by Jenny Lynn
“I brought a few things to get us started,” she began with a bright smile. I gestured towards the table and she followed me there, taking the seat beside me and starting to pull out a stack of magazines with post-it notes marking certain pages as well as her tablet. The woman was clearly organized. “Now, Breanne, I understand you’ve already decided on the Harold Washington Library for a venue and booked it.”
“That’s right,” I said. “Nicholas and I share a love of books, and when we toured their event space we fell in love with the high ceilings and skylight.”
“It was a great choice, I’ve helped plan one other wedding there,” she explained. “I know their team quite well.”
“That’s lucky,” I said with a smile. She turned on her tablet and I saw a checklist on the screen. Swiftly, she started to open magazines.
“Let’s start making some decisions so we can get orders in,” she began. “Flowers, linens and candles.”
“Oh,” I said tonelessly. “Shouldn’t Nicholas have some say?”
Stephanie smiled politely. “He was confident that you and I would be able to work out the details together. He expressed that the most important thing is that you get the perfect wedding you’ve always dreamed about, money is no object.”
I shook my head and laughed, of course it wasn’t. I would never get used to the extravagant tastes of Nicholas. Stephanie started to open her magazines. “Roses are classic, and of course there are lilies.”
“My favorite flowers are peonies,” I told her. “What do you think, are those a good choice?”
Stephanie nodded and picked up her tablet, typing and turning the screen towards me. “I have a supplier, we can definitely arrange that. Were you thinking for your bouquet, or for the centrepieces?”
“The centerpieces. It would be nice to see them everywhere, in pale pink, and cream candles,” I told her picturing it in my mind. “For the wedding bouquet I think I would need to see a few ideas.”
“Well,” Stephanie began. “You can have something modern, simple, extravagant.” She was flipping through specific colored post-its in the magazines showing me different options. I stopped her on a page with a smaller bouquet with a variety of pale pastel flowers. It was simple but beautiful.
“I like that one,” I told her. She nodded and drew a star on the note stuck to the page. “Simple bouquets of pink roses with baby’s breath for your bridesmaids would complement this,” she said. “How many bridesmaids will you have?” My silence filled the air, revealing that I wasn’t ready for that question. “It’s okay,” she assured me. “But you should probably decide soon, so Nicholas can ask his groomsmen.”
I suddenly felt a bit dizzy, the piles of magazines in front of me. The wedding was coming up in four months and I barely had made any decisions. Between work and school, not to mention Nicholas’ hectic schedule, we had no time for planning. It had always felt so far off but suddenly it was looming and I was unprepared. I started to breathe quickly and Stephanie squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry, everything will be wonderful,” she assured me. “I’m here to help. I’ll check in with you as we make decisions then I will take over all of the arrangements.”
I looked at Stephanie, feeling relieved that Nicholas had thought to hire her. She was already proving herself to be a lifesaver. “Now with the venue, I would recommend classic white linens for a clean look. I can have a few swatches sent over if you would like to see them.”
“That’s okay,” I said. “I trust your judgement on that.”
“Have you thought about the menu? There is a fantastic caterer I’ve used a number of times. I can arrange for a tasting next week for you and Nicholas, the chef will come to your home and prepare a sample menu.”
“That sounds perfect,” I told her. “I’m free next Monday and Thursday.”
Stephanie made a note on her tablet. “I’ll check in with Nicholas and the chef to find a date that works for everyone. I’ll also arrange for a cake tasting with a baker I use as well, unless you have a certain bakery in mind.”
“I’m happy to go with your suggestions,” I said.
“Everything is going to be perfect, I promise,” she told me. “You have nothing to worry about.”
I smiled, knowing she was right. “I’m marrying the man of my dreams. It already is perfect.”
“That’s why I love my job,” Stephanie said with a sigh. “I get to be a witness to so many love stories, it’s wonderful.” She took a sheet from her bag and handed it to me. “Here is a rough outline of the things you will need to make decisions about and a general timeline. I’m going to get started on what we’ve discussed, and will be in touch with a date for the tasting next week. Here is my card as well. If you need anything, day or night, you just call me and we will work it out together okay?”
