Chapter 2 TWO

Rory

After a night of overthinking my encounter with Mr. Gorgeous, I woke up with a clearer mind. San Francisco had stirred up a side of me I didn't know existed, a bold side that entertained the idea of missing out on a casual fling with a stranger. But that was far from the truth. Now, as I prepared to attend a wedding with unfamiliar faces as a gesture of thanks to my unwell father, a rush of thoughts flooded my mind.

First and foremost, I couldn't shake off the worry about my dad's health. His constant fatigue was a cause for concern, especially considering his age of sixty-five. And his recent habit of indulging in fast-food breakfasts with his classic car buddies only added to the worry. No matter how hard I tried to encourage healthy eating, he remained stubborn. The mention of my mother's losing battle with cancer by my so-called friends only intensified my determination not to lose my dad too. It was high time he went for a long-overdue check-up, and I planned to make him face the reality. The stubborn man owed me, and I knew just how to make him pay up.

Secondly, it struck me as amusing how I had gone out with friends and ended up leaving early after failing to locate them. And now, checking my phone in the morning, there was still no word from any of them. Ping. Mir's name appeared on the screen as if my thoughts had summoned her text. "Finally," I muttered, setting down my mascara and opening the message.

Mir: Hey. I couldn't find you last night. I'm so sorry we ditched you. I was so wasted and woke up in bed with a stranger! Did you see who I was with? Plz god, tell me WTF I did last night.

I glanced at the phone, suppressing a smile. Perhaps I had been out of touch with reality for too long. Going out of town for a random wedding seemed to have transported me to the Twilight Zone.

Rory: Hey. No, I couldn't find you guys after you hit the dance floor. Are you okay?

Mir: I need to get tested. Fuck. I was so messed up last night.

I ran my fingernail over my bottom teeth, unsure how to respond. I empathized with Mir's predicament, but my mind was still entangled with the memory of encountering the attractive Mr. Gorgeous twice in a day, with him hinting at a similar encounter for me. I couldn't judge Mir.

Rory: You'll be fine. Get tested, though. Did anyone see you leave with him? Do you think someone tampered with your drink?

Mir: No. This is all on me. Apparently, I was so wasted that I grabbed some guy off the dance floor and announced to everyone that I was going to sleep with him. I feel like such an idiot. He's in the shower. I think I should leave. What the fuck am I supposed to say? They disappeared on the dance floor, and after my conversation with Mr. Gorgeous-Mr. G-I couldn't find them to let them know I was leaving. What a bizarre night, and now this text?

Rory: Sorry, I couldn't find you guys, so I left. I have the wedding to attend today. Keep me updated if you can.

Mir: Sorry for leaving you hanging. It was nice catching up. I'll get through this. Take care, Aurora.

Rory: You too. Thanks for inviting me out. I hope everything works out for you.

Mir: Well, it's not the first time I've slept with a random guy. It just sucks waking up hungover and not knowing how it all happened. See ya.

I couldn't help but immerse myself in the conversation about my friend's eventful night, nodding and sympathizing as she expressed her regret and guilt over her drunken rendezvous. But deep down, I knew this wasn't my game to play. I had a mission for the day, a purpose that overshadowed any lingering tales of wild nights.

Today, I was determined to leave behind the strange occurrences of the morning and fully embrace the present. I had made a commitment to attend this wedding, to show gratitude to my distant cousins, the Johnsons, for their unwavering support during my mother's illness. The extent of my parents' relationship with these people remained a mystery to me, but I resolved to put my best foot forward and revel in the celebration of a cousin I had shared countless childhood memories with. From playing with Barbies to navigating the ups and downs of life, we had been there for each other, and now it was time to honor that bond.

Leaving my phone charging in the vanity area, the music still faintly playing, I danced my way over to my closet. With anticipation, I pulled out the short slip dress that I had specially chosen for this joyous occasion. It had cost me a pretty penny, but slipping it on, I felt a newfound sense of freshness and beauty. As I ran my hand over my stomach, a wave of relief washed over me, grateful that I didn't feel bloated. The dress hugged my frame perfectly, accentuating my features. The burgundy color held a soft shimmer under the warm glow of my hotel room, making my skin appear as though it had been kissed by the sun. I couldn't help but silently thank my best guy friend, Clay, who had an impeccable sense of fashion. His expertise had guided me in choosing this outfit, and I couldn't have been more pleased with the result. Let's not forget Joe, his boyfriend, who had worked his magic on my hair, adding those soft red highlights and layers that transformed my chestnut locks into a work of art. Truly, I owed them both a debt of gratitude.

Covering my chest self-consciously, I stepped out of the Uber and found myself in front of the same hotel I had been at the previous night. What a coincidence! I couldn't help but laugh at the irony, realizing that I would likely be ascending to the rooftop once again for the reception. It made perfect sense, of course. This was the go-to spot for the wealthy, and the Johnsons certainly fell into that category. After generously tipping the driver, I confidently stepped out, my hand instinctively covering the deep V-neckline of my dress as I noticed a few men casting appreciative glances at my cleavage.

Making my way through the grand entrance of the hotel, I joined the flow of guests traversing the opulent lobby. The enticing scent of lilies filled the air, leading me to the breathtakingly decorated wedding ballroom. My senses were overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and impeccable design that surrounded me. God-dang, this was a masterpiece! It was as if an artist had poured their heart and soul into creating an atmosphere of love, making even a solitary soul like me yearn to be in the arms of my one true love, basking in the splendor of such grandeur. Every detail was executed with precision and elegance, from the delicate candlelight to the graceful arches of flowers adorning the walls. Diamond-like vases held lush greenery that sparkled under the carefully placed lights. It was more than just decor; it was a true work of art. Serenity washed over me, and a genuine smile spread across my face, as if the aura of true love had embraced me, wrapping me in its warm embrace.

