Ice Fairy 4 - 15. Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

Sam’s POV

Bring on the party indeed! Sam was thrilled to death that Brett’s folks were loaning out their house to this soirée; a great sendoff to 2014. Sam was in a great mood; he had his hunky fiancé by his side, his mom and sister were there, and his best friend would be there soon. Now to see if she behaved herself.

The drama with Amber had really gotten on his last nerve and he hoped that tonight, once and for all, it could all be put behind them. He clung to Brett’s side for support.

“Hey, Baby.” His tall, blond man cooed as he slung his free arm around him. “Just got a text from Ryan; they should be here any second.”

Sam grinned. “Good. It’ll be a relief to see them again. I’m sure after their time away they’re closer than ever before.”

“Sure hope so. Come on, let’s get some noisemakers.” They walked over to the table full of party favors. There were all kinds of silly string, noisemakers, hats, tiaras, you name it. Sam swiped a blue hat and plunked it atop Brett’s head.

“There, it’s your color.”

Brett laughed. “Oh really?” he plucked a pink tiara from the table and put it on Sam’s head. “Now that’s you. My wonderful Ice Queen.”

Getting into the spirit of things, Sam made a goofy face and stuck out his tongue. “I’m the Ice King, Baby. But pink is a good color on me.” He admitted. Either way, he loved it.

The doorbell was heard and they craned their necks to see who it was. Sam would know them anywhere; it was Ryan and Caleb. He smiled wide and held his arms open to hug them both hello.

“Hi, guys!” they exchanged their greetings and Sam felt something brush past his fingers as Ryan brought his arm down. Something sparkly. He gasped when he saw the bright bauble on his friend’s finger. “Holy cow, what’s that?”

Ryan smiled wide and Caleb put his arms around his shoulders. “That is my engagement ring. This big guy popped the question just a couple of hours ago.”

Sam was so thrilled for them! “That’s awesome! I’m so happy for you both!”

“Dude! Way to pop the question, Caleb!” Brett added as he gave them a fist bump. “Damn, nice rock.”

The couple looked so happy that it made Sam relive that glorious moment when Brett got down on one knee and asked him that same, life-changing question. He was giddy with happiness for them both.

“Isn’t it gorgeous? It was my grandmother’s ring. It’s from Ireland itself too. How cool is that?” Ryan told them. “Fits like a glove. Grandma wasn’t a small woman.” He teased and cuddled into Caleb’s side.

“Just wait till I’m fitted; I think I’ll need a small bracelet to fit this finger.”

“Brett’s got big fingers too; about a 12, aren’t you?” Sam asked.

“Yeah, just below a bracelet. Wait till you see the wedding bands; they’re titanium and so cool. Little diamonds in them and everything.”

Now this was a great conversation to be having. Weddings. Holy Shit! They were all going to be tying the knot! Now Sam couldn’t resist teasing them about the hell that would follow.

“Do your folks know?” Sam asked.

“Well yeah, his mom gave me the ring and I talked to his dad for what, half an hour? Mr. Patterson can be tough to talk to; but he knew I was dead serious about making a commitment to this one.” He dropped a kiss on Ryan’s head.

“Just wait till your mom’s get together.” Brett indicated his mom and Midori chatting in the corner. “Elope. I’m telling you now.”

Sam poked his fiancé in the ribs. “And ruin their fun? Hell, as long as the ring fits, and I’m Mr. Sam Zephyr at the end of the day. That’s all I want.”

Ryan’s mouth popped open. “Crap, we didn’t set a date yet or even think about names yet.”

“Well hell, you said this was a couple of hours ago?”

“Yeah.” Caleb answered.

“I’m sure there were other more immediate items to take care of for sure.” Brett winked at them.

“Oh yeah.” Ryan looked like he was a tamale in Caleb’s grasp. It was wonderful.

Meredith broke the scene. “Boys! Amber and Colby are here!”

Sam’s pulse jumped. This was going to be the best night ever!

“Amber”! He opened his arms wide and greeted his friend.

