“Why are you looking at me like that?” Kate asks.
I snap my mouth shut, just now realizing I was gaping at her like a fish. “I just can’t believe you want to plan at Sunday brunch.”
“Why not? We’re all together anyway.” She gestures in the air at Jason, who disappears under the table before producing a thick binder with colorful tabs.
She has a point, and I don’t exactly care to do Sunday brunchanda planning meeting, but still. I have principals to stand on here.
“First of all, it’s supposed to be family and significant others only,” I double down. Technically it’s supposed to be family and fiancés, but Lydia had a very large public meltdown when Kate tried enforcing the rule and Elise helped us amend the rules to stop the tears. She broke up with that boyfriend two weeks later so it was all for naught, but I digress. “And second, it’s family time. To catch up. Have fun. Talk about mom and dad without them trying to explain how to file taxes or ask for help changing their ringtones.”
Kate sighs, then tilts her head up at me, a sympathetic look on her face that has me grinding my teeth together. “Jane,if this is because you’re the only one here by yourself?—”
“Oh my god,” I interrupt, my gaze, unfortunately, shooting to Reid. He’s watching the entire interaction without expression, but I swear I see his lips purse the tiniest bit in distaste. Great, now he thinks I’m devastated about being single. Spectacular.
“Reid is here alone too!” I say, thrusting a finger in his direction. He arches a brow ever so slightly and I think I catch a flicker of amusement in his gaze, but I trudge on before I can think too much about it.
Kate rolls her eyes. “Yeah, by choice.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I’m single by choice too.”
She huffs a laugh. “Jane, would you just relax for five minutes instead of making everything about whatyouwant?” Kate says with enough venom that I bite my lip and slide into my seat.
It’s moments like these when I think about defending myself and holding firm on my boundaries. But then I think about how uncomfortable that feels and simultaneously decide that this is a small battle and I don’t mind acquiescing.
That little guilty feeling will go away eventually. I’d rather keep the peace for now.
I feel Reid’s gaze from across the table. I look at him and make awhat do you wantface. He drags his attention back to Kate and Jason and the giant binder on the table.
Allie blessedly brings my mimosa and latte and I don’t even give her a chance to set the mimosa down. “Honestly, I’ll take a second one right away,” I whisper as Kate drones on. Allie dips her head in a nod and continues delivering drinks to the table as I down half of mine. Kate clears her throat.
I look back at her. “What?”
“Focus.”
I give her a thumbs up in reply as I take another gulp. Allie catches my eye and holds up two fingers with a questioning expression. I look at my nearly gone mimosa, tip it back, and nod. I guess I’ll just be hungover two mornings in a row. She fights a smile as she walks off.
“Okay, so moving on.” Kate pulls papers out of her binder and passes them to each of us. It’s essentially print outs of Pinterest boards for decor, food, games, and a photo backdrop of fresh flowers and fairy lights. “Here are your planning materials for our couples shower.”
“We’re planning this?” Charlie asks. He flips furiously through the pages, eyes widening in panic at each photo and list item. Elise reaches out a hand and gently pats his shoulder.
“Well, I don’t imagine the boys will be as helpful, but yes. Delegate as you will,” Kate says.
I page through the pictures, already cataloguing a mental to-do list. This is where I shine, especially when my family needs me. I think my love language is acts of service, because I absolutely adore helping people when they need it, and right now, my baby sister needs me. “Do you have vendor lists or anything?”
“Not yet, but I know how great you are at planning stuff, so I figured you’d be able to go through it all so much faster than I could anyways.”
“Sure,” I say back in a trance. I don’t know why I expected anything else. Anything helpful or any sort of lead or guidance as to her incredibly specific vision, but that would surely be too easy.“Lydia, do you have any vendor ideas?” Lydia doesn’t look up from her phone where she’s furiously texting, planning pages still untouched on the table in front of her. “Lydia,” I try again.
She finally drags her eyes up from the screen to look at me.“Hmm?”
I draw in a breath for patience. “Do you have any ideas for vendors for the couples shower? Food or flowers or anything?”
“Oh.” A smile touches her lips and she shakes her head. “No, I just assumed you’d know. You’re just so organized.”
“Right,” I say.
“I thought you said this was a planning meeting,” Charlie mutters, setting the papers back on the table and running his fingers through his sandy blonde hair—the only sign of stress he ever shows.
“It is. It’s me telling you what needs to be planned, and then you do it.” Kate punctuates this announcement with a bright, pageant smile.
