell you?” He held a bite of spaghetti to his mouth as he waited for me to continue.

“Wellllll...” You know when you say something jokingly, and then suddenly shit gets serious? That was what was happening and I totally regretted bringing it up. “She may, or may not,” I heavily emphasized the may not “have heard you and Adam talking about marriage and...assumed...” I was picking my words wisely. “that maybe it wasn't something you were considering for our future.”

The sound of utensils touching our plates dominated the silence. I took another bite of my food and looked over Jonah's shoulder again. The beautiful sunset had vanished into the night sky.

Jonah swallowed his bite. His mouth was closed as his tongue glided across his bottom teeth. He cleared his throat and took another drink of his wine. “I'm surprised it took her as long as it did to tell you.”

I was so ready for Jonah to get angry about Kadie that I hadn't even noticed what he said. It took me a second, but I still had to ask for confirmation.“What?”

Jonah laughed for a brief second. “I knew she was listening.” He casually said as he went back to twirling his pasta.

I let my fork drop in my plate and sat up straight. “Jonah, that's not funny.” I'd spoken so loud I saw the waiter across the restaurant look in our direction. I lowered my voice to a loud whisper.“What if I'd never confronted you? What if I broke up with you because I wanted something different?”

He gave me a, 'yeah, sure, whatever', look. “I know you're smarter than that, Lynn.”

“You're over estimating my wisdom, Jon.” I huffed as I crossed my arms over my chest. “What was the point of that?”

Jonah waited until he was done eating to respond. He took his time with each bite. I impatiently waited, now gripping onto my temple, like this whole situation was causing me tension. So what if I was being a little dramatic to make my point?

He exhaled as he swallowed his last bite. “That was so fucking delicious.” He proclaimed as he dusted his napkin off his lap and tossed it over his plate. Jonah knew I wasn't going to budge until I got an answer. “It got you to change your mind, didn't it?”

I didn't know what to say. The more I thought about it, the more I realized he was right. I had changed my perspective on marriage. I wasn't open to it before and then suddenly when I thought Jonah felt the same way I wanted nothing more than the opposite. We stared at each other as I started realizing that he'd successfully mind fucked me.

“You're such an asshole!” I reached across the table and tried to punch Jonah in the arm, but he'd dodged it. I tried once more and missed again. In the midst of stopping him from laughing I couldn't help but laugh myself. “It kind of worked didn't it?”

He grabbed my hand and held onto it.“Well, it got you to be open and honest and reconsider things you were closed off to so I'd say it worked pretty well.”

Our waiter came by our table again to pick up our plates. We had to bring our conversation to a halt. Every time I tried to say something the waiter leaned over the table blocking my view of Jonah. And every time Jonah tried to say something the waiter would accidentally knock the dishes around causing them to clink. So instead Jonah and I waited politely for him to leave.

“You know most guys would prefer if their girlfriends didn't think about marriage.”I leaned back in my chair with a smug expression. “You realize I'm going to keep hassling you now until I get a ring, right?” I raised an eyebrow and looked at him mischievously.

“Oh really?” Jonah asked, surprised by my sudden enthusiasm. He smiled as he leaned out of his chair and onto one knee. “You won't have to hassle for too long” His voice was soft and melodic.

My eyes widened as I held my breath.

Jonah's loving stare turned into a devilish grin as he proceeded to tie his shoe instead. He laughed uncontrollably as he went back to sit in his chair. “Your face!” he managed to catch his breath. “Oh God! This is going to be so much fun!”

I rolled my eyes and picked my napkin off my lap to throw it at Jonah. “Fuck you!”

Readers

Starting this week and onwards New York Dixie will only be posting on Thursdays. This is just a temporary schedule change. As I mentioned in a previous post I have a few exciting ventures I'm working on and I'm excited to share them with you! In order for me to finish these projects on time I have to scale back on NYD.

