Ghosted: Wicked Wedding Planners Series

by Alyssa Parsons

  Nic calmly replied that the errand had been of an urgent nature.

  ‘If you find it a struggle to park in there as it’s a bit tight..... there is a big public car park just across the road that you may find easier,’ Nic added for extra measure.

  Once again, Linda had been outplayed.

  Honey has come out in her wedding dress. Debbie is making final adjustments to the Honey’s dress and I have to say that it is breath taking. The lace is so delicate and Debbie has added small crystals to add a gorgeous amount of sparkle.

  ‘Do you think I need more crystals Sammi?’ Honey looks at herself in the mirror.

  I can see Debbie looking slightly stressed at the thought.

  ‘No definitely not, it is just perfect as it is,’ I tell her.

  ‘I don’t think you can have too much sparkle though,’ Honey says as she twirls round.

  ‘Don’t forget you are wearing the sparkly belt as well,’ Debbie reminds her. ‘If the dress has too many crystals on it, the belt won’t stand out as much.’

  ‘Oooh yes, let’s see it,’ Honey says excitedly.

  Debbie brings out this beautiful belt encrusted with plain crystals and the Swarovski pineapple crystals which stud the front of the belt. Even Honey is bowled over.

  ‘It’s perfect,’ she gasps.

  I have a lunch meeting with Thom today to go through a few potential cake orders with some of the new brides that have signed up with our agency. I also want to finalise the delivery of the pineapple cakes to Honey’s venue with him.

  I meet him at his café and as it is a working lunch I have brought my sandwiches with me.

  ‘Hi Sammi,’ Thom looks very chipper and happy today.

  ‘You are cheerful today,’ I smile at him wondering what has brought on his cheerful manner. I hope he hasn’t decided to get back with Sasha.

  ‘Yeah I’ve decided to take control of my life,’ he explains. ‘I’ve completely finished things with Sasha. I’m ready to move on.’

  ‘That’s fantastic, she was holding you back. Every time you showed signs that you’d had enough of her hot and cold behaviour, she’d lure you back in. Only to drop you again. It’s not healthy.’

  ‘I’ve finally realised that and I am completely done.’

  We go through some existing orders and I arrange appointment times for the new brides that have recently requested my planning services. The bonus of having all these new clients is that I can go to more cake tasting sessions.

  ‘So Honey’s wedding is a week on Saturday,’ I remind Thom. ‘Ideally I would like to have the cakes at the venue no later than 10:00 am. Does that work for you?’

  ‘Yeah, I see no problem with that,’ Thom says as he flicks through his diary.

  ‘Cool, how much time will you need to set up the cake and add the final decorations?’ I ask him.

  ‘‘Probably about an hour,’ he replies.

  ‘Perfect, the house is amazing and they have this large walk-in fridge. So we can store the cake in there on the trolley once you have finished.’

  ‘That’s perfect.’

  ‘Yeah, I mean the house is unbelievable. It has everything you could imagine and more.’

  ‘Can’t wait to see it,’ he says.

  ‘I’ll have to give you a quick tour if I have time. It’s going to be mental on the day. So much to organise and it’s an early ceremony, a 12:30pm start.’

  ‘Anyway how are things with you Sammi, what’s been happening in your life?’ Thom asks me all seriously.

  ‘Mmm,’ I hesitate a little, not really wanting to tell him too much about Caspar. ‘Not loads, I’ve been so busy with all these weddings.’

  ‘Hold on,’ Thom gets up. ‘I have created a new cupcake and you have to try it.’

  He brings out this really dense chocolatey looking cupcake that is iced with a creamy looking frosting and a cluster of luscious looking dark red cherries on top.

  ‘I know you love cherries, Sammi,’ he slides the plate of deliciousness over to me.

  I bite into it and my taste buds explode in delight.

  ‘Oh my god this is delicious.’

  The icing is flavoured with Amaretto and the dark chocolate cupcake is fudgy and dense. In the middle of the cupcake is a delicious cherry filling that flows out when you bite into it.

