Ares and Bryce exchange a discreet look. Akiko laughs with delight. “You think so?”
“Iknowso. This is amazing.”
“Thank you. I enjoy cooking, but I also like to experiment. I doubt anybody would be coming to a restaurant that changes its menu and recipes all the time.”
“You could make a fortune catering to the dieting types from Hollywood,” Jeremiah says before sipping another red wine.
Akiko looks doubtful. “My food is fairly rich. I don’t skimp on butter, cream or duck fat.”
Jeremiah snorts, and Prescott gives her a dirty look. Catalina turns her attention to me. “So. When is the wedding?”
Oh…crap.I glance at Josh, but he seems at ease as he bites into a thin slice of beef that’s been folded into a tiny triangle. It’s stuffed with some tasty green onion and cheese mixture. I already finished all three of mine. Now I wish I had something to stuff my mouth with so I could avoid answering.
Thankfully Akiko intervenes, leaning forward eagerly. “Yes! I can finally plan this ceremony!” Then she presses her lips together for a moment. “Ah…if that would be okay…?”
“Uh… I guess.” What else can I say when she’s looking at me so hopefully?No? And the engagement is going to end in six months, so…
I should tell Akiko not to plan anything until we know the date for sure, to avoid wasting her time. That way I’ll feel less guilty.
“And we’ll actually be invited to this one,” Jeremiah adds dryly.
“Precisely.” Catalina levels a meaningful look at Ares and Bryce.
I stare at the sad smears of brown sauce on my plate. Josh is still chewing the stuffed beef.
“Do you have any ideas about what you’d like for the wedding?” Catalina asks.
“A white dress?” I venture, staying on the safe side.
“Or black. I saw Grace Huxley’s wedding photos, and she looked super chic in black,” Lareina says.
My jaw slackens. “Ablackwedding dress? Like at a funeral?”
“It’s fashionable in certain high society in Asia,” Josh explains. “If you want black, you can wear black.”
“Really?” I thought he would want something more traditional.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event,” he says. “There shouldn’t be any regrets. I want you to be happy.”
My mouth dries. He seems like he means it—like he can see us together for a long, long time. Longing unfurls in my heart. I wish itcouldbe like that.
“White is the default, but I saw a pale champagne wedding gown that was stunning. Lots of sparkly beads and details,” Lareina says. “I think you’d be gorgeous in any color, to be honest. You just have to pick one that speaks to your heart.”
“And you can decide on the scale of the wedding, too. Big or small. And the reception menu.” Akiko’s eyes sparkle. “I’d love to see what you select because no matter what, it’ll be fabulous.”
I look at her in surprise. Most of the time, my preferences aren’t that important. Well, at least not with my family. But here, what I want seems like themostimportant. “Maybe something small,” I finally manage, since Akiko’s waiting for an answer with such eager anticipation. “Probably more economical that way.”
Jeremiah gives Josh a stern look. “Surely you can afford a ceremony as grand as she wants it.”
I shake my head. “Oh no. I mean—”
“Nobody pinches pennies for their wedding. Assuming, of course, that one actually holds a real ceremony rather than eloping.” Jeremiah smiles thinly at Ares and Bryce. Ares got married in Vegas and Bryce had a courthouse ceremony. I heardno Huxley was present at either. “Anyway, I think you should splurge. The family will take care of it.”
“Uh, I thought that was the bride’s family’s responsibility…?” Even as I say that, I cringe a little inwardly. If Akiko calls my mom to talk about the wedding, she’ll say that any money spent on me is money wasted.
So embarrassing.I’d rather die first.
“We won’t be relying on your parents.” Underneath Josh’s smooth tone is a mild disapproval. He seems to hold my parents in low esteem.
