The Zodiac of PRA V: The Finale

Chapter 19

The meeting was called by Devin but he wasn’t there even when Mia and Darren were the last to show up in the conference room “Wow and we thought WE were late.” Mia said.

“Wasn’t he the one the that called the meeting?” Doug pointed out.

Erin snickered “He’s probably still home sleeping.” After she finished her comment, the door slammed shut. They turned to see Devin holding a file in his hands.

“Contrary to rumors, I have been here since six this morning.” Devin flicked a brow especially at Erin.

Mia whistled “Six? Boss, you need a new life.”

“Thank you Mia, I haven’t noticed.” Devin laughed as he nodded to Matt “Why don’t you announce it.”

He smiled and stood up “I know it’s been a while but Devin and I agreed that we need a new member.”

“Another one?” Mia asked in shock “Aren’t we enough for you?” her voice quivering playfully “Have we not satisfied you?”

“Disturbing... but touching.” Matt looked at her strangely “Anyways, her name is Carmen Hui.” Turning to the plasma television, he pressed the control in his hands and appeared her picture “Twenty eight years old and two black belts in Taekwondo and Kickboxing.”

Mia leaned towards Doug “She can kick your ass.”

“She’s got an extensive background in bodyguard work and even went to college with Brad for a few years before Joe recruited him.” Matt explained.

Tilting her head, she looked at the picture of the brilliant smile “Hey Reina, doesn’t she remind you of someone?”

Reina nodded with a smile “Naja. I noticed when I first saw her picture. But she has shorter hair and her eyes are brighter. My sisters’ were always sad. I don’t know about you guys but I like the idea of having another female on board.”

“I disagree.” Erin voiced out clearly.

“Why?” Devin asked curtly.

“We don’t know her background.” She answered shortly, eyes sharpening at Devin.

“It’s clean. No felonies, not even a single parking ticket.” Devin answered with crossed arms, obviously daring her.

Jenna turned to Erin with a sympathetic look “Is this because of Luke?”

“What does Luke have to do with her?” Darren questioned.

“Nothing.” Erin insisted, “I just don’t think this girl has a good motive for joining. I’ve met her and we even fought briefly, she’s well trained but I don’t think—”

“Request denied.” Devin cut in “Now if we have no more questions about the new girl, I will bring her in tomorrow to meet you guys…” he faded when Erin stood up and began walking out “Where are you going?” he demanded.

She didn’t bother turning “If my voice can’t even be heard, why should I bother staying for the whole meeting?”

“This meeting is not over. Take your seat, Erin.” Devin commanded.

She spun her heels at him “I am NOT your dog to command.” Opening the door, she left the room.

“Not again…” Mia muttered to Darren.

He quickly stood up before Devin had a chance to say anything “I’ll get her.” Devin nodded hesitantly.

Doug spun in his swivel chair “Wow, Luke is right. You two need to get laid.” Mia and Jenna giggled in response “Why don’t you just get it over with so we could stop all this fake tension you build?”

“It takes two.” Devin replied with a grim smile.

Mia quickly shot her hand up “I have an idea. Slip her a viagra pill and she’ll be yours willingly. Trust me it works.” She winked.

“She is speaking from personal experience.” Reina added with a laugh.

“Poor Darren.” Ryan sighed.

“Yeah, he didn’t know what hit him.” Doug cracked.

Darren caught up with Erin in the hallway “Erin. Stop!” he cried when she ignored his calls.

Finally, she halted and turned to him “Don’t Darren, I don’t need someone to tell me that I’m wrong. I hear that enough from him.”

He smiled gently “I wasn’t going to say that. I just want to hear your explanation. Why are you suspicious of this girl?”

Calming her voice as she explained “She mistaken Luke for Brad and apparently knew about the team years ago. But according to P.R.A. rules, we weren’t supposed to talk about the team and its operations. I know Brad is not the type to break rules. Luke has an apparent crush on her so he made this bogus story about how he lost his memory and for his protection, the team decided to give him a new identity.”

