On the morning of Flora’s wedding, she calls me at six in the morning and orders me to come to her place. I’ve never heard her so desperate. When I get to her house, I understand why; there are family members everywhere. Little kids running around after each other, screaming and laughing and making so much noise—I don’t know how they have energy this early. Walking through the living room is a maze as I try not to step or bump into any of them.
“Ciara!”
I look up and smile at Flora’s mom Flora looks a lot like her: same hair, same eyes. “Hi, .”Laine
She embraces me, then grabs my hands. “Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant? Flora was telling me this morning…she said you weren’t sure you wanted to keep the baby?”
I sigh, relieved. “Yeah, I don’t really want to be a mom yet. Where’s Flora?” I ask looking behind her. I see Flora’s dad and one of her aunts, and a bunch of other people I’ve never met.
“In her room freaking out. Come on, I’ll take you,” she says, tugging my hand. I smile at people as we make our way to Flora’s room. Laine knocks on the door. “Flora honey,Flora’s here.”
We wait for a moment and I wonder why she’s locked in her room. Then the door opens, and her hand pops out, grabbing my wrist and pulling me inside before locking the door again.
I frown. “Flora, what’s wrong?”
She’s still in her pajamas, her hair is damp, and she looks really tired. “They are driving me crazy!” She pulls on her hair. “They’re making so much noise and stressing me out.Ciara, please do something,” she complains.
I laugh. “I’m sorry,” I say when she glares at me. “I get it. Where is your stylist?”
“She’s not coming until noon.” Flora sighs. “I didn’t even sleep. They keep asking questions and giving me food—I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t fit in my dress anymore. Please get me out of here.”
“Okay. Why don’t you pack whatever you need?”
She nods eagerly and starts grabbing things, putting them in a bag while I call Evans “I’m sorry, did I wake you?” I apologize when he answers.
“Ciara?” he asks confused, then alarmed. “Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m sorry. Is it okay if I bring Flora to your place? Her house is really crowded and she needs to get out of here or she might die,” I joke.
He chuckles. “Of course. This is your home, too, Ciara,” he says, making me smile.
“See you soon.” I say, hanging up. Flora gathers her things and we grab the dress and sneak out quickly. She calls her mom when we get to the car and says she’ll see them at the wedding, then she calls her stylist and gives her the new address. After that, she calls William and by the time she hangs up, we’re at the condo. She talks to her wedding planner as we walk to the elevator—her wedding planner is taking care of arranging everything at the venue.
“This is Evan’s place?” she whispers as I unlock the door.
I roll my eyes. “Yes,” I whisper back, teasing her.
Bellina’s already making breakfast when we walk in. The smell of bacon makes my mouth water. “Good morning, Bellina.” I smile at her. “This is Flora”
Flora waves, suddenly shy. “Hi.”
Bellina smiles. “Hello, breakfast is almost ready.”
Flora raises her eyebrows at me. “Did you hear that?” she mouths. I laugh, grabbing her hand and pulling her to my room. “How come you’ve never brought me here? It’s so nice.” She turns to look at me. “He has you living like a queen!”
I roll my eyes, taking off my sweater. “Don’t exaggerate.”
“You have a maid,” she says. “You’ve been holding out on me, girl.”
I shake my head but don’t say anything because she’s right—I can’t complain. Flora and I have breakfast in my room. She’s much calmer now. I watch her cautiously, though, knowing she’s going to freak out any minute. Around eleven, her stylist arrives. I ask them to stay in my room, not wanting to be a bother to Evans. I sit on the bed as they start on Flora’s makeup
“You’re next,” Flora promises, looking at me in the reflection of the mirror. Her eyes move behind me; I turn and see Evans standing in the doorway.
“Hello, Flora.” He greets, nodding.
“Hi…thanks for letting me come over.”
“No problem.” He looks at me. “Can we talk?”
I gulp, nodding as I get off the bed. I follow him to the hallway, and I swear I can feel Flora’s stare burning on my back—unbelievable.
“How are you?” he asks once we’re alone.
“I’m good,” I say, confused. “Why?”
He half-smiles, embarrassed. “Just asking.”
I smile. “How are you?”
“I’m good, thank you. Listen, I know I said you didn’t have to meet my family yet, but my mom won’t stop calling…so I said we would have dinner with them on Friday. I hope that’s not a problem.”
I clear my throat. “Your family? Like your whole family?”
“Yes. Well, minus one of my brothers—he’s always travelling, so he probably won’t be there.”
I nod slowly, my mouth suddenly dry. “Okay.”
He frowns. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m just a little nervous.”
He shakes his head. “There’s no need for that. My mom is the only one I’m worried about, but I won’t leave your side.”
I smile. “Okay.”
He looks at me for a moment. “I’ll see you later at the wedding, then?”
“Yes.”
He smiles. “Okay.”
I smile again before turning around and walking back to my room. He makes me feel so…good. His mood has been constant lately; we’ve been having breakfast together when we can, he’s here when I get home from work…it’s been great. But I’m scared because I don’t know how long this is going to last.
“Shut up,” I tell Flora as soon as I meet her gaze. She laughs but doesn’t say anything else. After her make up is done, the stylist starts on her hair.Flora doesn’t ask for some huge hairstyle, just some loose, beautiful curls with braids coming together from the sides and meeting in the middle. It is simple but she looks stunning. The stylist does my hair after, giving me beautiful loose waves. She also does my make up, and I ask her to go light.
I change into my dress and slip on black heels. When I look at my reflection in the mirror, I actually feel pretty. I put a pair of sandals in my purse, knowing I won’t last long with heels. By the time Flora is dressed and ready, the limousine arrives.
That’s when she begins to shake.
“I’m so nervous,” she says fidgeting in her seat.
“You look so beautiful” katty says, ignoring her comment from across the seats. The limousine picked her and Zara looked up before coming to get us. “This is so exciting!”
They begin to talk, but I sit there silently. They seem to be calming Flora down, so that’s good. Flora is getting married in a venue in Brooklyn—the ceremony is outside. The reception will be held right next door, except that the whole place is covered with chiffon light curtain backdrops all around. Inside, the tables are beautifully decorated with delicate silverware and crystal vases with red roses. The whole place is covered in lights, adding a romantic touch. When I see everything, I can’t believe it—everything’s perfect. Her wedding planner did an outstanding job.