“Thank you so much,” I said as I stood up. “I don’t know how I would do this without you. Life has been so busy lately.”
“Nicholas told me you’re driven and hardworking.”
I laughed. “So is he, I suppose we’re perfectly matched in that way.”
“I think you’re perfectly matched in every way, if you ask me,” she said as she pulled me into a quick hug. Pulling back she held me at arm's length and looked me in the eyes. “I’m going to get to work, but like I said if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call. That’s what I’m here for.”
“I will,” I assured her. Stephanie gathered her things, packed up and I walked her to the elevator. I waved as the doors closed behind her, then stood in the foyer alone with my thoughts. There were so many details for our upcoming wedding to decide on. I still hadn’t decided on a wedding dress, but I had an appointment to visit a boutique on Sunday. My phone buzzed and I walked over to the counter to pick it up. It was a text from Tabitha.
Are we still on for tonight?
I started to type my reply, I was looking forward to a girls night out. Maybe I could get their opinion on a few of the wedding decisions I needed to make.
Sasha and Evelyn are meeting us at Vantage for nine, we have the VIP area booked
Great see you tonight, Breanne!
I headed back for the couch, picking up my notes and laptop. I had the rest of the afternoon into the evening to get ahead on my assignments and I planned to take advantage of the uninterrupted time. I powered through my research, only stopping to make myself a turkey sandwich when darkness fell and the city lit up outside the tall windows stretched along the walls.
I glanced at the clock, it was seven thirty and time to start getting ready. I headed for the bedroom and pulled my shirt over my head as I walked into the closet. I flipped through the closet and took a fitted pink dress off the hanger, holding it against myself and checking my reflection in the mirror. It was perfect for a night out with my future sisters in law and my best friend, I was excited to see them all and enjoy a few cocktails. I shimmied out of my pants, pulling the dress over my head and smoothing the fabric against my body.
In the bathroom I touched up my makeup while the curling iron heated up. I twisted sections of my hair around the barrel, creating soft waves that cascaded over my shoulders. Back in the bedroom I put in chandelier earrings and stepped into a pair of black heels. I picked my clutch off the dresser then headed downstairs and flagged down a taxi.
The driver moved smoothly through traffic until we arrived at Vantage, an exclusive downtown club. I paid the man then slipped out, walking past the line towards the doorman when a hand grabbed my arm. I turned and saw Tabitha.
“We got here at the same time!” she exclaimed. “I’m so ready for a fun night, I needed this. This week has been brutal.”
“It’s felt like a long one, that’s for sure,” I agreed. When we reached the doorman he turned his glance towards us. “We’re on the list, Breanne Taylor and Tabitha Bates” I told him. He checked his sheet then nodded and unclipped the rope for us.
“Have a nice night ladies,” he said with a brief nod.
Looping her arm around mine Tabitha and I wandered into the space where the lights were low and music was pumping over the sound system. I spotted Sasha and Evelyn near the far corner in a roped off section and pulled Tabitha towards them. They had a bottle of Grey Goose in the middle of the table along with a variety of mixers. Evelyn noticed us first and smiled then waved. When we sat down she shouted over the music.
“You guys made it! Vodka okay? We ordered a bottle.”
“It’s perfect,” Tabitha said as she started to pour herself a vodka tonic.
“This is nice, I’m so glad we’re doing this,” I told them.
“How was your day?” Sasha asked. “Mom told me that Nicholas sent over Stephanie Ball.”
“He did,” I said as I started to pour myself a vodka cranberry. “I know she’s technically a wedding planner, but I’m starting to already think of her as my fairy godmother. She seems like she’s a miracle worker.”
“She’s the best at what she does,” Sasha agreed. “She did an excellent job planning my wedding.”
