Page 53 of Mind

When the words leave Maria’s mouth, Kat cringes. It’s heartbreaking watching her hurting like this. I’ve seen the two of them together and they’re perfect for one another. It’s obvious theirs is a deep connection, and what I see is definitely true love. I’m just not sure what Carson’s problem is. But it’s really not up to any of us girls to get involved. This is something that Kat has to do on her own and in her own time. I just hope for Carson’s sake that when she does bring it up, it isn’t too late. I’d hate for this to come up during a fight or something petty. It could easily tear them apart.

“I’m sure you’ll work it out. Just think on it, and if you want to hash out your plan of attack with one of us, you know where we live.” Bree giggles and Maria puts up an “L” shape using her thumb and forefinger.

“Lame joke. You need to work on those,” she chastises.

“Speaking of work!” a voice I hadn’t heard since earlier today bounds over attached to the body of Chase’s assistant, Dana.

Maria looks at the tall blond business goddess with disdain. “Does she ever take a load off?” she whispers and I bonk her elbow. “Owee,” she rubs her elbow.

“Hi Dana, what can I do for you?” I ask with as much politeness as I can manage after a busy week at work and hiding out from my missing in action stalker. Haven’t heard a peep since he sent those images of the young girl he murdered thinking it was Bree over a month ago. All he wrote on each picture was one word.

Remember.

Chase didn’t share the images with me and I’m thankful for that. I don’t need the reminder of what the psycho did to that girl; it plays over and over in my nightmares including every time I think back to what could have happened to our Bree.

“Chase told me you’d be here with the bridesmaids so I figured it was a perfect opportunity to finalize the details for the wedding. There’s still several things that need to be ironed out and there’s only a month left!” She sets down the bane of my existence. The evil wedding binder. It’s now three times the size it once was with tons of tabs that have perfectly typed titles.

“Can’t you see that we’re trying to relax here?” Maria buts in, she just can’t help herself.

“Look, Ms. De La Torre,” Ria’s eyes get big at the formal approach. “Chase has put me in charge of making this the best day of their lives, and I intend to do just that. You’re either with me, or against me. I’d rather not have to tell Chase that you’re in the way of him marrying Gigi. You and I both know that won’t go well for any of us. Will it?”

Maria looks at her, looks at me, then at each of our friends and back to Dana. “You just put me in my place, threatened me, promised a bad time for my girl, and gave me a layer of guilt all in one breath.” Dana nods. “Are you sure we’re not related?” Maria laughs and then smacks the book. “All right all right, you can ask your questions, but if you’re going to be making us all work, then we’re going to do it getting tipsy!” she proclaims.

Dana bites her lip. “Fair enough.” She shrugs and turns to the first tab with a sticky note poking out. Maria waves over the waiter and orders all of us another round and Bree a fat piece of Irish Potato Cake with a decaf coffee with Irish Cream creamer. It’s one hundred percent alcohol free but tricks the senses into thinking you’re having Bailey’s. For a pregnant woman, that’s key to not feeling left out.

“Love you, girl,” Bree smiles and shimmies in her chair finishing off the cheese and bread appetizer.

“First on the list, the location. I have reserved half of a resort down in Cancun. It’s one that Chase owns.”

“Half? Why so much? This was supposed to be really small. Just family and a few friends.” Instantly the nerves start to prickle against my hairline.

Dana takes a sip of her Poorman Stout. “Wow, this is really good!” she licks her lips then responds to my question. “It is going to be small. About forty people at most. Chase just wanted to make sure things were extremely private so we’ve cordoned off any rooms that might face the ceremony location.

“Oh, okay.” I nod, less worried now.

“I know the flower issue from before was problematic but can we talk about it now? I need to have them ordered for the arbor we’re having built, the walk, the reception tables and such.” Dana scribbles notes down and I sigh.

Not sure what would work best, I blow out a slow breath. “I just don’t want you flying in flowers or whatever.”

“Gigi, you love white flowers. All kinds. Yes, you love daises but they’re not in season, so why not have just a mixture of local white flowers that don’t have a lot of scent?”

Dana looks at me for confirmation. “That would be really nice. I love white flowers.”

“Excellent. I’ll pick an array and make it lovely. Good, now the wedding dress you have. I’ll have it shipped and ready.”

We spend the next hour going over the final wedding details. By the end of it, I’m three Poorman Stouts in and finishing up half a cheddar burger.

“Okay ladies, and last but not least, the bachelorette party. Due to the circumstances,” she looks at me with sadness. “Chase is not okay with you ladies going off and being alone even with bodyguards. He wants a combined bachelorette and bachelor party.”

Bree, Kat, and Maria immediately start grumbling and griping. A lot of “Uncool” and “Not fair” are peppered with a few slurs of “Controlling” and “Party pooper.” Get three women who love a good party, then tell them they can’t have what they want, and you’ll have three pissed off chicks.

Finally, I can’t handle the bitching any longer. “Ladies, cut it out!” They all stop mid-gripe. “We’ve experienced the danger. I’m not going to risk any of you or put myself in a bad spot right before my wedding. I’m sure we can come up with something fun that’s a little more low key.” I start to ask if they have any ideas when Dana cuts me off.

“Oh, I wasn’t planning on low key, just private,” she grins. “I have a plan, and Chase has loads of money to make it possible,” she grins.

The girls all lean forward as if Dana is about to tell us a secret. “Lay it on us, girlfriend,” Ria exclaims.

She looks around adding to the secret vibe. “Private yacht. A couple days before the wedding. Will have all of you and your guys. Ohh, and maybe I can invite my new boyfriend to come along!” she says excitedly then her eyes widen and she covers her mouth with her hand obviously trying to take back that bit of information.

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