Viola breaks off as someone passes by. Its the bride. She seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere.
Trish, is everything okay? Viola asks.
Trish barely stops and turns. Yes. I just need the bathroom. Ive waited too long already.
Okay. Dont let me keep you, Viola smiles.
Trish turns and continues her walk up to the main building.
Something in Trishs manner tells me something is wrong. Its not my wedding though and I am leaving anyway. Nevertheless, I decide to say something to Viola.
I think somethings wrong with the bride
So now youre a doctor too? Viola asks angrily in a low tone afraid that Trish might still be in earshot.
No I just want to help
I dont need your help, marriage killer. This is my wedding and I think everythings going just fine
A womans shouts suddenly become audible from the main building. I cant say for sure who it is but I have a pretty good idea.
Viola turns and runs for the main building. It takes me a moment before I follow her.
Trish! Viola calls as she runs to the building.
As we near the building the words of the womans shouts become clear.
You son of a two timing bitch! And you! You goddamn damn whore!
Viola has entered the building with me in tow. She pushes her way through the crowd that has gathered already around the open bathroom door.
I follow Violas wake through the crowd and arrive at the front of the people just behind Viola. Trish is standing in front of the open bathroom door screaming at the groom whose pants are pooled around his ankles. He is still buried cock deep in the woman with him in the bathroom. I recognize the girl. Cherise. She is the bridesmaid. She looks away and exclaims to the groom, Close the goddamn door, you idiot!
He reaches to close it but cant without slipping out of the bridesmaid and revealing himself to everyone watching.
Trish steps forward. She brandishes the cake knife threateningly, You dare close this fucking door and Ill cut your cock off you cheating son of a bitch!
The groom, Eric, goes a deeper shade of red and tries to placate Trish, Babe, Im sorry. I am, I didnt mean to
Shut up! Trish screams. Shut up! Dont try to sell me your lies!
Viola takes Trishs arm but she shrugs it off. Camera flashes are going off intermittently and the situation is becoming increasingly embarrassing for everyone. I step forward around Trish and I close the door. When I turn, Trish screams at me.
Who the hell are you! Why are you defending him?
Im not defending him, I reply calmly but firmly as I step up to Trish. She does not resist as she lets me gently relieve her of the cake knife. I lower my voice, It is embarrassing you and everyone.
She looks up at me and bursts into tears as she collapses against me. I put my arms around her and support her as she is wracked by huge sobs. She tries to talk as she sobs and I cannot understand a word she is saying. Over her head, I meet Violas eyes which are looking at me with a mixture of fading anger and newfound respect. I hold Trish close as she continues to sob. Finally, a couple presses through the crowd and approaches us.
I recognize them as Trishs parents.
Thanks, her father says. He gently takes her arm. Honey, daddys here. Its okay, he says softly. Her father gently pries her loose from me and she turns to her father, hugs him, and continues sobbing.
Im sorry for whats happened, sir. Truly sorry, I say.
Her father nods, Thank you, he says again.
I remove a business card and hand it to Trishs mother since her fathers hands are full holding Trish. Her mother takes the card, looks at it, and then at me. I dont need to say anything. The message is clear.
Thank you, Rick, Trishs mother says. I simply nod and then turn to leave.
When I turn, Viola is there. She is looking at me again with narrowed eyes. I can tell shes angry.
I sidestep her and push my way through the crowd that has already started thinning.
I can feel Violas eyes on my back as I leave. I almost expect her to chase me down but I think she knows that wouldnt be a good idea on so many fronts. In a way I want her to chase me down. I want to see her, talk to her, even argue with her as long as I get to speak to her again. She has no idea of the effect she has had on me.
I reach the lobby and give the valet my ticket. My car arrives soon enough and I leave.