Plan Bea

by Hilary Grossman

  I wasn’t used to my mother losing her composure so easily. This reaction was completely out of character for her. Usually she got angry, not sad.

  “What are you talking about, Mother? Walter said you were upset, but I figured he was exaggerating. What could possibly be so wrong to make you cry on your wedding day?”

  She stood up and straightened the gray pencil skirt she was wearing smoothing it down with her hands. Then she dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “I don’t even know where to start. Come with me, and I’ll show you. It’s probably best you see the disaster firsthand.”

  I followed my mother down the corridor and back down the stairs. I caught a glimpse of Walter sitting at the front bar. He wasn’t alone. There were a few other men sitting on the opposite end, who based on their attire just finished a few rounds of golf. Walter wasn’t interacting with them, nor was he watching the baseball game that was playing on the big flat screen television right in front of him. Instead he was typing frantically into his iPhone. It didn’t look like he had touched his martini, but he did looked a bit more relaxed than he did when I first arrived. I prayed he wasn’t going to change his mind about this wedding.

  My mother didn’t even glance at Walter. Instead she walked briskly in the direction of the small banquet room where the ceremony was to be held. I struggled to keep up with her. When we reached the room, I noticed the door was closed. “Go on. Open the door, Annabel.” She snickered.

  I reached over and tried to turn the knob. When it didn’t budge I tried to push the door. Finally I gave it a pull with all my might. I turned and faced her. “I can’t. It’s locked.”

  “Yes. I know,” she said as she shook her head in disbelief and dismay. “It’s locked because last night… Oh, I can’t even believe this.” She placed her hand on her forehead. “You remember the layout of the club right?”

  “Of course I do. We used to come here several times a week, after all.”

  “Right.” My mother glanced up at the ceiling. “Well you remember how the locker rooms are upstairs right above this banquet hall, right?”

  “Yes,” I said slowly, still confused.

  “Last night one of the pipes in the showers burst. Apparently this happened after everyone left for the evening so water was leaking down all night long and caused massive damage in this room.” Screeching, she continued, “Parts of the ceiling collapsed!”

  I gasped, “What?”

  “You heard me. The room is a disaster! When I first saw it I thought I was going to have a coronary. Even Walter lost his cool. But did I get a phone call from the club this morning when they discovered this? No! Not even a courtesy call!” Her voice grew louder with every sentence. “Am I some poor soul who found this place in the Yellow Pages? No! I’ve been a member of this club for more years than I can count and they didn’t even have the decency to call me as soon as they realized what happened. It’s inexcusable! I mean really, Annabel, I was planning on getting married in this room, not arranging a mahjong game!”

  “This doesn’t sound right,” I said as I bit my lower lip. “Are you trying to tell me Tommy didn’t call you?”

  My mother started to nervously tap her foot. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying. He waited until Walter and I arrived to spring this news on us. Tommy has managed this club for twenty-five years. And during the entire time I’ve been nothing but good to him and his children. I am not just talking financially, mind you. Although I’ve been extremely generous to him over the years.” My mother pointed at her chest. “Did you know when his daughter graduated college it was me who was responsible for her getting her first job? I called in some favors. The poor kid would have had such a difficult time of it if she had to do it on her own. Don’t get me wrong, she was very bright, but she never applied herself. And this is the thanks I get!” She outstretched her hands.

  I looked around. I hoped to see Tommy but he was nowhere in sight. “I don’t understand this,” I said softly. “This doesn’t sound like him at all. What did he say? Why didn’t he let you know right away?” My mind spun in circles as I threw out questions.

  My mother rubbed her eyes. “He gave me some cock and bull story that he thought he’d be able to have the room repaired in time for the ceremony.”

  “What?” I asked again as I looked at her like she lost her mind.

