Page 93 of The Lookback
Tommy’s scowling now, which is adorable. To have a man getting jealous over my ridiculous appraisals of men half my age is very entertaining.
“I didn’t decide because of Abby or David or even you,” Helen says. “I decided to keep it for me.” Now she leans forward in the chair. “But that leads me to my next question.”
“And now I’m truly interested,” I say. “I was nervous for you before, but you have my full attention.” I can’t help my smile. It’s been a strange and wonderful day.
“Will you be a bridesmaid?”
“Oh, absolutely not.”
“Please,” she says. “David has dozens of friends, and the man has so many groomsmen, I have no idea how I’ll find enough people to stand next to them if you say no.”
“How many boys are you thinking will escort me?”
Helen’s smirk is calculated. “I was counting on at least two.”
“I’m not some kind of court jester,” I say.
“And I’m not really the typical blushing bride, either. I think with your help, we can make this wedding something people will remember.”
“Is that your goal, then? Memorability?”
“It’s a start.” She shrugs. “I’m only getting married because we’re having a baby—no other good reasons togetmarried. If I have to do it, the wedding ceremony may as well be interesting.”
“That’s not the only good reason to get married,” Tommy says.
“What?” Helen asks. “What else you got?”
“You could want to send a message to the world that this is your person, forever.”
“I think the fifty percent divorce rate might undercut that message,” Helen says.
“But marriage is valuable, no matter how long it lasts,” Tommy says.
“Agree to disagree,” Helen says.
“Don’t worry,” I say. “Helen and I regularly disagree, and she’s still here, asking me to be her bridesmaid.”
“Well, no matter how you look at it, my marriage won’t be very traditional,” Helen says. “My wedding gown is black, my maid of honor will probably have a baby on her hip, and David and I are currently arguing over which resort will host the ceremony.”
“It should be at ours,” I say. “It’s so much prettier.”
“He says his has better views,” Helen says, “but he’s actually pushing for us to do it at Gold Strike.”
“He is?” I frown. “Why?”
“We’ll have to move quite a few guests that are booked away from whichever resort hosts, since we want to do it soon,” I say, “and he would rather we eat the cost, that devil.”
“Are you sure he’s not messing with you?” That seems like something he’d do.
“I don’t think so,” Helen says. “He’s let me have my way on everything so far. I really thought he’d balk about the black wedding dress.”
“If I were ever to get married, I think I’d like a black wedding dress,” I say. “It would be cost economical—it could double as my shroud when I die.” I can’t help my cackle.
“If you wereeverto get married?” Tommy asks.
I freeze.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Helen says. “At this age, people are going to comment on it, so you may as well be in on the joke.”
