SC - I Do [ch 2]

It was a gorgeous fall day in Cleveland when we all gathered for Sidney and Natale's wedding. We met at her house in Lakewood right on the outskirts of the city. The groomsmen and Sidney waited outside for the limo to arrive. We were having the ceremony in Natale's church. The groomsmen were Gino, Max, Kris, and myself.
"Who is ready to party?!" Max asked. He was definitely the partier.
"Didn't you party enough at the bachelor party last night!?" I asked. That shut him up. Hmmm... Did something happen that wasn't suppose to happen? I am not sure I left the party early because I had a headache. And wanted to be rested for today. I know Lys had a good time, she was a bit hungover this morning. She just took a couple of tylenol and drank some water. I saw Lys and Alex walk outside in their pastel pink bridesmaids dresses. Lys had her fancy camera in hand.
"Hey boys! Get together to please, I want a picture!" I shook my head. Lys the photographer. "Come on Jordan!!!" I stood with the boys under the tall oak tree. She snapped a few pictures. "Okay 1,2,3 JUMP!" We just stared at her and only Max jumped. "Aw come on! Try again! 1,2,3 JUMP!" This time we all jumped.
"That was so cool." exclaimed Alex looking at the picture. Lys nodded in agreement and made her way over to me. I gave her a kiss. "The limo should be here shortly." As soon as Alex stated that we saw the vehicle driving down the street. "Or it is here." We all laughed. And started to walk to the sidewalk stopping right before the tree lawn.
"See you at the church!" Lys exclaimed. Her and Alex waved goodbye to us.
"So what all happened last night after I left?" I asked no one in particular. I saw Max's eyes dart to Sidney's.
"Nothing much, we just drank a bit more before we turned it in." Sidney replied. Okay something definitely happened! Max is hiding something. I just get this weird vibe from him. But I am not going to press him. This is Sidney's day! We approached the church to see some guests had already arrived. I immediately started helping people to their seats.
"Bride or Groom?" I asked them. I offered the women my arm and walked them down the aisle. "Hey Flower!" I shook his hand then turned to his girlfriend Janelle and gave her a hug. "How are you guys?" I asked them.
"We are well thank you!" Janelle smiled.
"Great to hear." I offered her my arm and led them down the aisle and the groom side of church. "Enjoy yourselves. See you at the reception." I retreated back to the main hall and saw more of the team. "Hey guys! Glad you all could make it!" There was Kris and his girlfriend Lexi, Tyler with his girl Anna, Ben Lovejoy with his wife, Craig Adams and his family, James Neal with his date Ashley, and many more people! It was great that the whole team came out to support his wedding! I even spotted the Lemieux family in the crowd. Thank goodness Sidney hired one reporter to cover his wedding. He doesn't like the limelight but he figured it would be better this way than having a bunch of people trying to get glimpses and in return ruin the wedding. It would break his heart if Natale didn't have her perfect day. I saw Sidney escort his grandmothers down the aisle then took his place in front of the altar. Troy and Trina followed behind their son. Then Max escorted Mrs. Neubert down the aisle. I turned and saw all the girls in narthex. The bridesmaids included Lys, Alex, Sidney's sister Taylor and Natale's sister Clare as maid of honor. All the girls looked radiant in their short sleeveless pastel pink dresses. We then got in line to walk down the aisle. I was paired with Lys, the newlyweds were together, Kris and Taylor were together and finally Clare would be escorted by Max. Soft music started to play and we started our down the aisle.
The ceremony was your traditional catholic ceremony. Everything turned out smoothly. We took some pictures inside the church with the bridal party and families. Now, we were sitting in the limo on our way to the reception.
"I don't understand why you have to take communion! It's a wedding for pete sakes!" Lys commented. Most the people rolled their eyes and ignored her comment expect Max.
"I don't get it either Lys." she just nodded in agreement.
"Hey guys we are going to get a few more photos when we reach the docks." Natale informed us. Her reception was to going to be on a boat on lake Erie. When we arrived the photographer was already waiting for us! We took some photos in front of the ship, Nautica Queen. Then we took some pictures with the Cleveland skyline behind us. Once we boarded the ship we waited outside the dining hall for our names to be announced.
"Alex Malkin escorted by her husband Evgeni Malkin." the crowd cheered for the them. "Alyssa Trunzo escorted by her fiancé Jordan Staal" We were greeted with cheers upon entering the room. "Next we have Taylor Crosby escorted by Kris Letang." They were applauded as well. "Finally we have the maid honor Clare Neubert escorted by the best man Max Talbot" Max and Clare bounced in the area with smiling faces. "Now the moment you all have been waiting, I am proud to introduced...Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Crosby!" everyone cheered and whistled for the newlyweds. They then took their place on the dance floor and Norah Jones voice flooded the speakers!
"Come away with me in the night/Come away with me/And I will write you a song..." while the couple danced we retreated to the head table to take our places. After that the newlyweds went to cut the cake. Then joined us and the toasts began.