  “You heard me.” She started tapping her foot harder against the oak wood floor as she spoke. “How he had the audacity to say that to me, I will never know. Does he think I was born yesterday? I’ve had enough work done at the house over the years to know a room this size, with this much damage, couldn’t possibly be repaired in one day. And besides, even if by some miracle he was able to pull it off how could he have thought I would want to exchange my vows with Walter while inhaling paint fumes?”

  I didn’t know what to say to comfort her so I kept silent. I simply squeezed her arm instead. There was no point dwelling on the predicament, we couldn’t change it. We did however, have to move forward, and we had to act quickly. After all, the guests would be arriving soon.

  I looked my mother in the eye and said, “So, the cocktail hour is in the other small banquet room, and reception is in the main dining room. Did you decide to have the ceremony downstairs? I know it wouldn’t be your first choice of location, but it does offer a nice view of the pool and tennis courts.”

  My mother leaned against the closed door. She spat out, “I didn’t decide to have the ceremony anywhere.”

  “What do you mean?” I glanced down at my watch. “There isn’t much time left to make a decision. They’ll have to set up the area quickly. Before we know it everyone will start showing up.”

  She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head from side to side. “It’s already set. Good old Tommy took care of the decision for me, as well.” She exhaled deeply. “Come on. I’ll show you.”

  I followed my mom down the long hallway to a large glass door, which led out to the golf course. She opened the door slowly and stepped outside. I followed her down the stone pathway. “Look at this!” She said with venom in her voice. “He arranged for us to get married outside, on the golf course! What was he thinking? I thought I made myself perfectly clear to him I wanted the ceremony to be inside. Do I not speak English?”

  I bit my bottom lip again as I contemplated a reply. I knew she was livid at the change, and I knew she was vehemently opposed to getting married outdoors, but Tommy did a fabulous job. The setup was beyond beautiful, and it was exactly what I had originally envisioned.

  I smiled. “Mother, I know you didn’t want this but just look at it.”

  My mother rolled her eyes as she pursed her lips.

  “No, Mother. Really look at it.” I demanded as I spun her around. “You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque location to get married, well unless you dashed off to a Caribbean island or something.” As soon as those words were out of my mouth, I instantly regretting making the reference to my own wedding. Fortunately my mother didn’t mind or seem to notice so I continued. “It’s a beautiful day, there is barely a breeze and practically no humidity. You don’t have to worry about your hair getting messed up. Your guests will be incredibly comfortable sitting outside on this magnificent course with their eyes glued on you and Walter.”

  Beatrice stared at me, but she seemed to be growing ever so slightly calmer. I took advantage and kept talking. “Look at all the attention to detail! Tommy might not have handled the situation properly, but he did put a lot of thought and care into this set up. Look,” I said as I pointed. “They lined up the chairs in a semi-circle. No matter where anyone sits they’ll have an unobstructed view of the altar. That wouldn't have been possible to do if the ceremony was indoors.” I clutched my mother’s arm. “Please, don’t let this minor deterrent ruin your special day.”

  Very sarcastically she replied, “Oh, don’t be silly, dear. I am not this upset simply because of the change in location.”

  I glared at her.
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br />   “Oh, Annabel, this is just the beginning. There’s more,” she said bitterly. With that she turned around and started marching back towards the club’s entrance. I followed her in silence. I couldn’t imagine what else she could be referring to and I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.

  She stopped in front of the heavy wood door, which led into the main dining room. She opened the door and I followed her inside. “Look at the tables, Annabel.” She demanded.

  I did as I was told and I gasped.

  The tables looked exquisite, just as I anticipated they would. In the center of each and every one there was a small round bowl that was filled with either cut white tulips or mini calla lilies as opposed to the monstrous arrangement my mother ordered.

  “Oh, Mother.” I couldn’t help it. A nervous giggle escaped my lips. “The florist must have made a mistake with the order. They sent what I wanted you to get and not what you actually chose.”

