“Formal wear. What? This was as formal as I thought things would get. I mean, it’s not like you’ll be going to church with them,” she plopped on the bed, her skirt fanning out around her legs. “Besides, I think I look fucking good.”
Sangi was right about that at least. The silver of the dress and the jewelry she wore laid perfectly against her brown skin. Her hair had been let loose for once and brushed straight. She was even wearing heels.
“You’re right. You look cute. Just, try not to curse in front of Matthew’s family anymore.”
“Why?”
Chelsea shrugged. “I guess they’re really religious or something.”
Chelsea spared herself one last glance in the mirror. She looked a lot better. Her hands ran down the front of her dress, the light in the room reflecting off of her large engagement ring. She smiled down at it while adjusting it. When she turned to Sangi she took a deep breath.
“I’m ready.”
Chelsea walked out of the room with Sangi. Matthew was standing there, waiting for him. He was dressed in a black tux and despite their current situation she really wanted to rip it off of him. She was glad Matthew was so considerate, he wouldn’t leave her to walk out alone. Matthew offered his arm to her. She took it gladly.
Andrew was standing there with Matthew, his suit replaced with a tux as well. As Sangi walked out, he seemed unable to take his eyes off of her. Chelsea couldn’t help but think that perhaps Sangi had a chance after all. He held out his arm. Sangi placed hers on his. Chelsea had to hold back a big, stupid grin that was forming on her face.
They headed back for the door, stepping out into the backyard. Matthew’s family and friends stopped. They stared at her. At first she felt sinking in her stomach, until one after the other they came up congratulating them. Matthew never left her side as he introduced her to people whose names she’d forgotten five seconds after they left them.
“I’m so happy for you Matthew,” one of his aunts were saying. “You found you such a pretty girl. You’ll make a beautiful bride,” she said to Chelsea, smiling.
By the time they’d made the rounds, Chelsea’s feet were throbbing inside of her heels. Matthew seemed to sense her distress. He led her away from the people to a little table set away from the rest. He helped her slip out of her shoes, before he massaged her feet. Chelsea sat with a glass of champagne in her hand.
“You have so much family,” she said absently.
“Oh, this isn’t even half of us. The Rawlins, if you haven’t noticed already, are whores.”
“Well, I knew that about you at least,” she said with a laugh as he tickled her feet. She slapped his hand away absently.
“So, what do you say, babe? Can we stay?”
Chelsea shrugged. “I suppose it’s not that bad.”
Matthew leaned forward. He captured the back of her neck in his hand, bringing her into a deep kiss. She felt herself becoming embarrassed, but he wouldn’t let up. It was just like Matt to say screw the world’s feelings. When they pulled away, someone cleared their throat. Both of them jumped before looking up. Catherine stood, hands on her hips, glaring at them.
“If you two don’t mind, we still have guests here. Please, keep bedroom activities in the bedroom. Once you’re married, of course,” she said before she turned on her heels and walked away.
“I don’t think she likes me,” Chelsea said.
“She’s just repressed, babe. Growing up, I never even saw my parents kiss. Now you know why I’m such a pervert.”
Chelsea laughed. Matt helped her slip back into her shoes before they headed back out into the people. Chelsea could feel it was late, yet these people were still going strong. As she stood, Matthew handed her a new champagne glass.
“I guess weekends are the stay up late days, huh?”
Matthew laughed. “A lot of these people come from old money. Most of them party all night, sleep all day. I mean, you have a few who have businesses to run, but that’s usually passed out for other people to do. Then, you have my dad. The man never stops working. Look at him now, on that phone as usual. Probably making plans in Japan or something.”
“You really want to be like that? Working all of the time? What about a family?”
“I grew up just fine. I had more nannies than you can count on two hands. I was well taken care of.”
Chelsea kept quiet. She didn’t want to tell him that she didn’t think that was very good for any child. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings however, so she kept quiet about it. Besides, what did she know about nannies and growing up in mansions? She was a complete outsider.
As they walked back to the center of the group of people, Andy tapped a spoon against his champagne glass. The outside crew quiet until Chelsea could hear the sound of crickets chirping. Andrew smiled.
“Thanks everyone, for coming here and meeting my brother’s fiance. I’m so happy for both of you. Congratulations and cheers!”
Everyone echoed the cheers before sipping their champagne. Between shaking hands and saying goodbye, Chelsea was more than ready for bed. She followed Matthew as she went, picking up her dress from the floor. When the door was closed securely, she laid back on the bed. She was completely exhausted.
“So, your brother seems nice. Why didn’t you want to tell me about him again? Is it all just an act, you not liking him?” Chelsea asked.
“I’ll tell you another time. For now, just let me kiss you.”
He climbed on top of Chelsea. As she looked up she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. He moved a piece of her hair from her face, leaned down and kissed her until she forgot the question.