“Sweetie!” She responded and gave him her usual death grip embrace. She even hugged Brett as well and side-hugged Ryan and Caleb.

It didn’t bug Sam too much though about the lessening of affections as she went. He was accustomed to shaking Colby’s hand. The guy had a good, strong grip but he’d kill for a hug, just once. Oh well; not his thing and he dare not push.

“How are you guys?” Sam asked.

Amber pushed back her long, dark hair. “Well, it’s been quite the day. My mom and sisters and I went out shopping and did some baking….”

“What about you, Cheeseman?” Brett asked.

“Oh, not too much. Just waited for this one to look all purty enough to be the belle of the ball again.” Colby teased, which got him an elbow in the side from his girl.

“Very funny, Mister.” Amber’s eyes surveyed the rest of the group. Her eyes stopped at Ryan and Caleb. “You two look like you’re up to something. What’d I miss?”

Sam rolled his eyes and sighed. “You’re not a reporter, Amber. But our friends have something to share tonight.”

“Oh?” her eyes were huge and she looked at them both. “What might that be?”

Ryan pulled out his arm from Caleb’s grasp and held up his left hand. The diamond ring was very obvious in its own meaning; but in case it didn’t get the point across, he looked ready to provide an explanation.

“We got engaged today. Caleb and I.”

Sam watched Amber’s face light up, but it was a low-wattage light at best. She’d painted on a plastic smile and didn’t look at all genuine with her happiness.

“Wow, really? That’s…” she looked at Sam and he gave her a look of ‘better be nice or else’. “Sudden.” Is what she finally spit out.

The happy couple’s faces told the reaction well; that they weren’t happy with the reply.

“So what if it is?” Caleb shot back. “In my mind, it’s long overdue.” He ran a hand through Ryan’s wavy locks. “We’ve been together the longest and until recently we thought marriage would be out of the question for another year or so at least.”

Despite Amber’s cool demeanor, Sam was relieved to see Colby step up to the plate.

“Well dad gum! Look at that rock! Caleb, you are a lucky man and you too, Ryan. It’s about time you guys made it honest.” He teased and patted their shoulders. “I’m happy as a greased pig for ya both.”

“Thank you, Colby.” Ryan replied cooly, looking right at Amber. “Seems your girlfriend doesn’t quite share your opinion.”

“Oh, well…” she sputtered. “Don’t get me wrong now, boys. I’m happy for you. Really.”

Sam doubted that sincerity with every bone in his body. He crossed his arms and stared at his friend. “Why do I think you’re lying through your teeth, Amber? Oh wait…I know why.” He snapped his fingers. “Because you are.”

Dumbfounded, Amber’s mouth opened. “Sam! What the hell? Why are you talking to me like this?”

“Why? Why?” Sam felt his temperature rise with each indignation. “Amber…holy shit. Do you have any idea of what you said not that long ago that hurt me to the core?” he glared at her.

“What?” she spat out quickly. “So what? So I don’t like gay sex; it’s not my thing, Sammie. It’s yours and as long as it’s just you and Brett…” she turned to look at the newly betrothed couple and then back at her buddy. “Then I’m fine with it. You really shouldn’t have told me about the swapping you were doing.”

Sam felt himself shaking with anger and he balled his fists. “Damn right I shouldn’t have! But I enjoyed it, so I told you about it. I never, ever would’ve guessed this about you, Amber. You didn’t seem to mind watching Brett and me kiss or talk about our sexual life.”

Amber shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Duh, Sammie. Hell yeah, I wanna hear about your man, not these other two. They’re not your guys, not anymore.” She looked them up and down. “Thank goodness.” Her nose was firmly in the air and she faced them. “Wow, how shocking that after your little orgy broke up that you finally pop the question. What timing!”

Caleb looked like he wanted to rip her apart. “I asked out of love, not guilt, Amber! I have no need at all to explain my motives to you anyway, Miss Mighty Mouth! You need to mind your own damn business and stay out of ours!”

“Hmpf! So rude!” Amber harrumphed.