  ‘This is the most amazing thing ever, it’s even better than the Cherry Bombe at Coco’s.’

  Thom laughs at my reaction. ‘I’m really glad you like it so much Sammi.’

  ‘I really do,’ I lick some of the delicious cherry filling off my fingers.

  ‘Listen Sammi, there is something I want to talk to you about,’ Thom says a bit more seriously again.

  ‘Sure, what is it?’ I look at him.

  ‘It’s about us,’ he says seriously.

  ‘Okay?’

  ‘We went out on a couple of dates last year and I realise now what a great time we had. We have a really good connection but all this time, I have been distracted with Sasha. I never felt ready to move on. And then recently, you’ve had this Caspar situation to deal with’.

  I stay quiet. I pray that this is not going to go the way I think it is.

  ‘We have both been too involved with our pasts,’ he continues. ‘Stuck in fact. We both haven’t seen what’s in front of us.’

  I inwardly cringe. It is going this way.

  ‘So I want to ask you out on a proper date. No more Sasha and Caspar baggage. What do you say?’ he looks at me expectantly.

  Oh god, this is awful. I really like Thom, he is a great guy and I don’t want to hurt him. I probably would have agreed with him a few months ago but things have changed.

  ‘You’re not saying anything,’ Thom says after a while.

  ‘Sorry, it’s just that umm,’ I don’t know how to say this to Thom. ‘Caspar and I have decided to give things another go.’

  ‘Oh I see…… I wasn’t expecting that,’ Thom tries to hide his surprise.

  ‘Neither was I but we had a long talk and it’s a really long story but there was something that happened that caused Caspar to disappear. He’s really sorry and making amends for things.’

  ‘I’m surprised you took him back so quickly Sammi, after all that pain he caused you.’

  ‘It’s complicated Thom,’ I feel a bit defensive of Caspar.

  ‘I’m sure it is,’ Thom clears my plate away. ‘Well look at the time. I must get back to work. I’ll see you later then.’

  ‘Yeah sure,’ I say sadly knowing that things have got a little awkward.

  I am gutted about what just happened in there. I have really enjoyed my friendship with Thom. I know things will never be the same now. How can they be? I’ve lost my cinema and fine dining buddy. Hopefully over time, some bit of our friendship can be salvaged.

  Chapter 24

  I t’s the end of the week and this weekend isn’t looking too bad. I have no weddings until Honey’s big do next Saturday so it’s a full weekend off.

  I am meeting Caspar tonight at his flat. He is cooking dinner for me and we are going to watch a boxset. It’s a new American drama set in a law firm. I am really looking forward to chilling with him. We are getting on so well with each other.

  I am really happy that I decided to give him a second chance. We make sure to see each other at least 3 or 4 times a week. Even if we just meet up for lunch on a work day or see each other at the gym.

  It smells great in the kitchen when I arrive. I set my bottle of Malbec down on his polished granite counter top and sit myself down on a stool. I watch him cook our dinner. He is really good at it. He is cooking steaks and has made sweet potato fries, asparagus, garlic mushrooms and a homemade peppercorn sauce.

  ‘So how’s the rest of your week been?’ Caspar looks at me expectantly for more funny wedding stories, no doubt.

  I had already told him about Linda’s latest antics. He thought she was totally crazy.

  ‘It’s ended much better than it began,’ I tell him.
‘We haven’t heard anything from pushy Linda luckily.’

  ‘I’m sure she’ll be up to something soon.’

  ‘Probably but I’ll be ready’, I laugh. ‘It’s bloody draining dealing with her though.’

  Caspar plates up our food and takes it through to the dining table. Once again we sit in front of lovely views of the sunset thanks to the large windows in the dining room

  ‘This is so good, I can’t believe how tender the steak is,’ I am so impressed with Caspar’s cooking.

  ‘Its Argentinian beef from that fancy new butchers that just opened up,’ Caspar tells me.

  ‘You’ll have to make this more often.’

  ‘Of course, anytime.’

  I help Caspar wash up and he tells me about some of his company’s expansion plans. They are going to open up another branch soon as business is growing so quickly.

