Unforgivable - 5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

After the limo dropped them off, Corey and Pierre made plans to meet for breakfast, before heading off to their rooms. The hope was that David would arrive after breakfast, and they could all leave for the ceremony together. The next morning, a slightly hungover Corey had just begun pulling on his shirt when there was a knock at the door. His redheaded friend stood in the hall beaming with happiness, gripping his boyfriend’s hand.

“Look who showed up late last night to surprise me!” Pierre gushed, hugging his rugged partner, who looked embarrassed at being the center of attention.

Corey chuckled and opened his door wider, inviting the couple inside. “What time did you get in?” he asked the quiet man.

“About 2am.” Giving Corey a shy smile, he allowed his smaller partner to pull him into the room.

“He said he missed me, so he drove down as soon as the job was done.” Pierre snuggled into his boyfriend’s side. Corey felt a pang of envy seeing the two men so in love. This wasn't something he had with Zach.

“Are we still on for brunch?” he asked, clearing his throat.

They all agreed food was a good idea, and left for the hotel restaurant’s buffet. David was a big, well-built man, and could pack away a significant amount of food. Corey’s appetite was pretty impressive as well, and in no time there were a variety of plates scattered on the table. While eating, they filled David in on the reunion dinner and bachelor party. Pierre even mentioned the apology he got from Jason. The construction worker smiled indulgently when the redhead complained, again, about the naked boobs they'd been subjected to.

“Baby,” he said, rubbing soothing circles on Pierre’s back. “What did you expect from a bachelor party for a straight man?” Corey burst into laughter, earning him a glare from his friend.

“I swear,” Pierre grumbled, swiping the last piece of bacon from Corey’s plate. “When David and I get married, Drew’s going to a drag show and a strip joint.” Immediately he seemed to realize what he’d said, and turned, wide-eyed, to his boyfriend. “I… I didn’t mean…,” he stammered.

The big guy didn’t speak, but pulled Pierre’s hand to his lips, kissing his fingers. The love in the construction worker’s eyes as he stared at Pierre made Corey feel like he was intruding on an intimate moment. Looking away to give them some privacy, he tried not to eavesdrop on his friend’s whispered conversation. When the lovers turned back to their meals, Corey returned his focus to the table. Judging by the shy smiles and heated looks between the men, Corey would put money on an engagement within the year.

“Is you mom sure she doesn’t need a ride?” Pierre asked as they climbed into David’s large, king-cab truck.

“No, she said she wanted to meet me there,” Corey confirmed, sure his mom had made the decision to reduce the risk of her husband and son seeing each other. Given their last meeting, it was probably a good idea.

He was waiting outside for his mother when the Sedor family’s limo arrived. Corey was wrapped in affectionate hugs by the groom’s parents and sister. Jason gave him a strained smile, and waited quietly near the church doors, before escorting his sister inside. After everyone had a chance to say hello, Drew told his parents to go ahead without him. The friends waited quietly until they were alone, before grinning and pulling each other into a hug. After a few seconds of back slapping they moved apart.

“You clean up well,” Corey joked, tweaking Drew’s lapel.

“Please….” Andrew straightened his tie, and smoothed out his tuxedo jacket. “You know I make everything look good.”

Corey laughed loudly, shaking his head. It was good to know the engagement hadn't changed his friend that much. “Maybe I should take lessons so I rate making the wedding party when Perri gets hitched,” he teased.

Andrew gave him an almost hurt look before leading him to the side of the church, where a stone fence surrounded the grassy yard. “You know if we were having a bigger wedding I would’ve wanted you and Pierre to stand up with me, don't you?”

Corey smiled at his best friend. “I know. I’m not upset you chose Jason as your best man… really. It was a bad joke. Now that I've met Liz, I can't imagine her wanting a huge wedding any more than you would.” The engaged couple made it clear from the beginning they wanted a small wedding, with one witness each. Drew chose his older brother to stand up with him, and Liz's maid of honour was her best friend, since she had no siblings or close cousins to choose from.

“Cor… can I ask you something?” Andrew sounded hesitant.

