“Oh, Enzo, I’m going to have to introduce you to U2 and Panic! at the Disco and Arcade Fire,” Valerie says.
I turn to her. “You like all those bands?”
“That surprises you?”
“Actually, no. You have excellent taste.”
She runs a hand down her husband’s arm. “I do indeed.”
He winks. “She has the best taste. But then again, so do I.”
“We both have impeccable taste, my love.”
He stands and offers her his hand. “Then come with me and make me look good on the dance floor.”
“I believe it’s the other way around.” She joins him, and they sway.
Truly reaches for my hand, mischief in her eyes. “Dance with me, you Coldplay hater.”
“Seriously? You do know it’s a deep and powerful loathing?”
“I know. I definitely know. Don’t forget, I know a lot about you, and I still like you.”
“Let’s keep it that way.”
“Then let’s dance.”
“Well, I’m not going to make the mistake of turning you down.” I take her to the dance floor for a spin, and somehow I survive the song. That makes me realize something important. “I must really dig you if I can dance to this song with you.”
She clasps my cheek and plants a kiss on my lips.
Yes, I can tolerate Coldplay a hell of a lot like this.
A little later, I head over to the deejay stand, leaning against it, surveying the vestiges of the reception.
Walker lifts his brow. “I see you’re starting to get your act together.”
“Am I now?”
He strokes his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Let’s see. First time I’ve seen you at a wedding where you look legitimately one hundred percent happy.”
“Are you saying I’ve been a grumpy bugger at other ceremonies?”
He shakes his head as he packs up his gear. “Not at all. But there’s a difference between the charm you serve up as a best man for hire and the way you are when you’re with Truly.”
“You’ve been studying me? I suppose that’s understandable. I am fascinating.”
“Human nature is fascinating. You happen to occupy an interesting niche of it.”
I pat his speaker. “And your niche? Are you simply a fill-in deejay now?”
He flashes a satisfied smile. “Just filling in for a buddy. But I’m no longer taking any new gigs. And I do believe I’ve achieved nirvana.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. That is so. I’m doing what I want. Took me a while to get here, but I’m here. I’m happy to help out a friend now and then, but for the most part, I’m on the other side.”
“You’ve made it. You’ve caught your dreams. Like that Thoreau quote: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”
“You’ll get there too. Just don’t take too long to press go.”
“I’ve been formulating a plan all night. Mulling over options. I have an exit strategy, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to put it in motion tonight. I don’t have a safety net, but I don’t care. It’s time to move on.”
He holds up a fist to knock. “You’re doing it? Going after what you really want?”
I knock back. “I’ve decided. I’m going all in on the Modern Gentleman. No more half this, half that. I can’t keep playing both angles. I’ll be letting this go.” I sweep my arms wide to encompass the ballroom.
“Dive in. The water’s warm when you follow your dreams.” He mimes swimming. Through tropical seas, I suspect. “Also, kudos to you for having the balls to jump without a safety net.”
“Wish me luck.”
“To all the safe landings. Now how about telling me the details?”
I begin to share my plan when a sexy, smoky voice whispers, “Jason.”
I jerk my head in a matchstick response. What the hell? I’m not Jason tonight. I’m Jay.
