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“What’s their issue? They should be jumping for joy. Their ‘I’m never settling down’ daughter is going full-on domestic.”
“Oh, they were happy I’m getting married. They didn’t even care that the wedding’s in three weeks, and that we’re having it here.”
“Wait, what?”
Ignoring me, Ro continues. “So, they asked for a video call with us, since they haven’t met Dak.”
That’d never happen with my parents, but they’re nothing like Ro’s. They’re not the type to fly across the country to see their daughter and her boyfriend. Plus, they’ve probably been waiting for the breakup to happen—because Ro isn’t the settling-down type. Or, she wasn’t.
“And they didn’t like him? From one video call, they made up their minds?” It wouldn’t surprise me, honestly.
“They didn’t even try getting to know him, Nat. The moment they saw him, they freaked out because he’s not a basic white dude. They refuse to come to the wedding and say they’ll disown me if I marry him.”
“They’re racists?” I whisper the despicable word even though there’s nobody who could possibly hear it.
“What else do you call people who judge others by their outward appearance?”
“I’d call them a lot of things, none of them favorable.” I knew my aunt and uncle were old-fashioned about a lot of things, but racist? “Do you want me to go over and try to talk sense into them?”
“No—definitely not. But there is something I really, really want you to do, if you’re willing.”
“Of course, Ro. Anything. Name it.”
“Be my maid of honor?”
“Well, duh! Of course, I’ll be your maid of honor. I’d be pissed if you chose anyone but me!”
“Ooh, Natalie gets spicy!” Ro says on a big laugh. “It suits you, babe! Keep it coming. And on the subject of coming, can you head out here early? I’ll send you money for the flight. You can even upgrade to first class on my dime.”
Before I can answer, she starts in on me, the way she did when we were kids. Like the times I wanted to dress up our Barbies so they could go on fancy dates with our Ken dolls in the house, but she wanted to ditch the Kens and the clothes, take naked Barbies out in the backyard, and make them do things with my brother’s assortment of dragons and other creature figures.
“Please, please, pleeeeease… It’ll be fun, I promise.”
I couldn’t say no to her then. Because I love her. Also, because I was secretly intrigued by Barbie doing unspeakable things with monsters. As for now… I can’t let her down. Especially not when her parents have bailed so completely. “The fun will be in limited amounts because I have deadlines. I’ll have to bring work with me. And how early is early?”
“I’ll take whatever you can give me,” she says. “At least a week before the wedding, though. Two would be even better.”
“You said the wedding is in three weeks. So, I should drop everything and come now, basically?”
“Perfect!”
“I was kidding, Ro. Has the mountain altitude clouded your sarcasm detector?”
Her genuine laughter bubbles through the speaker. “Love has! But the air here is amazing, Nat. You’ll never want to leave, trust me.”
I always have, and she’s never been wrong. Even about Barbie’s unspeakable adventures. “Send me the info. I’ll be there as soon as I can swing it.”
* * *
NATALIE
There is no “instant” messaging with my cousin. She’s notorious for leaving me on read, sometimes until the next day, sometimes indefinitely, because she gets distracted and forgets to reply. There’s a three-hour time difference between Ontario and British Columbia, but Rosetta only gets to use that excuse when I send early-morning texts. Which I should stop doing because it only increases my frustration level. But will I change my ways? Probably not. Unlike Ro, I’m a morning person. Always have been.
Hence, why I’m up, dressed, and have put in the equivalent of half a day’s work by the time the sun is rising on the west coast. I have a long to-do list before I catch my flight to Kelowna two days from now. Questions that need answering. Since my cousin isn’t likely to reply in a timely fashion, I’m going with option number two—the groom’s best friend and best man, Constantine. Reaching out to a total stranger for help isn’t in my comfort zone, but I’d rather suffer a moment of awkwardness than the anxiety of not having plans firmly in place. Time to find out if the guy who’ll be accompanying me down the aisle is an early riser.
Hi there! This is Natalie Somers. I’m Rosetta’s cousin and her maid of honor. She gave me your number. I hope she’s mentioned me and told you I might be in touch about the wedding, but with Ro, it’s possible she forgot, so this might be coming out of left field… I’m hoping you can help with some long-distance planning I need to do before I head out west in a few days. You can text me or call me at this number. Thank you!
The phone rings before I can second-guess myself. I don’t usually answer Unknown calls, but the timing would have to be a huge coincidence, so I take the chance and pick up. “Hello?”