“Of course… anything.” Corey wondered if his friend was getting nervous now that the ceremony was imminent.

“What happened between you and Jason last night?”

“What do you mean?” The brunette asked, turning his gaze on the church. That was not the question he anticipated.

“Well Jase was kinda subdued this morning, and he looked like a whipped puppy when he saw you a minute ago.”

Corey sighed, and scrubbed his palms over his face. “I don’t know exactly what was said, but he apparently apologized to Perri last night outside the strip club. I saw them hug, and jumped down Jason’s throat. He left and went back into the bar. That’s all I know.”

“You don’t think the apology was sincere.” It wasn’t a question.

“I don’t know….” Corey was hesitant to believe anything the older man said. “Pierre believed him.”

Drew stared, unseeing, over Corey’s shoulder, appearing to be lost in thought before finally speaking. “Something happened to him last year… Jason I mean.” Pausing, the blonde took a deep breath. “He won't tell any of us what it was, but he's different. Even Kat can’t get him to open up,”

“Different how?”

“He's more serious, for one. It doesn't sound like he goes out as much as he used to, and I'm pretty sure he's stopped sleeping around.” Corey couldn’t stop his snort of disbelief. “I'm serious.” Drew was insistent. “Jase even moved out of Toronto.” A guilty expression flickered over his friend’s features. “Ummm… Cor… there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“Okay… what has you looking so guilty?”

“It's about where Jase moved.” The groom bit his lip, looking at Corey through light blonde lashes.

“Okay?” Unease made the brunette’s stomach tighten. “Where?”

“Kingston.”

“What?!” Corey yelled before forcing his voice down to a loud whisper. “What the fuck do you mean he moved to Kingston? When?”

His best friend breathed out heavily. “He’s been there a couple of weeks now, but he told me about it a few months ago.”

Corey was shocked. “Why didn't you tell me?”

“Honestly? I thought he’d change his mind and stay where he was.” Drew ran a hand through his hair, mussing it. “He's always loved living in Toronto… the nightlife… the men. That's what I mean when I say he's changed. The old Jason would have found a way to stay in the city. It sounded like relocating was his idea.”

“Did he know I was there?” Corey asked after a few moments’ silence.

“No… not until I told him yesterday afternoon.”

Corey looked at his friend… his very guilty looking friend… and decided to let the man off the hook. It was his wedding day after all. “Okay,” he said. “I get why you didn't tell me right away, but give a guy some warning next time. Can you imagine if we ran into each other in line for coffee before you told me?”

“Shit, that would’ve been awkward,” Drew said with a laugh, clearly relieved, before his expression sobered again. “I am sorry, Cor. Jason’s just always been such a sore subject with you. I didn't want to upset you if I didn't have to.”

Corey was taken aback. Was he really that bad? “It's all right, Drew… seriously.” With an exaggerated sigh, he put a hand on the bigger man’s shoulder. “I don’t know why, but I’m going to miss your secret-keeping ass”

“You’re just going to miss staring at my ass.” His best friend teased.

“Yeah that’s it.” Corey’s voice cracked as he pulled Drew into a hug, feeling tears prick his eyes. “I think it's time to get you married.” Andrew hugged him back, gripping him tighter, and kissed his cheek.

“I really have missed you, Cor.” The man's voice was rough with emotion.

“Me too, Drew. Maybe I….”

“What's going on here?” An angry voice startled the two friends. Corey turned his head, and saw Zach glaring at them from a few feet away.

“Zach.” Stepping back, Corey swiped at a stray tear. “You made it.” Corey hadn’t been sure Zach was actually going to make it in time, and resigned himself to make excuses for the man’s absence.

“I said I would,” the big man answered, still glowering. Corey noticed the look, but didn't have the energy or the desire to try to decipher its cause.

“Oh, sorry,” Corey placed a hand on his boyfriend’s shoulder, realizing the two men had never met. “Zach, this is my friend, and the groom, Andrew Sedor. Drew, this is my boyfriend, Zachary Hartle.”

“It's a pleasure to finally meet you.” Andrew walked up to Zach with his hand extended in greeting.

