“I’ve been busy,” I shrugged before disappearing into the kitchen to grab us both a glass of wine. On my return, I paused by the counter to text Alaric a warning, should he decide to stop in on his way home. We’d had enough close calls this week. “Besides, the wedding’s not for another year. We’ve got plenty of time.”
“Do we?” Kelsey demanded with her hand on her hip and her eyes tight with stress. “Because the wedding keeps getting closer and my to-do list keeps getting longer. Elliott is basically useless when it comes to planning things, and his mother is beginning to drive me absolutelyinsane! God, if I didn’t love Elliott so much, I’d walk away from this bloody wedding!” She snapped, yanked a chair out, and fell into it dramatically.
This was so unlike my sister, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “Aw, Kels. I’m sure that’s a normal reaction to having to deal with Janice. I mean, I had that reaction, and I only spent the afternoon in her company. What did she do now?”
“She called the florist to change the flower order to something moreelegant. She’s been even more unbearable since she was proven right about the dress.” Tears of frustration welled up in Kelsey’s eyes, and I hurried over to her, thrusting one of the glasses of wine at her. “Thanks,” she sighed, taking it while wiping at her cheeks with her other hand.
“Did you pick the dress to appease her, Kels?” I asked gently, pulling the chair beside her out so I could join her at the table.
“No, I didn’t,” Kelsey shook her head back and forth. “But that doesn’t mean that she’s right about everything else.”
“You’re right. You need to set some boundaries,” I put my hand on her shoulder and spoke softly, offering her a hesitant smile. “Well really, Elliott should set them since it’s his mother who’s over-stepping.”
“Yeah, well. You know Elliott.” Kelsey sighed again, pausing to take a sip of wine. “He hates confrontation.”
“Youloveconfrontation. Besides, you’re practically a lawyer,” I reminded her, reaching for the stack of envelopes and cards.
“Paralegal assistant is not practically a lawyer,” my sister responded. “And I can’t hurt her feelings. She’s his mom.”
“But she’s hurting your feelings and overstepping. She’s making what should be a really exciting time a miserable experience for you,” I pointed out, pulling Kelsey’s binder toward me and opening it. I removed the first page of guest addresses and set to work. “Just imagine how bad it’s going to be down the road…when you’re having a baby, and she’s all up in your space, trying to call the shots during delivery.”
Kelsey shuddered. “You’re right,” she sighed.
“Pardon? Could you say that again? I didn’t quite hear you.” I grinned.
“You’re right.” She rolled her eyes, shaking her head a little before she took another sip of wine.
“It’s an almost unheard of occurrence, but miracles happen every day.”
“Speaking of miracles…how’s Thor?”
“Still a gift from the gods.” I smirked, masking the teetering sensation his name evoked.
“Socasualis still working for you?” Kelsey asked, air quotingcasual.
“It is,” I insisted, focusing my attention on the envelope.
“So…you aren’t planning on admitting that you’ve got it bad for him, then?”
“I don’t have it bad for him,” I shrugged, moving on to the next address on the list, my calligraphy pen gliding across the envelope.
“I can always tell when you lie, and you’re totally lying. Why do you deny it? What’s the harm in liking him?”
I huffed, not looking up from my task. “There’s nothing wrong with liking him, Kelsey. It’s a complicated situation, and I don’t even know if I’m ready for another relationship.”
“Stop being a chicken shit. Erik was never supposed to be your forever love. He was a filler love, and you know that.”
“This isn’t even about Erik. There’s more to it than that,” I frowned, feeling vulnerable. “I insisted on casual, and that’s what he needs right now, too. It’s what we both need.”
“Casual is just a prettier word for an excuse,” my sister declared. “It’s either an excuse to keep things open or an excuse to keep people at a distance.”
“Did you want to argue about my sex life or get these invitations done?” I snipped.
“I would like to do both, actually.” My sister smirked.
Heaving a sigh, I leaned against the back of my chair and crossed my arms. “You’re relentless, Kels. Fine. I like him. I like him a lot. I’ve never felt the way he makes me feel. I mean, it’s completely opened my eyes to how lacking my relationship with Erik really was.”
“So, why aren’t you guys together?” she asked, blinking at me.