  Beatrice buried her head in her hands. “I know. I don’t know how they could have done this. I thought I made my wishes crystal clear. What more could I have done, made the arrangements myself?” Her nervous foot taping began again. “I don’t understand how they could have screwed up like this. They’ve been in business forever. They have an amazing reputation. And yet, somehow my order was completely wrong! I called them up as soon as I saw this. I went ballistic. I was going to demand they rectify the situation immediately and bring the arrangements I ordered.”

  “Would it even be possible?” I asked trying to be practical. “Do they have that amount of flowers just laying around? Also wouldn’t they have to order the vases?”

  “We’ll never know. They were closed when I called.” She exhaled deeply. “But don’t worry. I left some message for them. My vocabulary put a truck driver to shame.”

  “No wonder Walter is busy drowning his sorrows,” I said. I couldn’t help it, a small chuckle escaped my lips. If looks could kill I would certainly be dead by now.

  “You think this is funny?” My mother asked, as her eyes bulged out of her head. I’ve never seen her so irate in my life.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh, really.” I bit my lower lip in an attempt to stop giggling. “Honestly, though, I think you need to lighten up a little. This is still your big day. Enjoy it. I’m sure everything else will be perfect.”

  “You think?” My mother snarled as she folded her arms in front of her chest.

  I smiled. “Yes, mother. I do.”

  “Oh goodie. I’m so glad you have such faith,” she said sarcastically. “Care to see the cake?” Then she stomped towards the back of the dining room.

  I was afraid to follow her, but what other choice did I have? On a small table, which was covered with calla lilies, sat the wedding cake. It wasn’t the classic three-tiered round cake with decorative frosting that resembled lace my mother had so carefully ordered. Instead it was the cake I had fallen in love with at the bakery, the one with the four tiers of little square cakes covered with turquoise frosting and white frosted bows on top which resembled Tiffany ring boxes.

  I bit my bottom lip so hard that I drew blood.

  “Do you see this?” Beatrice put her hands firmly on her hips. “Annabel, they did exactly what the florist did. I don’t even understand how this is possible. How could they both have screwed up? Seriously, I thought I made myself perfectly clear at the bakery. Didn’t I?”

  There was no point in my answering. My mother didn’t seem to expect me to. She started walking around the cake. Looking at it from all angles, she started to flare her hands. She was totally losing whatever cool she had managed to hold onto. “How many times did I say that afternoon I wanted a classic cake? Clearly that ditz, Donna, paid no attention to anything I said. This isn’t what I ordered. Look at it!” She pointed at the cake, “It looks like I’m having a sweet sixteen party and not a wedding. I will be a laughing stock!”

  “Come on. It’s not so terrible Mother. I think the cake looks beautiful. And more importantly I’m sure it will taste delicious.”

  “Oh who cares about taste? You know my friends. They are all on perpetual diets! They won’t even taste the cake! I knew I should have just ordered fruit plates!”

  “Did you call the bakery? They may have time to fix it,” I asked as I looked at my watch. “After all, the cake wouldn’t be served until the end of the night. This could be rectified, I’m sure.”

  “Walter said the same thing. In fact, he insisted on placing the call. I think he was afraid of what I would say to them given how livid I was.”

  “And?” I asked, hopeful.

  “They were closed too! So I’m stuck with this!” A tear fell down her check. I wiped it away with my finger.

  “Okay, so there were a couple of hiccups today,” I said. “But please, try not to get so upset.”

  My mother glared at me in response.

  I ignored her and continued. “Yes, things didn’t work out quite the way you had wanted them to. But really, does life ever go according to plan? You of all people should know it never does. Life is just as much about the journey as it is the destination. I know you’re upset and disappointed. And you have every right to be. I am not discounting your feelings. You and I have put a lot of time and effort into planning this wedding. And I know you wanted everything to be perfect. And yes, there have been some issues and errors today.”

  “Some?” my mother interrupted.

