Hope for Better Weather

I curled the last section of my hair and sprayed one last coat of hairspray all over. It was the night of mine and John’s engagement party; to say I was nervous was an understatement. In the two weeks since Thanksgiving both of our moms had gone crazy with planning this party. I kept telling myself there were only two more weeks until Christmas and I’d sooon be out of this mess.

My mother had insisted this party be semi-formal since it was going to be in the ballroom of one the hotels in downtown Phoenix. My family had come down the day before and stayed the night in the hotel because my mom had said she needed all day today to make sure everything was perfect.

The worst part of all of this was that our parents were so happy. My mom loved planning events and the fact that she was planning my engagement party made her ecstatic. Then Jenny kept making comments about how excited she was to have me become part of their family and how I was “perfect” for John.

It would have been nice to be able to have John’s reassurance that everything was going to be fine but we’d barely talked to each other in since Thanksgiving. Most of my days were spent at the studio preparing for Dirk’s move to California and John hadn’t stepped foot in there in the past two weeks. The others guys from The Maine would pop in and out but I never saw John. I’d wanted to call him up but how do you reach out to the guy who is your fake fiancé but gave you butterflies in your stomach when you kissed?

“Clark?” John called out as I heard my front door open.

“I’ll be out in a second,” I called back. I swiped red lipstick over my lips and looked at my outfit once more to buy myself a few more seconds before I had to go out and come face-to-face with John for the first time in two weeks.

“Sorry, about that,” I said with a fake cheery voice as I walked out to my living room where John was. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah, I…” John started but stopped as soon as he saw me. “Umm…wow.”

“What? Do I look bad?” I nervously asked. I’d thought I looked decent when I glanced in the mirror but maybe I had overlooked something.

“No, of course not. Actually, you look great,” John smiled at me.

“Thanks, you do too,” I said as I got a good look at John. He was wearing dress pants, a white button-up, and suspenders. I’d never seen him dressed like that before, and I liked it. It was different from most people’s idea of semi-formal but he made it work.

John suddenly pulled me towards him and wrapped his arms around me, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Umm…what’s this for?” I asked, my voice slightly muffled from being squished against John’s body.

“I don’t know,” John shrugged. “I’ve missed you these past few weeks. We went from seeing each other two weekends in a row to not seeing each other in two weeks. It was weird.”

“It was kind of weird, although these past weeks have been so stressful,” I groaned.

“I’m so glad I didn’t have to help with the planning. I definitely dodged a bullet,” John laughed as I glared at him.

“If I have to hear my mom talk about color schemes one more time I will lose my mind.”

“Well if we don’t get to the party soon you won’t have to worry about hearing about color schemes ever again because your mom will kill us.”

“This is true,” I chuckled as John and I walked towards the door.

John and I chatted during the dive downtown but we didn’t talk about anything serious. We kept the subjects light and we definitely didn’t mention the kiss that had occurred the last time we were together. I think we knew the night was going to be stressful and exhausting enough without trying to figure out what that kiss meant, if it even meant anything at all. I kept telling myself that the kiss was just for show for his family but in the back of my mind I couldn’t help but think about how right it felt, which scared me.

“How many people did our parents invite?” John asked as we made our way towards the ballroom.

We could see the guests through the glass doors and it looked like there was quite a crowd in there. I knew the party was going to be big when we pulled up and a valet had taken John’s car but I didn’t realize my mother had invited nearly the entire towns of Flagstaff and Tempe. I should have known though; my mother never did anything in moderation.

“I’m so glad my mom listened when I said I wanted this to be small and simple,” I muttered.

John sent me a smirk and grabbed my hand as we made our way into the ballroom. There had been quite a bit of chatter in the room but it became silent when John and I walked in the room.

“Everyone, please welcome the future Mr. and Mrs. John O’Callaghan the fifth,” the DJ announced and took everything in me to not turn around and run out of the room. It also helped that John still had a firm grip on my hand.

