“It’s not love I hate.” She’ll never understand where I’m coming from. She was the baby for a long time before our brother came along. “It’s the responsibility that comes with it. If I hated love, I wouldn’t go to your wedding. I’m happy for you. Just please realize happiness is different for me. I’m content with my life.”
“God, that sounds so boring. I want you to have fire in your life.” It makes me think of the night I had with Parker. There’s no denying the spark I felt. But that can’t happen. I hear something brush across the speaker, and muffled sounds in the background. “I need to go. We have some customers. But at least think about it.”
“Yeah, sure.” I shake my head. “I’ll call the winery after I get off work.”
“Thanks. Talk to you later.”
She hangs up without another word, and I feel drained from our short conversation. I knew this would come up, but I thought she’d give me time before throwing it at me. I didn’t realize the guest number she sent me was pretty much final. It makes sense, I guess, since the wedding is happening soon. But asking me about a date isn’t something to ask while I’m on my lunch break. She could have waited until I got home.
Now I’ll be spending the rest of my day learning my new job and hyping myself up to call Parker. Why did I agree to be her maid of honor?
Five
Parker
Why hasn’t Jasmin called back? I left the voicemail for her hours ago. Maybe she’s at work, I don’t know. I remember she came with her sister during the middle of the day during the week. When we were at the Valentine’s event she mentioned not having a job. Or, it might be because she doesn’t answer unknown numbers. Either way, I need her or Daniela to call me.
I’m beginning to second guess Piper’s choice to put me in charge events. I’m organized, but the stress of this is almost more than I can handle. How am I supposed to work more events when I can barely get a grasp on my first wedding. The sad part is this is the early stages and I’m already in knots.
There’s nothing I can do about it right now, though. Staring at my phone isn’t going to make Jasmin call with the information I need. I think it’s odd her sister isn’t handling this since it’s her wedding. Who am I to question how they do things?
I set aside my notepad and open up the email. Piper really needs to get another computer in here. I feel like I’m monopolizing her space. There’s an email for another event request. I click the email and shake my head.
“What’s going on?” Piper asks as she comes into the office. It must be nice to show up for work whenever you feel like it. Not that I can say much, I’m guilty as well. But she will wait until after lunch to come in sometimes. Whereas I’m only one, maybe two, hours late occasionally. I guess you can do whatever you want when you bring in the amount of business she has.
“This event request.” I point at the computer.
“Oh, we got another one?” She claps her hands in excitement and rushes around the desk to join me. “What’s it for? Another wedding?”
Thankfully, it’s not. I don’t think I can handle more than one right now. At least, not when I’m trying to get my feet under me with the current one.
“Nope. A baby shower.” I tilt my head to the side. “Isn’t that kind of mean? The mom-to-be can’t drink. It seems cruel to host it at a winery.”
“Maybe the mom isn’t normally a big drinker and is okay with it.” She shrugs her shoulders. “Besides, I think a little liquid courage for the attendees will make a baby shower fun and less stuffy.”
“And you’ve been to how many of them?” None of her friends have had kids, and I’m pretty sure she’s getting her insight from movies.
“Shut up.” She hits my arm. “I’ve watched enough movies to know how it goes.”
I can’t help the snort that comes out of me. I knew it. One day she’ll realize she can’t base everything she knows on movies.
“So, I should reach out to them?” I still think it’s an asshole move. Though, it would help to have a smaller event soon. Asheville is a small town, and once word spreads, there will be more events booked.
“Yes.” She moves to scoot a chair next to mine. “Let them come look at the space and decide if they want to do it here. Since it’s most likely small, they probably won’t need the big building. It’ll be easier to manage.”
“Okay.” I begin typing out a response to see what day would work for them to see the space.
“How are you coming along with the Campos wedding?” She leans on her hand and waits for me to answer.
“Right now I’m waiting on a call back. I need an approximate guest count so I can figure out possible seating arrangements for the reception. And to get an idea of how many chairs we’ll need outside.”
She nods and continues staring at me. “It sounds like you’ve got it under control.”
“Not really.” I shake my head and hit send on the email. Maybe they can come out sometime this week. I need something to think about other than this wedding and Jasmin. “I have no idea what I’m doing or what I need to. I’ve been thinking about reaching out to Angel to see if she can guide me. Honestly, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring in her team when weddings are booked.”
“What exactly do you need help with?” Piper asks. “Like is it logistics, or something we don’t, don’t have any control over?”
“How the hell are we supposed to keep guests cool in the middle of summer?” That’s truly my biggest concern. Texas isn’t exactly known for mild weather. That’s another thing I need to get from Daniela. After her comments about the sunset, I think she might want an evening wedding.