“Yeah, same here.” Zach took the hand and shook it before pulling Corey to his side, in a clearly possessive move. The brunette frowned. Why the hell was his boyfriend acting like this? He never had before.

Andrew had just asked Zach about his job at the university when Mrs. Sedor stuck her head out of the side door, informing them the bride would be arriving soon. Andrew grinned, said a hasty goodbye, and hurried into the church. Corey chuckled at his friend's enthusiasm, and led Zach to the front, wondering if his mother had already arrived. After a short search, they found her sitting in one of the pews reserved for Andrew’s friends and family. David and Pierre sat on her other side. After a few whispered introductions, they settled back to watch Andrew get married.

The ceremony was nice, not that Corey would be able to describe most of it later. The one thing that stood out in his mind was how deliriously happy his best friend looked as he watched his bride walk down the aisle toward him. Again, Corey felt a mixture of happiness and envy, witnessing his friend say ‘I do’. After seeing the newly married couple out of the church, Corey and the rest of the guests adjourned to the hotel for the reception.

The ballroom, already filling up with guests, sparkled with crystal and crisp, white linens. Corey led his mother to their table and pulled out a chair for her. They were sitting with David and Pierre, as well as a school friend, Kurt, and his wife, Judy. The speeches from the best man and maid of honour brought laughter and tears, especially when Jason expressed his surprise that Drew survived childhood, much less growing into the man… the husband… who sat beside him today. Corey was wiping tears of laughter from his eyes when the best man shared the story of a disastrous double riding experiment that saw both Corey and Drew in casts for the remainder of the summer. “I was informed,” the big blonde said, with his mouth twitching with a suppressed smile, “that asking if my bike survived, was NOT an appropriate question.”

After the families of the couple spoke, it was time for Pierre and Corey to stand. Andrew hadn’t been told they had planned a speech, and his surprise was evident.

“I’ve known Andrew since the first day I moved here in grade nine,” Pierre started, with an affectionate smile on his face. “From the first moment we met, Drew and I tried to find new and more creative ways to pester each other.”

“Aww, you know you love me, Perri!” Drew called out, causing a ripple of laughter amongst the guests.

Pierre rolled his eyes and looked beseechingly at the bride. “See what your new husband puts me through?”

Corey laughed. “And I’m the poor bastard that got caught between you two.”

“Middle of the sandwich, baby.” Drew quipped, earning a subtle elbow from his new wife, who was laughing beside him.

“You know I prefer to be the bread, sweetheart.” Corey winked at his friend. “But seriously….” He looked to Pierre, who nodded. Both men raised their glasses and faced the newly married couple. “Drew, you’ve been my best friend since we were four years old.”

“And mine since grade 9.” - Pierre

“You are one third of our trifecta.” - Corey

“A fierce ally to have on our side.” - Pierre

“Liz, you couldn’t ask for a better man to be by your side for the rest of your life.” - Corey

“We love you, Drew… we couldn’t have asked for a better token straight friend.” – Pierre

With a smile and moisture shining in his eyes, Drew raised his glass to his friends in a toast. “I love you guys,” he mouthed before taking a drink.

“The bread, eh?” Zach said beside Corey, as he retook his seat.

“Hmm?” Corey was still lost in memories of his childhood.

“So who was the meat in that three-way?”

Corey swung his head and stared at his boyfriend. What the hell? “I was joking,” he said, with an exasperated sigh.

A few hours later it was getting close to time for the newlyweds to leave. Corey, tired of Zach’s drunken jokes and innuendo, decided to take a walk. Drew found him in the lobby, as he contemplated heading back inside.

“That was a great speech, Cor. Thank you. I love Liz and my job, but I really miss you guys.” The blonde said nudging his shoulder.

“I miss you too.” Although he knew they would always be friends, it was hard not seeing his friend as often as he would like. “I’ll come and visit you in Alberta. I promise.”

Drew grabbed his hand and gave it a light squeeze. “You’d better, or I…..”

“Trying to get in one last fuck before he has to go on his honeymoon?” A slurred voice spoke behind Corey. Horrified, he turned and saw his boyfriend, drink in hand, eyeing them.