“And she fell for that?” Darren asked in surprise “She sounds more naïve.”

“Or a good actor. What if she is working for our enemy? What if she knew that Brad is dead and Luke is his twin brother, using her charms to get Luke to believe her? All I know is Joe would have done more research on this girl.” She huffed angrily.

Darren nodded in agreement “I admit that Joe was more careful but my gut is telling me to trust Devin too. They just run their business differently, both have great views. Maybe you are just use to Joe telling you everything. He trusted you and Brad the most, could it be that you’re jealous that relationship is no longer there and the fact that you and Devin might never get along?”

She hated to admit it “Perhaps.” Erin finally agreed reluctantly “I’ll go back, but just because of you.”

Darren smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder “That’s cool, just don’t tell Mia that. I’m afraid she might get jealous.”

The two returned to the conference room with pairs of eyes staring at Erin “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have stormed out.” She apologized shortly.

“It’s okay. You’re forgiven.” Jenna nodded.

“Ahem!” Devin cleared his throat “I believe that is my line.” He nodded at Erin “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have cut you off.”

Sucking in her boiling blood, she smiled through gritted teeth “It’s quite alright, I shouldn’t have taken it personally.”

“Are you scared right now?” Mia whispered at Darren, who smiled in return.

“Now then, let’s move on.” Devin nodded to Reina as he sat down.

Reina stood up and began speaking “Ted emailed us the results of the burning rigs this morning. It appears the cocaine were stacked inside the rigs of the top jewelry merchandisers in Hong Kong…R.K. Jewelers and Wu Inc. Since these two companies are closely connected with the P.R.A., the police has decided to hand this case to us. Erin, you and I will go talk to Michael. Jenna and Ryan, because of your close bond with Riley, why don’t you guys go. You were once teammates, it should be easier to talk to.”

“Yes, mam!” The two young agents saluted in their seats.

Matt nodded at the rest “The others, I want you guys to stay on the lookout for him.” He pressed a button and the picture changed to a guy dressed in a trendy suit and dark sunglasses. Surrounding him were men dressed in black “This is Hung Gor, he’s a Dai Lou of a very prosperous assassin gang who targets the rich and powerful. He is smart and absolutely dangerous. Til this day we have not been able to pin the bastard for any murders. He’s slick.”

Erin’s brows furrowed as she stared at the person next to Hung Gor “What’s the matter?” Devin asked when he noticed her facial expression changed.

“Who’s the guy next to him?” she asked Matt.

He turned to have another look at the screen “Bodyguard or perhaps an assassin?” he said nonchalantly eventhough he knew who he was exactly “Why? Do you know him?”

She didn’t catch the urgent tone in his voice “No.” shaking her head “I don’t know him.”

“Okay then, let’s get to work.” Devin clapped his hands and motioned them to be on their way “Erin, you stay for a minute.”

Reina smiled “I’ll meet you at the front. Be strong.”

Erin nodded and when the door closed, she sighed at him “Yes, boss?”

He spun around to the screen and pointed to the guy next to Hung Gor “You’ve seen him before?” it wasn’t much of a question than it was a statement.

“Are you accusing me of lying?” Erin asked dangerously.

“It was a question.” Devin raised his brows with surprise.

“You could have fooled me.” Erin snickered “No, I said I don’t know the guy.”

“But you know OF him.” He guessed.

She wasn’t sure how he was able to read her mind but she continued to denied it “No.”

Devin shrugged “Okay, you want to play tough. That’s fine, when you’re ready to be honest, come see me.” He waved her away.

Glaring at him briefly before she left the room and met up with Reina “Come on.” She said shortly.

Reina raised her brows “In the words of Mia, what’s up your ass?” as she jogged to catch up with Erin.

“That jerk, who else?!” she snapped “What’s the matter with him? Why does he like to provoke me to get upset like this? What the hell did I ever do to him?”

“Is it a crime to like a person?” Reina asked as she waved for a taxi and got one within seconds.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Erin asked with annoyance, the wave of Reina’s words had barely passed “No. You think he likes me?” she quickly gave the driver an address.