I hope all of my lovely readers can understand and respect this change in schedule. Thank you for all the love and support! Bear with me because I promise we've got some good times ahead! :)

Xx

To The Bride and Groom

“Don't worry. It's going to be fine, I promise!”

Jonah's hands caressed the sides of my arms in hopes to calm me down. I was a nervous wreck. I didn't want to give a speech. I mean, I did, just not in front of so many people.

“You're right, you're right!” My eyes were glued to the floor space between us as I whispered to myself. “I can do this. It's no big deal!”

“There you go!” Jonah gently shook my shoulders so I would look up at him. “You've got this!”

“Lynn!” I snapped my head around to the sound of Mark calling out my name. He looked worried as he approached us “I can't figure out how to connect the video to the projector.”

“Oh” I was caught off guard. I didn't have any idea either. “Can you take this please.” I handed my drink to Jonah and followed Mark to the corner of the wedding hall where the projector system was hooked up.

The past couple of days Woody, Mark, Lacey, Rebecca, and I had been anxiously putting together a fun little video for Kadie's wedding. We were planning on surprising her with it. There were pictures of us growing up with video clips of us sharing memorable stories involving Kadie.

“The video is playing on the laptop, I just can't get it to play on the projector.” Mark said as he wiggled around some random wires.

“Let me see” I took the laptop from him. Before I could do anything Woody, Lacey, and Sarah were crowded around me.

“What's going on?” Sarah asked.

“Yeah, tell the clueless blonde what's going on.” Woody rolled his eyes. “Obviously the video isn't playing on the projector.” He gave her a look of disgust.

Sarah's jaw was slightly dropped and her brows furrowed. She stared at Woody for a moment to emphasize her annoyance before she turned to me. “Can I try? I've had to do this before at a few of my mom's events.”

“Sure” I slid the laptop over to her.

“You can set up a wireless connection” After a few key strokes she stopped and grunted. “I always use Mac's so I'm not sure if I'm doing it right on here.”

“Give it to me” Woody took the laptop from her before she could say anything. “So fucking spoiled” he whispered under his breath. He began going through the control buttons hoping something would pop up.

Rebecca, who was tapping her toe with crossed arms in the corner, finally spoke up. “I'm pretty sure that's not how you do it, Woody.”

“That's the webcam you idiot!” Sarah aggressively pulled the laptop back from Woody.

“Guys! Guys!” I finally inserted myself between the two and took the laptop back. “I will figure it out. Just go back to doing whatever it was you two were doing as far away from each other as possible, please. For everyone's sake.”

“Lynn, I'm just trying to help. I'm sorry if your short little friend here is getting in the way.”

“I've had it up to here with you!” Sarah's hand leveled off just above her head. But, even then it only came up to Woody's chin on his tall frame. He laughed at how childish she looked which only angered her more before she puffed out her chest and stormed off.

“Can't you just be nice for like, one minute?” Rebecca scorned Woody.

Woody continued laughing. “What? You want me to be nice to that over privileged posh British girl? Please!”

Lacey spoke under her breath. “Wow, Woody, I didn't think you knew such big words.”

“Just cause I'm a good Christian country boy with a Southern accent don't mean I can't speak well.” That was such a typical Woody line. Saying something that was so unlike him to make everyone feel bad. But instead it always made everyone roll their eyes and sigh.

“Please!”I held up my palm. “Just go away!”

Woody whispered a few profanities before he finally walked away. I tried checking the wires again, with Mark's help.

“Excuse me” I heard a voice directed towards me. I looked up to see the wedding coordinator. “We need to start the speeches soon. Is everyone ready?” I felt a pit in my stomach. For a brief second I'd completely forgotten about the speech. I grimaced as I finally nodded my head.

“We'll be there in just a few seconds.” I assured her before she walked away in the distance talking into her headset.

“We're gonna have to figure this out later, Mark.” I finally gave up. “There's a back room where we put our stuff, you can just put the laptop there for now.” I handed it over to Mark who was frowning.

