| Chapter 22: Wedding Surprises Howie was at the bar ordering a drink and looked at the dance floor, which was bursting at the seams with people grinding to a reggae song. She noticed the girls all gathering around Kevin, making him laugh heartily. Kevin looked as if he was having the time of his life. He shook his head as he waited for the soda and noticed Celia sitting at the table sipping champagne. He felt himself staring at her. She looked quite different than usual: wearing a cream strapless dress, which looked especially light against her tan skin. She wore her hair half up in spiral curls and diamond earrings dangling from her ears. Alex walked up to the bar as he was staring. “Hey AJ,” Howie nodded. “Sup man,” Alex turned to the bar. “Two glasses of champagne please.” He turned to Howie. “Having fun?” “Oh yeah,” Howie smiled. “Feeling jealous?” Howie nodded to the scene on the dance floor. “Nah, let him enjoy himself. Lau is going home with me anyway,” Alex laughed. He turned to Howie again staring at Celia. “Celia’s looking good tonight.” “Huh? I didn’t notice,” Howie took a sip of his drink. “Yeah sure,” Alex smirked. He looked towards the dance floor and took the glasses. “I better get this to Lauralee. I’ll see you later.” “Later man,” Howie nodded as Alex left. Finishing his drink, he made his way to Celia’s table. “Is this seat taken?” Celia looked up and smiled. “No, join me.” Howie took a seat next to her. “Having fun?” “Absolutely. I have never seen so many celebrities in one room before,” Celia laughed. “Would you like to meet them?” “Maybe later,” Celia looked to the dance floor. “You know, you promised me something a few weeks ago.” “And that is?” “A dance,” Celia smiled. Howie stood up. “A gentleman always keeps his promises,” Howie held his arm out to her. “Shall we cut a rug?” Celia stood up and took his arm as they made their way to the dance floor. They danced to Shaggy on the bandstand singing “It Wasn’t Me.” The crowd was really getting into it, singing along with the chorus. Celia was laughing as Howie was making gestures to the song. The crowd applauded as Shaggy took a bow. Celia smiled and got over her laughter. “You are a great dancer.” “What can I say? I do have some experience you know,” Howie laughed. “Oh that’s right, the Backstreet thing,” Celia laughed again. They stood there as Howie looked at her. He got butterflies in the pit of his stomach, which took him aback. She looked… angelic. The DJ cued up a melody that was slow as people began to hold each other closely. “Howie?” Celia looked at him. “Yeah?” “You think you could extend that promise to two?” Howie took her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor. They held each other as the song began: I see the way he treats you I feel the tears you cry And it makes me sad And it makes me mad There’s nothing I can do baby Cause your lover is my best friend And I guess that’s where the story ends So I gotta try to keep it inside You would never be, never be mine But if I was the one Who was loving you baby The only tears you’d cry Would be tears of joy And if I was by your side You’d never know one lonely night And if it was my arms You were running to I’d keep you Loving these arms of mine If I was the one in your life Howie felt Celia’s arms encircling his neck, her cheek pressed against his as Howie held her waist tighter. If I could have just one wish I’d wish that you were mine I would hold you near Kiss away those tears I’d be so good to you baby You’re the one I want next to me But I guess that’s just not meant to be He’s there in your life And sharing your nights It would never ever be right But if I was the one Who was loving you baby The only tears you’d cry Would be tears of joy And if I was by your side You’d never know one lonely night And if it was my arms You were running to I’d keep you Loving these arms of mine If I was the one in your life I wanna reach out and feel you beside me Take you I my arms right now Scream I love you right out loud Someday I pray That I’ll find the strength To turn to you and say If I was the one Who was loving you baby The only tears you’d cry Would be tears of joy And if I was by your side You’d never know one lonely night And if it was my arms You were running to I’d keep you Loving these arms of mine If I was the one If I was the one If I was the one in your life Howie slowly pulled away from Celia. She looked down and slowly looked up at Howie. She rested her palm against Howie’s cheek and leaned towards him, kissing him on the lips. Howie connected with her lips, kissing her back so softly it took his breath away. He closed his eyes, and saw Veronica. Closing his eyes tightly, he pulled away from Celia. “What is it?” Celia asked. “I… can’t do this. I’m sorry,” Howie walked away quickly, not looking back at the dance floor and heading outside. “Damnit!” He kicked a light that was on the pathway. Finding his keys in his pocket, he ran to his car and sped away. ~*~ After the cake was cut, Lauralee was sitting at the deist and having a conversation with Bianca, when she noticed Celia run to her table, grab her bag, and started for the door. “Celia!” Lauralee called as Celia left the tent. “Where’s she going?” “She looked upset,” Bianca said and looked at Lauralee. “I better check,” Lauralee got up and headed for the door, where she saw Celia get into her car and drive away. “Celia! Wait!” Lauralee waved her arms to get her attention, but Celia paid no mind. Lauralee walked inside and found Alex. “What’s wrong?” Alex asked. “I don’t know. I saw Celia grab her stuff and just leave,” Lauralee shrugged her shoulders and looked around. “Hey, where’s Howie?” “Last time I saw him he was on the dance floor with Celia,” Alex said. “Alright, let’s try to find him,” Lauralee looked around the tent, but there was no sign of him. She met Alex back at the entrance. “Anything?” “Nope, no one’s seen him. Do you think something happened with the two of them?” “I… I don’t know, maybe,” Lauralee looked at the pathway worriedly. “Look, let’s not tell Kevin and Laura. I don’t want to ruin their night. We’ll just make excuses for them.” “OK. You think we should try to call them?” “No, just let them be. We’ll call them tomorrow,” Lauralee sighed. “Come on, let’s enjoy this party.” ~*~ The ladies walked to the dance floor as Laura was about to throw the bouquet. “Ready ladies?” Laura called out to them. “Where’s Celia?” “She wasn’t feeling well, so she headed home,” Lauralee said. “OK, ready?” Laura turned around and threw the bouquet right at Lauralee as she caught it. “Oh boy,” Lauralee covered her eyes with her hand. When Kevin did the same, the garter flew towards Alex and he made a dive to catch it. Lauralee sat at the chair in the middle of the floor as Alex knelt down and slipped the garter on her leg. The crowd applauded as Lauralee and Alex stood up and kissed. “Maybe we’ll have another wedding soon, huh guys?” Kevin laughed as he hugged Laura. ~*~ The crowd waved goodbye as Laura and Kevin made their way to the now decorated limousine, courtesy of Nick, Brian, and the groom’s party. “Enjoy your honeymoon. Milan is beautiful this time of year,” Lauralee hugged Laura. “I’ll see you in a week.” “I love ya Lau, and thank you for everything,” Laura hugged her back tightly. She hugged the girls and the guys as Kevin did the same. They went into the limousine and drove away with people waving at the Just Married sign that disappeared into view. Chapter 23 Contents Chapter 21 "If I was the One" Ruff Endz Center Stage Soundtrack 1999 |