Elly sighed and pushed her hair back from her face. “It’s going. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I think that I’ll get it all done before she walks down the aisle.” Elly paused, a cynical look on her face. “I hope she trips.”
Keith crunched the pickle loudly. “Mmm…me too.” He raised his pickle to Elly. “To the bride falling on her face.”
Elly toasted his pickle with hers. “Cheers!”
“What do you have left to do?” Keith asked, wiping his hands on his jeans.
“Well, next week I’m picking up the last of the materials with Kim at the wholesaler, which is in the flower market near Soulard. There are so many tiny details to get for this wedding: rhinestone bouquet bracelets, pearl pins, extra beading, gilded ribbon...”
The confused look on Keith’s face made Elly laugh out loud. “You have no clue what I’m talking about, do you?”
Keith shook his head. “Honestly, not at all. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not interested in learning. Tell me, what matter of thing is a bouquet bracelet?”
Elly took a bite out of the pickle and closed her eyes in ecstasy. “Oh my gosh, that is good.” Elly let the tangy taste dance on her tongue. “Don’t worry about it. I drive myself crazy thinking of these stupid, insignificant things on top of everything else. Not only is this Aaron’s wedding, but this is also the biggest wedding we’ve ever done.” Elly picked up the crystal strands and resumed sorting as she spoke. “I spent about twenty minutes tonight fretting about different shades of pale yellow. Lemon chiffon or canary? Light cream or frosted buttercup? It’s like I’ve lost my mind in addition to getting my heart ripped out.”
Keith eyes met Elly’s. “Don’t worry about the wedding – I know you’ll do fantastic. On the other hand, how is your heart these days? What’s new with the hippie guitar player upstairs?”
She laughed. “You mean Isaac?” Her heart skipped a quick beat. “He’s good. He’s…very involved with his music and his band, otherwise, he’s everything a girl could want.”
Keith raised his eyebrow at Elly. “Everything a girl could want, or everything a woman could want?” Without warning, he reached out and brushed the tip of her cheek with the tips of his fingers. “You cut yourself here. What happened?”
Elly felt a palpable change in the warm air, which was suddenly simmering with tension. Something stirred from deep within her – a tingling, a fire kindled from the smallest of sparks. Keith’s eyes shimmered and spun with the reflection of a million tiny lights as he stared down at her. Elly couldn’t breathe. What is happening? She quickly stood up and brushed her hands off, trying to seem at ease.
“Thanks for the grub. That was very thoughtful, and it will be adding to my waistline all week. I should probably head to bed.”
Keith pushed himself to his feet. He seemed bashful and embarrassed after his forward comment. “I wanted to know if you needed any additional help on the wedding day. My niece is getting christened that day in Kansas City, but I could stay behind if you need an extra hand…”
Elly was touched, but busied herself pushing crystals above the doorway. “I think I should be good. I have nine people on board with the workers you recommended. You are gracious for offering, and thank you for letting us use your van. You don’t think our flowers will smell like sandwiches, do you?”
Keith laughed. “Be honest. You would like that.”
Elly smiled, in spite of the fresh awkwardness in the room. “I would like that. Thank you again Keith.” She held the door open. Keith gathered up his bag and coat and slowly walked down the steps. He took two steps out, and, thinking better, took a quick two steps backward, and leaned into the door as Elly pulled it closed.
“He’s not right for you,” he said with surprising boldness. “You know that, I think.” He looked at her with intensity. “Maybe someday you’ll see who is.” And with that, he pulled his cap over his eyes and strolled into the cool night.