Page 82 of How to Ruin Your Ex's Wedding
Maisey and Crystal got to my house separately about forty minutes ago, and I opened the champagne right away, wanting the mood to be festive. We’d put on music and so far, the afternoon has been lighthearted and fun. The rehearsal dinner is at one of Gregor’s restaurants, the upscale one. I don’t remember the name of it. Hunter was quick to change the location and take advantage of his new friendship when Gregor offered to shut down the whole place for him.
At a price.
I don’t know if Gregor will be there or not. He has no reason to be, outside of his capacity as venue owner. Unless Hunter invited him, for some reason. If he did, that will certainly make Maisey happy. She said she and Gregor have been texting this week. She was just as busy as I with the wrap of the mini-series, then spending some time with her daughter. And now she’s helping me prepare for tonight and tomorrow.
I pour us all some more champagne before I settle in the chair to let Maisey do my hair and makeup. She’s got rollers in my hair now, big ones that will temper my natural curls, turning my hair into something a bit more glam than my normal look or when I straighten my hair.
“So, tell me about Gregor,” I say, careful not to call him Igor. I haven’t told her about my feelings toward him. One, I don’t want to sour her opinion since she really seems to like him. Two, Crystal says he’s a really great guy and I’m just choosing to remember an immature punk, which is probably true. I googled him—he is quite the humanitarian and philanthropist. And he’s not afraid that Maisey is a single mom.
“Ohmigosh.” Her face reddens. “He’s so funny. And kind. And smart. And, good lord, can that man dance. Holy moly!” She fans her face with her hand, and I laugh. “Do you think he’ll be there tonight?”
“I don’t know, I was just wondering the same thing myself. Crystal, do you think Gregor will be there tonight?”
“I think if how he was with Maisey last weekend is any indication, then he will be.” She steps away from the mirror where she was literally just admiring herself. “I’m sure he’ll be there tosupervise.” She air quotes the last word.
Maisey squeals. “I’m so happy I brought a dress,” she says.
“You could have borrowed something,” I tell her. “We are almost the same size, you’re just taller. Still could.” I gesture to my closet. “Help yourself.”
“I’ll peek and see,” she says.
I’d invited Maisey to the rehearsal dinner last weekend. We all got along so great, I thought it might be fun for her. Plus, Crystal will have Michael, and I’ll be busy with Hunter, so she and Angela can hang out a bit.
But the more I think about it, I hope Gregor is there and that Maisey gets the chance to see him. I like them together. Well, really, I like her reaction to him. It reminds me of how Crystal is with Michael.
And how I wish I was with Hunter.
* * *
We arrive at the rehearsal dinner about ten minutes before it’s due to start. Hunter sent a town car to bring us, and let me know, via text, that he would meet me there. Crystal and Maisey both stay outside for a bit. Maisey needed to call her daughter and mother and Crystal wanted to check in with Michael to see when he planned to arrive. I notice when I walk in that Hunter is already there and off to the side, talking to Liza. In theory, we are supposed to have a practice run-through of the ceremony at the rehearsal dinner, hence the “rehearsal” part. But Liza says it’s not necessary, that we all know how to walk down an aisle, and with such a small wedding party, we’ll be fine. She will be there tomorrow to tell us all exactly what to do and when.
She has a number of assistants with her, all wearing those little headsets so they can talk to one another. We have over fifty people here tonight, close associates and friends. Mostly Hunter’s. I’m not sure what she and her assistants do during the dinner. Maybe they eat?
Hunter sees me walk in and excuses himself from Liza. “Tabatha.” He takes my hand and leans in to kiss me on the cheek. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you.” I smile at him, and it feels fake. He smiles back, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
Why are we doing this?
“We will have tray passed champagne and hors d’oeuvres for the first hour, along with the toasts, and then they will begin seating everyone for dinner. The staff has been instructed on the table seating plan.” Liza appears from behind Hunter and begins talking.
“Sounds good,” I tell her.
She looks to Hunter for affirmation. He nods, and she walks swiftly away.
“Hunter, Tabatha, welcome!” Gregor comes toward us, arms outstretched. “I’m so pleased you chose G’s for your event tonight.”
“Thank you for having us, Gregor.” Hunter gives him a one-armed man hug. “The pleasure is all ours.”
“Tabatha”—Gregor turns toward me and pulls me into his massive frame for a hug—“you look stunning. I can see why this guy is so taken with you.” I thank him for the compliment and he smiles. He’s a charmer, for sure. No wonder he’s so popular with fans and patrons.
I elbow him somewhat comically. “I brought Maisey with me,” I tell him in a singsong voice.
His face lights up. “You did? Where is she?”
“She’s outside. She had to call her daughter.”
“Daphne?”
