Six

Fallon

Our parents wanted the wedding to happen as soon as possible, but if I heard one more thing about planning the high society spectacle they envisioned, I might just collapse on the spot.

I had finally announced to my few thousand followers that I was engaged. The congratulatory messages poured in, but each one made my stomach turn. I wished they were celebrating something real— something that wasn’t a façade of a fairytale romance with my childhood nemesis

Calling Reid my “friend” was generous at best. Nemesis was more accurate.

From the moment we met, we hardly ever saw eye to eye. Sure, there were rare moments when we made a decent team, back in the fleeting days of friendship and that regrettable teenage dating phase. But mostly, he was that one person I couldn’t stand being around.

When his family moved away when I was sixteen, I thought that was the end of it. Problem solved.

Fast forward almost a decade later, and here he was— about to become my husband. The very thought made my head spin.

My phone rang, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts.

“Yes, Mother?” I answered, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. It was like she could sense it even from miles away.

“Where are you? Did you forget we’re meeting with the wedding planner today?” She asked, getting straight to why she called, no pleasantries, nothing.

“How could I forget? You’ve sent a thousand messages, Mom."  I rolled my eyes at the reminder of her constantly hounding me with wedding talks every time we communicated now.

“Now at least I know you got them since you refused to respond!” She exclaimed.

“I’ll be there in a few. I’m just waiting for my Uber.

"What happened to your car?"

"I don't feel like driving today." I lied. There was no way I was going to tell her I was short on money to fix my car. Dad had cut me off for the last year and I was determined to prove him wrong about writing me off.

How was that working out? Not so well. I could manage with my rent and food but every other thing seemed to be a struggle. I was just able to cover it up with my fancy wardrobe and styling abilities. But things were beginning to look up, especially after announcing my engagement. Brands wanted to work with me now that I was going to marry one of Los Angeles'  most eligible bachelors. I hated that they did not recognize my potential beforehand but a win is a win.

"See you soon mom." I said and ended the call as I stepped out of my apartment clad in tight high waist jeans that accentuated my waistline and hips, paired with a long sleeved mesh top. I had put my hair up in a high pony tail, broadening the look of my cat eye make up and glossed lips.

I slid into the ride and exchanged pleasantries with the driver who was thankfully not a yapper and very professional as I eased into my thoughts.

Marissa had been my family's event planner for as long as I could remember and we had quite a cordial relationship as her and her team did not ever disappoint no matter the size of the event. But now this was my wedding we were meeting up to plan. Never in a million lifetimes did I think this would be happening so soon.

I pondered on how Reid and I had decided to twist things in our favor a little bit and though it brought some relief, it did not really take away the fact that I was about to be married and be a potential divorcee. It made my head hurt just thinking about it.

I arrived at Marissa's office about twenty minutes later. I got out of the uber and saw my mom's car parked right in front of the building. I heaved a sigh and went in.

"Oh hello bride to be!" Marissa squealed when she saw me.

I gave her a warm embrace and smiled halfheartedly as she congratulated me, gushing over my ring.

"It's beautiful isn't it? Reid is such an intentional man." My mother grinned so wide, I thought her face would split in two.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the statement as I took my seat.

"No hug for your mother?" She asked with a concerned look on her face.

I got back on my feet and hugged her.

"So what's the plan? When is the wedding?" Marissa asked, ready to get down to business.

"In three months. We want it to be a statement so there's not too much of a rush here, though there is too." My mom spoke up.

"Interesting,"  Marissa nodded, picking up her iPad to note things down.

"Any themes in mind?"

My mother spoke up yet again, "It's going to be a summer wedding so the outdoors should be nice. A garden or something,"

"Now now Mrs Prescott, let the bride say what she wants."

I looked up from my phone. "Oh anything she wants is fine," I said with a bored expression on my face.

Mom nudged me slightly, I wasn't sure if Marissa noticed. Of course that was her signal to tell me to play the happy bride so no one else would guess the true situation of things.

I huffed slightly, bringing out my Pinterest wedding board. Even if I was not ready to be married, I could at least have my dream wedding.

~

After a few rigorous hours, it was time for us to head home. I was going to hitch a ride with my mom after she generously offered to drop me off at home.

The ride was mostly quiet, we were both exhausted from the back and forth of wedding planning and this was just day one.

She parked in front of my apartment building and took a peek at my car.

"What's wrong with it?" She asked, tilting her head in its direction.

"Nothing, I-"

"Don't lie to me."

I averted my gaze. "It's just a slight fault. I'll have it fixed in no time."

"Do you need some money?" She asked, her face immediately clouding with concern.

I shook my head immediately, "No mom. I'm good."

Her eyes showed that she did not believe me.

"Really mom, I'm good. I have some deals I'm working on and then I'll have enough money for it."

"Alright then. I love you honey," She reached over and planted a kiss on my temple.

"I love you too mom. Thanks for the ride." I said as I got out.

I waved her off before walking into the building.

Phew, what a day...

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