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“I have a surprise for you and Hale as soon as you get here!” She assumed I was still in Florida with Hale. “I’ve scheduled the two of you for an all-day spa treatment!”
“Oh, Phina, you didn’t have to do that.” I really wished she hadn’t.
While most women liked being massaged and rubbed down with oil, I did not. I was awkward and very particular about who touched my body. Basically, Hale was the only person I could tolerate touching me without going stiff and goofy, so massages were usually excruciatingly embarrassing, but of course Hale’s sister wouldn’t know that.
“You’ll love it! Your couples massage starts at one. It includes a ninety minute lymphatic massage to relieve any pre-wedding swelling. Plus, a hot stone treatment and a mint scalp massage. You can thank me later.”
If I had a shell, I’d climb into it and hide.
I coughed. “Thanks.”
“Uh-oh, are you getting a cold?”
I cleared the tickle from my throat. Was my nose running? Crap. I could not be sick for my wedding.
I was prepared for a breakout, stomach issues, and even a cake crash, but I hadn’t considered actual illness as a possibility. I would just will myself into perfect health.
“I’m not sick,” I croaked. “I’m just not fully awake yet.” My throat was probably swollen and sore from the lump that was in it all day yesterday.
“You should pick up some cough drops and vitamin C, just in case.”
“Cough drops are a gateway drug.” The minute I tasted eucalyptus my brain would be convinced I had the plague. A hot, steamy shower was all I needed. “I’ll be fine.”
That seemed to be my mantra now.
“I hope so. Also, I’ve sent your clothes to the hotel. Everything’s been pressed and steamed, but it should be uncovered and hung right away. Have the butler see to it.”
I couldn’t ask Percy to do that, so I banked on twenty minutes of organizing my wardrobe myself.
“Okay.” I pinched my nose, convinced my sinuses felt off from crying.
“I spoke to Devyn this morning and everything’s all set for tonight. The bar has your signature cocktail ready to go and shuttles will transport guests from the hotel to the restaurant at six thirty.”
It was finally happening. Everything we planned was starting to unravel and take shape. There was no going back now and I couldn’t tell if the tingle in my stomach was anxiety or excitement. “Okay. Thanks—for everything, Phina.”
“That’s what sisters are for.”
Her words filled me with calm and warmth. I doubted she realized how much I truly appreciated her presence in my life these last few months. “Will you sit next to me and Hale tonight?”
“Aw! Of course. I’d love that, but… Shouldn’t Elle and Barrett sit with you?”
It wasn’t Barrett I was worried about. But the thought of sitting near Elle and, of course Paul, put a damper on the entire night. I didn’t want that energy, and somewhere in the last twenty-four hours I’d made the decision that I was only going to surround myself with people who filled my cup.
“It’s not the ceremony and I’m the bride. I get to sit by whoever I want. I’d really love it if you were by my side.”
“Gosh, Rayne…” She was quiet for a moment. “Thank you. That means a lot.” She chuckled and I could sense her smiling. “I’d love to sit with you and Hale.”
It was Seraphina who deserved all the thanks. Hale was truly blessed when it came to having wonderful siblings.
“You and Hale should get to the restaurant early, so your guests don’t see you before your grand entrance.”
I didn’t understand why we couldn’t ride over with everyone else, but I’d come to simply accept these things that added to the overall production. Broadway should seriously option us for their next show.
“In that case I’ll ask Tyler to keep an eye on my mom.” She would be the first person to arrive at the wrong restaurant and I couldn’t have any more issues with my parents this week.
“Perfect. I’m about to run into the salon for a blowout. Let me know if you need any help with your dress tonight. I’ll be at the hotel early.”
I’d been dressing myself solo for three decades so I didn’t understand why people suddenly assumed I needed help, but then I saw Percy wheeling in the cart with all the clothes. That was a lot of fucking clothes.