“Okay” his voice was low as he walked away.

I inhaled a deep breath than exhaled. My eyes were closed as I shook my hands trying to mentally prepare myself. Rebecca, Lacey, and I headed over to the dance floor in the center of the room.

As we were weaving through tables I felt a hand pull my shoulder back. It was Daniel. He looked so different in a suit and tie compared to his usual band t-shirt and skinny jeans that he normally wore. I gave him an up-and-down look and noticed that he still managed to wear his black Converses with his suit.

I smiled and pointed. “Nice shoes”

“We wouldn't be The Kicks without them, right?”

We leaned in for a hug and as we did I looked around his table realizing he didn't bring a plus one. “How have things been going with Lauren?”

Lauren was Daniel's best friend since college. The two of them were inseparable. They knew just about every one of the others secrets. It was weird if you asked me, but I guess that was reason enough for Daniel to fall for her.

“Well, you see...” He rubbed the back of his head and nervously looked around. “It didn't quiet work out like I hoped.”

“Distance?”

“Definitely” He nodded with guilt. “With the label being here in the city I can barely find the time to fly back to London.”

“Well, hey!” I tried cheering him up “The girls here are fucking gorgeous and you're a British guy that can sing. I don't feel too bad for you.” We both laughed.

“I'm sorry to interrupted.” Rebecca weaseled her way in between us. “I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely love your song. I hear it all the time on the radio! I can't believe you're really him. You're Daniel from The Kicks!”

Daniel looked like a combination of happy and confused. “Yes, yes I am. And you are?”

“This is my old friend, Rebecca, from back home.”

“Well hello, old friend Rebecca.” Daniel's voice lulled. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“Ohhh my God, Lynn, he just said my name.” Rebecca's fingers were clawing into my arm. “He just said my fucking name.”

Daniel laughed. “Oh God, this'll never get old!”

I rolled my eyes and apologized on Rebecca's behalf. “Come on Rebecca.” I pulled her hand and tugged her along after me.

The wedding coordinator saw Lacey, Rebecca, Mark and I approaching the dance floor and asked for the music to be lowered. I could hear myself gulp. I picked up a microphone and looked across from me to see Kadie and Adam standing on the other side.

Kadie's palms were facing up as she mouthed, “Where's Woody?”

“I don't know” I lipped the words back to her as I shrugged. I turned around and asked Mark and Lacey the same question knowing that Rebecca didn't give a rat's ass. Neither one of them knew, but the wedding coordinator was punching us on time, so we had to continue on without him.

“Can I have everyone's attention please?”

I held a glass of champagne in one hand and the microphone in the other. I felt naked standing in front of the crowd. There were hundreds of people. Most of them people I didn't know. They stared at me as their volume went down to whispers and then eventually silence.

“Hi” I cooed.

Jonah's face lit up with a big smile. His elbows were propped up on the table as he casually leaned forward. One hand lightly traced the edge of his tumbler glass and the other slightly covered his mouth to stop him from laughing. He knew how nervous I was. That public speaking wasn't my thing. It made it that much more funnier since it came with such ease to him. After all, he stood in front of audiences for a living.

“For those of you who don't know, my name is Lynn and I'm Kadie's maid of honor.” I heard a woo from the distance. It was of course Jonah cheering me on. A few others joined in for encouragement. I nervously laughed and shot Jonah a look of embarrassment. “Kadie and I have known each other since we were in diapers. We've been there for each other through the good, the bad, and the ugly. And by ugly I mean the time when Kadie decided to get a perm.” The room filled with laughter and I felt slightly at ease. “I've watched Kadie go through some tough times. She'd come out of these situations that much stronger and that much more shielded. I've always known what a beautiful soul she has, but I was afraid no one else would have a chance to experience it like I did. And then along came Adam...” His groomsmen began cheering for him. “I still remember the night these two met. Adam came into the restaurant looking like Don Draper, as if he already knew Kadie's weakness. Of course being as stubborn as she is, Kadie still wasn't budging. She was guarded and convinced that even the most suavest of men couldn't break down her walls. This is when I knew Adam was the one for Kadie. Because he patiently waited like a true gentleman. And for any man that can stand Kadie's bullshit, I'd say he's a winner.”

