Philip
leaned against the balustrade. The vibrant sounds of the party faded into the
background as he closed his eyes and whispered, “Richard’s watching you? How
could you have missed it? You’re such a klutz, Philip Mitchell. The man of your
dreams is right here and you’re scared as usual. If you don’t get it together,
you’ll turn into a grumpy old man and regret this day….”
“And
he plays the piano. I'm impressed.”
It
was that voice. The one that took his breath away. The voice that sparkled in
the light of a million stars. Taking a deep breath, Philip opened his eyes and
spun around.
“Richard!”
“I
needed some fresh air, besides it’s too noisy in there,” Richard said, walking
towards him as if measuring each careful step. "Your mom tells me you
planned this whole wedding from start to finish. Well done, it’s awesome.”
“That’s
not entirely true. I have a partner, Emma. She also had a hand in it.”
A
momentary silence followed. “Your mom also told me you're writing a book.”
“My
mom talks a lot. It's nearly finished.”
“I’d
love to read it sometime.”
Philip
hesitated, contemplating the offer. “It’s semi-autobiographical, and a lot of
it is boring.”
“Well,
if you ever need a beta reader, let me know. I'll gladly help out.”
“Thank
you. Are you enjoying yourself?” Philip asked.
A
faint smile appeared on Richard's lips, the same smile he had displayed
earlier. “Now I am, yes.”
“Only
now?”
“I’m
not a great socializer. I teach twelfth grade English, so I get my fair share
of crowds and cheeky students.”
“I
see now why you offered to read my work.”
“Richard!
There you are!” June stepped out onto the balcony, interrupting them. “I’ve
been looking all over for you.” She took both men by the elbow and escorted
them inside. “It’s almost midnight and the happy couple are about to say
goodbye. We’re supposed to form an arch to cheer them on their way.”
All
the guests lined up opposite their partners, forming a human tunnel with their
hands raised high in the air. June, ever mischievous, seized the opportunity to
play matchmaker and pushed Richard towards the line, conveniently placing him
opposite Philip.
As
Philip’s hands touched Richard’s, his heart performed a wild percussion solo,
thumping against his rib cage like an over-enthusiastic drummer, and when their
gaze met, Philip was captivated. Time slowed, and all he could focus on were
Richard’s silver eyes. It was as if a gravitational force had pulled him
closer.
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