The two men from the picture, Lyle and Andrew, walked up. They were dressed nicely in final tailored suits. Matthew shook his father’s hand before doing the same and getting a small hug from his brother. They all became quiet as they looked at her.
“And who’s this dear?” His mother asked.
Matthew grabbed her hand, pulling her forward a bit. She stumbled. The look on the woman’s face couldn’t have been more full of venom if she were an actual snake. There was still a smile on her nude lips, but it wasn’t fooling anyone. Least of all, Chelsea.
“Mom, dad, this is Chelsea. My fiance. This is Catherine Rawlins my mother. Lyle, my father. Andrew of course, my older brother.”
Chelsea shook each of their hands in turn. “It’s nice to meet you all.” She wondered vaguely if words were even coming out of her mouth. It felt like she was whispering.
“Oh and this is Sangi. Chelsea’s best friend and of course, the maid of honor.”
Chelsea watched Sangi shake hands with all three of them. Still, their eyes seemed to rest on her. The uncomfortable was beginning to turn into annoyed. She glanced around. There were at least fifty people, all dressed in black tie with long stemmed glasses of champagne in their hands. Behind them stood a wide, half circle pool. It was cut off by grass, trees and concrete where lounge chairs stood. Catherine broke her out of her daydream.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Chelsea. What is it that you do for work?”
“I’m an attorney, same as Matthew. We met at work,” she flashed a smile.
Catherine seemed to be having none of it. “Well, that’s very quaint.”
Lyle gave a heavy sigh and shot his wife a look. She picked up a glass from a girl holding a tray. Andrew looked uncomfortable, his shifting from one foot to the other more than noticeable.
“Why didn’t you tell me it was going to be a party, mom? We would have dressed for the occasion.”
The woman flashed a grin. “Well, it was a surprise. It wouldn’t have been a surprise if you knew to show up in a suit. Your father and brother aren’t dressed properly after all, you have nothing to worry about.” She turned to Chelsea. “If you wish to change into something more…appropriate, your things should be in the room by now.”
Chelsea felt real anger well up in her. Catherine must have seen something in her face because she stepped back, almost bumping into another caterer. She recovered effortlessly as Matthew wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“I’m going to go speak to the McClellans. I’ll see you all in a moment,” Catherine said before she sashayed away, her narrow hips more pronounced in the clinging dress.
“You have to excuse her. She just stepped off of a plane today and is feeling rather cranky. She’s just happy you’re home, Matthew,” Lyle said before turning to Chelsea. He cupped her hand between both of his. “It’s lovely meeting you as well young lady,” he said with a grin.
Chelsea felt a small moment of relief. She smiled back at him. It was nice to know he was at least nice. Catherine probably was as well, just cranky from her travels. It happened. As he disappeared to join his wife Andrew stepped closer to them.
“Why don’t I take you guys to your rooms? That way I can sneak away and redress too. I am trying to stay off that woman’s bad side.”
“Why’s that?” Matthew asked as they walked back into the house.
“Oh, you’ll find out. Doesn’t everyone always find out everything around here?”
*****
Chelsea examined the room she stood in. It was large with an attached bathroom. She marveled at the way the metallic shower tiles were smooth under her feet. The shower was in a stall with the tub next to it, separated by a wall.
Her bags sat in a corner of the room, empty. All of her clothing had either been hung inside of the huge closet or folded neatly inside of the drawers. She had only packed one gown on the off chance they’d go somewhere fancy for dinner. She picked up the dark blue fabric, rubbing it between her thumb and forefinger. The silk slipped through her fingers. It was one of Matthew’s favorite dresses.
She slipped out of her clothes, folding them neatly before she put them away. It felt too weird to leave them laying around like at home. Chelsea examined her face in the mirror. She scowled. Her hair was disheveled from the drive, her makeup was basically nonexistent from all of the snacking they’d done in the car. She slipped into the dress first. It was deep blue, hugged her curves and was backless. It was perfect for the summer heat, but she worried his parents would think it was too racy. Then again, his mom was wearing something similar.
Chelsea retouched her makeup. Just as she was swiping on her lipstick, the door flew open slamming into the wall. Chelsea jumped before sighing. Sangi was standing there in what she guessed was formal clothing, or what Sangi considered formal. The dress she wore was gray bordering on silver. It came down just below her thighs and fanned out. It looked like a prom dress.
“What are you wearing?” Chelsea asked.