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"It's really not a big deal," I say, shaking my head. "I just...had a disagreement with this guy I've been seeing this morning, and I'm feeling a little emotional."
The women all exchange sympathetic looks, and suddenly I feel like I'm part of their group. They're all so warm and kind, and I'm reminded of why I love my job so much--it's not just about the planning, it's about the people. The connections you make along the way.
"Wait a minute," one of the girls says, jerking her head outside at Jake. "Him?"
I nod, feeling my face turn red. "Yeah."
"He's the one who made you upset?" Emily's mom asks, her tone sharp.
"No, no, it wasn't like that," I say quickly. "We just had a little disagreement. It's not a big deal, really."
But the women are already exchanging knowing looks, and I can tell they don't believe me. I feel a sinking sensation in my stomach--this is exactly why I didn't want to bring Jake here. I didn't want to invite speculation or have anyone pry into my personal life.
"Well, don't worry about it," Emily says, patting my arm. "We'll take care of you. Right, girls?"
The others all nod, and suddenly they're bustling around me, offering me food and drinks and doing their best to take my mind off whatever it is that's bothering me. Jake, for his part, seems oblivious to the drama, focused solely on getting everything set up.
As I walk away a half-hour later--behind schedule now--I glance over at Jake, who's busy unloading flowers from the back of the truck. He's shirtless in the heat, sweat glistening on his muscular chest. For a moment, I feel a pang of desire...but maybe that's just the mimosa.
I shake the thought from my head and head over to him. "Hey, can I help with anything?" he asks
I rub my hands on my jeans, chewing on my lip. "Uh, yeah, actually. Can you start setting up the centerpieces?"
We both get to work, grateful for the distraction. As I'm arranging the white lilies and purple irises, I can feel Jake's eyes on me, but I refuse to meet his gaze. It's too complicated, too messy.
"Are you okay?" Jake asks after a while, his voice soft.
I sigh, knowing I can't keep up this facade forever. "No. I'm not okay."
He sets down the vase he's holding and turns to face me. "Do you want to talk about it?"
I stare at him, wondering if he's serious. He's never been one for heartfelt conversations, but then again, I've never really given him the chance.
"I don't know," I say eventually. "It's just..."
I'm stopped mid-sentence when one of the caterers comes up behind me with a question--but when I turn back toward Jake, he's already off helping somebody unpack another car.
Chapter seventeen
Sarah
Iloveseeingmywork come together.
I head to the staff room in the house to get ready, eager to change out of my work clothes and into a dress. All I have to do now is watch the whole thing unfold--all the pieces should be in place.
I don't realize I've picked out the same dress I was wearing the night I met Jake until I pull it out of the bag, and I feel another pang of heartache. As I slip out of my work clothes and into the dress, I can't help but reminisce about that night. The subtle scent of Jake's cologne still lingers in the velvet fabric, and I can't shake off the feeling of longing that comes with it.
But I quickly push those thoughts aside as I make my way towards the stairs--only to run into Jake at the door.
"Oh!" I say, "Uh--sorry, I was just--"
I stop in my tracks at the sight of him, my eyes wide. I told him to grab a set of dress clothes, and I guess the only ones he had were the outfit from Piper and Jesse's wedding.
We're wearing exactly what we were the night we met.
His breath leaves him in a bigwhoosh, his eyes just as wide as mine. His mouth moves without saying anything, both of us trapped in the doorway.
"Uh...I have to..."