We both gave awkward smiles as everyone in the room turned to look at us. Thankfully the music started up again a few seconds later and we were out of the hot seat.

“You two are right on time,” Jenny smiled as she walked up to the both of us and pulled us into a hug.

“We had a few mishaps before everyone got her but don’t worry, we have it under control,” my mom said as she joined us. “Now, be sure to say hi to everyone. And be sure to…”

“Mom, relax. Go enjoy yourself. John and I have this under control now, ok?” I reassured her. “Everything looks great. Thank you.”

“You really went above and beyond, Julie. Thanks so much. You deserve a break,” John said and my mom practically swooned.

“Well I guess I could take a break for a few minutes. I think I’m going to grab some food. The pasta they’re making smells wonderful. Would you like to join me, Jenny?” my mom said before they both walked off.

“It looks as if our moms have struck up a new friendship,” John chuckled.

“My mom is probably thanking you mom for giving birth to you because you’re saving me a life of spinsterhood,” I sarcastically said as John began to laugh loudly.

“I think I’m going to walk over and talk to the guys so our moms don’t yell at us for not mingling. Plus, Henley looks like she wants to talk to you and I have a feeling I’m not welcome in that conversation,” John winked at me before giving me a hug and walking over to where his friends were.

“This is insane,” Henley said as she made her way beside me. John was right; she wanted to talk to me but had been waiting until he left, which made me nervous for where this conversation was headed. “I feel as if this engagement between you and John is real, and I know it’s fake.”

“I know. So many people showed up.”

“Yeah…” Henley said but I could tell there was more she wanted to say.

I rolled my eyes. “Spit it out Hen.”

“Ok, I also feel as if this engagement is real because you and John are acting like and actual couple.”

“Isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing?”

“Yeah but, it just seems as if you guys are falling for each other.”

“We’re not falling for each other, I promise. Sure, we’ve become closer friends throughout this but that’s it,” I assured Henley but it felt like a lie.

“Maybe that’s it then,” Henley shrugged but I don’t think I’d convinced her. “His family also loves you, you know. Tim was talking about how Jenny was gushing about you the other day and Shane and Ross keeping going on about how they have no clue how John ended up with you, which means they like you.”

“I really like his family too.”

Henley opened her mouth to say something else but she was interrupted by someone behind us yelling my name.

“Hey Sophie,” I grinned as the bubbly blonde I’d met just a couple weeks before came bounding up to me. I turned towards Henley and introduced the two. “Henley, this is Sophie, John’s cousin. Sophie, this is Henley, my roommate from college and best friend. She’s also dating Tim Kirch.”

Henley and Sophie both shook each other’s hand and chatted about how nice it was to meet each other.

“Girl, you look gorgeous,” Sophie said as she looked at my outfit. “It still amazes me that my cousin managed to get you. I mean I’m obviously the better O’Callaghan cousin. I got the looks and the brains leaving poor John with nothing.”

“Wow Sophie, it’s so nice of you to show up. Most people refrain from insulting one of the guests of honor at his own engagement party,” John rolled his eyes.

“Oh, don’t be such a baby,” Sophie joked and John stuck his tongue out at her.

“Here, I got some wine for you,” John said as he hand me a wine glass which I gladly accepted.

“Gag me,” Sophie dramatically said. “You two are just so precious; I can’t stand it. I’m going to go drown my sorrows in alcohol.”

“What sorrows?” I asked.

“Well my mom is giving me a rough time about why I’m not engaged yet. The entire family took bets on who’d get married first and let’s just say that no one bet on John.”

“I’m sorry Sophie,” I joked. “Some of my single guy friends from high school are here; I can introduce you.”

“You just keep getting better and better!” Sophie exclaimed. “I’m going to grab some food but I will definitely take you up on that offer later.”

“I’m sure Clark can extend that deal to you too, Hen. That way you won’t be stuck with Tim forever,” John joked.

Henley rolled her eyes. “Thanks but I think I’ll pass. Anyway John, you’re not someone I really want to take relationship advice from.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” John joked.

