Rent or Forfeit 27

Chapter 27: I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

“Smile, girls!” Maddison’s mother called cheerfully from behind the camera. Both Tommy and Maddison held their posed positions, their expressions forced and weary. After ten attempts to capture the perfect shot, their patience was wearing thin.

Snap went the camera. “Perfect! You two look absolutely beautiful,” Maddison’s mother declared, inspecting the image on her screen. “This is definitely the one.”

(See image 27)

Tommy couldn’t see the photo from where he was standing, but he had a clear idea of how he looked. He’d seen his reflection earlier, right after the professional makeup artist had finished her work and finally allowed him to glimpse the results in the mirror.

Though Tommy considered himself fairly skilled when it came to styling his hair and makeup these days, the professional’s touch was in a league of its own. His hair, teased into a cascade of wavy curls pinned elegantly atop his head, was a work of art. His skin appeared flawless - silky smooth and glowing, like an actress on the red carpet. While his makeup was subtler than usual, the effect was stunning. Framed by his long, fluttering lashes and expertly blended eyeshadow, his eyes looked captivating - innocent yet alluring, exactly as the makeup artist had promised.

Maddison turned to face him with a reassuring smile. “Feeling a little better now?” she asked.

“A little,” Tommy lied, glancing down. “I still can’t believe you talked me into being a bridesmaid. I don’t even know the bride.”

Maddison giggled softly. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll introduce you later. She’s beyond grateful you stepped in. When Gabriella got sick, she was panicking like crazy. You’re like a hero - saving the wedding. And now we get to be twins for the day!”

“I’m not a hero, and no one would think we’re twins,” Tommy muttered, shuffling awkwardly in his towering platform sandals. “You look stunning. I look like an elephant standing next to you!” He tugged self-consciously at the low-cut silk gown that slipped around his smooth body with every move.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Maddison said, suppressing a laugh. “You look gorgeous, and you know it. Just wait until your date sees you - his eyes are gonna pop out of his head.”

“Yeah, about that. Do you have to call it a date?” Tommy asked, still uneasy about being paired with one of the groomsmen for the ceremony.

“Fine, I won’t use the d-word,” Maddison teased with a playful wink. “But try to have some fun, okay? It’s not like you’re marrying him. You just have to hold his hand a few times and dance with him later. You might even like him! I haven’t seen Cameron in years, but he was always super handsome.”

“Okay, girls, time to get moving,” Maddison’s mother called over.

“Coming, Mum,” Maddison replied, before turning back to Tommy. “Promise me you’ll try to enjoy yourself.”

"I’ll try,” Tommy said, managing a small smile that made Maddison beam in return.

Tommy turned and followed Maddison and her mother through the beautifully decorated arch. Each sharp click of his towering heels against the marble floor felt deafening, blending with the pounding of his heart as he braced himself to face the daunting day ahead.

The grand room buzzed with lively chatter, bursts of laughter, and the soft clinking of glasses as the trio entered. Maddison’s mother quickly peeled off to greet family members, leaving Maddison and Tommy to navigate the crowd together.

Tommy glanced around uneasily while trailing Maddison through a sea of unfamiliar faces. His sandals, sky-high and treacherous, seemed determined to test his balance. Every step was an exercise in precision as he shuffled forward, his light ballgown swishing with an annoying flair that only heightened his sense of vulnerability and unease.

Maddison, ever the social butterfly, eased his nerves with a light pat on the arm. “Come on,” she said with a smile, steering him toward a small group of her extended family.

After a series of polite introductions, filled with names Tommy immediately forgot, he felt himself shrinking under the weight of their curious glances. Maddison, sensing his discomfort, guided him further into the crowd. That’s when she spotted him.

“Hey, Cameron!” Maddison called out, her voice cutting through the hum of conversation. A tall, dark-haired man turned, his easy grin widening as his eyes landed on her.

“Maddy! Wow, look at you,” Cameron said warmly, pulling her into a friendly hug. “It’s been years. How’ve you been?”

“Good, really good,” Maddison replied before stepping aside. “But let me introduce you to your date. Cameron, this is Tammy.”

