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She didn’t want to talk about him. The less said, the better. “Can I get you something to drink? I have raspberry iced tea and fresh-squeezed lemonade.” At least I did before I left.
“No. I’m good, thank you. I actually had stopped by to talk to Brenda. Bobby told me she moved to California. I can’t believe it. She didn’t even come to see me and say goodbye,” Shanda said. “We’ve been friends for a few years, but lately, I guess, we’ve grown apart.”
Reanna understood that feeling. “Brenda has been very quiet lately about what she’s been up to. It was a shock to me as well when I found out last night. But she really seemed…happy, if that means anything.”
“It does. I feel like it’s my fault. Like I haven’t been a good friend to her lately. Before, we would meet up for lunch or she would stop by the shop and we would chat then. But since Kenneth has been around, we didn’t get to spend as much time. Maybe she felt like a third wheel or something.”
Reanna chuckled. “My sister never would’ve even gotten the hint that she was intruding, so it couldn’t be that. I think she was just really looking to do something for herself.” I just wish she felt like she could’ve talked to me about it too.
“I kind of feel stupid now for coming by. I know you and I spoke about the wedding last night, and that’s why I am here now. To talk to Brenda about it.”
She sat down beside Shanda and said, “I’m free if you want to talk to me.”
Shanda nodded. “My sister DeeDee would be my go-to, but she is pregnant.”
“I know, I saw her at the grocery store the other day. Guess her back has been giving her problems.”
“And her feet swelling, and now they said she needs to watch what she eats because her sugar is high. She said not to worry, that all this is normal when you’re pregnant, but I just don’t want to add any more stress onto her, if you know what I mean,” Shanda explained.
“I do. I wish Brenda were here to help you, but I’m more than happy to help wherever I can be of assistance,” Reanna said. Helping. Serving. It’s what made her happy.
Shanda smiled brightly. “You have no idea what that means to me.”
Reanna reached out and grabbed hold of Shanda’s hand. “That’s what friends are for.” Even though they were newly friends, she had a feeling they were going to become very good ones quickly. “Should I get a pad and pen so I can start jotting down some notes?”
“Okay, but the first one is simple. What is your favorite color? I mean, for your dress,” Shanda said. “I really don’t have a preference. I like yellow, but that wouldn’t look good on you.”
“My dress? I don’t know. Guess I’ll find something in my closet that would look good.”
Shanda laughed. “Have you been in that many weddings that you have a collection?”
Reanna wrinkled her nose in confusion. “Never stood up in a wedding.”
“Great. Then mine is the first. So, I see you in something maybe a deep purple. What do you think?”
“You want me in your wedding party?” she asked.
“I want you to be my maid of honor. Guess I didn’t explain that very well. Just you said you’d do anything. I was here to ask Brenda, and you seem to be the logical next choice.”
She wasn’t sure what logic Shanda was using, but Reanna had avoided being in anyone’s wedding, because she didn’t feel comfortable with all eyes on her in that way. “I…well…I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes by taking that role.”
“DeeDee would be my other choice, but you already know why she can’t. Please say yes. I would ask my friend Krissy, but Kenneth is asking his brother, and I don’t want to break up a couple.”
“His brother? You mean Jerry?” Reanna asked. Her heart raced.
“Yes. Hope that is okay. I mean, you two seemed to get along last night,” Shanda said.
“We did, but…but…” she had really no excuse to say no. “I guess you have a maid of honor.”
Shanda shrieked, reached out, and wrapped her arms around Reanna. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She pulled out of Shanda’s tight clasp, then added, “I guess now I can go and get the pen and paper.”
Shanda let go and said, “I think I’m the one who should take notes. I kind of feel like planning a wedding is somehow like running a business. If you asked Kenneth, you’d know that isn’t my strong point.”
“But you have two businesses,” Reanna said.
“Both of which I would’ve lost if it weren’t for Kenneth. He’s everything that I’m not,” Shanda stated.