“A blind person can see it.” Reina rolled her eyes.

Erin turned to her teammate “Does everyone think this?”

“Honey, everyone KNOWS it.” Reina laughed.

She buried her hands into her face “Oh my God…I can’t believe this. That stupid Luke! I’m gonna kill him!” she vowed.

Reina began laughing “Don’t be upset at him, he was just point out the truth.”

“To everyone in Hong Kong?!” Erin’s voice screeched, “If it wasn’t for his big mouth, none of you guys would believe this crap.”

“Not true, I believed this crap long before I heard it through Matt, who heard it through Ryan, who heard it through Jenna, who heard it through Luke.” Reina reasoned.

“I shouldn't have come back.” She shook her head sadly.

Reina giggled, “You’re loving every minute of this and you know it.” Erin snapped her head at her friend “I meant the missions.” She added quickly in defense.

Chapter 20

Jenna and Ryan sat patiently in the lobby while the receptionist paged for Riley “Do you think he still remembers us?” Jenna whispered.

“Why wouldn’t he?” Ryan replied in a low voice.

“You know what with you accusing him of killing Shelly and all…would he still want to remember us?” she pointed out with raised brows.

“Oh right…I forgot about that.” Ryan wrinkled his forehead “Let’s just go.” She nodded in agreement as they got up at the same time.

“Mr. Kwok will see you now.” The receptionist announced.

The two turned to each other “So close.” Jenna sighed as she nodded to the girl behind the desk and followed her direction down the hall. They reached the corner office and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Riley said before tearing his eyes from the computer screen.

“Guess who?” Jenna greeted with a grin “Do you still remember the little people now that you’re a big executive with a corner office?”

Riley laughed comfortably “I never forget the people that helped me. Hi Jenna.” He hugged her warmly and moved over to shake Ryan’s hand “Hello Ryan.”

“Hi Riley.” He smiled warmly “No hard feelings I hope?”

“Yeah, we know we weren’t that nice to you. We’re sorry and I feel horrible for yelling at you during Joe’s funeral.” Jenna apologized sincerely.

The young guy in the suit laughed comfortably “Of course not! You were just doing your jobs and if I were in your shoes, I would have done the same.” He assured them “Now, are you guys here to question me about the cocaine burning in the harbor?”

“How…” Jenna pointed.

“The police came in this morning and questioned me on it.” Riley said with a frown “Actually, they were a little rude and demanding but I answered whatever I could.”

“Wait.” Ryan paused him “This morning, what time?”

“Around nine thirty?” Riley recalled briefly.

Ryan turned to Jenna “Devin announced at that time that the police had given us the case, they wouldn’t have sent someone up to question.”

“You’re saying maybe the crooks sent their own men to question me to get information?” Riley guessed.

“Exactly.” Jenna snapped her fingers “Oh, they’re sneaky!”

“What did you tell them exactly?” Ryan leaned onto his thighs with intensity “We have to beat them at their own game.” Riley nodded as he began explaining.

************

Erin and Reina sat in Michael’s office waiting while his secretary went to fetch him from his meeting “What are you thinking?” Erin asked when Reina grew quiet.

She looked up from her daze “Huh? What was that?”

“Are you okay? You’re a little jumpy.” Erin placed a hand on her shoulder carefully “You’re shivering.”

“Must be the crab cakes I had last night. Matt and I were walking down the street when we bought some from the old man with the cart.” Reina explained nonchalantly.

Erin laughed “Yeah, I made that mistake last week. You’d think living here all my life, I would learn not to eat food from those carts.”

“Yeah.” Reina smiled.

“Ah, the sweet sound of laughter.” Michael sighed from the doorway as he walked over to greet the girls with a hug “Thank you for rescuing me from that God awful boring meeting.”

“That bad?” Erin asked sympathetically.

“Let’s just say I’m lucky I don’t snore or I would very red with embarrassment right about now.” Michael laughed while Erin joined. He turned to Reina, who was not amused “Ga Jei, are you okay?”