“He’s right, so just back off, Missy.” Ryan echoed Caleb’s sentiment and nudged them forward. “We don’t need to listen to this. We’re happy as all hell and you’re not going to fucking ruin the greatest night of our lives so far by being a bitch to us!”

They started towards the door, but Brett and Sam pulled them back. “Wait! Don’t leave…” Sam begged. “Amber, say you’re sorry. Right now.” He ordered her.

She let out a very quick laugh. “Sammie, you’re shouting at me? Come on! You can’t order a fly around. Gimme a break. It’s their guilt that made tonight happen, don’t you get that?”

“No! I don’t get that, Amber! All I see is a couple very in love and celebrating the biggest news of their lives and you’re ruining it for them by being a total snobby, judgmental, motor-mouthed bitch!” He got right into her face and balled his fists, trying to stay in control; but it wasn’t easy.

Fat tears started in Amber’s eyes and one rolled down her cheek. “Sammie… you don’t really think of me like that do you?” Her lip quivered and Sam had to look away or risk a meltdown of his own.

With incredible control and his blood pressure in check somewhat, he nodded. “Right now, yeah, I do. You need to apologize, Amber. Right now!” he yelled at her, startling even himself.

The crocodile tears vanished and she raised her hand, looking as if she’d slap him, but Brett pulled him away.

“You even think of touching him and I’ll make you wish you’d never thought about it, Missy.” Brett spewed at her.

“What the fuck have you done to him? He used to be so nice and loving and trusting and my best friend in the whole wide world!” Amber breathed harder and looked shocked and hurt; but Sam knew it was all an act.

“I saw the truth, Amber!” Sam replied, his eyes trained like a sniper on her face. “When you tried to get Brett and me to break up more than once, to use my words against me with my friends doing something that’s none of your damn business in the first place…” he paused. “But you thinking what I do is gross and dissing their engagement is the last straw, the last one ever!” he screamed at her and pointed towards the door.

“Wh….Sammie?” she gasped. “What the hell?”

“Get out! I’m telling you to shut up, turn around and get the hell out! Call your mom or someone else to take you away; you’re not welcome here!” Sam shot at her with a force he didn’t know he even had.

“What? Sammie! So I think their engagement is sudden, so what?”

“It’s wrong, Amber, get it?” Brett tried to spell it out to her. “You hated what we did then and what we do now. If you can’t accept it and be happy for Ryan and Caleb then you’re not welcome here!” He pointed towards the door too.

Backing away slowly and looking truly befuddled; Amber bumped into Colby and turned around. She smiled and put her arms around him, but he shoved her away.

“No.” he spoke with his meaning clear.

“What? Colby, what do you mean no? It’s me, Baby.” She tried to bat her eyelashes at him, but all he did was shake his head.

“I know damn well who it is, Amber. But I ain’t likin’ what I see. You got no right at all to be doin’ or sayin’ what you are, girl. None at all!”

Sam always knew he liked Colby, this just reinforced that opinion. He reached for Brett’s hand and then Caleb’s. They’d been so hurt too, he hated to see it.

“Colby! How dare y…”

“No! How dare you!” he parroted back at her and glared into his girlfriend’s eyes. “Amber, you’ve been spiteful, mean, bitchy, and downright awful to all four of them guys and if you don’t stop it right now and grovel like there ain’t no tomorrow, then you lose me too!” He crossed his arms defiantly and wouldn’t budge.

“Colby! No…baby…” she struggled for words and sobbed into his side, but he turned away from her.

“Get away from me, Amber. You done this to yourself, girl. You been so damned mean that you lost all of us. Even your Sammie.”

With huge, wet eyes, Amber turned to Sam. “Is that true? Because I’m not happy for them and think something isn’t my taste? You’ll throw away all our years of friendship for this?” she shook her head and laughed at it all. “Holy crap! No, Sammie. No way.”

With a courage Sam hadn’t known before, he stood up to her one final time. “I agree, no way! We’re done, Amber. You killed our friendship tonight, for good! Now I want you to get outta here and don’t ever call me again, do you understand me? We’re through, Amber! I’m happy! I’ve got my man and my real friends right here.” He glanced up at Colby. “Dude… I understand if you gotta stand by your woman.” He hated to even speak her name anymore.

