"I haven’t had a chance to catch up with him. He’s been traveling for work for the last three weeks."I tamp down the rising disquiet.
He wants to be with me. I mean, he proposed, didn't he? So what if he makes me feel two feet tall? He's marrying me. That must count for something, right?
Is it odd that I don't miss him?
"Gosh, must be tough with him traveling so much, and so close to the wedding.” There’s curiosity in her voice, but her eyes are soft.
I rub at my forehead. “It hasn’t been easy. But I’m organized, and that helps me deal with the chaos of wedding planning.”
She scoffs. “That’s putting it lightly. You love your to-do lists, and your organizational skills are unmatched. I bet you have a dozen spreadsheets to help you track everything.”
I flush. “It helps me stay on top of things.”
She chuckles. “He’ll be back soon, and we can pick a new date for a family catch-up with him and our parents on video call.”
“I’m sorry he canceled the last one.” I wince.
Only because he was called away on a business emergency.
And then, he emailed my parents and my sister to apologize. He shared how happy he was to be marrying me and becoming part of the family.
My parents were impressed.
My sister was noncommittal. I get the impression she isn’t tooimpressed with him. Of course, she’s only met him once. And briefly, at that.
“I realize, he’s been elusive, but that’s because of the demands of his job,” I feel compelled to add.
“Hey, you don’t have to defend him.” She raises a shoulder. Then her expression turns wicked again. "Of course, with a name like Keith…" She shrugs. "I don’t know. I'm not sure I can get past that."
“You’re going to hold his name against him?” I throw up my hand.
She bursts out laughing. “Damn woman, I was kidding.”
“Raya, seriously? You’re so annoying,” I huff.
“Comes with the territory of being the little sister.” She sobers. “I didn’t mean to be unkind. I want you to be happy."
“Iamhappy,” I say firmly.
But am I? Since I agreed to marry him, my fiancé seems to have become MIA.
He’s spending more time on work trips. He hasn’t even paid for any of the wedding arrangements.
Sure, when he suggested that, instead, he could provide the down payment for the apartment we want to buy, I jumped at the chance.
And he did negotiate the reception at the pub. Still, it would have been reassuring if he’d offered to, at least, share the costs.
Besides, it’s tradition for the bride’s family to pay for the wedding. Only I have no intention of asking my parents to do so.
They worked hard to make sure we didn’t lack for anything. We weren’t poor. But we also weren’t rolling in money.
Instead, on top of my student loans, I’ve maxed out my credit cards to pay for the wedding arrangements.But with this new job. I’ll be able to pay it off in no time.
“It’d be easier if Keith showed a little more interest in the wedding planning,” I admit.
She lifts a shoulder. “I suppose, it’s normal for men not to care about these organizational details.”
Which is true. Many men are that way. Right?I’ve been with Keith for two years, which should be more than enough time to commit to marriage.
