Page 98 of So in Love
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The last twoweeks had been a blur.Crystal had reluctantly flown back to LA after spending two blissful days in Blueville with Jamie.They’d packed enough good memories in those days to pretty much obliterate the old memories she’d held on to for far too long.
Now she was back in Ribbon Ridge, having arrived last night.This time, Jamie had insisted on meeting her at the airport, and she’d been powerless to resist.
Jamie had trudged off to work that morning, and she’d met with Darryl, with whom she’d shared Rose’s diary.He’d been thrilled to read the story, and they’d spent a couple of hours rehashing everything they’d learned.She’d asked him to serve as a special consultant on the movie script, and he’d enthusiastically accepted after professing what an honor it was.
In a little while, she’d be hosting a town meeting along with Kelsey, Brooke, and Alaina at the library.She walked inside, eager to see her friends.
Kelsey met her immediately, wrapping her in a tight hug.“It’s so good to see you!”
“You too.I know I’ve said it before, but I’m really sorry for bailing on you at the reception.”
Kelsey shook her head.“You did not bail.You were in self-preservation mode, and I would’ve been too.We had your back.We still do.”
Crystal smiled, appreciating their friendship so much.
“Hey there!”Brooke swept inside and gave Crystal another hug.“Congratulations again.”
“Thanks.”Crystal had sold the screenplay last week for seven figures, most of which she’d earn when the movie was produced and released.
“She’s talking about the screenplay, right?”Kelsey asked.“Or did I miss any new news?”Her gaze dipped to Crystal’s ring finger.
Crystal lifted her hand to display her naked finger.“Nothing to report, nor will there be.We’re still trying to figure out how this works—me in LA, him here.”
“Youcouldjust live here,” Brooke said.
Kelsey looked scandalized.“What about her fabulous house in Los Feliz?”
“She can keep that for girls’ weekends, duh.”
Crystal laughed.“Yeah, I’d be hard-pressed to give up that house no matter where I decide to live.Brooke, how are the wedding plans coming?”
“Good.I’m not into panic mode yet.I’d like to avoid that altogether, but my mom and sisters are trying to make this something bigger than I really want.They think it needs to outshine my first wedding since Cam isactuallyThe One.I’m letting him make a lot of the decisions because heisThe One, and it’s his first and only wedding.”
“I bet he likes that.”Kelsey chuckled.“Cam is such a metrosexual.”
Brooke rolled her eyes.“Seriously.He’s making all the groomsmen get suits made.He heard about some deal on this podcast he loves.”
Crystal grinned.“I knowexactlywhat you’re talking about.Love it.”She turned to Kelsey.“And what about you, ready to plan your wedding yet?”
“Not quite, but getting closer.We’re talking about next Valentine’s Day.I know that’s almost a year away, but we’re not in a hurry.”
“Sounds perfect,” Crystal said.
Alaina breezed in the door.“Hello, ladies!Are we ready to do this?”She hugged Crystal.“Good to have you back.”
“Yep, we’re all set.I have some light refreshments over there.”Kelsey pointed to a table of drinks and snacks.
“And I have Crystal’s handouts,” Alaina said, setting a bag on the checkout counter.
Brooke fished a box out of the bag.“Ooh, what do they say?”She opened the box and pulled one out, scanning the paper.
“It highlights specifics about the movie—working title, plot synopsis—as well as our plan to film here.”She tossed Crystal a warm glance.“Crystal did a great job outlining everything.”
Crystal was glad she’d sold the movie to Alaina and Sean’s company.It was the highest profile project they’d taken on, and they were both thrilled.Plus, Crystal was able to manage things at a level she wouldn’t have with a large studio.
Kelsey shook her head, a smile teasing her lips.“I have to say, it’s a little surreal to know that Alaina is going tobeDorinda.”
