Free Wilde Velvet by Deila Longford Page A

petals. She said the living room was filled with candles. He even cooked a meal for the two of them. She said that when she saw him standing in his cheap suit. She knew that she wanted to marry him. So she said yes and now there is going to be a wedding. A little annoying thought bubble rises to my surface at that thought. My mom is getting married. There will be a wedding and I will have to return to Dallas. That thought cripples me. I have so many memories of that city and none of them are good. I had a complicated time whilst I lived there. I don’t like to think back on it. I would rather just move on with my life here in Los Angeles. But my mom means everything to me and there is no way that I would miss her big day.
    Sydney is on her way to pick me up. I have a shift at the café and I need a ride. The door buzzes and I immediately rush to answer.
    “Hey I’ll be right down.” I say as I throw my light pink sweater over my shoulders. I grab my bag and my phone from the dresser and I slip out of my new apartment. I run down the stairs and I smile when I see Sydney climbing into her car. The roof of her old Mustang is down and the sound of GREEN DAY is belting from the tired speakers. She turns down the volume as I jump into the car. She is dressed in her usual grungy clothing. Her dark poker straight hair is glued to her face and her lips are painted a dark shade of purple. She starts the engine and she slowly pushes her foot down onto the gas pedal. The song is still too loud for my ears, so I take matters into my own hands. I turn the radio down and Sydney disapproves.
    “Hey I was listening to that.” she exclaims. I shoot her a remorseful look and then I begin to tell her all about my day. I want to share with her the good news about my mom. I also want to tell her about my little mishap with Mr Gucci.
    “Sorry, but I have a few things that I need to talk to you about.” Sydney slows the car down even further. Man she frustrates me with her slow driving. I try to focus on her and not the tooting horns of the other motorists. “My Mom is getting married.” I gush.
    “Well it’s about time.” I laugh. She is right. It seems as if I have been waiting a lifetime for Pete to purpose to my mom. But now he finally has and we have a wedding to look forward to. Great a trip to Dallas that’s the last thing I need
    “Yeah, I’m so happy for them . Pete is the only guy that can make my mom smile and cry at the same time. They are made for each other.”
    “So when is the wedding?” I shake my head.
    “I’m not sure, but the wedding will be in Dallas.” Sydney tightens her grip on the wheel. Her eyes quickly dart to mine. I know what she is thinking.
    “Are you gonna be okay about going back to Dallas?” she asks. I exhale.
    “I ’m not okay with it, but what other choice do I have? I can’t miss my mom’s big day. I would feel awful and far too selfish if I made the day all about me. I will just have to power through … somehow.”
    “Well you know that I’m here for you, right?” I smile. Sydney is such a good friend.
    “Yeah of course I know that.”
    “So how was your workout with Mr Gucci?” I bite my lip as a sudden image of him rushes into my mind. I shake my head, hoping to shake him from my thoughts.
    “The actual workout was fine. The aftermath was rancid.”
    “Oh, what happened?” I sigh at Sydney’s question.
    “He kissed me.” Sydney swerves at my news. I scream. Luckily she manages to steady the car. It’s a shame that isn’t the case for my heart. I ’m shaking. “Jesus Sydney. Are you trying to kill us?”
    “Sorry, but he kissed you? That’s huge. What happened? I need all the details.” I compose myself. Then I tell Sydney everything. She is surprised at how I acted, but I think that she understands my reasons. “Don’t feel bad. He’ll get over it.” I laugh. She’s right.
    We pull in front of Pacos –the small café that I work at. I thank Sydney for the