"I was really honored when Sidney asked me to be his best man. We have had some great times throughout the years. You gave me support when I decided to leave Pittsburgh. You were there for me when I had one too many drinks at Mario's or when I had stupid prank ideas. I am so grateful to be here for you as your best man. You and Natale make a great couple. I couldn't be happier for you! I wish you all the best! Let 's raise our glasses to Natale and Sidney!" We raised our champagne glasses and took a sip. Next up was Clare.
"Big sister I couldn't be more honored to be at your side on your wedding day. We have been through our fair share of sisterly fights and annoyed each other to no end but we will always be there for each other. I knew from the moment you brought Sidney home for thanksgiving dinner three years ago that one day he would be my brother-in-law. I couldn't be more thrilled for your wonderful future together. Congratulations!" She raised her glass as did everyone else and took one more sip of champagne. Just then Mr. Neubert stood up.
"I can't believe my girl is all grown up. I wouldn't have given you away if were any other man. Take care of her or else!" We all laughed. "Thank you all for joining us for this special occasion. We hope that you enjoy the food, the music and company. Now for the blessing." then the priest from the ceremony blessed the food we were about to receive. The waiters brought out our salads first then the entrees and cake for dessert. I noticed Lys get up when her cake was set down. I know she doesn't like it but I wondered where she was going so I followed.
"Hey where ya headed?" I asked when I caught up to her.
"The cookie table." she smirked. I continued to follow her. There was all kind of goodies on the table! Lots of Italian desserts. She loaded up her plate and headed back to the table. When we returned Nat and Sid were getting up to go meet and greet with the guests. Just then fun. "We are Young" started to play.
"Oh I love Nat for playing this song! Let's dance!" Lys dragged my arm onto the dance floor. "I know I gave it to you months ago/I know you're trying to forget/but between the drinks and subtle things/the holes in my apology, you know/ I'm trying hard to it back!" Lys sang very loud and off key. Soon Max joined her in singing. Why don't I know this song? As the song ended more up beat tunes started and more people joined us. "I need a drink."
"Me too." Lys hesitated but she let him follow. I ventured back to the head table to rest for a bit because if I know Lys- and I do- she is going to dance the night away. I glanced over to the bar and noticed that Lys and Max were having some words. Lys didn't look too happy. I started to get up and go over to her but they started to come back to the dance floor. I quickly resumed my dancing position acting like I didn't see anything. Lys kissed me. We danced to a few more but then were cleared off the dance floor for the father daughter dance. Natale chose Daughters by John Mayer. Tears were both present in their eyes as they danced. Then the announcer called Sidney and Trina onto the floor. The Perfect Fan by The Backstreet Boys came out of the speakers. Trina had tears streaming down her face as Sidney swept them across the dance floor.
"Hey what song were you thinking of dancing with your mommy?" Lys asked me.
"I really haven't given it much thought." I shrugged. "What about you?"
"Yes." of course she has! "I was thinking Brown-eyed Girl or Stealing Cinderella." she replied. But I didn't have a chance to reply because the mother son dance ended and dancing music was blasting through the speakers. "I am grabbing another drink. Meet you on the dance floor." she smirked at me before heading to the bar. I wasn't in the mood to drink a lot tonight. I'll grab a beer soon. I noticed Max was at the bar when she arrived. What has gotten into them two? But my thoughts were interrupted when Tom Brady and his wife Giselle danced passed me.
"Hey Jordan!" he greeted me and we shook hands.
"Hey Tom, enjoying yourself?" I asked him.
"I am. Everything turned out-"
"-spectacular." his wife finished his sentence and smiled. They continued dancing as they passed and I noticed Lys and Max were right behind them. She walked over to me and put her arms on my shoulders and started to sway her hips back and forth. I love when she does this but can't get this image of her and Max together out of my head. We danced a little longer before the floor was cleared so that the bouquet can be tossed and garter thrown. And guess who won Alyssa and Max. Go figure! But Lys is technically next to get married so it kinda worked out. When he started to put the garter on he used only his teeth to slide up almost her entire thigh. She turned beat red. Hope someone took a picture or captured it on film. Then after that was all said and done Max kissed her on the lips. I mean full on the lips and she kissed back too. That's what broke my heart. At that moment I wished Natale's reception was not on a boat! I just wanted to get away. Far, far away. When they pulled away I just stared at her. She walked over to me and pulled outside to the top of the boat. After stumbling up the stairs I pondered how many drinks did she have?
