Beyond the Frame Chapter 5

An hour later, leaning on a tree in the gorgeous garden belonging to Taylor’s aunt, Victoria watched Eric focus his lens on a laughing Beth. They were standing by a bush of pink roses, Beth holding one up to her nose. Her wedding dress was gorgeous in the afternoon sun. Victoria wondered what Eric was thinking as he took photographs of a woman he wished had been his.

She watched him smile at Beth and frowned when a tinge of jealousy stirred inside her. Turning away from them, she pushed off the tree and walked to the gazebo.

Eric’s bag was still on the bench. She retrieved her purse and perched on the bench. She took her phone out and dialed Grace’s number.

“I was wondering when you would call,” Grace said in greeting. “The reception is going very well. We have finished serving lunch. We are waiting for the bridal party.”

Victoria looked around and saw Eric and Taylor talking as the rest of the bridal party headed to their cars.

“We should be on the way over in the next ten minutes or so,” Victoria said.

“How is it?” Grace asked.

“Glamorous,” Victoria said, studying the ranch-style brick house looming a few feet away. “Taylor’s aunt has a gorgeous house in Upper Hill. You would never believe such a place exists so close to the CBD.”

“What else can you expect from such a family?” Grace sighed. “I have to go. Some kids are running and causing havoc. Call me when you get close to the hotel.”

“I will,” she said, and Grace ended the call.

Returning her cell phone to her purse, she watched Eric part with Taylor, and then he headed back to the gazebo.

“Victoria,” Eric said. “Why are you hiding away in here?”

“I’m not hiding, just resting my feet.”

She looked behind him to see Beth and Taylor kiss and head to their car. They looked blissful in marriage. She decided they were a very beautiful couple.

“I’m hoping we’re headed to the hotel now.”

“Yes, we are,” Eric said, then paused to study her. “I thought you liked it here. Don’t you want to stay? The house is empty, and Taylor’s aunt won’t mind us exploring her compound.”

Victoria rolled her eyes at him playfully.

“I can just imagine that. Beth and Taylor will be angry with me if I keep you from your important job.”

“I’d much rather have an afternoon with you exploring the outdoors,” Eric said as he closed his camera bag.

Remembering how he smiled at Beth, she stood up and started for the gazebo steps.

“Then the faster we get to the hotel, the better; that way, this day will end quickly.”

“Wait,” Eric said behind her, but she didn’t.

She walked fast along the gravel path to his car. He caught up with her as she reached the Jeep.

“You’re upset. What did I say?”

“I’m not upset,” she said.

She did not have the right to be upset that he was still hung up on a woman who was now married.

“What’s there to be upset about?” she asked, meeting his gaze.

Eric frowned. “Nothing.”

“Exactly,” Victoria said with a tight smile, and hurried around to the passenger side. “Great, let’s go then.”

****

Victoria avoided Eric when they got to the reception at the Savon Hotel. She busied herself with service activities, working outside the ballroom. She helped Grace deal with the demands from the wedding guests. She answered questions: about food, gift drop-offs, and when the wedding cake-cutting would start.

She helped the wedding planner deal with the growing number of wedding gifts. The gifts overfilled the section they set aside, and Victoria needed to find a different room to stow away the overflow.

Olive showed up at around four o’clock in the afternoon. Grace urged them to head to the bar on the second floor.

“Take Vicky to take a break. She’s driving me insane,” Grace said. “She’s dressed in a gorgeous red dress, and all she can think about is work.”

“Hey, that’s not fair,” Victoria said, keeping a watchful eye on Eric, who was taking pictures of children eating sweet cakes.

The children sat on the floor in the corner of the ballroom. She would never have noticed them had it not been for Eric standing over them with his camera.

“Who’s the handsome photographer?” Olive asked, slipping a hand over her right elbow. “He looks yummy.”

“Eric Kabuto,” Grace said. “Vicky’s date. She has spent the last two hours avoiding him.”

Eric lifted his head as though he had heard them talking about him.

Victoria looked away from him quickly and started for the door.

“Grace, you’re right,” Victoria said, leading Olive out of the ballroom. “You don’t need my help. We shall be at the bar upstairs if you need anything.”

“Wow, you haven’t acted like this since that guy you liked in college. What was his name?” Olive said as they went upstairs. “Gatheru, Gatheri—”

“Gathanga,” Victoria said. “You never liked him much.”

“He was an idiot,” Olive said.

Victoria laughed, remembering Eric’s comment about ex-boyfriends and the labels women gave them.

“How is that funny?” Olive asked as they entered the Tropical Isle bar.

Olive led the way to a set of high stools set around a polished mahogany counter.

“I remembered how much Gathanga was afraid of you. You threatened him with a knife once when he stood me up on a date,” Victoria said. “I think you’re the reason we broke up.”

Olive placed her purse on the counter and smiled. “He didn’t deserve you.”

Victoria settled on her stool and studied Olive.

Olive looked beautiful in a pink empire-waist dress. The silky fabric framed her figure as she sat on her stool. Her long, black, natural hair fell down her back, making her look younger. Victoria doubted anyone would believe Olive was a doctor.

The bartender took their orders, and Victoria sat back on the high chair with a relieved sigh.

“What’s with the photographer?” Olive asked when their drinks came.

Victoria sipped her white wine and shrugged. “He is handsome.”

“I agree,” Olive said, picking up an olive from her martini with her toothpick and popping it into her mouth. “Why are you running in the other direction?”

“In case you didn’t notice, I have recently ended a long relationship with a guy I could have married.”

“What does that have to do with the handsome photographer?” Olive asked with a frown. “He is currently walking to us.”

Victoria turned and gaped when she saw Eric heading in their direction without his camera.

“What are we going to do?” she asked, hating the panic in her voice.

Olive smiled and patted her cheek gently.

“Make him pay for the drinks,” Olive said.

Victoria shook her head, wondering if there was a way to escape Eric without seeming rude. Since they came back from the photo shoot, she decided that it was better to keep her distance. She was starting to like him, and he was not available.

Emotionally, anyway, his thoughts belonged to someone else.

*****