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The last item on my list is to update Joe on the progress I’ve made this morning. I pick up my phone, finger hovering over his contact info.
“Such a coward move,” I mumble under my breath as I shove it back into my pocket.
My fingers fly across the keyword, sending a quick email to Joe.
After the dreams I’ve had all night, I need a break from him, no matter how short. I have to create some distance between us before we start shooting. Otherwise, there is no way I’ll make it through this shoot.
“Fiona!” my sister calls from downstairs.
I shut my laptop and sling my purse across my shoulder before taking the steps, two at a time, to go spend some quality time with a couple of crab cakes. And my sister, the pretend jittery bride.
“I needed this,” Gwen says, popping the last bite of crab cake into her mouth.
“So did I. I forgot how good these are.” I’m stuffed.
“Ready to talk about wedding stuff? Or are you ready to talk about you and Joe both being back in Rockville?” she asks.
I’m not ready to talk about the man I’m committed to working side-by-side with. “What’s going on with the wedding? Have you picked your dress yet?”
“I did. Wanna see?” She doesn’t wait for me to answer. She pulls out her phone, and we both lose ourselves in the pictures of my sister wearing a gown worthy of a princess.
“That’s stunning.”
“It is, isn’t it?” She blushes, and for the first time, it hits me how important this is for her. Unlike me, Gwen has been dreaming of her big day since we were five.
“It really is. You are going to take his breath away.” I reach across the table and squeeze her hand.
“I’m counting on that. The goal is to get him close to fainting without crossing the line. I need him in good enough shape to remember his vows. Next, we’ll have to find you something worthy of my maid of honor.”
“Why don’t you come out to Wilmington soon? There are some cute shops downtown. We can browse, have dinner at Circa 1920 ...”
“Tempting. But I was hoping we could fit in a girls’ trip to Charleston. What do you think? Can you get away for a night or two?” Gwen asks, watching my face carefully.
“I honestly don’t know. It would probably have to be a last-minute thing.”
“I’m free every weekend, and we have fall break coming up. Say the word, and I’ll head down.”
She’s so hopeful, I don’t have the heart to kill the idea. “I’ll do my best. Ready to get out of here?” I wave Trevor over to pay the bill.
“Yes. I have a gazillion envelopes to address. It’s time to get the invitations out,” she adds in response to the questioning look I give her.
“Let me know if you want some help with those.”
We’re on our way back to her car when someone shouts our names from across the street.
“Grandma? What are you doing here?” I ask when she catches up to us.
“Running a few errands. I’m on my way to see Anna. She loves the sourdough loaves from the bakery downtown.” She holds up a brown paper bag, and the scent of fresh bread hits me. It’s a good thing I’m stuffed from the crab cakes.
“You two still get together once a week?” I ask.
“I’ve been trying to get over there a little more often than that. She doesn’t get out as much as she used to. Why don’t you two girls tag along? I’m sure she’d love to see both of you.”
“I wish I could, but I have papers to grade and invitations to write,” my sister says.
“How about you, Fiona? Anna has been asking about you. And I’d love to spend a little more time with you before you head back to Wilmington.” My grandmother looks at me.
Gwen laughs. “You’re not getting out of this. I’ll see you back at the house.” She gets in her car and drives off before I can make up my mind.