Tommy hesitated, rooted to the spot. Maddison rolled her eyes and grabbed his arm, tugging him out from behind her like a reluctant show pony. His sky-high heels wobbled dangerously as he stumbled forward, barely catching himself before toppling over.

“Uh… hey. It’s… err… nice to meet you,” he stammered, his voice shaky as he looked up into Cameron’s piercing gaze.

Cameron gave him a once-over, the corner of his mouth twitching as if suppressing a smirk. “Yeah, you too, Tessa,” he said nonchalantly.

“It’s Tammy,” Tommy corrected, his pouty lips pressing together in irritation. “Not Tessa.”

“Okay, sorry, princess,” Cameron replied, his tone oozing with exaggerated sincerity. “Chill out. I’ve met a lot of people today. You can’t expect me to remember everyone’s name right away.”

Tommy’s eyes narrowed. “Not everyone’s, no. But I’d expect you to at least remember your dates'.”

“Woah, easy, babe,” Cameron said, raising his hands theatrically, his smirk widening. “Look, I know you probably like what you see, but I don’t think you’re my type.”

Tommy’s jaw dropped, his fists clenching at his sides. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” he demanded, his heel slamming into the floor louder than he intended.

“Relax,” Cameron said, chuckling. “I just like girls who are a bit more laid-back, that’s all. You’re very pretty, but you seem… high-maintenance.”

“High-maintenance?” Tommy shrieked, his voice rising an octave. “I’m not high-maintenance! I’m a very relaxed person!”

“Sure you are,” Cameron said, the cheeky grin never leaving his face. Turning back to Maddison, he added, “Great seeing you again, Maddy. Let’s catch up later, yeah?” Then, with a glance at Tommy, he added, “Catch you later too, babe. I’m gonna grab a smoke.” With that, he walked away, leaving Tommy fuming.

Maddison stifled a laugh. “Well, that went well.”

“Oh my God, Maddy. He’s so arrogant!” Tommy hissed, his glossy lips trembling with frustration. “Can you believe the ego on that guy?”

“Looks like someone’s got a little crush,” Maddison teased, nudging Tommy as she caught him still gazing at Cameron through the crowd.

“What? Me?” Tommy squealed, spinning to face her. “No way! He’s such a dick.”

Maddison shrugged, still smiling. “Alright, alright. My mistake. Let’s go find the bride. I’ll introduce you.”

With a frustrated huff, Tommy adjusted his dress and followed Maddison, doing his best to push the awkward encounter from his mind.

Thirty minutes later, Tommy found himself standing outside the main hall with the other bridesmaids, all dressed in matching shiny purple gowns. Opposite them, the groomsmen waited in their sharp suits.

When the music began, each groomsman stepped forward in turn, taking his partner’s hand before leading her down the aisle. Except for Cameron, that is.

“Aren’t you going to hold my hand?” Tommy hissed at Cameron, his voice brimming with irritation.

Cameron flashed a smug smile. “Sure thing, babe, if it’ll make you happy. But like I said - you’re not really my type.”

Tommy glared at him, his jaw tightening. “It’s not about making me happy - it’s part of the ceremony! Look, everyone else is doing it.”

“If you say so, babe,” Cameron replied, extending his hand with a dramatic flourish. “It seems awfully convenient, but go on then.”

With a sharp intake of breath, Tommy threaded his long-nailed fingers into Cameron’s larger hand. He couldn’t help but notice the firm grip as the man's hand closed around his.

Walking beside Cameron in his towering sandals, Tommy felt the weight of every pair of eyes on him. Strangers smiled warmly as they passed, but their attention only heightened his discomfort. The long, silky skirt of his gown shifted around his legs with every step, threatening to trip him up, while the bounce of his faux bosom threw off his balance just enough to keep him on edge. Each careful step stretched the moment into an eternity, his focus locked on one goal: making it down the aisle without a single misstep.

After an emotional exchange of vows, the bride and groom kissed, prompting a wave of applause and cheers from the guests. As the ceremony concluded, everyone moved to the reception hall, where tables adorned with colourful red tablecloths awaited, along with an abundance of food and drinks.

