17. The Tingles Again

SEVENTEEN

THE TINGLES AGAIN

Dessa

As I enter the reception, the crimson fabric draped on the walls with shimmering strands of silver catches my attention. It's exactly what you'd imagine for a winter wedding. Even though there are a lot of familiar faces, it doesn't make being here any less awkward. Maybe I should've taken Garrett up on his offer to be his date. I could be with him right now. Instead, I'm alone in a room full of mostly strangers.

Two steps through the doorway, I hear my name called from the right. I turn that way and spot the only person I really wanted to see today. Smiling widely, I walk over to a table where Nana is seated.

"Oh my," she exclaims, her voice full of admiration. "Dessa, you look beautiful." Nana's short, silvery hair falls in perfectly curled waves, framing her face as she elegantly dons a silver and black drop waist dress. She always enjoyed dressing to the nines.

"Hi Nana."

"And you changed your hair."

I run a hand over my hair, smoothing the strands. Too bad it's the only thing that's changed since the last time I saw her.

"It's so wonderful to see you. You look beautiful as always." I bend at my knees and wrap my arms around her shoulders for a hug. Tony's dad pulls out a chair for me to have a seat next to Nana.

"It's so lovely to see you, dear. I was really hoping it would be you walking down the aisle toward one of my grandsons." Her eyes soften, but I notice a hint of disappointment in her voice.

I awkwardly laugh. "But Georgia's great. She's perfect for Tony."

"She is." She reaches over and rests her dainty hand on mine. "That means you get to be with the one you're truly meant to be with."

My cheeks warm, and I bow my head to hide my smile. Mostly, I need a few minutes to collect my thoughts.

At one time, I thought I was meant to be with Garrett, but Tony happened first. Now Tony is married, and Garrett's back in my life. It makes everything a muddled mess. I go with what makes sense right now. "I'm really glad that we all can be friends again."

"I've seen a few things in my life and let me tell you what you have isn't friendship. It hasn't been for a long time. We all know it. It's time for you to see it now." She gently squeezes my fingers. "It was you who always made him happy. You who always gave him the biggest smile. And it's you who has his heart. You and Tony were never a good match. You two were like oil and water. You'd never fully come together. Now with Garrett, you two always had chemistry like I've never seen before. Much like me and their grandfather. You two are like two delicate pieces of string. When woven together, you create something beautiful."

Her words swirl around in my head. Nana's known me for over half my life, and that entire time she's seen me with Garrett. But years have passed. Things have changed. Garrett's changed. I've changed. Maybe not so much me since I'm still in the same spot as when he left, only a little older. These feelings are only fleeting since it's been waaay too long since I've been with a guy. That's the only logical explanation.

The DJ's voice booms through the speakers and I'm thankful for the interruption. "It's time to welcome the bride and groom!"

An image of Garrett and me strolling through the doors hand-in-hand flits through my mind. As we enter the room, his green eyes fixate on me, his radiant smile infectious. I shake off the image as quickly as it appears.

Tony and Georgia strut through the doorway, hands laced together. Tony stops and twirls Georgia, her white dress flaring at the waist as the sparkles shimmy in the light. Soon after, the rest of the bridal party dance their way into the reception hall. Last to enter is Garrett, a half smile on his face. When he's a couple of steps in, he immediately turns my way, almost as if he knew exactly where I'd be. Our eyes connect, and his lips curve into a wide grin. I can't tear my eyes away from him. A sweet warmth fills my chest as he leisurely walks across the dance floor and finds a seat near the front.

"Nana, we should go take our seats. They're about to serve dinner," Mr. Dawson says .

"I'm much more fond of this seat. It's closer to the bar," Nana says.

"I'll make sure the server brings you whatever you'd like," Mr. Dawson reassures her.

Nana ignores her son and pats my leg, drawing my attention. "See, that smile was just for you."

After a few beats, Nana stands, and with the assistance from Mr. Dawson, she shuffles to her table near the front.

After dinner and all the tables are cleared, everyone socializes while I hang out off to the side. It was much easier when the conversation was contained to the small group of people at my table. Now, it's like free rein and I don't know who I'm going to bump into first. Luckily, I spot Georgia and beeline it across the room, so I don't stick out like a turd in a fruit bowl.

"Hi Georgia. It was such a beautiful wedding. And your dress is gorgeous." The long-sleeve, lace, V-neck dress is equal parts elegant and romantic. The subtle sequins sewn into the lace add a little sparkle that reminds me of the sun reflecting off freshly fallen snow.

"Thank you so much. I'm so happy you could make it." She wraps her arms around me for a brief hug.

As we break apart, Tony approaches. "Mitchell, I'm so glad you can make it." He leans in and kisses my cheek but lingers a little longer than a friendly kiss should last. "You look gorgeous."

"Thanks." I pull away. "The wedding was beautiful. And doesn't Georgia look absolutely stunning? Seriously, I can't get over your dress." I push the conversation away from me.

"She does." He wraps his arm around Georgia's shoulder, and she leans into the crook of his arm. He presses a kiss to the top of her head before excusing himself. I finished chatting with Georgia until her attention is needed elsewhere. As a server walks by, I pluck a champaign flute off his tray.

Before the ceremony, Garrett seemed so eager to be around me as he ushered me to my seat, yet he hasn't said a single word to me. When I glance across the dance floor, Garrett's standing next to the bar as Tony approaches him. I'm not sure what they're saying but both of them are laughing and smiling. My heart swells. It's exactly like old times. Things could be moving in the right direction in all of us being friends again. I cross my legs, lifting the glass of champagne to my lips, the bubbles tickling my nose.

Three slow songs have passed, and he has not yet asked me to dance. Every time I've thought about approaching him, someone stops me to chat. By the time I finish the conversation, he's vanished.

Now from across the room, I spot Garrett. His heated gaze lingers on me from over the rim of his whiskey glass. He's telling me everything with only a look. It sends tingles directly between my thighs. I'm torn between the fight or the want. Currently, the want is winning. As he watches me, it's as if he's seeing me. All of me. Real and raw. All these years away from each other could never break the connection we share. Somehow, the time apart made it stronger. Here we are, two people who can't keep their eyes off each other. As they say, the bigger the risk, the higher reward, but they always fail to mention how debilitating it is when it blows up in your face.