“I’m not the one in a fake relationship right now, am I?”

John laughed. “Touché. Well since you don’t want my help it looks like you’re stuck with Tim.”

“I’m more than fine with that,” Henley shrugged. “Speaking of… I think I’ll go find him. If I leave him alone too long he tends to get into trouble.”

“So have you been having a good time, fiancée?” John joked as he took a sip of beer.

“Yeah…I mean it’s kind of weird but yeah.”

“Well look at it this way, you get to spend all evening with me.”

“What could be better?” I joked.

John and I began going around and talking to people together. It was weird having people come up and congratulate us but we soon got the script down. We’d talk about how happy we were, I’d show my ring, and then John would make a comment about how he was the luckiest guy in Arizona. This seemed to appease everyone.

John and I were talking to Tim and Henley when the night took a turn for the worst.

“John?!” a high pitched voice called out.

“Shit,” Henley mumbled and I gave her a questioning look but she just shook her head.

“So it really is true…John O’Callaghan is getting married,” A girl with layered blonde hair that reached down to her shoulder blades said with a smile as she approached our group.

“Laci?” John asked in disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m actually moving back home. I love San Diego but I just miss Phoenix too much. I got a teaching job at Scottsdale elementary and decided that was my sign. I’ll begin in January.”

“Wow that’s great,” John smiled as he gave her a hug while I just stood there feeling uncomfortable.

“Thanks. My mom mentioned that you were engaged and your engagement party was tonight so I figured I would come see if it’s true. I hope you don’t mind me crashing.”

“Of course not. It really is great to see you.”

Tim cleared his throat and nodded at me which caught John’s attention.

“Oh, of course,” John quickly said. “Laci, this is Clark, my fiancée. Clark, this is Laci, one of my friends from high school.”

“Hi Clark, it’s so very nice to meet you. And I’m actually more than just a friend…John and I dated for about two and a half years. I think we’re all mature enough to be honest, right?”

“Of course,” I forced a smiled. There was something about Laci that I didn’t like. Her cheeriness seemed too fake as did her smile. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

The five of us stood there awkwardly as a tension surrounded us.

“I’m going to go get another drink. Would you like to join me, John?” Tim asked.

John nodded and the two of them walked off while I mentally cursed John for leaving me alone with his ex.

“Just so you know, John has never mentioned you,” Laci said.

“Excuse me?” I gasped. My impression of Laci being fake was obviously spot on.

“John and I occasionally text each other or talk on Facebook and he’s never mentioned you. He’s never even mentioned that he was dating someone,” Laci smirked.

“Maybe because that’s no longer any of your business. What makes you think you deserve to know about his life when you treated him like shit?” Henley snarled.

Laci rolled her eyes. “You always were so protective of John and the rest of the guys, Henley. Back off. You’re not perfect, you know.”

“And you were always a manipulative bitch,” Henley retorted.

Laci ignored Henley’s comment and turned back towards me. “I just thought you should know,” She paused and gave me the once over. “Anyway, I can already tell you’re not John’s type. He usually goes for girls who are gorgeous…if you know what I mean. Well I’m going to go mingle. It was nice meeting you, Claire.”

I stood in shock as I watched Laci walk away. I knew I should have fought back but I was frozen from her words. I had no clue someone could be that rude.

“Don’t listen to her, Clark. Laci is the biggest bitch in America. You’re gorgeous and are more than good enough for John,” Henley said as she hugged me. “If it makes you feel any better, everyone in Tempe hates her. Well everyone but John.”

“Thanks Hen. I think I’m going to go get some more wine and then go outside. I really need some air,” I said as I quickly made my way over to the bar.

