Loving Sofia by Alina Man

like all you can see is ass and boobs. I try to stretch the material unsuccessfully.  Suddenly I hear footsteps behind me, and I turn to find Mark watching me.
    “You look so beautiful , Birdie.” I am waiting for him to joke around or something, but he just stands there, eyes locked with mine.
    “You too.  Are they ready?  I never know what to do at these things and I’m afraid I’ll fall on my face in front of everyone.” 
    Just as he’s about to answer, Mona’s mom comes in the room letting us know it’s time to get to our places.  We walk next to each other, not saying a word.  I can hear violins playing in the background and I’m thankful for the noise since my stomach is having its own concert at the moment, making loud growling noises.
    God I hope I can do this.  Once inside, Mark walks to the front to sit with the rest of the groomsmen, and I am left to wait for my cue.  The room is filled with beautiful crystal, fragrant roses, and different shades of gold everywhere. 
    Once we’re all in our assigned places, the music changes and Mona and her dad appear, walking slowly toward us.  My God she looks so beautiful. The whole thing, from her walking with her dad, to the really breathtaking dress, is so beautiful that I have to fight back the tears.  I glance at Jon and his expression is priceless.  You could feel their love for each other in every inch of the room.
    As we are listening to Mona and Jon recite their vows , I can’t help but look over to Mark and find him watching me.  We don’t try to look away and in that moment all I can think is that he is the only one I want.  And it scares the hell out of me.
    “You may kiss the bride,” the priest says and everyone cheers to the newlyweds.  Limo after limo line s up in front of the beautiful cathedral to take us to the reception. As I’m trying to find my way, someone grabs my wrist.
    “Running away?” Mark winks at me.
    “Hardly.  Even if I do run now, I’ll still end up at your place tonight,” I smile but it doesn’t reach my eyes.  His touch is driving me insane, giving me goosebumps everywhere.  Is he not aware of the kind of power he has over me? We both get pushed by the mass of people rushing to get to their rides, so he continues to hold my hand as we make our way outside. 
    “I drove so how about I give you a ride?”  Is he kidding me?  Hell yeah I want a ride.  At least I won’t feel stupid arriving all alone at the reception.  He opens the passenger door for me , then gets in the car and drives away faster than necessary.
    “Are you in a hurry?” I try to look scared but he knows I am joking. 
    “Yeah, I’m hungry.”  Here comes that wink and dimple, blue eyes and muscles, and everything in between. Oh, I was hungry too, but for something totally different.  Where did all these dirty thoughts come from?  I’ll have to blame it on that Fifty Shades book I read last night.  Yeah that’s it. After all, I am a good girl and good girls don’t think like this. 
    The reception room is exquisite and I can’t help feel a little jealous. Will I ever get married?  And if I do, will it be as happy a day as this one? We arrive for the happy hour before dinner and the food and alcohol are plentiful.  A live band plays softly and some couples are already dancing. I grab a glass of champagne and make my way out to the balcony for some fresh air. Mark follows me, and together we watch the party.
    “They did it,” I say.  “Do you ever think about getting married?” I ask him. 
    “I do.  I just have to find her first,” he laughs.
    “What if you never find her? What then?”
    “Then I guess you’ll have to marry me.”
    “Promise?” I say . I don’t even recognize my own voice.
    “I promise , Birdie,” he tells me with serious eyes.
    I don’t know why , but I laugh at his answer.  I guess I feel nervous thinking that maybe it could happen.
    “Sounds like a plan , my friend.” With that all