I paused for a second assuming it would be filled with laughter. But instead the room was dead silent. I looked around the room to see everyone's jaw dropped. What I said was obviously a joke, I didn't think people would take it so seriously. I scrambled through my notes to skip towards the end of my speech. My hands were shaking. This was exactly what I was afraid of. This feeling right here.

“Lynn” Mark nudged my shoulder. I turned towards him to see his eyes glued to the projector screen behind us. “ I think the connection for the laptop finally went through. ....”

I gasped at the webcam video playing of Woody and Sarah wildly making out and grinding on one another in the back storage room. “Oh...shit”

I Do

“Today's the day! TODAY'S THE DAY!”

Kadie shouted through the phone. I cringed and rubbed my eyes. They were still closed. I was avoiding opening them because of the sunlight that poured in through the enormous windows in our bedroom.

Jonah must have woken up from the sound of Kadie's voice. He groaned as he stretched and rolled over to his left to face me. I peeked through my lashes to see if he was awake and sure enough he was.

“What time is it?” He whispered.

“7:30...Go back to sleep.”

Jonah wiggled his head around to readjust his pillow and closed his eyes.

“Yay!” I tried my hardest to sound enthusiastic while still trying to whisper. “How exciting! I'll pick the girls up and be at your place by 9.”

Jonah's right eye fluttered open as he heard my voice.

“Sorry!” I lowly whispered so Kadie couldn't hear. He blinked slowly, but then shut his eye again.

We were both exhausted from the night before at Kadie and Adam's rehearsal dinner. That morning everyone from out of state came in. Jonah was at work so he missed most of it. But, there were people coming in and out of our place all day. I was running around like a mad women trying to entertain my family and friends, showing them around my new place, and getting last minute things done for Kadie's wedding. Needless to say I was already worn out by the time the actual dinner rolled around.

-_-_-_-______-_-_-_-_____-_-_-_-

It was a tradition within our group of friends to go out after major events. It was a tradition that started when we were much younger and still lived in the same state. After every school dance, birthday, holiday, (and now that we were getting older) rehearsal dinners, we'd always go to Woody's place for a bonfire.

Unfortunately since we were in New York, it wasn't possible. And because the weather was freezing there wasn't much we could do outdoors. So, instead we went to a Hookah lounge.

“Are there naked dancing babes here?” Woody asked with wide eyes.

“Ew, Woody!” Rebecca hit his shoulder.

“You mean belly dancers?” Sarah rolled her eyes. Something told me she wasn't too fond of Woody.

“Bro” Jaime wrapped his arm around Woody's shoulder and walked away with him. “This place has some of the hottest belly dancers!”

“No way!” We heard Woody's voice from a distance. “You think they'll hook up with us?”

Kadie, Lacey, and I looked at each other and giggled.

The club had a Middle Eastern set up with cushioned seating on the floor. We had our own private area, so the girls laid around in our dresses while the guys leaned back with loosened ties and unbuttoned collars.

“So, Kadie and Adam” Lacey shouted across the table. “What's with the quick wedding?”

“Lacey” Mark hissed at her. “You can't just ask someone why they're getting married so quickly.”

Kadie smiled at Adam. “After we got engaged we didn't have any dates planned. We were just going with the flow...”

Adam continued Kadie's sentence, “...but then we were reminded along the way why we were even getting married in the first place.”

Kadie and Adam were looking at each other now as they went back and forth. “Because we're madly in love and we couldn't wait to express it.” Kadie's smile grew as she spoke. The two of them kissed while everyone awed and cheered.

