The bridesmaids gathered around the bed, each woman clutching the bottom sheet. They hummed along to a folk song, giggling as they made the bed. Lois’ arms trembled as she hauled the sheet to the corner of the bed. Under other circumstances, she might have enjoyed this Greek tradition. She was bone-weary and sluggish. A cloud hovered over her brain, making it difficult to think.
The bride-to-be danced around the bedroom, her feet moving passionately with each beat of the music. The flowers weaving through her bun made her look twenty years younger. She looked at Uncle Mike as if he were Perseus reincarnated. Lois couldn’t for the life of her remember the cook’s name. It was her cooking uncle Mike fell in love with.
Lois’ eyes were drawn to the circle of groomsmen dancing around the bed, and crowing with glee. She found Clark instantly and moistened her lips. He threw his head back laughing, hands braced on the man’s shoulders beside him. The muscles in his forearms rippled, begging to be explored. Clark moved like a Greek who had learned to dance before walking.
Hera, save me. That man’s moves were sinful.
It was so unfair the groomsmen got to be so close to her man while she was saddled with blankets. There was nothing more sexy than Superman Greek dancing. The only thing that would make it better was an airy toga with a great view. His broad shoulders rolled lyrically with each step – his movements as fluid as an incoming wave.
“Na zisete!” Clark screamed over the roar of the other Greeks. His voice crashed into her and Lois felt suddenly embarrassingly warm. She caught a whiff of electrifying ozone, the smell of lightning touching down — and an undercurrent of earthy tones uniquely Kal-El.
“Ela pare lige gia kali tichi!”
A chunky bridesmaid offered her a basket of rice. Lois was annoyed at her view of Clark being blocked, but quickly forgave her when the smell of rice overpowered Clark’s scent. She took a fistful of rice and shoved it in her mouth. The bridesmaid’s eyes widened. She screamed at Lois, horrified. It was all Greek to her.
“You’re supposed to throw the rice on the bed, not eat it,” Clark said, leaning into Lois from behind. His breath was hot on her neck and smelled like honey. Lois stiffened, her body itching to grab him.
“It’s tasty.”
Not as tasty as his mouth. Lois whirled around and slammed her mouth on his. Clark’s eyes widened. Cheers erupted from the bridal shower. She forced her way on top of him, heedless of the audience they had. She couldn't get enough of him.
“Kai sa echoume enan allo gamo!” the bride-to-be clapped enthusiastically. She screamed at her bridesmaids. Lois gnawed at Clark’s bottom lip, only half listening. Greeks only had two volumes, loud and louder. It was difficult to tell whether the bride-to-be was angry or elated to see her future niece so happy.
Clark screeched like a dachshund who got its tail stepped on. Lois blinked confusedly, barely registering what was happening. Two hefty men tossed Clark onto the bed, laughing and applauding. Arms grabbed Lois from behind and dropped her on top of Clark. The beadboard groaned under their combined weight. She felt Clark tense with fear, and she grabbed his hand to reassure him. She knew how much he hated the attention.
“This is bad luck for the wedding!” Clark protested, trying to get up. “We’re not the ones getting married!”
Uncle Mike gently pushed him back to the bed. He looped an arm around his fiance’s ample waist. She grinned ear-to-ear. “Much too old to be thrown on a bed,” Uncle Mike smiled, eyes twinkling in amusement. “Not good for me ol’ back.”
“But it’s tradition!” Clark protested. The bridal party was happy with the new arrangement. People threw money and rice over Lois and Clark, gay laughter ringing through the bedroom. The bride and groom danced around the bed. Lois was impressed by how freely they moved in the small area. Lois had never seen Uncle Mike so happy and free before. He dipped and spun his fiance, kissing her as eagerly as a schoolboy. A cousin flung money at the happy couple and then threw some more at Lois and Clark.
Lois was hunkered down by Clark, basking under the glow of the adoring crowd. Euros and rice rained down on them—a spattering of white feathered throughout Clark’s black hair. She plucked a grain off his eyebrow and ate it. Clark scowled.
“You know there’s real food in the . . .”
She shut him up with a hard kiss. She hoped that when it was their wedding day, it would be as joyous as this. With their track record, it was unlikely.