  ‘Exciting times,’ I smile up at him.

  Caspar flicks me on the bum with a tea towel and I playfully slap him away. He grabs me and kisses me hard. I lose myself in our passionate kiss. I know I have done the right thing by getting back with him.

  We snuggle on his sofa and put on more episodes of the boxset we have started watching. It is really addictive and we have 5 series to catch up on. We have just been staying in on our last few date nights as we can’t wait to watch the next episode.

  ‘We really will have to go out at some point,’ Caspar says. ‘I need to sort out a proper date for us.’

  ‘That would be nice,’ I ruffle his hair and kiss him. But for now I am happy to get stuck into the boxset.

  Later we are in bed and Caspar rolls over to face me.

  ‘I’ve really enjoyed the last few weeks, being back together Sammi.’

  ‘Me too, it’s been amazing,’ I agree.

  ‘Exactly so I wanted you to think about us maybe living together?’

  He has completely taken me aback. Things have been great between us but it has only been a few weeks. Trust me, I am constantly fantasizing about long-term commitment, marriage and kids especially with Caspar.

  But living together so soon feels like we are moving things forwards too quickly. I love my house and I still like it being my own. Would Caspar want to move into my house? Probably not. He would probably prefer for us to live in his apartment which I love but it’s not my cosy home. This is just a lot to think about.

  ‘Not just yet but we should think about it soon,’ he says as he sees my hesitation.

  ‘It’s a lovely idea and I would love it but it’s probably a bit quick.’

  ‘Not really if you think about it, we’ve known each other a long time and we have already been together.’

  ‘With an 8 year gap,’ I remind him.

  ‘I know Sammi but we are obviously meant to be together. We got through a lot of obstacles, major ones and we are still in love. I don’t want to lose you again and I know I want to be with you.’

  ‘I feel the same and it’s what I want to but not just yet.’

  ‘What’s holding you back if you’re saying you feel the same,’ he wants to know.

  ‘I love my house and I don’t feel like I am ready to change things just yet. Plus I think we should still give us a bit more time. It’s romantic meeting up for date nights and gym dates. Its fun and I want to enjoy the honeymoon period for a bit longer.’

  ‘You are making some good points but please think about what I said,’ he looks at me seriously.

  ‘Of course,’ I lean in to kiss him goodnight and I turn over so that he can spoon me. I love feeling the warmth of his body next to me. I sleep so well when I am with him.

  We spend Sunday mooching around. We have a late breakfast and go shopping at the local food market. Then it’s back to mine for more boxset watching. Caspar has collected some work clothes as he is staying at mine tonight.

  We make a delicious chorizo and red pepper pasta dish, with a fresh salad and lovely red wine. All courtesy of the local produce we bought at the market. We have a blast pretending we are contestants on Masterchef as we chop and cook our ingredients.

  ‘So good,’ I say as I stuff a large marinated green olive in my mouth. Caspar laughs and stuffs another one in my mouth. We are a bit tipsy on the wine so we both finding everything we say and do hilariously funny. After dinner, we settle into the bedroom and crack on with the boxset.

  Chapter 25

  I t is officially the week leading up to Honey’s big pineapple wedding on Saturday and I have loads to do. I am in for a busy week. There are so many decorations, flowers and booze among other things being delivered to the venue this week.

  I need to be there every day to make sure everything turns up when it should. I also need to organise the band, caterers and florists. The owners of the house, the Watsons, are away on holiday this week. They won’t be coming back until Friday afternoon which makes everything a lot easier. I won’t have to worry about disturbing them.

  I received an email from Amelie this morning.

  Dear Sammi

  I would like to apologise about Mum’s behaviour last week. I am still so embarrassed it and I don’t feel that I can apologise enough. I hope this hasn’t put you off working with us. Despite what you have seen of her, she isn’t always like this.

  Yes she is used to having things done her way and she likes to be in control. She is always worried about what other people think. She has very strong views about our wedding and I think it is partly due to her not having the wedding of her dreams. She is trying to live vicariously through my wedding.

