Page 82 of Eternally Yours
I look over at Morgan, who shrugs, clearly not knowing what’s going on either.
“First of all, no. I had you come over because we’re going dress shopping soon. You know? For my wedding. And second, yes, they will. But it’ll be noon by then! Now tell us what the hell is going on, you’re acting weird,” I tell her,getting worried.
“Ugh! I don’t know what’s going on, that’s the problem!” she whines, folding her arms over the kitchen island and throwing her head down.
We’re currently standing in my kitchen, waiting for Aubrey to arrive so that we can all ride together to the bridal store. It’s funny, there are so many seating options just a few feet away from us in the living room, yet we always end up standing around the kitchen island. Although, Morgan is sitting in one of the high barstools while I’m standing at the end of the island, and Emma is in front of it with the stove behind her.
Morgan reaches a hand across the marble and lays it delicately on Emma’s arm. “Talk to us, whatever it is, we can help you sort it out.”
Em lifts her head and takes a deep breath. “Okay, so you know the guy I’ve been seeing since January? He called me his girlfriend...”
“Okay... and what’s the problem?” I ask, furrowing my brows.
“You know me, I don’t do the whole girlfriend/boyfriend thing. But I like him, and it’s freaking me out because I don’t know what to do.” She passes her hands through her hair, then pulls on the ends before letting go and downing the rest of her wine.
“Well, here’s a question. Do you plan on seeing someone else?” Morgan asks tentatively.
“No. Honestly, since we really started seeing each other more regularly, I haven’t thought about or been interested in anyone else,” she says, shaking her head.
“That’s good then, and do you think he has potential?” Morg questions.
“Yeah, I think so. He’s really sweet and kind, which isn’t usually my type. But he’s so charming it just wore me down. He’s a lawyer and works with my dad. So I know he’s secure financially and that my parents would love him for me.” She points to me. “Which you know is a big deal. No one is ever good enough for their precious little girl.” She rolls her eyes.
“That is true.” I chuckle. “Okay, so if you like him and you think there could be more, then see it out. The worst thing that could happen is finding out that you aren’t a good match, breaking it off, and moving on. Having a boyfriend isn’t a bad thing, you know?”
“I know, but what if he gets... needy. You know I hate clingy men.” Emma shudders at the thought, which makes us laugh.
Morgan pipes in, “Lawyers are usually pretty busy and work focused people, so I don’t think he would be. But if he is, let him know it’s not something you like. Communication is key, certainly in new relationships when you’re still getting to know each other.”
The doorbell rings at that moment, making Milo bark once, announcing someone’s arrival. I leave the girls and walk over to the front door, swinging it open to find Aubrey looking out of her element on the front steps.
She’s a beautiful girl, with ash blonde wavy hair that runs down her back. A splatter of freckles covers her cute little turned-up nose, her pale brown eyes big and innocent.
“Hey, sweetie! You didn’t need to ring. You could have just let yourself in. Come, come. We’re in the kitchen. One of us is doing a bit of day drinking, or would it be morning drinking? I don’t know, but that’s what you’ve missed,” I tell her as she walks in, removing her boots and coat and following me to the kitchen.
She giggles quietly. “Thank you for inviting me.” Her voice is so quiet, you have the urge to lean in to hear her better when she talks.That won’t do, we’ll work on loosening her up a little today.
“You’re one of my bridesmaids, of course, I needed you here today. We’re gonna have so much fun!”
“Hey, Aubrey. It’s lovely to see you again,” Morg says as she comes in to hug her.
“Hey, girl! Want one?” Emma asks, lifting her second glass of wine in the air. “Wait, how old are you? Are you even allowed?”
“I’m twenty. So technically, no,” Aubrey says with a sheepish giggle.
Emma studies her for a moment, then shrugs and pours her a glass. “Eh, we’ve all gotten drunk before our twenties.”
“We arenotgetting drunk. We have dresses to try on, and I’d like to have a clear mind when making a decision.” I point my finger at Emma.
“Oh, come on! You’re no fun. Don’t be turning into an old married woman already! This is our time to enjoy the moment. Let loose a little and make some last memories as a Rose before you become Mrs. Hayes. The boys are out of town for the weekend, so let’s make it a girls’ weekend! What do you say?” Em pleads, looking at every one of us with a big smile and nodding her head, hoping to convince us.
I turn to Morgan who smiles, then to Aubrey who simply shrugs and takes a sip from her glass. I roll my eyes and address Emma. “Fine. Just one glass, though! Then we’re going to the bridal salon and picking out dresses.Thenwe can go crazy.”
Morg and Em both cheer loudly, causing Milo to howl in response, which makes Aubrey laugh. And of course, I join in as well. Em fills a glass for me and Morgan, and we toast to a crazy girls’ weekend. Then once we’re done, we head out the front door to the personal driver Em got us since we’ve all had a drink. The perks of being rich, she stated.
Once at the bridal shop, our bridal consultant, Linda, guides us to a private sittingroom. She then asks me about myself, Silas, and how we met, claiming it helps her better visualize the perfect dress for the type of love we share.
When she asked if there were specifics with the dress I would like, I told her no. In all honesty, I have no idea what kind of dress I want, only that it must be white and that my bridal party will be in champagne gold.
