The reception was in full swing. Ike gave a speech, having drawn the shorter straw. Dinner had been served. Everyone was dancing, and even I was having the time of my life. Okay, so I was cutting a rug with my five-year-old niece. Still, I was having a good time. That is, until the asinine DJ decided to play a love song. Granted it's a wedding and all, but was a long song really necessary?
"How about we take a breather?" I asked my dance partner. Dancing to Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" with Madeline would be more depressing than not dancing at all.
She nodded her head in agreement, and together we made our way to the nearest table. As we walked towards it, I noticed it wasn't unoccupied. As we drew closer, I saw the brunette was sitting by herself at the round table. I debated what to say as I sat down. I DEFINATELY wanted to get to know her, but I didn't want to resort to some cheap pick-up line either. As it turned out, I didn't have to say a word.
"Madeline! My, you've grown up SO much! I can't believe this is the first chance I'm getting to talk to you. You're just so popular," the brunette rambled.
Maddy giggled and gave the brunette a hug. "I've missed you, Aunt AJ. You have to visit more. Are you here by yourself?"
The brunette, or Aunt AJ rather, nodded her head. "Yup. I'm all by my lonesome. But I see that even at five you're a man-eater. Who's your friend?" she asked, tilting her head in my direction.
"Oooh, sorry," giggled Maddy. "Aunt AJ, this is my Uncle Zac. Uncle Zac, this is Aunt AJ."
AJ extended her right hand for me to shake. As I did, I remembered that day at ORU when I met Maddy. Apparently good manners runs in the family. But still, something was bothering me. "I thought Pam was Laura's only sister."
AJ smiled. "She is. I'm Nikki's younger sister. Even after we moved to New York our families were really close. So, Laura just introduced me to Maddy as Aunt AJ. Zac. Hmm... you're Taylor's brother, right?" she asked, flashing me a brilliant smile.
"Yeah." 'Yeah?' Nice retort Zac. Upon close examination, I realized that AJ was kinda on the ordinary-looking side. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and porcelin skin. Still, there was something about her. She appeared to have the poise of a Greek goddess or something. I don't know. I couldn't quite place my finger on it. It was just... something. And it wasn't the plunging neckline, either. She appeared to be as comfortable in her dress as I was in my penguin costume.
Just then, Mr. and Mrs. walked over to us. Madeline jumped up into Taylor's arms, and Laura and AJ embraced. "AJ, I'm so glad you made it! How did you get off work?"
"I didn't. Work brings me here."
"Oh," Laura responded kinda knowingly. "I hope you're not..."
"Nope," AJ cut her off. "And I'll be here when you get back. So, do I get to meet the groom, or do I have to wait until next week? After all, I AM responsible for this union," said the Grecian beauty, flashing that brilliant smile once again.
Laura shot her A LOOK, and then made the introductions. "AJ, this is my husband, Taylor. Taylor, I'd like you meet Nikki's little sister, AJ."
AJ and Taylor shook hands. "Nice to meet you," said my brother ever-so-polietly.
"Likewise," was AJ's response.
I immediately recognized the gleam in AJ's eyes. You don't grow up with six brothers and sisters and not know what that gleam means. AJ had a secret she was just DYING to tell. And I could tell by Laura's fidgeting that she wanted AJ's trap shut. Needless to say, my curiosity was peaked. Laura shot AJ another LOOK and she kept her mouth shut - for now. "Congratulations, to the both of you. I'm sure you'll be very happy. I'm glad everything worked out." If I didn't know better, I would swear AJ was trying to supress laughter.
"Thanks," Laura and Taylor responded simultaneously.
The bride and groom excused themselves, and Maddy went with them to mingle with the other guests. The Grecian beauty and I were left alone. Well, not REALLY alone. There WERE two hundred some-odd guests in the room.
"Interested is taking a break from the whole dancing, being a semi-host, and pretending to be comfortable in these clothes thing?" she asked, eyes twinkling.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Sure."
"Good. Follow me," she instructed, leading the way out of the ballroom of the posh hotel the reception was being held in.