“Jesus, Zach. I think you’ve had enough.” The brunette was mortified. “Maybe you should go and sleep it off.”

“Why? Won’t you need the bed for your hookup? Or are you waiting for the sexy-assed redhead to join you?”

Corey felt his friend stiffen beside him. “Watch your mouth,” Drew hissed.

“You don’t get to fuck my boyfriend and tell me to shut up.” Zach narrowed his eyes, and stepped closer.

Corey noticed they were gaining an audience, including Jason, who looked angry. The brunette’s temper snapped. “Zach, get your drunk ass out of here,” he said, barely keeping his voice low. “I’m sick of your shit.”

“Don’t get mad at me because you can’t keep your pants on around a married guy. It’s fucking pathetic.”

Jason had just reached their group, and opened his mouth to speak, but Corey cut him off. “How dare you accuse me of cheating.” He poked a finger into the bigger man’s chest. “I have never been unfaithful to anyone in my entire life. Of all of the….” The agitated man took a deep breath before continuing. “I should have done this a long time ago. We’re done. I’m grabbing my shit, and you can have the room tonight. After that, I don’t give a crap where you go.” He turned to walk out of the hotel, needing space, but Zach grabbed his arm and shoved him against the wall. His head thudded against the drywall, making him see stars.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me,” the man said, leaning in close. His hot, alcohol scented breath turned Corey’s stomach. Drew and Jason reached out to grab Zach, and Corey could see a hotel security guard approaching. Before anyone could intervene Corey hauled back and swung, connecting with Zach’s jaw. The bigger man stumbled back, tripped over his feet, and landed on his butt. Rage flashed in his eyes. “You hit me,” he roared, trying to get back up. Before he could stand, the security guard reached him, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Stay where you are,” the uniformed man ordered.

Zach continued to protest that he was the one who’d been hit, but Drew and Jason ignored him, instead turning their attention on Corey, asking if he was all right. By this time there was a small crowd watching them with interest. Luckily, they appeared to be strangers, and not wedding guests. Corey was still mortified.

“I need some air,” he muttered, shrugging away from his friend and walking out. As soon as he got through the front doors, he went to a quiet corner of the building. He couldn’t believe he’d actually hit Zach. Closing his eyes and breathing deeply, he tried to purge the adrenaline still surging in his system. Someone stopped beside him, and he knew without looking it was Drew.

“I’m sorry for ruining your reception,” he whispered hoarsely.

Drew sighed, and leaned against the brick wall. “You didn’t ruin anything.” The blonde nudged him. “Zach was an ass. You took care of it.”

“Yeah, but they must’ve called the police. That’ll be a great story for your grandkids.”

His friend shook his head. “You were probably too upset at the time to recognize him, but the guard was James Innes… from school. It wasn’t hard for him to convince Zach that even if the police were called, the witnesses would say he was the instigator, and you were only defending yourself. The concierge called a cab to take the jackass to another hotel. James said he would escort him to get his bags out of your room.”

Corey blew out a relieved breath, and leaned his head back against the rough surface. “I knew I should have ended things with him a long time ago.”

“Well, better late than never.” Drew’s voice was serious before he broke into a wide grin. “You always did love to be dramatic, though.”

Corey stared at his best friend for a minute before bursting into laughter. Soon the two men were wiping tears, and leaning against each other for support.

“Come on.” The groom wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Let’s go back inside. Lizzie said she wants to dance with your fine ass before we have to bail.”

“For a straight guy, you’re pretty obsessed with my ass.” With a laugh, Corey followed his friend back inside and through the, thankfully, empty lobby. Although he regretted the way things ended, he was relieved it was over. Stepping into the reception room he saw Pierre sitting on his boyfriend’s lap, blushing at something the big man whispered in his ear. Inclining his head towards the couple he smirked at Drew. “You might want to hang on to that tux. I think we’re going to have another wedding to go to before long.”

A big thank you to my amazing editor, Gary, for all of the support you give me.     Thank you to all of you who read and support this story