Page 123 of Butter My Biscuit

“How’d you know?” I ask.

“Know what?” She looks at me, confused.

“That was my word for the year.”

“Then, I’d say you fucking nailed it. Are you still meeting Stephanie tonight?”

I nod. “Yep. At the old warehouse.”

“Can’t wait to hear how that goes.”

“I’ll make sure to fill you in.”

* * *

Even though I’m dressed and I look like a million bucks, I’m nervous, but I pull on my big-girl panties and make my way to the warehouse that her parents own. I drive, not knowing how long we’ll stay there, and I cross my fingers and toes that Harrison is around. But I kinda have a feeling he won’t make it, considering how busy he’s been at work lately.

When I arrive, the lights are on inside, and the door is open. I walk in and am shocked by how gigantic it is. The building is half of the city block, and it’s been used as storage for as long as I’ve been alive. The inside is dusty with white drapes thrown over things, but the hardwood floor and tall ceiling give it a historic feel. There’s a gigantic crystal chandelier in the middle of the room, and the lights flicker on it like flames. It’s the perfect venue for a wedding.

“It was an old bank at one point, and then it was converted into a hotel,” Stephanie says from behind, nearly startling me.

I turn to look at her, and she’s gorgeous with her white-blonde hair, pink lips, and petite features. Her blue eyes meet mine, and I feel like the fat girl in high school, talking to the head cheerleader because my bestie is dating her again. But I put it away.

“Oh my goodness, your hair looks incredible,” she says, and I smile, still not used to the way it feels. “Short suits you.”

“Thanks. Is Harrison coming?”

“Unfortunately, no.” She walks past me, and I follow beside her.

“I never realized you were so tall.”

“It’s the heels,” she tells me with a smile. “I mean, I do feel like an Amazon at times. It’s how I knew I needed a tall man. My only regret in life is not modeling.”

I nervously laugh. Of course, this is the woman Harrison would end up with; she’s perfect in every way.

She flips light switches as we pass them. “Well, let me show you around the place,” she says. Her voice echoes in the room as we walk through the large, empty space.

A marble staircase that reminds me of something that should be on theTitanicis the showstopper.

“Wow,” I say, running my hand against the marble railing.

“Right? I was thinking we could get married at the bottom. Set up all the chairs right here.” She holds out her arms like she’s imagining it, and I can envision it too.

“The orchestra can go over there,” I say.

“Yes.” She’s growing giddy with excitement.

I move around her, walking the space, trying to get an idea of how many people could fit in here. “And the large windows will bring in the perfect amount of natural light if you go for an evening ceremony, like, plan to say your vows at golden hour.” I smile. “It’s going to be a fairy-tale wedding, Steph. Truly.”

“So, you think this space is a go?”

I nod. “Absolutely.”

“My parents are willing to renovate it too. The entire second floor used to be hotel rooms, but they could easily be made into changing rooms for the wedding party,” she says.

“That’s perfect.” I type a few notes on my phone so I won’t forget any details. “What date are you shootin’ for?”

“Two weeks from today?”

---