Steven stood on the dock securing the boat while bridezilla and her doting fiancé hurried off to meet her five-minute late nail appointment. Tay was trying to juggle everything Ross had left behind all the while pulling Red along behind him. But before she was off the dock she turned as best she could and waved. Steven smiled and waved back sending a prayer of patience her way.

After having been rudely interrupted by Kara's sudden freak-out, Steven couldn't stop thinking about Red and what she was about to say her name was. He felt bad that that Tay guy had ruined a lot of the early trip for her. He seemed like a nice guy but was definitely pushy around her. Red took it in stride but Steven had been too busy driving the boat to actually serve as a distraction for her.

He definitely loved talking to her. She was easy to open up to and it helped she had the same standards as him. He didn't think Tay did, considering his colorful words when he was rushing off after the lovebirds, Red in tow. That made her even more attractive as if it were possible. Hopefully, he will be able to catch her name at the wedding reception.

Ross had asked for him to come to the pre-wedding party and stay for the three extra days afterward before the two headed on their honeymoon cruise. The party started late tonight and went on until tomorrow, the next day being the big day. Before the reef trip, Steven was planning on saying no, but now he was all for it. 

But only if Red would be there. He hoped she would be. So that meant he had to pack a bag ASAP in order to make it on the last bus to their small rented cabins on the beachfront on the other side of the island.

Steven also secretly wished to see Red around the Nadi Temple. He was sure her spirit was a strong one.

~

Steven gave the bus driver his fair and hopped off, grabbing his luggage to go stand off to the side as it took off down the dirt road. He could already hear the music and laughter coming from the bigger of the three cabins. Sounds like Kara made it to her all-important appointments. He laughed to himself as he picked up his stuff and made his way to the boy's cabin.

After dropping off his stuff and hoping he had picked the one room farthest from Ross and his snoring, Steven grabbed a light jacket and came up to the party cabin. Relient K and Imagine Dragons competed for dominance as a loud conversation about better bands came from inside. Stepping in Steven smiled as he saw a bunch young adults with red solo cups full of root beer and other caffeine-free beverages.

There had to be about seven of them, him making it eight. He couldn't help himself as he searched the large room for Red but not a female was in sight. But he heard a group of giggles behind a door off to the left. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go join them or the guys. Both sounded equally as exhausting and fun. But he mainly wanted to see Red.

Ross saw him first and called him over. One of the songs was turned off and lowered a bit. He handed Steven a cup of Mountain Dew, his favorite.

"Steven I'm so glad you made it. Who knew I would need my companion again to keep me on the straight and narrow and at my pre-wedding party too."

Steven took a sip and smiled. "I knew I meant more to you than a therapist."

The group of guys laughed. Surprisingly, Steven fell easily in sync with the group. He noticed two ringed men and the rest were unattached, that he knew of. He straightened his shoulders. He had to be sure to get Red's attention and keep it, he didn't want any more 'Tay's lurking about. Speaking of, Steven hadn't seen Tay when he walked in. Maybe he was in the bathroom. Hopefully, the guy got sick and was out of commission.

Steven shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking such things. Red was welcome to talk and be with anyone she wanted. He just really hoped that it was him. Giggles erupted from the room again and all the guys turned to it, like dogs on a scent. Ross laughed and shook his head.

"Look at us. What men we are." He turned to Steven. "Kara insisted on having a "catching up" gathering before the guys and girls got too acquainted." He shook his head but he was smiling. "Not like they won't be staying up all night as it is."

The guys laughed and Steven smiled. The guys talked some more but after his third cup, Steven had to use the restroom. He was making his way there when the back room opened up and the girls all came out, laughing and talking loudly. Steven turned away but his eye caught flaming red hair and he paused. 

However, his gaze was drawn to the sound of a male's voice coming out of the room. Steven's blood boiled when he spied Tay standing close to her, his hands moving animatedly as he spoke to her loudly. She, on the other hand, looked like she was ready to hit him with the nearest object. Steven almost laughed.

Had Tay come out of the room with them? What was he doing in there? Steven would have gone over and asked those very questions but nature was calling and he was done ignoring it. He just hoped Red was still here when he returned and that Tay hadn't scared her off.