“What about you big man?” Woody asked. I looked over to see who he was talking to. His eyes were set on Jonah. “When are you gonna make an honest woman out of my girl here?”

My jaw dropped. I lipped the words, oh my God, and secretly hoped Jonah didn't hear him. After Kadie told me about Jonah's reaction to Adam asking him the same question I couldn't help but feel weird about the whole situation. I mean, what was the whole purpose of being together if something serious wasn't going to come of it? Or, was he just being guarded because he knew how closed off I was to the idea in the past? Either way, this was something I didn't want to hear again. I turned away from Jonah and gave Woody the death stare.

“What?” Woody shrugged as he responded to my glare.

Jonah laughed. “That's between me and my lady” His arm was already around my shoulder, but he squeezed me tighter as he spoke.

“Well you listen up here.” Woody leaned forward as if he were telling Jonah important information. “When you ask for her hand in marriage you better get my blessing.”

Sarah threw her hands on her hip as she pecked her head out “Who do you think you are?”

“Excuse me?” Woody leaned back “Who do I think I am? Who do you think YOU are?” He looked around the room “Who does she think she is with her weird accent.”

“My weird accent? You should hear yours!” Sarah snapped back.

The two of them continued to bicker through out the night. It was funny, but even more relieving since it took away the attention from Woody's awkward question of night.

-_-_-_-______-_-_-_-_____-_-_-_-

“I should probably get up” Jonah yawned “Adam wants us at the hotel early and I have to swing by work before hand.”

I sighed. “Okay” My eyes were still closed. I felt Jonah kiss me on the cheek as he rolled out of bed.

“I'll see you at the wedding. You're gonna look hot for me, right?”

“Ugh” I pushed Jonah away teasingly. “When do I not?”

He laughed. “Touche”

Once Jonah left I jumped in the shower, threw on some clothes, grabbed my dress, and headed to the hotel to pick up the girls.

Kadie's apartment wasn't too far from the venue so we were all getting ready at her place. The furniture in the living room had been shifted around to make room for makeup chairs. There were about ten more people in the room other than us. Photographers, videographers, makeup artists, etc. It was complete chaos.

Kadie poured out a glass of champagne for all the bridesmaids.

“Can I get everyone's attention for a second.” She shouted. The room slowly fell silent. “I just want to tell you all how much you mean to me” She was choking back her emotions “Y'all have been there for me since day one and I couldn't imagine getting married without y'all. Especially you Lynn. You've been like a sister to me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.” Her eyes began filling up with tears.

“Kadie” I frowned as I looked at her blinking back tears. “Don't cry! Save that for after the wedding when you've realized what you've done!” I joked.

Kadie laughed and dabbed a tissue under her eyes to stop the mascara from bleeding.

“Let's go get married!” I held up my glass. Everyone clinked their glasses and cheered.

It was just about noon when we finally arrived to the venue. We were all dolled up with low updo's showing off the sweet heart neck line on our lavender colored bridesmaids gowns.

We lined up in the lobby waiting to go up the elevator as Kadie waited in the limo.

Once we'd gotten confirmation we made our way upstairs. The groomsmen were already line up waiting for us. The music began playing and one by one each couple began walking in.

I hurried to make my way to Jonah. He held out his arm for me to grab. “Hey handsome”

“Handsome? I don't think I look nearly as good as you do” He smiled as he stared me up and down.

The wedding coordinator signaled for Jonah and I to approached the door leading into the wedding. We stood there for a few moments as a photographer took pictures.

I took a deep breath. “Jonah” I whispered “There's something I want to tell you.”

“Now?” He whispered back as the hall full of people looked back at us, waiting for us to walk in.

“Yes, now. I want you to know that what I have with you, I haven't even come close to having with any one else. It's something I will always treasure no matter what happens. I may have expressed some negative feelings about certain ideas in the past, but you're making me reconsider them. Do you understand?”

Jonah smiled “I do” he placed his hand over mine and led me down the aisle.