"Jordan I am sorry. But there is something I need to tell you." she started. These are never good. My immediate thought was that she is breaking off the wedding and marrying Max. "I made out with Max last night at the bachelor party. We didn't have sex just some heavy kissing." she paused. "I am so sorry but I came looking for you so that we could do it. And then the boys bought me a drink and couple shots and I was way over my happy spot. I know it shouldn't have happened. I wish I could take it back but I can't. Again I am so sorry. I wanted to tell you this morning but I couldn't let it ruin your day. I love you so much." I just stared back at her. I couldn't believe she cheated on me with one of my good friends. I didn't have any words to say to her. I knew she didn't mean for it to happen but it did and by the looks of it Max wanted more. I needed not to see her. I just wanted to be done with the reception and go home. "Jordan please say something." I shook my head no and turned and walked away. I heard her sniffle and I knew I made her cry but I did not care at that moment. I walked into the dance hall and heard them playing a few slow songs.
"Hey Jordan where is Lys?" Max asked. The nerve of him.
"Why so you can fuck her this time?" I spat at him and continued my walk to the bar. But my walk was interrupted by Alex this time.
"Lys didn't mean to do anything with Max. I should have stop her. Blame me." sweet Alex told me.
"Sorry Alex this is not your fault at all. Excuse me." I finally reached the bar and ordered myself two beers. I walked back to the head table and sat there and drank the first one in five minutes. Then the Dj stated that it was time to start the bridal dance. I reached into my pockets. All I had was a ten and a twenty. I'll give them the twenty. I downed my second beer and got two more before getting in line to dance. I noticed Max brought Alyssa down from the top of the boat. Her eyes where all bloodshot and her nose was running. How dare he comfort her. How dare he kiss and touch her! She is my fiancé! I put my "dollar" in the bag and took a shot of whiskey. Then danced with Natale. "You look so gorgeous!"
"Aw thank you Jordan! And thank you for your continued love and support. Sid greatly appreciates it as do I!" We danced a bit more then I went to get beers number four and five.
When the boat docked I managed to have nine beers, I didn't see Lys for the rest of the night and finished an entire tray of cookies off. I finally saw her crawl into the limo with Max right behind her. I don't understand it. He even has a girlfriend! Dineen would be so upset if she knew what Lys and him did. And Alyssa and her are suppose to be good friends too. They have known each other since middle school. I didn't speak to anyone on the drive back to the hotel and once there Lys approach me.
"I am spending the night in Alex's room. See you tomorrow. I still love you." she turned and walked into the hotel with Alex and Gino. Max wasn't too far behind. I sulked back to the hotel room. I undid my tie and got undressed throwing the tuxedo over one of the chairs. I brushed my teeth and climbed into bed. My head was spinning. I knew I drank too much and thankfully passed out before I could replay the events again in my head.
In the morning I noticed some movement in the room.
"Sorry I woke you. I was just gathering my things. Alex said they would take me home. I left you a bottle of water and Advil on the nightstand. Have a safe travel back home." she told me. This is stupid. I love this girl and she made a mistake. She got drunk and kissed another guy. I know how she gets when she is vulnerable like that.
"Wait Lys don't go." she stopped to look at me. "I forgive you." I told her. She just stared at me.
"You do?"
"Yes, I know how you get when you are drunk but it was a mistake. A mistake that will never happen again." she shook her head.
"I promise to never do that again. I felt so horrible about the whole situation." then she started to cry.
"Baby, don't cry. It's over and done with. It's in the past. Let's just move on." I got up and kissed her passionately on the lips. I love this girl so much and I am not going to let one stupid mistake jeopardize what we have. We deepened the kiss and whatever she had in her hand fell to the floor as she out her arms around my neck. I put my arms around her lower back and lifted her to lay down on the bed. We made out a bit longer before making love. Afterward I held her in my arms just thinking about our future together when I heard a cellphone go off.
"Oh that's me. It's Alex." She climbed out of bed to retrieve her phone and chatted with her best friend. "She wanted to know if we were going to the luncheon."
"Oh shit I forgot." I completely lost track of time. "Let's go!" We quickly dressed and raced to the restaurant in the hotel.
"Glad you could join us." Malkin teased us as we sat down at the long table. Lys just blushed. We chatted about the wedding and other things before Natale and Sidney left to go on their honeymoon. They were taking a mediterranean cruise visiting Italy, Greece and Turkey just to name a few countries. Lys and I are debating where to go on ours.
"Be safe and have fun!" Lys said and gave both of them a hug. "Take pictures too!"
"Enjoy yourselves." I told them. We all started to say goodbye when Max pulled me aside.
"Jordan I just want to apologize for getting involved with Lys. It was wrong for me to make out with her but even more wrong to kiss her in front of everyone. I am sorry." he told me. I forgave Lys so I should forgive him?
"Okay, thank you for your apology." I can't forgive him just yet. He did come onto my fiancé. I turned to continue my goodbyes. Lys and I went back to the room to gather our luggage before heading home.
"Too bad I don't have time to visit my cousins."
"Babe you have relatives everywhere." I told her.
"I know! And just you wait till you meet all of them! They are great." I smiled at her. I smiled at her. I couldn't believe we were getting in just a short with months. Still a lot of planning to do but end result will be perfect. I love this woman and cannot wait to spend the rest or my life with her.