  I have spoken to Dad and James about what has been going on and they are both quite shocked and disappointed with her as well. James has received a bonus at work and we have decided to use it to pay for your planning services so that Mum can’t interfere with things anymore. We will speak to Mum about this and hope we can come to some agreement with her.

  In the meantime would you be able to issue her with a refund and we will transfer the funds to you ASAP. I know she wouldn’t accept the money directly from us if we tried to give her the money back.

  James has told me I need to more assertive and choose what I want. I have started self-confidence therapy with a coach and I am determined to stand up for myself and make my own decisions. It will make your job a lot easier too, well if you still want to work with us that is.

  Hopefully speak to you soon

  Amelie

  Well that is certainly a turnout for the books. I am really pleased that Amelie has stepped up to the plate. It’s also great that she has support from both her dad and James. Linda must be so annoyed. I would love to be a fly on the wall when they have that chat with her.

  I feel a bit victorious like I have won against miserable, nasty old Linda. But more importantly, Amelie is going to get the wedding day she wants and we will both have a lot less stress planning it.

  Things are definitely looking up. I get a call from Leanna who is ringing up to see if I can meet for lunch.

  ‘Can’t do this week at all,’ I tell her. ‘I have the big Pineapple wedding this week and I’m going to be at the venue pretty much all week setting up.’

  ‘Okay well what about dinner?’ she suggests.

  ‘No can do either. I will be working late every night this week. It is a massive event.’

  ‘But I haven’t actually seen you in weeks ever since you got back with Caspar,’ she whinges.

  ‘And you have been busy with Matt whenever I have wanted to meet up,’ I remind her that it hasn’t just been me who has been too busy.

  ‘Well, we need a catch up. I am dying to know how it’s all going with lover boy.’

  ‘It’s going really well. We can meet up next week. ‘Any time that suits, I promise you will be my priority.’

  ‘I better be,’ she says as she hangs up.

  I have never seen so many deliveries for a wedding. We spend the first part of the week turning the Orangerie into a tropical paradise. Palm trees, sand, beach huts, loungers and tabl
es. A big glossy wooden beach bar has been set up complete with liqueurs, mixers, wines and beers. Glasses of all shapes and sizes are being polished to serve the cocktails and drinks.

  The pineapple fairy lights have been strung up throughout the Orangerie. Twinkly little lights have been installed in the glass ceiling above to represent stars. More strings of pineapple fairy lights will be put outside on the massive patio area. The patio will be decked out with comfy seating areas and tables. It will also be decorated with gold pineapple lanterns, candles and tropical plants.

  The Watson’s have a huge garden room which has been transformed into the ceremony room. The aisle has been created by using a really thick and plush pale gold carpet running through the middle of the room. All the chairs have been placed in rows on either side. It just needs the floral arrangements and a few decorations.

  Another large room has been allocated for the reception and evening entertainment. The tables and chairs have been arranged around the room. A dancefloor is being constructed as we speak. Later in the week, the food deliveries as well as the flowers will arrive.

  I get into a routine of popping into the office for a couple of hours first thing in the morning to answer emails and touch base with my other brides. Then I head over to the Watson’s country estate and I stay there until 8-9pm most nights. Honey and her mother drop by every day in the afternoon to check on the progress. They are pretty blown away with the progress so far.

  ‘Sammi you are a genius,’ Honey exclaims in sheer delight.

  She is wearing a black jumpsuit cinched with a wide gold belt. She is strutting around in a glorious pair of very high gold heels. In keeping with the pineapple theme, she is wearing a pair of dangly gold pineapple earrings.

  ‘It looks fab,’ agrees Mrs Edwards, Honey’s mother is dressed more conservatively in a pair of smart pressed jeans, a pale blue blouse and delicate silk scarf in vibrant blues, greens and turquoises.

  ‘So the rehearsal is on Friday and we are aiming to start at 4:00pm,’ I tell them.

  ‘Perfect, we are looking forward to it,’ says Mrs Edwards.

  ‘You will get a chance to sample the signature pineapple cocktail as well as some canapes,’ I inform them of the plan so far.