She looked up with a slow smiled “You called me Ga Jei?”

Michael lowered his head with a smile “I hope you don’t mind. Julie mentioned that it wasn’t right that I called you by your name. We do have a culture to follow. It’s going to be weird but I figured I better start some time.”

Reina grinned happily “Of course I don’t mind! I think it’s great that we can let bygones be bygones.”

“Not that I don’t love sappy endings, but can we get serious for a bit?” Erin asked with a teasing grin. Michael put on his serious expression and nodded at her “About the rigs being burned yesterday…”

“Oh, the police already asked me that earlier this morning. But I guess I can repeat—” Michael began.

“Police?” Reina cut in “They came?”

Erin shook her head “That’s not right. They gave us the case, they wouldn’t intervene after that.” She said to Reina.

“It’s someone else.” Reina agreed.

“Maybe I gave them too much information?” Michael said worriedly “They had a lot of questions to ask.”

“Like what?” Erin asked, wanting to know exactly what information they got out of Michael and possibly Riley.

“If anyone came up to question me about the rigs? If I was working with an illegal company or group of people that maybe used my company’s shipping rigs to store cocaine. Of course, I denied everything, I didn’t work with any company that was out of the ordinary.” Michael explained, “Personally, I think this was just a misunderstanding.”

“How so?” Reina asked further.

“The cocaine was found in the rigs but outside of the shipping boxes that are nailed shut. Which means it was added during the docking of the rigs not shipping.” Michael said with good reason.

“You told them that?” Erin asked. He nodded “Michael, you could be in danger…again.”

Michael leaned back on his chair with a nonchalant shrug “Okay. What do you guys want me to do?”

“You’re not scared?” Reina asked “You almost lost your life the last time.”

“To be honest, I’m getting use to this lifestyle. Plus, I trust that the team will do everything in their power to keep me and my family safe. Do you need us to move to a secure location? I’ll just make a call to Julie and we’ll be set.” Michael offered as he picked up the phone but Erin covered the dial pad with her hand.

She shook her head “I had a different approach in mind.” Smiling at Reina as she motioned her closer so they can whisper.

**********

That night when Erin was going to the market to pick up food, she had three calls from her roommates. Ryan, Jenna, Riley and Leah were going out to dinner to catch up. Luke made a dinner date with Carmen and Doug was eating in the hospital. After she hung up with Luke, she let out a sigh and lugged around the bag of groceries restlessly while she walked out of the open market.

Her hands were aching and when she realized the food would go to waste, she handed it to a homeless man in a back alley digging for trash. He thanked her profusely and rushed it back to his family. Erin smiled to herself as she walked along the streets and passed an open deli. The food smelled great when one of the waiters passed by her with a bowl of wonton noodle soup, her vision shifted.

She turned to follow the bowl, but caught eye contact with a familiar plump face. Lips greased with crabmeat “Stress?” Erin asked her Uncle with a grin.

He pointed to the empty seat across from him “Biu, one more dish of your famous crab legs please!” he waved to the waiter who nodded in answer as he rushed to get another order out. Handing Erin a leg as he watched her bite on it and ripped the leg open with her teeth “Wow, I think you need this more than I do.” He pushed the plate towards her with a laugh “Who dares to pick on my niece?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Erin snapped.

“Okay, but I can guess who it is.” Chuck teased as he chomped away at another leg.

She stopped chewing and spat out the hard shell “Let me guess, Mia?”

“You know her too well.” Chuck smiled. Tossing the bone to another plate as he gave her his full attention “What is the matter? I thought you were in more control than to let a man get the best of you?”

Erin shrugged as if drained of energy “I don’t know Uncle. He’s just different…he knows how to push my buttons and he is so damn smug…always acting like he knows me so well.”

“Apparently he does if he knows what buttons to push.” Chuck reasoned as he moved his hand so the waiter can put down a fresh new plate “I know since you broke up with Ted, you haven’t quite been yourself. I got his invitation last month…you know?” he asked and she nodded silently “It can’t be that, can it?”

