Irena sat out amongst the rest of the wedding guests. Sean did offer to be a part of their wedding party, but she declined. She didn't feel as though it would been appropriate given her and Sean's relationship history. Yes, even though they dated only for a couple of months three years ago, they were friends with benefits for a while until he met Cassie. She didn't feel jealous at all since they agreed to keep things between them simply platonic. For the most part, Sean seemed happy and that's all that mattered.
Unlike Sean, she never envisioned herself on getting married to anyone. She wasn't bitter, it's just she didn't care about getting married or not. She was perfectly content with her life revolving around her and her son. She never liked the idea of a man becoming permanent in her and her son's life. In America, a black unmarried single mother is heavily ostracized. Black women especially get shamed and blamed for having a child out of wedlock. Not to mention, people did strange things to children. Irena never felt comfortable about the idea of having men around her son. Sean of course was the exception due to the fact they were friends. Sean never tried to overstep and play stepdad to her son Lorenzo. If anything, he took more of the role of uncle. He showed genuine care for her son and never crossed her ultimate line.
If Irena was being completely honest; besides her son's father and Sean, she really didn't find men in America all that interesting. Sure, she dated here and there but she eventually found dating to be an annoying nuisance. She knew of Sean's lineage, and it didn't bother her in the least that he was half demon. The men both demon and human that she ran into all annoyed her for one reason or another. Some were clingy, which she hated. Some were sneaky liars and manipulators that thought she was one of those young and dumb broads. Some thought she was a young single mother who was desperate enough to accept their bullshit flattering words. Some creeped her out by planning to be married and down the aisle. Some were either stupid enough or brave to try and use her son to entice her to date them. That alone was a line that Irena never could forgive and would set her off. The simple fact they thought using her son was the greatest offense to her. Not only did she find it to be an insult to her intelligence, but she found disgusting that a man would stoop so low to try and involve her child. It was safer to play with the devil, than to dare involve her child in their pathetic manipulation tactics.
The wedding was beautiful, but large crowds weren't her style. There were over 200 people in attendance at her friend's wedding. People were enjoying themselves and were engorging in the food and endless drinks at the bar. Sean and Cassie wanted a child free wedding so that the adults could cut loose and be kids free for the week. Irena couldn't wait to go home the day after tomorrow. She had a restaurant and child to get back home too. She felt guilty for being away from her son for the five days she was there in the Maldives. However, her mother convinced her that she needed time for herself.
Deciding that she needed a breath of fresh air, she got up from her seat and slipped outside to walk through the garden of the venue. The further she walked; she found a wooden bench to sit down on. She gladly sat and opened her clutch purse I and pulled out her cigarettes and a lighter. Not long after she lit her cigarette, she saw Sean making his way towards her.
He plopped down next to her and pulled out his cigarette. She handed him her lighter and they sat for a few moments in silence appreciating the relaxing sunset.
Sean sighed as he exhaled, "You enjoying the festivities?"
"I should be asking you that."
He shrugged, "It's cool and all. Cassie seems happy, she's a little bummed that she can't drink cause of the pregnancy.
"What about you? Aren't you happy?"
"I don't mind it. I think I can be happy with her."
Irena slightly side-eyed him before looking back toward the sunset, "That's strange."
"What do you mean?"
"Normally people are excited at their weddings. They're normally jovial about getting to spend their life with someone whom they truly love.
Sean sighed. "You know me, Ren. I'm never one for all that sappy bullshit. But if Cassie is happy and we can raise our kid in a functioning home, that's all I care for.
"Well then buddy, I hope you have a wonderful happy marriage."
They sat and smoked two more cigarettes before going back to the reception. Irena told Sean to go in first. As to not create any suspicion. She waited five minutes before walking back to the venue. She went to the ladies' room to freshen up and to spray perfume to cover the cigarette smell. After she was satisfied, she went to the bar. She ordered herself a dirty martini and sat at the bar, flicking through her phone. She was simply minding her business when an unfamiliar body slid in the seat next to her.
She didn't think anything of it until the person next to her spoke up, "What's a sexy lady like yourself doing over here at the bar by yourself."
Irena rolled her eyes in annoyance, already knowing where this was going. She took a sip of her drink without sparing the unwanted visitor a glance.
"I'm not alone."
The voice chuckled, "I've been watching you all night. You haven't danced with anyone, and you practically kept to yourself.
"How observant of you," she replied flatly hoping the guy would get the subtle hint.
"How about you come dance with me?"
Irena was becoming increasingly annoyed at the simple fact that he couldn't take the subtle hints. Instead of going back and forth with this idiot, she got down from the stool grabbing her drink and turned to walk away.
The moment she turned, the stranger grabbed her arm causing her to jerk her arm out of his grasp. In one quick motion she threw her drink at the man. Astonished and angry that she threw her drink in his face, he quickly grabbed her arm again and raised his right hand to slap her.
Before he could swing his arm down, he was quickly pushed back into the bar counter by another man.