A foul ball comes in our direction and I turn to make sure Jacob sees it. He’s already standing with his hands out. As it gets closer, he leans slightly forward. Not enough to be in the way of the folks sitting below us, but just enough that if it misses them, he’ll catch it.
I move out of the way as it comes falling down over us. Getting a concussion tonight is not how I want things to play out.
The ball thuds as it hits Jacob’s hands. I know it has to have hurt, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the smile on his face. Tonight, did end up being lucky for him. Me too, I just have to figure out what I’m going to tell Jasmin when I see her.
Twenty-Two
Jasmin
Taking the day off was a smart decision. Daniela and I have been running around to make sure we have everything. Luckily, we don’t have to worry about a flower girl or ring bearer to help down the aisle. She decided not to have them because she didn’t want to cause a fight within the family. Everyone would be bugging her about how their kid is the best option.
“Do you think they’ll have everything set up at the winery?” Daniela asks as we’re packing our bags in my room. I rented a room at an inn in Asheville. We also have most of the rooms booked for those who don’t want to drive home after the wedding.
“I’m sure Parker is working on it now. He sent me pictures of deliveries being made early this morning. I think he was having them deliver before they opened so he could work on it all day.”
“Do you think he’s going the extra mile because it’s my wedding and you’re dating? Or does he do this for all their events?” She zips up her bag and sits down next to it.
“We’re his first wedding, but I’m sure he’s making sure everything is extra perfect because it’s you. I mean that’s the only reason we can get ready at Piper’s in the morning.”
I can confidently say this because he didn’t put near this amount of effort into the baby shower. He got the tables arranged and then basically handed everything else off to them. Not going to lie, it brought me an immense amount of joy when Piper told me they got out of there as fast as they could when it was over. I guess that woman didn’t like being called out on her shitty behavior.
“You’re different with him. I know you don’t typically do relationships, but this one I feel has been good for you.” She leans back while I finish packing. With any luck I’ll be able to finish soon and we can get on the road. A small part of me wonders if she’ll drop the subject, but I know her well enough to know she’ll keep bringing it up.
“What do you mean?” Playing dumb sounds like a good plan.
She sits up again. “You’re more relaxed and playful. It’s like he lifts the weight you have put on your shoulders. He reminds you it’s okay for you to let go of that burden. You know you don’t have to do everything for everyone, right? We’re all adults and capable of handling our own stuff.”
Here I thought I was hiding all the stress I feel. I guess my sister does pay attention. I’m sure Adam would too if he were ever home. It seems like he’s out more and more these days. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes off on his own soon. Or, at least, with some roommates. His part time job doesn’t bring in enough to cover rent while he’s in school.
I close my bag and sit down next to her. “I think deep down I know you can. But I worry what my purpose is if I’m not making sure everyone has what they need. I mean, look at Mom and Dad. If it weren’t for me, I don’t think they’d remember maintenance on anything. As for Parker…I care about him a lot.”
It’s the only thing I can say. I don’t want her to know just how much I care. Or that I can see a future with him.
“I’m going to hold your hands when I say this.” She reaches for my hands and grips them between hers. “You are not responsible for what we do, or need to do. The only thing you’re responsible for is your happiness. Yes, me and Adam come to you for things, but it’s only because we trust you with our secrets. With everything we’re too scared or ashamed to tell Mom and Dad. They are the parents. You are our best friend. Stop confusing the two. We can handle our own things, and when we fail, we might complain to you. But it doesn’t mean we want you to come in and fix all our problems. It’s not your job.”
Who knew it would take my sister sitting me down to cast away all the stress I’ve been putting on myself for years? She’s right it’s not my job. It doesn’t mean I’ll stop worrying.
“You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.” I give her a quick hug. “Should we get going?”
“Yeah. It’s supposed to be you giving me words of wisdom today.” She sticks her tongue out at me before grabbing her bag. “You’re staying with me tonight, right? Or, are you staying at Parker’s?”
There’s the little girl I’ve always taken care of. Even though I know she can handle things on her own, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. “I’ll be with you tonight. I can’t send you off on your big day alone.”
“You’re the best.” She gives me another hug. “Now, let’s get going. I’m getting married tomorrow! And you are telling Parker how you really feel.”
I follow her as she squeals out of the house. The rest of the bridal party is meeting us at the winery. Then we just have dinner and the wedding to get through. After that, I can talk to Parker. Maybe this doesn’t have to be over.
Cavasos cleared out the entire back room for us. Out of the Ashes is catering the wedding, but we wanted to show some love to another place that has become a favorite of mine. Apparently, Daniela and Jacob ate here during the festival and loved it, too. It felt like the perfect place to have the rehearsal dinner.
“Was everyone coming over from the winery?” I ask my sister. She’s been the one who has dealt with her friends. It’s fine by me because it’s like trying to wrangle cats. They don’t listen.
“I think so?” She glances around at the lack of people we saw less than twenty minutes ago. “Some of them may have gone to the hotel to change. It was pretty toasty out there today.”
It was. We didn’t want to do rehearsal as late as the wedding was going to be so we had plenty of time to eat then get some rest.
“That makes sense. I left my dress at Piper’s. I guess the rest of the girls are going to show up in their dresses.”
“Yep. I told them I didn’t want a lot of fanfare while getting ready. The only people I need are you and Mom. One photographer is staying with us and the other will be with Jacob and the groomsmen.”