“No.” She answered “I’m very happy for Ted. Our problem is in the past, I am not bothered by that. I guess…I…I don’t even know how to start.” She gave up.

Chuck raised a hand as he nodded to the owner that was cooking behind a hot stove and stone oven “How many dishes of crab legs can you make for the rest of the night?!” he asked over the bustling sound of the people.

“Ten dishes!” the owner answered with a laugh.

Chuck smiled at Erin with a twinkle in his eye “Enough for you?”

“It’s really long.” She warned.

“Ten dishes…” he reminded her with a laugh.

“Okay…” Erin began talking about Luke’s situation and finished eventually with her thoughts on Devin. Chuck listened intently, they had finished almost five dishes of crab legs “I mean, am I obsessed with hating this guy or do you think like everyone else that we should just get laid and get it over with?” she threw her hands up in defeat.

Chuck’s head bobbed up and down “I don’t think you have a crush on Luke, I think you are just worried about him because of Brad’s connection with him. You feel responsible for caring for him.”

“Yeah, I figured that much, I was talking about my situation with Devin.” Erin said.

Chuck laughed “I don’t think you want to hear my thoughts.” He pointed to the last leg and Erin handed it to him with a smile “I think he woke up something inside of you, the fire that can turn into something tremendous. Do you remember how much you and Brad fought?” Erin nodded “That’s the fire I’m talking about. But I see greater things for you and Devin…IF you allow to let it happen. Look past the anger and ask yourself what you feel. There is a reason why you care to let the man pick you apart and annoy you. Heck, can you find another man that you ever quarreled with? I recall you and Ted had a very peaceful relationship…” he nodded while taking a bite of the last crab leg.

“That…makes too much sense.” Erin agreed reluctantly "Oh God, I'm in love with the guy and I don't even know it." She groaned disgustedly.

Chuck laughed “I’m not saying you need to confess your love to Devin, but maybe you should clear your heart before losing your temper again. Eve always told me…I only get mad because I care.” He said wisely.

“Speaking of my future Aunt, how are you two doing? I mean, what caused this…” she circled her finger at the empty shells of crab legs.

He sighed tiredly “This wedding is sucking the life out of me. I’m working extra hours and trying everything to make more money. Giving away a free chicken each time someone eats more than $100. worth of food. For some reason that’s actually putting me into a bigger debt.” He scratched his face with the crab claw.

Erin winced with disgust “Don’t do that.” She pulled the leg away from his hand while he laughed with amusement “It’s not working because you’re giving away something free that you have to pay for.” She reached for her purse and pulled out her check book “How much do you need?”

“No, I can’t have you giving me money for MY wedding. How degrading is that? What kind of a man do you think I am? Taking money from a girl…no, not just any girl, my NIECE. I have more integrity than that.” He huffed and crossed his arm.

She ignored his outburst “Two hundred grand enough?” Erin asked.

“Perfect.” He nodded with widened eyes while she smiled and wrote out the check with ease “I’ll pay you back.”

“No, consider it my wedding gift for you.” Erin waved it off casually.

“Actually, I saw this really big plasma television that I really liked…” he stopped when Erin gave him an exasperated look “I’m kidding.” He rolled his eyes while Erin grinned “Thanks Erin.”

She shook her head “Thanks is not necessary. I’m glad I could help.” Stretching her arms as she got up “You can handle this dinner right?”

He nodded while pushing his hands into his pocket “Actually, can I borrow a hundred?” Erin sighed as she nodded “Oh, make that two hundred…I thought this was a hundred.” He showed her a fifty.

“My poor future Aunt.” Erin said sadly as she waved goodbye to him and returned home.

Chapter 21

“Jenna, can you help me with this tie?” Doug yelled from down the hall as he limped back to his room, his cast barely taken off the day before.

“Coming, daddy.” Jenna replied as she finished Ryan’s tie “Okay, you look good, now go help Luke.” She patted him on the shoulder.

Erin stood in her room as she laid out all the dresses wondering which one to wear “You’re not dressed yet?” Luke asked when he walked by her room “I’m having a little trouble…” he pointed to his clumpy tie.