Colby and Amber traded looks and he shook his head and walked towards the men. “Hell, no! I ain’t stayin’ with that one. She don’t love her friend unconditionally; I don’t like that one damn bit. You guys are my friends.”

Wow, now that was a surprise, and very satisfying. Sam felt easier about things, but only briefly. He felt tears teasing his eyes over the loss of his best friend. “Amber… I lost you a long time ago.”

But she wasn’t having it. “Oh hell no.” she held up her hand to stop him from talking. “My man with y’all? Hell no.”

“Oh hell yes, girl!” Colby spat back. “You want a show of solidarity? I’ll show you how real guys stick together.” He surveyed the group and settled on Sam first, going up to him and not only hugging him, but giving him a nice kiss on the lips!

“Omigod! Colby!” Amber gasped.

Sam smiled and was thrilled to see such a show of support.

“Oh hell, I ain’t done yet, girl!” he went to Brett next and did the same thing, then to Ryan and even Caleb. When he was done, he was tucked into Caleb’s side.

“I’m so gonna puke! You guys are sick! Just absolutely sick! You’ve turned my boyfriend into one of you!” she shouted.

“One of us, Amber?” Sam was so mad he wanted to shove an apple into her mouth and toss her onto a spit! “Shut up and get out of this house! You’re not welcome in my life anymore! Close your mouth and leave!” he demanded.

Before she left the room, stumbling backwards, she glanced at Colby. “We’re done now, Baby?”

Colby nodded. “Hell yeah we’re done. Go home, Amber. Go friend people that are what you want them to be first. Maybe some Barbie dolls or somethin’. We’re through.”

With all five guys against one girl, she didn’t stand a chance of breaking their loyalty.

“Fine! Fuck you all! Go to hell, all of you! Goodbye!” she ran out the door and slammed it shut.

“Stick an apple in it!” Sam yelled after her.

There was such an air of relief after she left that it took a minute for the tension to subside. Sam felt his pulse slow with every rub on his shoulders that Brett gave him.

“Better, baby?”

“Mmmhmm. Much better.” Sam felt more relaxed every second. He watched the others meander over. “Colby…I’m so shocked and pleased that you support us.”

The young man shrugged. “Ah hell, Sam. Y’all have always been good guys. You just told her too much. I’m glad I got out before she demanded I marry her.” He snorted.

“So are we. You deserve a lot better.” Ryan told him. “We have two weddings to plan already.”

“Sure as shootin’ ya do. I’m pleased as punch you guys are tying the knot. I don’t think it’s sudden, I think it’s awesome.”

“Thanks, Colby.” Caleb replied.

Sam looked the young man up and down. “Hey, my attendant of honor just ran out the door, I’m short one. Colby? You wanna do the honors?”

He looked shocked. “Me? Aw hell, Sam. That should be for your best friends, which I think are them two right here.” He indicated Ryan and Caleb.

“Well…” Ryan is my best man.” Brett reported. “So it’s only natural that Caleb should be yours, baby.”

“That would be awesome.” Sam smiled at the thought and approached his huge friend. “Wanna do the honors, Caleb? Hand me Brett’s ring and make sure I can breathe? Plus give an awesome toast?”

Caleb nodded. “I can do that. I’d loved it. But on one condition; that you two do the same for us.”

Brett and Sam both nodded. “We’d be honored, guys.” Brett replied.

“Colby can be the usher both times.” Sam announced. “We’ll find you a good girl to be with by then for sure.”

“Aw hell, maybe. Lemme get over the drama that one brought on first. No more of that crap for sure. We’re at a party and we gotta ring out 2014 with a bang!”

Sam smiled wide. “Sounds good to me! Out with the old and in with the new!”

And party they did, long past midnight. The horrid drama and exit of Amber from his life was painful, but it was necessary. Brett was his life, and his family, and skating. Plus his friends…his real friends. Four of the best buds he’d ever met.