chapter 19

The next week goes much better for Nickola. Things are going well with Miles. Her urges to contact Herring are almost nonexistent. The fact that this weekend is Ros' wedding is helping redirect her thoughts. She meets Vanessa at the mall.

"So tonight is the bachelorette party?" Vanessa ask.

"Yeah. We're going to the club first then to a hotel after. She's got some family coming from out of town."

"Been so long since we've been to the club." Vanessa says.

"I know. It seems so long ago."

"How are things with Miles?" Vanessa ask as they step onto the escalator.

"Good. We're taking things slow," Nickola says nodding.

"Oh. So you two haven't," Vanessa pries.

"No. I mean we've messed around."

"It's been what? Two months."

"That I've known him. We've only been together for two weeks," Nickola clarifies.

Vanessa stops in front of the entrance to Nordstrom. She crosses her arms over her chest. "You ain't feeling him."

"Why you say that?" Nickola's feels flush.

"I'm not saying you have to give it up. But it's been two months and you're not crazy about him yet," Vanessa is surprised.

"I like him. He's just not who I would typically go for." She turns to walk into the store.

"No he is not," Vanessa says as she followers her in.

They find the section with dresses. "Here it is," Nickola removes the dress from the rack. An a-line knee length navy blue dress. It's a sleeveless vintage slim fit with a shirt collar.

"Oh. I like it!" Vanessa squeals.

Nickola tries on the dress. She comes out of the dressing room and models it for Vanessa. She stand in front of the mirror.

"You look beautiful friend. You can't be looking better than the bride. They're gonna ask you to leave Nikki."

Nickola smiles. "You're silly." She turns to view the back of the dress in the mirror. "Now I'm afraid of Miles reaction."

"Girl! He won't be able to control himself."

The two go for frozen yogurt before parting ways.

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Later in the evening. The ladies meet at the hotel and a limo takes them to Crown One. They enter through the VIP access line and head to the lounge Ros reserved. Her excitement along with her outfit draws some strange stares. She's rocking a white tube top covered with a black crop leather jean jacket. Her black jeans have rhinestones that outline the front and back pockets. Attached to the tiara on top of her head is a sheer lace veil. Written in black script on the front of her top are words Bride to be. A round of long island ice teas are brought to the lounge. The six ladies grab their drinks and head to the dance floor. Ros makes a request at the DJ booth. Nickola's eyes go wide and her mouth drops slightly.

"Que pasa?" Ros ask turning to see where Nickola's looking. "Is that Herring? Who's that girl he's with?"

"I don't know," Nickola still looking as if she sees a ghost.

"Don't worry about him. Just try to enjoy the night."

The song Ros requested plays. She grabs Nickolas arm and yells, "Woo!" The ladies dance together with their drinks in the air. Nickola can't help but look every so often in Herrings direction. They are definitely here together. The way she's hanging all over him. At least he looks uninterested in whatever she's saying. She's pretty. I wonder where they met. What am I doing? I'm with Miles now.

Ros notices Nickola is still staring at Herring. "You going to be okay?"

"Yeah," jerked from her thoughts.

"Don't let it get to you."

"I'll be fine. This is your night." She holds her drink up. "To Ros."

"To Ros the ladies repeat." They all take a swallow of their drinks.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom," Nickola says to Ros.

The crowd has thickened and she has lost sight of Herring. She makes her way to the bathroom. "Nickola," someone in the crowd calls her name.

She turns around. "Hey Herring," slightly nervous.

"Are you here with Vanessa?" He looks around.

"No. It's Ros' bachelorette party," she turns to look at the girls.

"Oh," he says looking in the same direction. "How have you been?"

"Good. You?" she finds it hard to look at him.

"I'm good."

"You here with Bronze?" His cologne intoxicating her.

"No, I'm." The blonde interrupts them locking arms with Herring. "This is Krista. Krista, Nickola," he sounds caught off guard.

"Hi," Krista says curiously.

"Hi," she says to Krista. There's and awkward vibe. "Well it's good seeing you," she says to Herring and walks away quickly to the bathroom.

"How do you know her?" Krista ask.

"She and my stepmum are friends," he watches her walk away.

Nickola looks are herself in the mirror. She takes a deep breath. Ok girl. Get it together. She rejoins the group and manages to enjoy the rest of the night.

==============

Wedding day at Saint Thomas Aquinas church. It's exactly how Nickola envisioned a Cathlolic church would be. High ceilings with wooden pews. Floors that creak with every other step. The virgin Mary carved in stone. A large gold table in front of the lectern. Even a set of gold organ pipes. Anticipation on the faces of the attendees as they await the entrance of the bride. Both sides of the church are filled. Juan's leg shakes nervously as he watches for his wife to be. Their two daughters litter the aisle with burgundy flowers.

Nickola reminisces of her wedding day. The chaos of making sure every detail was perfect. The smiles as she walked down the aisle. The tears in Wes eyes as he said his vows. She looks at Miles and tries to imagine life with him and Devaun. Her daydream is cut short. The pianist begins to play Ave Maria. The attendees stand in honor of the bride. Ros is wearing a soft white sweetheart neckline dress. With a scalloped hem, beaded sash, and a lace back up. Her chapel train also has lace. Diamond drop earrings to match the diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist. The ceremony keeps true to Catholic tradition. With hymns, mass, prayer and blessing.

The celebration continues with a reception at the hotel. White and burgundy centerpieces sit on each table. Rhinestones are scattered around the centerpieces. A chocolate fountain surrounded by bananas and strawberries. In walk the bride and groom. Shortly after, the staff excuses each table to the buffet.

"You've been quiet tonight," Miles says.

"All this is...bringing back memories," Nickola says softly.

There is little said as they eat. Being at the wedding is making her question her relationship with Miles. Ros and Juan step on the dance floor for the newlywed dance. After, the DJ invites everyone to dance. Zara finds a group of children and they all move their bodies to the beat. The Macarena plays.

"Let's dance," Miles hold his hand out for Nickola.

"I thought you weren't a dancer?"

"This is different," he explains.

She smiles and puts her hand in his. Once on the dance floor, her mind is clear of the previous doubts of Miles.