I grabbed two glasses of wine and then made my way out to the back veranda that overlooked the hotel’s garden. I sat on the steps and willed myself not to cry but it was no use. Tears began rolling down my cheeks as I thought over the words Laci had just said to me. If course I thought about how stupid it was that I was crying over the ex-girlfriend of my fake fiancé at my fake engagement party but her words cut deep. It was as if I was never good enough for anyone; Patrick left me for my sister and now I had someone telling me I wasn’t good enough for John. I just wanted someone to look at me and say with assurance that they wanted me, the good and the bad.

“So I hear you met Yoko.”

I looked over to see Ross and Shane sitting down beside me. I wiped my eyes and gave Ross and questioning look. “What?”

“Laci. Shane and I call her Yoko Ono because she almost broke up The Maine,” Ross clarified.

“Ross and I hate her. Actually our whole family hates her,” Shane piped up.

“It’s not too hard to see why,” I muttered.

“What did she say to you?” Ross asked and I saw his protective side that was similar to John’s come out.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Clark, she made you cry,” Shane said as his protective side also made an appearance. Sometimes the three brothers were so similar it was eerie.

I sighed. “She made comments about how John never mentioned me and how he usually goes for girls who are gorgeous. She basically insinuated that I must not be that important too John and I’m not good enough for him.”

“I hate her,” Shane scowled. “If she wasn’t a girl I’d punch her.”

“Please don’t listen to her, Clark. She puts everyone down and what she said is nowhere near the truth. You are beyond gorgeous and perfect for John. When he’s with you he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him,” Ross said.

I smiled at the two boys I’d come to care deeply for these past two weeks. They’d become like my little brothers and it was going to pain me to lose their trust when John and I finally came clean about everything.

“Thanks guys. Seriously, this was a big help. I’m so lucky that I’ll be able to call you my brothers-in-law soon.”

“Of course, Clark. We’re always here for you. Our whole family loves you,” Shane grinned at me.

We sat there lost in thought for a few minutes until Ross asked, “So, are you going to tell John what Laci said to you?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s not that important. I don’t want to ruin his evening.”

Ross sighed. “I think you should tell him but I respect your decision.”

“Thanks. Are you boys ready to head back inside?”

The two of them nodded and stood up before helping me up. I wiped my eyes one last time as the three of us made our way back inside.

We had barely made it back inside when Sophie came running over to us. “The she-devil is here.”

“We know. She’s already rudely introduced herself to Clark,” Ross said.

“What the hell did she say? I swear I’m going to twat shot her,” Sophie growled.

“Please don’t cause a scene Sophie. I’m fine now, I promise,” I tried to calm her down.

“Fine. She totally deserves a punch to the baby maker though. She shouldn’t even be here. Aunt Jenny is furious that she crashed the party.”

“Hey guys, what’s going on?” John asked as he came over to us and wrapped an arm around me.

“What’s going on?” Sophie practically screeched. “What’s going on is that your psycho bitch of an ex is here.”

“Sophie, be nice,” John said in a warning tone.

“Me be nice? How about you tell the Wicked Witch of Arizona to be nice?” Sophie said. “You know what? I don’t feel like getting into a fight with you tonight. You’re free to make your own mistakes.”

“What is she talking about?” John asked as we watched Sophie stomp off.

“She’s talking about how you don’t see how evil Laci is,” Shane exclaimed.

“Don’t you think you guys are overreacting?” John asked.

“You’re on your own with this one. Just don’t fuck up what you have with Clark for Laci. She’s always had a way of brainwashing you. Come on Shane, let’s go try and get some of Clark’s friends’ numbers,” Ross said before he and Shane walked off leaving just John and me.

“Am I missing something? Did Laci say or do something she shouldn’t have?” John asked and I just shrugged. “Are you ok, Clark?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? It looks as if you’ve been crying.”

“I’m fine, John,” I snapped and then sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m just stressed out with everything right now. I shouldn’t have snapped at you though. Anyway, I’m fine. I just got some sand in my eye outside.”

“Ok. Well let’s go talk to some more people. Everyone was asking where you were when you were outside.”

I forced a smile and grabbed John’s outstretched hand, but I couldn’t help but think that I suddenly felt as if I was now all alone in this.