Seated between Cameron and Maddison at a round table, Tommy resolutely ignored the infuriating man, focusing instead on the festivities and downing glass after glass of wine.

A few hours later, following the speeches and cake-cutting, the bridesmaids and groomsmen were invited to join the happy couple for their first dance. Tipsy and caught off guard, Tommy reluctantly accepted Cameron’s outstretched hand. Before he knew it, he was wobbling unsteadily on his high heels, leaning on Cameron for balance.

The music began, and the couples swayed gently to the romantic melody. Avoiding Cameron’s gaze, Tommy tried to block out the unsettling sensation of the man’s hand resting on the small of his back. Instead, he focused on moving as gracefully as possible in his towering heels, each step a battle to stay upright.

As the first song ended and the next began, more guests trickled onto the dancefloor.

“You move pretty well on those stilts,” Cameron remarked, breaking the silence that had stretched between them for what felt like hours.

“Is that a compliment?” Tommy asked, meeting Cameron’s gaze while doing his best to ignore the throb of his steeply angled feet.

“Just an observation,” Cameron replied with a smirk.

“You’re not a bad dancer yourself,” Tommy countered, swaying in the man’s arms.

“Is that a compliment?” Cameron teased, his grin widening.

“Just an observation,” Tommy countered, mirroring the smirk.

The pair danced for a few more songs before Cameron excused himself to go for a smoke, leaving Tommy teetering alone on the dance floor. He glanced around, searching for Maddison, but couldn’t see her anywhere. His feet pulsed in agony as he minced through the crowd, scanning faces. Just as he was about to give up and retreat to his table, he felt a sudden, tight grip around his waist.

“Hey, beautiful. Let’s dance,” slurred a drunken voice. Tommy turned his head to see one of the groomsmen from earlier.

“Err… no thanks. I’m actually looking for someone,” Tommy replied, trying to wriggle free from the man’s hold.

“There’s plenty of time for that later,” the man said with a lecherous grin, sliding in closer. His arm locked tightly around Tommy’s waist, making escape impossible.

Tommy’s heart raced as he looked around, hoping someone would notice. Dancers swirled around him, oblivious to his plight. “Can you let go of me? I’m not interested,” Tommy said firmly, his voice shaking.

The man’s grip tightened. “Don’t be rude, gorgeous. Just one dance. That's all I'm asking for.” he replied, his breath stinking of cigarettes and hard liquor.

Tommy struggled, but the man’s hand wandered lower until it landed firmly on his backside buttock and squeezed. Tommy gasped and shouted out in panic, but the music drowned out his cries. The man’s other hand then roamed upwards, tracing over the silky fabric of Tommy’s gown until it reached his left breast.

“How about a kiss, beautiful?” the man slurred, leaning in with his lips puckered.

“Get the fuck off me!” Tommy screamed, thrashing in desperation.

The man chuckled. “I like a feisty girl,” he sneered, leaning closer until his face was just inches away.

However, before their lips met, the man suddenly flew up into the air. Tommy froze, watching as the man’s smug expression twisted into stunned shock as he arced through the air before hitting the ground with a resounding thud.

“Not cool, man,” Cameron said, standing over him. He nudged the groomsman’s side with his foot.

“What the hell, Cam?” the man groaned, dazed as he looked up from the ground. “I was just having a little fun.”

“You piece of shit,” Cameron growled, grabbing the man by the collar and hoisting him up effortlessly. “Get the fuck out of my sight before I do something we’ll both regret,” he added, shoving him hard.

The man stumbled, barely keeping his balance, before scurrying away into the crowd.

Cameron turned to Tommy, his expression softening. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” he asked gently.

Tommy didn’t respond, his vision blurring as tears welled up in his eyes. He glanced at the crowd now circling him, their concerned faces only magnifying his sense of vulnerability. A single tear slid down his cheek as a wave of helplessness and humiliation washed over him. Clutching the skirt of his gown, he shoved past Cameron and the gathering onlookers, desperate to escape.

His exit was far from swift or elegant. The towering heels on his aching feet wobbled with each hurried step, forcing him to lurch and stumble. His unsteady movements made his body jiggle and wiggle, and his faux bosom bounce, deepening his feeling of utter humiliation.