Johnny crashed the wedding. He wore a suit that was a size too big, and his father’s old dress shoes. But he was strong from months of lifting weights in the yard during the two years he had spent in the Department of Corrections, and he had splurged on a decent haircut, so his looks made up for his wardrobe.

He slipped into the back of the church and stood quietly as he watched her walk down the aisle with her father. Even from behind, her could recognize her, his sweet Courtney. He moved slightly so he could see the man that she was marrying, then moved again until all he could see was her. Man, she was beautiful. He had always thought he would be the one standing up there with her. But he had been the only one with that thought.

After the nuptials, everyone was corralled into a big room where the celebration would be held, the dinner, drinks, and dancing part of the evening. Johnny walked over to the bar and ordered a drink. He should have asked for a beer since it had been a long time since he had a drink, but instead he asked for a bourbon. The drink went down quickly, and he ordered another. He found a table with a group of young women and asked if he could join them. Soon, they were laughing and getting a little loud. One of the girls was seriously flirting with him.

Finally, the wedding party arrived and the D.J. introduced the new couple, “Mr. and Mrs. Bowman!” to everyone’s applause and cheers. Johnny watched Courtney’s face for any shadow of doubt or unhappiness, but her countenance radiated only pure joy. For an instant, he saw her in the back seat of his Chrysler, the moon lighting her face, her eyes bright as she reached for him. He shook his head, and that memory went flying. This is how it is now, he told himself.

Getting one more drink, he decided he would leave without trying to speak to her. It was a small town and they were bound to run into each other at some point. He just wanted to see this with his own eyes. While he was trapped in prison, getting reformed, she was looking for his replacement. He had taken the fall for them both, but she never appreciated what he did for her. She never even came to see him once. He set his empty glass on the bar and the bartender asked him if he wanted another. Johnny shook his head and walked out of the venue.

Pulling off his suit jacket, he walked to his car and threw the jacket and tie in the passenger seat. He started up the car and drove in the direction of the lake. His uncle still had a fishing boat docked there and he had the keys in his pocket. The only things he wanted to do when he got out was see Courtney and go fishing. On to the next thing.

#3TC, #threethingschallenge #MM52

Three Things Challenge : MM52