the lavish mansion, Kellen noted that three large banquet rooms were converted into three distinct and equally chic rooms: one resembled a Parisian backdrop for the ceremony, another served as a luxury lounge and the third was the massive grand ballroom where the reception would be held. Golden lovebirds were situated among thousands of votive candles throughout.
Kellen sat down beside Dreyden, pulling at his bow tie. “I can’t wait to get out of this tuxedo.”
“I know what you mean.”
Guests were seated while being entertained by a harpist.
Kellen and Dreyden were joined by the rest of their family and DePaul relatives, taking up the first five rows on the groom’s side.
Near boredom, he released a soft sigh when the processional began.
Twelve bridesmaids. Kellen hoped whoever he married didn’t want a high-society wedding. He preferred something short and simple. He never understood why people wanted to spend so much money on a ceremony that lasted thirty to forty-five minutes at most.
Once the bride made a dramatic entrance, the ceremony didn’t take long, much to Kellen’s relief.
In the ballroom, after the pastor gave the blessing, more than a hundred perfectly choreographed attendants served dinner. After the bride and groom finished eating, they navigated around the room, pausing at each table to greet their guests.
When they reached Kellen and Dreyden, both men stood up.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. DePaul,” Kellen stated as he gave Amy a hug.
“Thank you,” they said in unison.
Dreyden embraced her and said, “Keep this man in line.”
“Don’t worry, she does,” Harold responded with a big grin. “I’m glad you all could be here to share this day with us.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.”
Dreyden nodded in agreement.
The happy couple moved on to Zaire and Tyrese, who were seated at the same table along with Sage and Ryan.
“They really look good together,” Kellen said in a low voice. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harold so happy.”
“She’s good for him,” Dreyden responded.
Harold’s sister, Meredith, walked over with her husband. “Hello, cousins.” Kellen hadn’t had a chance to speak with her until now because she was also a bridesmaid in the wedding.
He broke into a smile. “Marriage looks good on you both. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here for your wedding.”
“You were in the middle of your exams. We understood,” Meredith told him. “Thank you for the beautiful gift you sent.”
They talked a few minutes more before joining his siblings at the table. Dreyden and Kellen walked over to the bar to get something to drink.
“You know the pressure is about to increase for you to find a wife,” Kellen told his brother.
Dreyden laughed. “What about you? You’re single.”
“I’m just starting out in my career, though. You have your own business and your own place. Sorry, but the focus is going to be on you, bro.”
“I’m not seeing anyone seriously, so it might be a while.”
Kellen laughed. “Mom’s going to be so disappointed.”
His brother chuckled.
The band, La Chapelle Rhénane Orchestra from Paris, kept the dance floor packed all night long.
Kellen finished the last of his champagne. “You know...I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harold dance.”
Dreyden glanced over at his brother and said, “It’s his wedding day. He’s having a good time.”
“So what’s going on with your love life?” he asked Dreyden. “I can’t believe you haven’t met anyone special.”
“I’ve been so inundated with work that I haven’t had time to build a relationship. However, there is this girl that I think is special. She’s a workaholic just like I am. Only she’s in Hong Kong. Her job transferred her there eight months ago.”
“Bro, you need some downtime.”
“I know. I am going to take some time off in a couple of months. I’m thinking about going to Hong Kong.”
“I think you should, especially if she’s special to you,” Kellen advised.
“If I do that, I’m not sure I’ll have a restful vacation.”
He laughed. “I guess you’re right about that.”
“What about you?” Dreyden inquired. “Have you left anyone special behind in Atlanta?”
Kellen shook his head. “I’m not looking to get serious with anybody. I want to get my career on track first.”
He accepted a second glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “There is a sea of gorgeous women here,” he said. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen so many in one place like this.”
Dreyden agreed.
They stopped to chat with a couple of friends who were in attendance. Kellen smiled at the daughter of the couple he was conversing with. She smiled back and gave a little wave, but it was Dreyden who seemed to have captured her attention.
When they walked away, he said, “She was pretty. I saw the way she kept looking at you.”
Dreyden chuckled. “Maybe I should ask her to dance.”
“I think you should,” Kellen encouraged. “Go on...have fun.”
He watched his brother make his way back over to the young woman. They made their way to the dance floor.
“What’s this?” Blaze asked as he joined Kellen at his table. “I guess Dreyden’s feeling much better. He’s out there dancing.”
“He needs to have some fun. The man does nothing but work.”
“What about you? When was the last time you had a date?”
“It’s been a while,” Kellen responded. “I didn’t want to be tied to anyone since I was moving out here right after graduation.”
“So you’re ready to break some hearts in Los Angeles.”
He grinned. “I’m definitely not going to get mine broken.”
“I can’t wait to meet the woman who steals your heart, Kellen.”
“Hey, I can’t, either. She’s really going to have to be something special to get me to want to settle down.”
* * *
Kellen drove to Dreyden’s condo the next day. He was looking forward to watching a basketball game with him. He was a Lakers fan while his brother favored the Atlanta Hawks.
“Hey, I just got off the phone with Ari,” Dreyden announced. “He’s bringing pizza and beer.”
“Great,” Kellen replied. He took note of Dreyden’s grayish pallor and the dark circles beneath his eyes and the way his clothes hung loosely on his frame. “Hey, when was the last time you saw a doctor?” he inquired.
“I think it’s been about two years,” Dreyden responded with a slight shrug. “I think I may have a virus or something, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
“I don’t agree,” Kellen responded. “This has been going on for a while now. I’m not the only one who has noticed how much weight you’ve lost, and that you haven’t had much of an appetite lately.”
“The