My hand froze, holding my glass still. “She didn’t mention that, I’m sorry,” I told Sasha as Evelyn and Tabitha shifted nervously in their seats. “Let’s talk about something else.”
“It’s okay, I promise,” Sasha said reaching over and touching my arm lightly. “My therapist says it’s healthy to acknowledge the past. I married Liam, that’s a fact. I had no idea he was a monster, and I’m glad the divorce is now final.”
I looked around the table at the strong, smart women I was lucky to have in my life. Suddenly, I knew what I wanted to do next.
“Sasha,” I began. “I want you to feel free to say no to what I’m going to ask you.”
“What is it?” she asked, taking a sip of her drink.
“I would be honored if you would be one of my bridesmaids,” I told her. “I want all three of you to be in my wedding party, in fact. But if the wedding would make you uncomfortable…”
Sasha moved over towards me and wrapped her arm around me, squeezing me in a hug. “Oh my god, Breanne, I would love to stand up next to you while you marry my brother!” She pulled back and looked at me, her eyes glassy. “I’m so excited that we’re going to be sisters.”
“Hey,” Evelyn laughed, poking her playfully with her foot. “It’s not like you don’t have a sister.”
“And I’m going to have one more for when you annoy me,” Sasha teased back.
“Just promise us you won’t pick horrible bridesmaid dresses,” Tabitha pleaded.
“I’m thinking peach,” I mused, looking towards the ceiling. “And ruffles, lots of ruffles.”
Tabitha groaned and then we all erupted in laughter. We chatted amongst ourselves about school, work, about the wedding and about the men Tabitha and Evelyn were dating. Sasha wasn’t sure when she would be able to date again, I didn’t blame her. She had been lied to, betrayed in the worst way by Liam. The man who married her, wove himself into her family, rose the ranks of Blackstone Enterprises then when the opportunity presented itself, murdered her father. When Nicholas had been another obstacle in his way, he tried to kill him too, and me, as collateral damage. I was glad Liam was locked away and that we were all moving on with our lives. Still, I worried about Sasha and hoped that one day she would find love again. Everyone deserved to find a companion in their lives.
We worked our way through the bottle of Grey Goose and when our inhibitions were sufficiently lowered we made our way out to the dance floor. We moved to the music, twirling together and dancing to the beat well into the night. A night out with my girlfriends was exactly what I needed, and I was grateful for their company.
4
I stepped up onto the platform, looking in the wall of mirrors and seeing five sets of eyes staring back at me. I turned to face them, the dress tight around my waist then flowing out over my hips towards the floor.
“Well? What do you think?” I asked.
Sasha and Evelyn smiled and nodded. “Beautiful,” they said in unison.
“You look radiant, dear,” Nancy, the Blackstone matriarch told me.
“Every dress you’ve tried is spectacular,” Tabitha confirmed. “But the important thing is how you feel in it, and if it’s what you picture marrying Nicholas in.”
The saleswoman refilled the champagne glasses of everyone in the room, they were having a great time and I appreciated their support but I felt no closer to picking a wedding dress with this eighth gown. I needed to make a decision, but I felt undecided. I turned again to face the mirror, examining the white ballgown. I felt like a princess, but in my mind, I had pictured something more modern and form-fitting. I had one more dress to try on, I had loved it when I walked in and had saved it for last. I headed back to the large change room and unzipped the gown I was wearing, it pooled into a mountain of fabric at my feet.
I skimmed my fingers over the white lace mermaid style Vera Wang dress, admiring it, then I took it off the wooden hanger and gently stepped into it. I held it against me and popped my head out of the room.
“Would you be able to help me with the back?” I asked the saleswoman. She nodded and came inside, gesturing for me to turn around and fastening each pearl button with expert fingers. When she was finished, she stepped back and looked at me, her eyes widening slightly.
“This dress is stunning on you, why don’t you go out and show your family and friends,” she told me. I went out of the change room and stood on the circle podium in the centre of the room as I heard gasps.
“Oh my God Breanne,” Tabitha said as she pressed her hands against her mouth.
