"Loser," I mumbled under my breath and laughed silently. He just smiled larger.
Once all of the toasts were completed and Liam made sure to announce Aidan’s engagement, the music began and everyone stood to dance. Viola and Liam excused themselves to go to the floor and Aidan grabbed my hand, pulling me up from the chair. I hesitated.
"What?" he asked.
"I…uh…don’t really dance like that," I motioned to Liam and Viola who were elegantly moving in a waltz or something.
"I know how, you can just follow my lead." He tugged and wrapped one arm around my waist while holding my other hand to his chest.
"Aidan…"
"Shhh…"
He swayed us slowly and then began to move us around the floor. I was surprised at how easy it was to follow his lead. We didn’t speak but his body seemed to get closer and closer to mine. He spun us and then dipped me, setting me off into a laughing fit which he joined.
The ride home was quiet and I had to remove my shoes. They were killing me. Thinking back on the night I realized how much fun it had been to be with Aidan and his family. I adored Maggie. I don’t remember falling asleep but I woke to Aidan carrying me bridal style into the elevator of his building.
"Oh shit…I’m sorry," I rubbed my eyes.
"It’s fine," he said tightly.
I could feel that sensation between us when we touch.
"Um, I can walk," I said as I wiggled for him to put me down on my feet.
"It’s alright, we’re almost there." As soon as he finished the sentence, the doors parted and he stepped out to our floor.
With his arms full, he was having a hard time maneuvering to open the door. I reached down and turned the knob.
"Thanks," he said.
"You can put me down, you know?" I said again bracing myself to be put down as I felt his muscles flex under my thighs and my back. I bit my lip to control myself.
"Oh, sorry," he put me down and as I turned to head for the stairs he grabbed my arm. I turned back, surprised by the action, and he handed me my shoes.
"Oh. Thanks." I smiled and headed to bed.
After showering, hanging up the dress and climbing into bed I fell into a restless sleep.
~
Aidan
The workweek came about quickly. Lilli and I had spent Sunday around the apartment, though we didn’t necessarily interact too much. Once she fell asleep on the couch watching TV, I sat across from her watching. She would make the most interesting faces while she slept, I wished I could read her mind.
Lilli spent a lot of time Sunday talking to Viola as they planned to get together on Wednesday. I overheard Lilli talking to Phoebe and Celia about meeting her here on Wednesday morning so they could go over to plan wedding stuff with Viola. I heard Lilli groan a few times. I knew she wasn’t thrilled to do all this but she was going along with it for Viola. I didn’t know how to convey how much I appreciated that.
I left for work Wednesday morning without seeing or talking to Lilli. Surprisingly, it bothered me.
~
Lilli
Wednesday arrived quickly. I heard Aidan moving around downstairs as I showered and dressed. I was shoving a piece of toast in my mouth when there was a knock at the door. I answered.
"Lilli!" Phoebe chirped as she hugged me tightly. I almost choked on my toast.
"Down, lawn gnome," Celia laughed and then took her turn hugging me.
"Hey girls, you ready to experience all this?" I wiggled my eyebrows.
"Bring on the mimosa’s, dahhling," Celia joked. Phoebe and I giggled as we all went downstairs.
"Lilli, where are we goin—?" Phoebe looked confused.
"To the car," I motioned over my shoulder to the black car waiting to drive us over to Viola’s.
"The car?" Celia said with a smirk.
"Shut up," I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Viola had the car sent over. I have to get used to this kind of shit for the next four years, don’t make it worse for me." I pretended to lecture them.
We all climbed into the car and headed to Viola.
"Lilli dear!" Viola exclaimed as Mrs. Summers showed us into the house.
"Viola," I smiled as she kissed both of my cheeks and I kissed back. "This is Phoebe and Celia."
"Hello and welcome" Viola hugged both of them and then motioned us into a large room to the left of us.
"Holy shit," Phoebe stated when we entered the room. I knew that all three of our mouths were hanging wide open.
Viola had removed all of the furniture replacing them with tables and garment wracks filled with dresses. There was a large three way mirror against the far right wall with a small stand. A large table of fruit, pastries and mimosas sat next to the entrance.
"Viola," I breathed out. "This is too much," I shook my head.
"Nonsense," she rebutted. "You should see what I could do if I had proper time to plan," she winked and turned to a large garment bag hanging beside her.