“That’s what you think.” He winks at me.
He doesn’t realize how much he’s come to mean to me in the short amount of time we’ve been together. The day after the wedding is going to hit me like a ton of bricks and I’m not sure I’ll be okay when the rubble is cleared away.
Twenty-One
Parker
We are in crunch time for Daniela’s wedding. Luckily, she approved the table set up weeks ago. I’ve already sent the order to Pierce for chairs outside. We were going to rent them, but he thought it’d be best if we bought them. I guess he has more faith in our ability to offer events than he previously did.
I’m still shocked he came to game night…and had fun. He was giving Piper suggestions on games for the next one. Part of me wonders if it was hiring more people that gave him the ability to relax. Jasmin was right. I need to give my brother grace. Even though we’re all equal owners in the winery, he takes on a lot of the responsibility.
Maybe it’s because he’s the oldest of us, I don’t know. But the stress of the events we’ve done has definitely eaten at me. I can’t imagine what he puts on himself to keep the winery going. Especially with how fast we’ve grown in the last year.
My phone rings and pulls my attention away from the list of things I need to do get done today. The wedding is next weekend and I have to make sure all my ducks are in a row.
I pick it up without a glance. “Hello?”
“Hey.” Jasmin’s voice is a balm to my nerves. “How’s everything going?”
“Oh, you know, mass chaos.” I move a few pieces of paper around on the desk to find the list I’m looking for. “I didn’t realize how important lists were until now.”
“I told you. A list makes everything more manageable.” She laughs and I wish she was with me right now. “Is there anything I can help with?”
The only thing I can think of is her being with me right now. That would put some of my stress at ease. Since we’ve been “dating” I’ve noticed how much I love being with her. Even when we’re only watching TV. The thought should scare me, but I want more time with her.
“Not really. It’s just finalizing a few details and making sure the deliveries will be here next week.”
“I can’t believe my baby sister is getting married in a week.” She sighs. I know her well enough now to know it’s not bad. She’s happy, but also sad. Her best friend is going to be striking out on her own with the love of her life. “It’ll be quiet at the house when she’s gone. She’s the silly one in our family dynamic and always knows how to lighten the mood.”
“You can be silly, too. I’ve seen it.” She needs to know she’s not always the serious sibling. She doesn’t have to put on a brave and put together front for her family to love her.
“Yeah, but it comes so effortless to her. I’m going to miss it.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “You act like you’ll never see her again. Isn’t Jacob’s apartment like fifteen minutes away from you?”
“But what if they move? Since we’ve been in Asheville so much, I think they’re talking about looking at houses down there. Then she’ll be almost an hour away from me.” Panic rises in her voice. “What if she needs me? I won’t be right down the road to help.”
“Jasmin.” My voice is even and controlled. “Take a deep breath.” I wait until she does as I request. “You’re creating problems that don’t exist yet. Everything will be okay, I promise.”
The line is quiet for a moment and I wish I knew what was going on in her mind. If she were here, I’d be able to tell.
“You’re right. Honestly, you need to teach me your ways.”
“What do you mean?” I wasn’t aware I had any secret powers.
“You go with the flow. Not much worries you, and you keep a level head.”
I snort. I can’t help it. “That’s only because I’ve had years of practice. I’m the one who usually has to calm Piper down when she starts spiraling about an idea. Well, it was me and Beau. We’ve had practice since we were kids.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize they knew each other that long.” I can imagine her head tilted to the side trying to figure it out.
“They’ve been best friends since we were freshman in high school. He’s been family since before they made their relationship official.”
“Ah. That actually makes sense.” She clears her throat. “Anyway, teach me to be more like you. Especially for tonight. We’re going dancing for Dani’s bachelorette party. I’m looking forward to it, but her friends are on a whole other level. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my cool after they’ve had a ton of drinks.”
“Call me if you get overwhelmed. I’m sure we’ll be home early.” Which is why I’m stressed right now. I want to make sure everything on these lists are handled before I head to the ball field to meet Jacob and his friends.
“Won’t you be at Jacob’s bachelor party?”