She chuckled “What’s the matter with all the guys in this house? No one knows how to tie a tie?” she began fixing it for him while he looked at her dresses.

“Are you planning a fashion show for us?” he teased.

Shaking her head as she sighed, “I don’t know what to wear. I mean, which dress says, I’m happy for you but I’m not trying to show off that I’m so over you?”

“Erin.” Luke tilted his head with an exasperated look “Are you really over him?” she nodded earnestly “Well then any dress would be fine.”

Taking in a deep breath, she nodded in agreement “You’re right. Okay kid, you’re done. I need to get dressed.” She pushed him towards the door.

“Hey, are you sure you’re okay with me asking Carmen to come along?” Luke pressed for the tenth time that day.

“Yes!! Now get out before I have to kick your ass!” she yelped.

“Jenna!! Jenna!!! Jenna!!!!” Doug yelled randomly while he tried to figure out the knots "JENNA!!"

Jenna stood at the doorway looking disheveled “Oh my God, stop yelling for me!”

“Oh, hi Jenna.” He grinned, “I need help.”

“Mentally? Yes. I know.” She said with sarcasm while fixing his tie “Look at me! I haven’t even gotten a chance to change or fix my hair yet and Mia is coming with the limo right now!”

After she was done, he stood up and looked at himself in the mirror “Not bad. Okay, you may go now.” He pushed her face away playfully.

“Thank you, your highness.” Jenna said through gritted teeth. She was on her way back to her room when the door bell rang “I’ll get it!” She called “Please, don’t let it be Mia, please don’t let it be Mia…” she silently prayed. When she opened the door, she sighed with relief “Carmen…thank God it’s just you.”

“Wow, I didn’t expect that greeting. When Devin introduced me last week, it seemed no one wanted to even look at me.” She joked “Are you guys ready? I think there was a limo behind me.” She pointed to the driveway and it was Mia and Darren’s limo pulling up.

“Crap!! Crap…” Jenna cursed as she pulled Carmen inside “Whatever you do, don’t open the door.” She sprinted towards the stairs “Luke!!! You’re date is here!!!!” she bellowed before slamming her room door.

Luke appeared to be rushed as he ran down the stairs and paused to look at Carmen in the turquoise satin dress. She spun in a circle for him “I think it’s illegal to look better than the bride.” He said with a grin.

Carmen placed her hands on her hips “Were you just flirting with me?” she asked with raised brows.

“Maybe.” He replied coyly “Do you like it?”

Her smile dropped “Not really, you never knew how to flirt before.” She analyzed “It’s almost like you’re a completely different person.”

He laughed nervously “Of course not.” His head spinning as he hoped someone would come to rescue him when the doorbell rang “I’ll get it!!” he raced for the knob.

“Wait, Jenna said—” Carmen began but realized it was too late.

“Hi Mia and Darren!!” Luke greeted brightly.

Mia looked at him strangely “Did you take one too many happy pills, Luke? Where are the others? Are they ready? We have to be at the hotel in twenty minutes.”

“Hey Carmen.” Darren nodded behind Luke.

“Hi Darren, hi Mia.” She said politely.

Mia smiled briefly as she turned back to Luke “Is Erin ready?”

“Not really.” He whispered.

Sighing as she adjusted her pale pink chiffon dress “It’s Mia to the rescue again.” She marched up the stairs and into Erin’s room. She stopped when she noticed Erin in an olive green mid knee dress. The strapless dress made her look classy and her hair was twisted into a French knot with hair slightly curled falling from the twist “Are you trying to break his heart again?”

“Too much?” Erin looked like a feeble bunny.

“More like too little.” Mia pointed out her bare arms and shoulders.

“I knew I should have chose the black dress.” She began unzipping the back when Mia began laughing.

“I’m kidding! You look great. Just leave it at that. Anyways, he must be over you if he’s willing to get married to a girl he only dated for ten months.” Mia reminded her.

Erin nodded as she slumped on the bed “Maybe I shouldn’t even go?”