“You look amazing!” Evelyn exclaimed, as Sasha smiled and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. I hoped this wasn’t reminding her of her own wedding. Nancy Blackstone had a warm expression on her face as she beamed at me.
“That gown is beautiful on you darling,” she told me. “How do you like it?”
“I love it,” I said as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I really could picture myself wearing it, and started to feel excitement bubbling inside me.
“Let’s add one final touch,” said the saleswoman as she approached me. Carefully, she slid a veil into my hair and fanned the fabric over my shoulders then stood back. I looked every bit a bride, about to commit herself for life to her groom. Nancy clasped her hands and nodded, her eyes growing glassy.
“Do you think Nicholas would like it?” I asked.
“Nicholas will love it, my dear,” Nancy told me. “But he would love anything you wore, because he is quite excited to marry you.” I blushed and touched the veil gently, the fabric smooth against my fingers.
“Tabitha, would you grab my phone from my purse?” I asked. When she pulled it out I stood in the centre of the podium. “Could you take a photo quick? My mom really wanted to be here, but since she couldn’t I still want to make her feel involved and I know she would love to see the dress.” Tabitha took a photo for me and I accepted my phone from her hands, sending it to my mom with a short message.
I think I found the one, mom
Changing out of the dress back into my regular clothes felt like being a butterfly and turning back into a caterpillar. I had spent all morning playing dress up, sipping champagne at one of the most exclusive bridal shops in Chicago while trying on a number of outrageously expensive gowns. There was no doubt in my mind that the last dress was the one for me, and when it was decided Nancy shooed me and the girls outside where we waited at a cafe next door as she placed the order and paid for the gown. Nancy insisted that she pay for the dress as an engagement gift to me, and I accepted graciously as I had learned to do whenever someone in the Blackstone family insisted. Anyway, it would have been impossible for me to ever afford a dress like that myself.
We were seated on the outdoor patio sipping cappuccinos when Nancy arrived, ordered one for herself and we excitedly began discussing wedding details. It made me happy that they were all so engaged and interested. Tabitha, Sasha and Evelyn had agreed
to be my wedding party while Nicholas asked two of his friends from school to be groomsmen, along with an Executive at Blackstone Enterprises who he was particularly close to. Everything was starting to come together for the big day. My phone rang and I excused myself from the table.
“Hello?” I asked.
“Breanne, it’s Mark. Can you come in for a shift?”
I glanced back at the table, wanting to spend more time with them but knowing I couldn’t say no. Mark had been so short tempered with me lately and I was determined to prove to him that I was still the same Breanne I always was. Money was not going to change me.
“I’m out at the moment but can be there in a few hours,” I told him. “Is that okay?”
“Perfect. See you in a bit Breanne,” he replied then hung up. I sighed then headed back to the table.
“I’m sorry ladies but I need to head home and pick up my uniform, I’m going to be working tonight.”
“Aw, that’s too bad. We were having such a nice day!” Evelyn sighed.
“I still don’t see why you won’t stop working at that restaurant dear,” Nancy said gently. “You should focus on your studies and planning your wedding.”
“I can do those things too, it just takes a bit of compromise. You should stay, finish your drinks. I’ll see you later, thank you for today. It meant a lot to me.”
“You should take the car,” Nancy said, looking towards the road where her driver was idling.
“It’s okay, I’m fine,” I assured her.
I waved, then took transit home, quickly changed into my work clothes.
When I arrived at the restaurant it was already busy. I wrapped an apron around my waist and dove right in. Mark passed me and pointedly glared at my finger. I sighed, not wanting a fight with my boss, and slipped my ring onto the chain of my necklace again. Clearly, this was going to continue being a problem for him.
The evening was going by smoothly until I saw her walk in with a group of women. Our eyes met as the hostess started leading them to a table by the window in my section. She stopped and smirked at me. “Breanne, so it is true, you didn’t quit your job. Still trying to act like you’re not marrying Nicholas for his money?”
