Page 33 of Bound By Love

“I can’t even imagine how hard it’s been having a different name. So, tell me what you’re excited about.”

“A huge order will be delivered tomorrow for my little house and the nursery.” I squealed just like I did when the L.A. Times featured LA Premier as a top-twenty-five-event-planning business two years ago. That day, we booked ten weddings. It was the best day until now. Saying nursery made me giddy. It might be early setting up the baby’s room, but I needed something to occupy my evenings. I was so excited about my little one, I didn’t want to wait.

“The nursery? Oh my gosh, that explains the ten-thousand-dollar transfer into your debit card. But don’t worry, I’m not monitoring where you’re spendingyourmoney.”

“Well, I need stuff for the house. And I didn’t want to see the spare bedroom empty.” I sighed, wishing I wasn’t doing this baby thing all on my own. “I went nuts at Pottery Barn Kids.”

“I thought you would have shopped at a posh baby store.”

“I know. The other day, I drooled buckets while on a site Claire would have loved. It was very French, like her.” I quieted to push down the emotion building inside me. I loved Claire. Just thinking of her made me want to cry. She would have been utterly delighted about her first grandchild and would have been involved from the very beginning.

I swallowed as my eyes teared up.

“Anna, are you there?”

“Yeah, I’m here. Sorry. Anyway, I’ll be busy for days getting my little house put together.”

“Well, don’t overwork yourself. You’ll be glad you got lots of rest before the baby arrives.” Lily sucked in a deep breath. I gave her a few seconds, hoping she had news for me. “He’s called three times since the day you left.”

I held my breath. “What did he say?”

“He’s outraged and hurt. He keeps asking how you are and sounds like a broken record saying, ‘She doesn’t understand.’”

“And what did you tell him?” My pulse pounded in my ears, hearing his voice and imagining the pain in his eyes. I hated that I still ached for him.

“I basically told him it was none of his fucking business and to stop calling. That was a few days ago. I haven’t heard from him since.”

“Jesus, Lily, did you have to be so mean?”

“Yes, he’s a lying, cheating asshole.”

“What else?” I asked, though I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.

“The last time he was at the office, he broke your favorite ceramic vase. The one that reminds you of the ocean.”

“I loved that vase. I should have brought it with me. It was one of a kind.”

“I’m sorry, babe. Do you want me to see if the local artist can make you another?”

“No, that’s okay. Why did he break it? And why didn’t you tell me this on our last call?” Lily didn’t answer right away. I could tell by her deep breathing she was debating whether to say more. We’d been best friends for so long, I knew her like the back of my hand. “Lily, tell me why.”

She sighed, a smidge of regret in her voice. “I told Will you were better off without him. And to go back to his slut, Cori.” I gasped into the phone. “He roared like a lion and threw the ceramic piece against the wall.”

“I’d called her a slut too and he’d said she wasn’t. I asked if he loved her and he said no, quite adamantly, saying he loved me, always would. But love didn’t stop him from sleeping with her. Did he look miserable?”

“Of course he did. Like he hasn’t slept in weeks. Serves him right, the cheating bastard.”

“You sure get fired up easily these days.”

“I hate what he did to you, and now you’re gone. With my babysweets.”

“I know, honey. I wish I didn’t have to leave too. One way or another, we’ll make this work.”

“You’re right. I’m just missing you.” Her voice caught. “I have to go. We have a meeting at three with a very colorful couple. I’m so not prepared for this appointment. You’re not here to work your magic with couples who have different cultural ideas. I don’t think this one is going to be easy for Tessa or me, so keep an eye out for the Batman signal.” She laughed.

“You’ll both be fine, but I’m here if you need me…”

Friday afternoon, I sat reviewing the list of weddings on the calendar and bridal shows Radiance was participating in. Nina stopped at the doorway with a bright smile. She always had one on her face. She reminded me of my mom in that way.

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