  “Okay, yeah. There’ve been a lot of mishaps, but in the long run does any of it really matter? When you look back on this day will you really be thinking about the cake or the flowers not being what you had ordered? Or will you remember today as one of the best days of your life because you began a new chapter with the man you love?”

  Beatrice sighed deeply and shrugged her shoulders.

  CHAPTER 24

  “MS. BUCHANAN,” a pretty, young girl with a long bouncing blonde ponytail, dressed in a tuxedo, called out to my mother. I was thrilled for the interruption. No matter how hard I tried I wasn’t making much headway in my attempt to calm my mother down. I longed to be at the bar with Walter. I could totally use a drink, or four, right about now.

  “Yes?” Beatrice replied as she turned around and faced the young girl.

  “Tommy wanted me find you and let you know that the dresses and tuxedos arrived a little while ago. They’re hanging in the appropriate rooms. I already let your fiancé know.”

  “Thank you, Dear,” my mother said with no enthusiasm.

  “You’re so welcome!” The girl flashed my mom a super bright smile. “Oh, and the woman who’s going to do your makeup is also here. When you are all dressed and ready just buzz down to the front desk and someone will escort her up.”

  “Alright,” my mom replied, before turning her back on the girl.

  “Ugh! I almost forgot,” the girl said as she smacked her forehead for emphasis. “I also just dropped off a bottle of champagne in your room. Tommy thought given the circumstances, you may want to sip on some while you get ready.”

  “Thank you. How very thoughtful of him,” I said to the girl.

  “Pfft,” my mother muttered. “Champagne is the very least he could do after everything that happened here. Dear, you didn’t say, and after today’s turn of events I know I shouldn’t assume anything anymore. Can you please be a plum and make sure the champagne Tommy had you deliver is on the house. I don’t want to find it on my bill later tonight. I’m not in the mood to have to pay for another gift, if you know what I mean.”

  “Um, yeah. Of course,” the girl stammered and walked away, with her head down.

  I took my mother’s hand. “Come on Mother. Let’s get dressed. I’m sure once you slip on the beautiful Chanel dress you bought you’ll feel one hundred percent better.”

  “Well, I certainly can’t feel worse, now can I? Fine.” She sighed. “Let’s go.”

  As I walked with my mother towards the staircase I peeked by the bar expecting to spot Walter again, but he
wasn’t there. I couldn’t decide if it was a good sign or a bad one. I hope he didn’t split. When we reached the top of the stairs I glanced once again at my watch. Cole and the kids should be on their way by now. I really wanted to text him and fill him in on the debacle this day had quickly become but I decided against it. He’d soon experience it first hand. What was the point in ruining a good limo trip for him and the kids?

  My mother opened up the door to the suite and stepped inside. Even though we were only gone for about an hour or so the room was completely transformed. A dressing area was created with pale pink fabric. Two oval shape full-length mirrors in wooden stands were brought in and positioned adjacent to the dressing area. In addition, there was a garment rack on the other side of the dressing area, which held three dresses, each one wrapped in a protective bag. A long wood table was also added to the room and it was already covered with the entire make up essentials we would soon need. Two bouquets of flowers were sitting on the table as well as the basket of white rose pedals Violet would scatter down the aisle. Harley was going to hold the basket for her due to her broken arm. Some additional chairs were also brought in and placed throughout the room. Finally, in the center of the room, on a small round wooden table, was the promised bottle of champagne. It was chilling in a silver bucket of ice. There were four crystal flutes placed alongside it.

  “I’ll get dressed first. You can open the champagne,” my mother announced as she made her way towards the garment rack. She flipped the two large dresses and picked up the one which was tagged ‘Beatrice’.

  “Almost show time,” I muttered to myself as I angled the champagne bottle away from my face and the glasses. The bottle opened with a pop and a drizzle of foam ran down the side. I used one of the white linen napkins, which was placed on the tray to wipe up the liquid. I poured champagne in one glass. I was just about to fill the other when my mother screamed.