“What are those gift bags on the table in the corner?” Maria points.
There are at least fifteen white bags with white tissue paper sticking out slightly.
“Oh, those are the wedding favors for the day. Every day there are new favors, so don’t forget to grab yours, or you’ll miss out!”
“You’re kidding, right?”
I watch as Maria runs over to the table and grabs two bags.
“Sweetie, I don’t kid about free gifts. Names so I can check you in?”
“Maria Lobo and Isabella Valdes,” she says.
He types methodically on the laptop he clearly brought from home, ignoring the office’s actual computer.
“Are you, like, the staff here?” I ask.
“Oh, God, no. Could you imagine? Look at me. I’m wearing a Prada bow tie. I’m actually just a sort of close friend of Sofia who volunteered his services for exclusive access to her wedding. She only invited close family and select friends because she wanted to keep it intimate and special. I personally think she just wanted it to seem super exclusive and exciting, and I refused to be left out. Like, hello? Mimosas? Daily gifts? It’s a literal dream.”
As he searches the guest list, I peek inside the gift bag Faye handed me. There’s a Chanel perfume box, a small skincare set from a French brand I wouldn’t even be able to pronounce, a pack of more macarons, and a “hangover recovery kit” consisting of Advil, vitamin C, a granola bar, and a packet of electrolytes to add to water.
“This is amazing!” Maria shouts, opening the perfume box to give it a whiff. “We need more rich friends, Isa.”
“Yeah, just wait. It only gets better. My laptop is a little slow right now, so let me just explain a bit about the itinerary for the week. Today is the first day, so it’s just basically a check-in and a way to mingle with the guests and meet the family. There will be a special welcome dinner tonight cooked by our amazing caterer. Tomorrow is a bridal hike and brunch. We’ll be climbing to the top of the mountain and having a lovely brunch at the top.”
Maria and I just stare at him, completely speechless.
“It sounds primal, I know, but I promise it’ll be so extravagant. Wednesday is Sofia’s bridal shower, hosted by yours truly. Thursday is the bachelor and bachelorette day. The rest of the family will stay at the camp with on-site spa specialists, and the bridal party will be partying it up with some camp activities to mimic Sofia’s childhood. There will be some paddleboarding in the morning and river tubing afterward. We’ll finish the night with some s’mores by the campfire. Friday is, of course, the wedding rehearsal, followed by the last big dinner before the grand finale, Saturday, which is the wedding. Duh. Any questions?”
“That…was a lot of information,” Maria finally says.
“Oh, don’t worry. Each cabin has a lovely printed itinerary, so you don’t miss any event.”
I immediately feel overwhelmed. That’s a lot to do while also trying to impress Luciano with my father’s secret recipes, find out the mystery behind my mother and aunt, and make everyone believe I definitely belong in this high-end world.
“Oh, looks like my laptop’s running again. Maria, you’ll be in cabin four, but I’m having a bit of trouble pulling up your cabin, Isa. I see you RSVP’d a few days ago, and we’re kind of low on space for housing. Sorry about that.”
“Wait, how? This campsite is huge. Is it because it’s haunted?” Maria snorts.
“Uh, what?” I say, staring between Daniel and Maria. “Did someone die here?”
“Yeah, probably.” Maria shrugs. “The killer is probably still here. Lurking. Waiting for you, Isa.”
“Uh, no. I don’t think so,” Daniel says. “Well, Luc actually bought the camp as a wedding gift to Sofia a few months ago. He’s started construction on a majority of the cabins, so they’re closed off to the public. Sofia made him promise he wouldn’t do any outside work until after their wedding so as not to ruin her aesthetic. Anyways, you’ll have to speak to Sofia about this—it looks like she’s the one who changed your RSVP status in the system and left a note to speak with her. She’s somewhere around the site. Just look for the blushing bride.”
“Seriously?” I groan. “I just wanted to go to my cabin and lay down. I’m so tired.”
“I’m so sorry. I don’t make the charts, girl; I simply relay the information. Here, have another mimosa on me!” He grabs a flute and hands it to me.
“I thought they were free?”
“Off you go!”
“Wait?” I pause. “How do we even get to the cabins or find Sofia?”
“You’re in the woods now, sweetie. I also would love a personal driver, but you’re going to have to walk. Don’t forget to use the hashtag ‘LoveAtFirstLuc’ if you share the wedding on social media! Isn’t that so clever? I thought of it.” He grins and waves as we walk away.
“Well, that was interest—”