“No! You have to!” Mia exclaimed.

“Why?” Erin asked, “It’s weird.”

She shook her head vehemently “If you don’t come, it means you still have feelings for him and everyone will think you’re too heart broken to come to his wedding. They will all pity and feel sorry for you when they see you again. And this little country is not that big.”

“I guess.” She sighed and walked over to her closet to pick out a tan color shoes “Let’s get it over with.” She sighed while Mia handed her a tan cardigan. She was heading to the door when Mia obviously cleared her throat. Erin turned to see her friend strike a pose “You look beautiful too Mia.” She smiled with a shaking head.

“That’s what I needed to hear.” She grinned while linking Erin’s arm and walking outside.

Downstairs, all the guys were finally ready “One more.” Darren counted “Jenna!!!”

“I’m beginning to really hate my name.” She emerged from her room looking pretty in a sky blue dress with ruffles at the hems. One hand carrying shoes and the other trying to put on a pair of matching earrings.

“We’re all here?” Darren asked. The group nodded “Okay, let’s go.” He pointed to the door and began a slow steady march to the limo.

When they got to the restaurant, the driver dropped them at the front where a doorman pointed them to the right facility, it was located on the second floor. The ballroom was huge with high ceilings and chandeliers dangling far above their heads. Tables were lined up evenly and each centerpiece was made of white and red roses “Wow…he went all out.” Mia sighed. She nudged Erin “This could have been yours.”

“Thanks for the reminder.” Erin said wryly. She noticed Ted and Sarah dressed to perfection as they took pictures on the center stage with a huge red and gold backdrop to match their red table. Their eyes met for a split second as she nodded with a smile. He quickly waved them over.

“Hi Ted!!” Mia called “Just stay cool.” She advised Erin.

“I’ll try.” Erin flicked her brow upwards while Mia dragged her over to the stage along with everyone else. She smiled at Sara, who looked gorgeous in a strapless white gown that flowed around her slender figure. Her hair was curled to perfection and the crown sat around her bangs “You look amazing.” She complimented.

“Yeah.” Mia and Jenna chimed in, not sure if they should say anything else.

“You do too Ted.” Erin added.

Again Mia and Jenna answered “Yeah.”

Darren grinned at the girls as he stepped up to shake Ted’s hand “You didn’t know Erin brought her backup singers did you?”

Ted laughed as he nodded at the rest “You guys all look great.” He quickly noticed Luke standing furthest from him “You must be Luke. We never did get to meet properly.” He stepped away from the stage to shake his hand “And you are Carmen? Devin told me briefly about the new girl.”

She laughed, “Yes, everyone has to start somewhere. He told me you use to be captain of the team? So you are no stranger to everyone?”

“Suck up.” Mia snorted as she turned away and noticed Matt, Reina and Devin walking in together “Enemy, two o’clock.” She said to her friend.

Erin turned and their eyes instantly met, she pulled her gaze away and smiled at Reina instead “You guys are early.” the Captain greeted.

“No, you’re just late.” Mia cracked and laughed at her own joke as she hugged Reina “I’m so funny.” She wiped a fake tear away “Wow boss, don’t you look nice.” She whistled, earning a jab in the ribs by Erin “He does!” Mia hissed as she leaned into her ear.

Devin leaned into the girls as he smiled “Thank you.” His eyes landed on Erin as he looked at her from head to toe “Not bad. You clean up well.”

“That’s all?” Mia asked, “Oh come on, you can do better than that.”

He shook his head, still refusing to tear his eyes away from Erin “Actually, that’s all I’m willing to do.” Smiling when her face began to redden, he finally turned to Ted and Sara “Congratulations, you two look lovely.”

“Lovely! Someone else looks lovely.” Mia hinted as she winked towards Erin.

Laughing as Erin excused herself “She’s delirious. Mia, let’s go to the restroom.” Erin clenched her teeth as she yanked her friend along.

“Ow…ow…you’re hurting me!” Mia groaned painfully.

