Short Story: The Wedding Crasher

by Cindy Dorminy

It’s not that I hate Darla—she was my college roommate after all—but it should be me at the altar next to Theo. She’s lovely in her simple gown, but I would have worn something more bridal, like what I am currently wearing. My true white beaded rhinestone dress is definitely fit for a blushing bride.

Standing in the narthex of the church, I peek inside the sanctuary—the place I wasn’t invited—where all the guests sit in pews as the happy couple exchange vows. A host of emotions bubble up my throat: sadness, longing, regret to name a few. When they get to the ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’ section, I know this is my chance. As I open my mouth to profess my undying love for Theo, an arm encircles my waist and drags me away.

I let out a squeak as a tall dude with piercing grey eyes holds a finger to his lips to shush me. He wears a dark blue pinstripe, Canali suit with a pair of obviously expensive lace up shoes. He motions with his head for me to follow him. When I don’t move, he takes me by the hand and leads me outside, away from the last hope I have of retrieving the love of my life.

“But—”

“I know what you’re up to.”

I yank my hand away from his as we stand in the middle of the packed church parking lot. “Then, let me do it.” My eyes dart from his face to the church and back to him. “I may have missed my chance already, thanks to you.” I poke him in the chest with every syllable to accentuate my frustration.

He stands tall and grins. With hands in his pocket, he rocks back and forth on his heels. “Theo was afraid you might try to pull something like this.”

I gasp. Theo wouldn’t do that. I mean, we parted ways on good terms, but I never imagined he would assume I would pull a stunt like this. I didn’t give him enough credit.

He chuckles. “The name is Oliver Wise. I’m Theo’s cousin.”

“I would have remembered if Theo had a cousin who looked like he stepped off the cover of GQ.”

Oliver rolls his eyes and looks down at his Timex watch with a beat-up leather band. Timex? “We didn’t spend a lot of time together growing up. I’m from Texas.”

“Then, you’re missing out on your cousin’s very special day. You should go. We should go.”

“Naw.” He waves me off as the church bells start ringing. “Too late anyway.” His cheesy smile really ticks me off.

I huff and cross my arms over my chest. “Thanks a lot.”

Tears prickle my eyes as I realize I have missed my opportunity. Theo and Darla and now married and I’m alone. Oliver walks up to me, concern etching across his face. He swipes a thumb under my eye to wipe away a stray tear. “You would have made a fool of yourself if you marched down the aisle trying to reclaim your man.”

As much as I want to argue with him, he has a point. And I would never want to embarrass Theo or his family. They were always so kind to me throughout the years we dated.

With his hand on my arm, he leads me to an old, beat-up Honda Civic. I cock my head to the side processing this well-dressed man’s choice of cars. Oliver opens the rusty passenger door and motions for me to get in. I slide in to the seat as the church bells finish the last of their chimes and I fight back a huge crying jag.

He slips into the driver’s seat and we stare at each other for a moment, then he sighs. “I don’t know you, but I know Theo. He’s happy. Don’t you want him to be happy, even it’s if it’s not with you?”

Resting my head on the headrest, I close my eyes. “I guess you’re right. It’s just that…” I open my eyes to find Oliver waiting for me to answer. His gaze captivates me. “I miss him.”

He nods. “Yeah. But sometimes what we think we want is not what we need, and what we need could be right in front of us.”

I let out a chuckle and say, “I wouldn’t know what I needed if it was staring me in the face.”

And just like that, my heart knows for sure that what I’ve been trying to desperately cling to has only been a fantasy. I have to let it go. Just minutes ago, I was on the verge of making a fool of myself because I thought Theo and I were meant to be together forever. My choices don’t have to be between being with Theo or being alone for the rest of my life. There is someone out there who is perfect for me. I just have to be open to looking for him.

I slowly turn to stare at this enigma of a man and clear my throat. With the sappiest grin on my face, I ask, “Would you like to get a coffee with me?”

He scrubs his chin and looks to the sky. “I really should say congratulations to the happy couple.”

My heart sinks and I nod as I reach for the door handle. Right before I open it, he covers my hand with his.

“On second thought…  coffee would be great.”