“Where are you going?” Even though I knowthe answer, I’m a bit disgruntled that I’m not allowed to go. It is my wedding.
She stops, taking a deep breath. “We’rehaving a brunch for family that came in from out of town last night.”
“Have fun,” I say, even toned.
She tries smoothing my hair. “Don’t beupset. It’s only brunch.”
“I’m not. I’ll see you at twelve-thirty.”I smile at my mom. After she’s gone, I snuggle under the blanket. This isn’treally how I saw my day going, waking up in a groggy fog. Somehow, I saw myselfbright eyed and bushy tailed, walking around on cloud nine, maybe breaking outin song and dance. I started the day off with a bang, so I’ll try not tocomplain. I pull the cover up over my head and fall asleep.
“Kate.” I open my eyes to Laura, whoslams the front door.
“I’m up. Shit, am I late? What time isit?”
“Whoa, chill girlfriend.” She grabs myshoulders. “It’s only like eleven-thirty.”
“Oh, that’s good,” and I sink back downon the sofa. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at brunch?”
“Yeah, I went. I asked Annie where youwere, and she told me you weren’t coming because of the whole stupid ass bridecan’t see the groom thing. She was really mean about it. What’s up her ass?”
I shrug. “I don’t know, but she hasn’tbeen very nice to me either. I need to talk to her before the wedding today. Ididn’t even know about the brunch until Cole mentioned it to me this morning.”
“Wait, what?” Laura sits down next to me.“You saw Cole this morning?”
I cover the blanket with my head. “Yes.”
“I knew the two of you wouldn’t be ableto stay away from each other.”
“What can I say? I’m irresistible.”
“Oh hell.” Laura rolls her eyes.
“So, what are you doing here?”
“I thought it was pretty shitty that everyonewent to brunch and left you at home to twiddle your thumbs when it’s yourwedding day. So I left and came to hang out with you.”
“Ahh, thanks friend. You’re coming to thespa, right?”
“Yes, you better get a move on if we aregoing to make it on time.”
“Oh sheesh, okay.” I get up, heading tothe bathroom. “There’s Ben and Jerry’s in the freezer if you didn’t eatanything this morning.” I shower and get dressed in my pair of favorite jeansand a t-shirt. How I’ve missed my old clothes. I don’t bother doing my hair oreven putting makeup on, I just pack all the toiletries I want into an overnightbag. When I walk out front, both my mom and Annie are waiting with Laura.“Okay, I’m ready.”
My mother stands up, pursing her lips.“Oh no, young lady. You need a button-down shirt and a skirt. I know you havethem. Put them on. You’re not going to the Vineyard dressed like that, even ifyou are going to change once you’re there.”
“Okay, okay, chill. I’ve just missed myclothes.” I pull a on black cotton skirt with my white and black polka-dotblouse I bought in Las Vegas and walk back into the family room. “Is thisacceptable?”
“Yes, much better. Okay, we need to leaveor we will be late.” At the spa, we all change into robes. Annie and my momstart out getting their hair done, and Laura and I get manicures and pedicures.The chairs have built in massagers and I sit back, letting it vibrate againstmy back.
“Where are you going tonight after thewedding?”
“Huh?” I open my eyes, peering over atLaura.
“Where are you spending your weddingnight?”
“Oh, that’s what my Aunt Ruby gave melast night. I didn’t quite understand. But it’s a suite at the ContinentalHotel downtown.”
“Oh yeah, that’s the themed hotel.”
I sit up. “Themed?”