“Oh, so you can feel pain. I was beginning to wonder.” Erin raised her brows “What the hell was that? Are you trying to play matchmaker?”

“No…” Mia rolled her eyes “Unless…it’s working?” she tried with hopeful eyes.

“NO!” Erin cried, “Stop that. Another peep from you and I’ll…I’ll tell Darren you kissed Ethan before you left on vacation.”

Her jaw dropped in horror “You wouldn’t dare!”

Erin crossed her arms “Who knows, maybe I’ll be so mad that I might just blurt it out.” She threatened. Mia was speechless “Just as long as you do not make another comment about me and…him again.” She said in a low voice “Got it?”

“Yeah.” Mia was defeated.

Suddenly, the announcer called for everyone to take their seats “Please notice the place cards on all the tables, everyone is assigned a seating, if you need help please contact one of the five friendly faces of the men dressed in black and white.” He pointed to the waiters.

“Come on, I think we’re sitting in the front!” Mia pointed excitedly. She was right as the team were seated to the left of the red table. Ted had been gracious enough to have them be in the table of honor, the cloth was gold and white “We’re special!” Mia cooed as she plopped on her seat next to Darren.

Erin was on her left and next to her was Doug, Jenna, Ryan, Luke, Carmen, Devin, Reina and Matt. She had a perfect view of Devin’s face, nudging Doug as she whispered, “Can I switch?”

Doug frowned “I like my seat. I get to sit next to my favorite girl.” He winked at Jenna, who stuck her tongue out at him “See?”

“Ahem.” A female voice broke into their conversation “Hello Doug.” Jessie greeted with a winning smile.

“Stop following me!!” Doug blurted out angrily “Why must you torture me? What did I do to you in my past life? Why do you show up everywhere I go? Huh?”

Ted saw Jessie as he quickly jumped from the stage and laughed giddily as he greeted her “Jess! You made it!" he hugged her warmly and turned to his once teammates "Guys, this is my cousin, Jessie.”

Doug’s face dropped and he quickly buried his nose into his glass of soda. Devin grinned, “We all met. She’s the team’s new shrink.”

“Really?” Ted asked with surprise “Why didn’t you tell me?” he turned to Jessie who only shrugged “Hey Doug, looks like we have something in common.” Doug almost choked on the soda as he turned up with widened eyes “See, you’re Sara’s cousin and Jessie’s my cousin. We’re family if you think about it.” Ted laughed when Doug’s face turned beet red “Did you find your seat?” he asked Jessie

She shook her head “I think I answered too late, I don’t have a place setting. I might have to sit at the kiddie table.”

“Aww, too bad!” Doug said with obvious joy.

Erin quickly stood up “You can have my seat. I’ll just sit with Uncle Chuck and Eve.” She pointed at a few tables down from the team’s.

“No, wait! I’ll go.” Doug offered but Jessie had taken her seat next to him, a victorious smile on her face.

Jenna and Ryan stifled their laughter while Mia and Darren whispered to themselves. Mia pointed at Doug and began cackling with amusement. Reina and Matt raised their brows but didn’t make it obvious that they were amused by Doug’s discomfort. Jessie poured her own glass of soda “Looks like God can’t even save you now.” She whispered at Doug, who pouted like a sad puppy.

Erin joined her Uncle’s table, which was almost empty “Why are you sitting here?” Chuck asked.

“Can’t I want to sit with my Uncle and future Aunt?” Erin asked in a hurtful tone.

Chuck arched his neck to look at the Team’s table “Oh…I see.”

“See what?” Eve asked curiously.

“Don’t…” Erin began but it was too late. Chuck began whispering to Eve, who giggled after he was finished. She settled her chin on her hand which was propped on the table “I want to go home.”

Eve smiled sympathetically as she patted Erin’s arm “It’s not that bad.”

“Wanna switch places?” Erin asked weakly. She thanked her stars when the MC began to announce the ceremony beginning. The bride and groom had a grand entrance and the bridesmaid and best men were introduced. Everything went smoothly making Erin forget how uncomfortable it was to be there.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004