"Third time's a charm." A voice I recognized snapped me out of my daze as I stood at the entrance, waiting to be escorted to my seat. Could this really be happening? Was Mr. Gorgeous somehow appearing at the wedding with me? I looked at him, my breath catching, and placed my hand on his arm as he reached out to me. He had transformed into a model straight out of a wedding magazine, his silver vest beneath the black tuxedo and that dazzling smile completing the aura of love that seemed to envelop this place.

He leaned in closer to me. "You don't have to say anything. I was just as speechless when I saw you at the entrance. You look..." He paused, that sexy smile lighting up his ocean-blue eyes. "Yeah," I managed to swallow hard.

"What are the odds of us meeting here?" I chuckled. "Maybe it's fate."

"Perhaps," he said, standing tall and leading me down the aisle where the ushers were seating guests. "Maybe you and I will discover more later." I couldn't help but smile at him, completely lost in his beautiful face, though I needed to keep walking to avoid tripping in these heels.

"I'm actually with the bride's guests," I informed him when he guided me to a seat on the right.

"That's all well and good," he replied, "but I'll have the best view of you during the wedding if you're seated with the groom's guests."

"Nice try," I flirted back, feeling a bit giddy from the wedding atmosphere. "I'm with the bride."

"I beg to differ," he said with a smile. "You're officially with me, which makes you a part of the groom's family."

"Who are you?" I whispered with a laugh, feeling a strange sense of connection with this handsome stranger. His smooth voice and those captivating eyes were doing something to me. How had I managed to capture his attention? Why was I randomly running into him for the third time? This just didn't happen, especially not to me.

"Fine," I conceded, my heart racing as I got caught in his seductive gaze. "You can explain your blunder to the bride later. She'll never know."

He winked at me as I made my way to the seat he'd directed me to. "I look forward to seeing you at the reception," he said before turning to resume his wedding duties alongside the other impeccably dressed men.

I couldn't help but wonder how wealthy this family was as I spotted Mr. Johnson, the father of the bride. My mind was spinning from my encounter with Mr. G. Yes, absolutely, I was on some kind of surreal high from seeing him again. I couldn't wait for this ceremony to end so I could find him on the dance floor. There was something about him that drew me in, whether it was his stunning good looks or the fact that he had awakened something inside me. But for now, I had my own responsibilities to attend to at this wedding.

Navigating through the sea of fashionable guests, I had one mission: find Mr. Johnson and hope that he even remembered my presence. Glancing around, I couldn't help but appreciate the romantic atmosphere that surrounded me. Clay and Joe would have been in awe of this place, surpassing even my wildest artistic dreams. It was a scene that demanded to be captured and shared, and I decided to discreetly text Clay to express my thoughts.

Rory: This place looks like I'm at some royal ceremony. I love you for helping me with my outfit.

Clay: I told you. Now, own it like the gorgeous babe you are. Xoxo! We want pics and details when you get home, girl.

Clay's enthusiasm and support shone through his message, and I made a mental note to treat him and Joe to dinner for their invaluable assistance. Left to my own devices, I might have been hiding in a corner, wearing a simple cotton dress. But my friends were having none of that once they learned I was attending a wedding at the Fairmont.

As the music changed, I settled confidently into my seat, ready to witness the ceremony unfold. The groom and his groomsmen made their entrance, and they stood on a stage adorned with flowers and sparkles. Among them, the man without a name, the one who seemed to have stepped out of a dream and into my life, stood out. He was taller than the rest, and his gaze locked onto mine. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking about this surreal situation.

My mind was still preoccupied with how I had managed to capture his attention, despite committing the most annoying social blunder-spilling a drink on him. His eyes shifted away from mine, and an intriguing expression crossed his face as he glanced towards the back of the room. A challenging smile played on his lips, prompting me to turn back and see the woman who had been with him at the coffee shop, the one he had mentioned owed him.

She had her blonde hair elegantly pulled up into a fashionable bun, her eyes fixed on Mr. G. Her cheeks were flushed red, her green eyes sparkling, and her silver gown matched the extravagant setting perfectly. She appeared just as captivated by him as I was. Who wouldn't be? Who could have imagined a groomsman stealing the spotlight from the bride?

I glanced around and couldn't help but smile as I noticed all the young women my age stealing glances at the Greek god standing there, impeccably dressed in his tuxedo. My heart raced with excitement as the bridal march began, and we all stood to turn and acknowledge the bride. But with my height, I knew I wouldn't get a glimpse of my cousin walking down the aisle.

So, I turned to look over my shoulder, my curiosity more piqued by the enigmatic man than my cousin's procession. My breath caught when I saw his smile, and his eyes were on me, not the bride making her entrance. He suppressed a grin, and my heart felt like it was attempting a daring escape from my chest, heading straight to where he stood, regal and irresistibly attractive.

I realized I was acting like a lovesick fool, utterly captivated by this mysterious man. It was time to stop gawking at him and figure out exactly who he was. I was determined to follow through with whatever was meant to happen. Meeting him for the third time had to be a charm, and I was ready for whatever came next.