Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Suddenly, the shades in my room slide open, revealing an early morning view of Boston Harbor. My phone sounds with me and Brett’s shared song, “A New Day,” and like I’ve been conditioned to do over the past six months, I silently countdown from ten.
Right on cue, the doorbell sounds and I roll out of bed to open the front door.
“Your bouquet for the day, Miss Edwards.” The florist holds out a pad for me to sign. “Today, you’re getting your usual marigolds, but we added some lilies and a pop of daffodils.”
“Thank you very much, Megan.”
“Always a pleasure.”
I carry them to the kitchen and wet the stems, gently arranging them into the vase with yesterday’s white roses.
“It’s all just a dream,” I say under my breath. “Liam Donovan is gone with the wind and I’m dating the hottest guy in Boston.”
The doorbell sounds again, but the door opens before I can answer it.
“Hey Babe.” Brett smiles at me. “Why are you still in pajamas?”
“I guess I’m a bit hungover from New Year’s.”
“Days later?” He pulls me into his arms. “Hangovers don’t work like that.”
“Well, maybe I’m just tired.”
“Taking all those intensive classes before law school will do that to you,” he says. “You’re going to be one hell of a lawyer when you finish.”
I smile, somewhat grateful that the years have shown me that with the exception of becoming an author, there isn’t any money in writing. I’m not passionate about the justice system in the slightest, but I do enjoy reading cases and arguing theories, and that’s good enough.
“We have a dinner date with the CEO of L.L. Bean tonight, but we need to look down-to-earth, so wear jeans.”
“Noted.”
“Since I’ve confirmed you’re still alive, can I tell Lauren that you’re joining her for brunch today, so she can stop calling me?”
Fuck. “Sure.”
“I think this new Liam guy might be ‘the one’ for her,” he says. “She’s had a whole different vibe since she started dating him. I owe you fifty dollars since he actually exists.”
So, this isn’t a bad dream.
I take a deep breath and push open the double doors of Happily Ever Afters & Weddings an hour later.
As always, the table in the showroom is set with mimosas and specialty waffles, courtesy of a chef who is dying to get on Lauren’s recommendation list.
I take my seat and bite a piece of bacon, debating how I plan to end our friendship. I can’t bear to hear about Liam from someone else, and I can’t pretend that I’ll be okay with it.
“I have no idea why any bride would want a horse-drawn carriage for her wedding.” Lauren plops down across from me. “The smell of their shit alone should be a deterrent.”
“Do any of your clients know how cynical you truly are?”
“I love love.” She smiles. “I just hate weddings.”
“Thanks for reminding me why you won’t be planning mine.”
“Brett already said he would let me handle it when he proposes.”
“What?”
“Act like you didn’t hear that.” She picks up a strawberry. “He’s looking at rings this month. Make sure you wear clear mascara every day just in case it happens when you least expect it.”
“Right. Um, I need to talk to you about something really important.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
“It’s about your boyfriend, Liam.”
“Now, I’m really listening.” She leans forward. “You never texted me an opinion on him like you promised. I won’t be offended if you think I oversold his hotness.”
“No, you definitely didn’t. I think he’s a really attractive guy.”
“Thanks. He’s really smart, too. Sometimes I feel dumb during our conversations.”
“What do you mean?”
“He really loves books and all things literature.” She lets out a sigh. “I hated English with every fiber of my being in school, and I have yet to tell him. On the plus side, I’m hosting a Poetry Slam at my Bridal Bar location for some clients this weekend, so I am trying to meet him in the middle.”
“Good. Well, look,” I say. “About Liam. He was—”
“We should all go on a double date!”
WHAT?! “No.” I shake my head. “Hell no. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” She jumps up, walking over to her wall calendar. “You said that Brett is into poetry, and that’s definitely Liam’s lane, so it’ll be perfect.”
“It’s a little soon for double dates.”
“You three can tell me if any of the poets are worthy of getting on my recommendation list—” She isn’t listening to me at all. “And while I might be bored out of my mind, I’m willing to sit through to the end because everyone else will probably love it!”
“Lauren…”
“I’ll text Brett.” She waves my pending excuse away. “He’ll be thrilled, so save the date! It’s in two weeks!”
“Lauren, please.”
“You don’t have to ask.” She walks over and clasps my hand. “Of course, I’ll help you pick out something stunning and sexy for this event, too!”