My love life is a fucking joke. I’m tempted to pinch myself to make sure this isn’t a nightmare. Because fuck, look at where I stand. I’m between the woman who makes certain moments brilliant or less dreadful and the one who has been by my side a third of my life. This isn’t a love triangle. It’s me having another fucking moment of realization that relationships never work for me.
Why are we even here?
The whole, just go along with me sounded great up until Olivia crossed the threshold. I don’t want to lie to her. I’m terrible at lying. Though, since when did she become a wedding planner? And how the fuck did she forget my name? I remember her clearly screaming it the last time we were together. This would be a good time to drag her into another room and remind her who I am.
Damn it. Why am I so worked up about this?
“It’s good to see you, Olivia,” I say casually, because the last thing I want is for Misty to know about our strange relationship.
She smiles and nods. “What can our company do for you?”
I frown. Seriously, she doesn’t know me?
“Well, we’re getting married.” Misty wiggles her big ass diamond in Olivia’s face.
She’s the last person that would be impressed by that rock. She’d actually say something like, “Do you know how many people you could feed with that?”
Liv gives me a disapproving glare.
“I’d love to have a big wedding,” Misty continues. “We’re looking for just the right event planning company.”
“Well, we plan events. You came to the right place,” Olivia answers. The snark in her words is too light for Misty to notice, but I know it well.
“We want a January wedding. My mother thinks I should give her at least eighteen months.”
Olivia’s eyes stare at the ceiling while her fingers touch her thumb one by one. Then she looks at us and smiles. “January is a slow month for weddings. I’m sure we can make it happen. Is there a theme you’re looking for? Winter Wonderland, New Year—”
“It’s a wedding,” Misty snaps at her.
Olivia waves her hand. “I’m wondering about the colors, flowers, and general decorations. Though, in countries like Canada, we have weddings with themes. In any case, we integrate your favorite flowers, colors, or something significant for the two of you. Maybe January is the month when you started dating or met.”
Misty chuckles. “We met during the summer. It was hot and humid. I had never been to New York City before. Eros was kind enough to show me around.”
“So, you’ve been together for a long time.” Olivia smiles. This time it’s a tight gesture.
“Since freshman year of college,” Misty informs her.
Olivia grips the pen she holds tightly. She glares at me. “You and Misty have been together since college. College sweethearts, that’s so romantic. Imagine, someone being faithful to you since your late teens.” She looks at Misty. “You’re a lucky woman.”
“I know.” Misty, who doesn’t understand Liv’s tone, smiles.
Olivia glares at me. “You’re a prize. Let me go for our binder so I can show you some of the events we’ve organized.”
I’m frozen by her hateful glare. Liv is loving. She’s not like this. Fuck, I want to tell her that this isn’t true. I’d never do anything to hurt her. Ever.
When she closes the door behind her, I turn my attention to Misty. “Why did you tell her that we’ve been dating since college? Why are we here?”
“As I said, I’m shopping around. They can’t know the groom is Richard.”
“Because…?” I frown when I realize what she just said. “You are back with him?”
Before she could answer, Olivia enters the room. “I’m sorry. It seems like the other consultant is using it. We could reschedule you for next week. I’m booked, but I’m sure we can fit you in with someone else.”
Misty huffs. “You came highly recommended. They said you’re the best in town. The wedding wizard.”
“You must be talking about Holly.”
“No, I was at a wedding a couple of weeks back. I saw you.”
Should I tell her that her wizard runs a construction company?
Nothing against Olivia. The woman is brilliant at what she does or plans, but what the fuck is she doing here? I doubt she’ll be here for our fake wedding. Her father might need her. If not, her mom. Everyone else is more important to her. She puts others first rather than change her plans and do something that might make her happy.
Olivia takes a deep breath and says, “I could show you some of the pictures from the most recent events.”
“That would be lovely.”
I tune them out while they look at the pictures. I’m sure most grooms don’t give a shit about what’s going to happen during the ceremony or what they’ll eat. I have other serious problems in my hands. Misty is planning on marrying that asshole. That’s not even my issue. She just told Olivia that I’m a fucking cheater—and a liar.
This feels like one of those dreams when I arrive at the classroom naked and unprepared for a test.
I should text my sisters or my brothers-in-law. There has to be a way to wake up or get out of this mess.
Eros: I saw Olivia.
Persy: Who?
Nyx: Airport girl.
Nate: Who the fuck is airport girl?
Ford: I thought you were declaring your undying love to Misty.
Persy: Langford Chadwick, I told you not to support that behavior.
Nate: Aw, Ford is in the doghouse.
Eros: I am… I was. It’ll happen after we’re done with the bridal consultation.
Persy: Who is getting married?
Eros: It seems like Misty and Prince asshole are back together, and the wedding is a go too.
Ford: Abort. She’s back with him. You’re too late and too slow.
Nate: And that is coming from the late bloomer. Back away, buddy, and look somewhere else.
Persy: She’s not the woman of your dreams. If she was, you’d have noticed her EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO!
Nyx: I agree with Persy.
Nate: Who is airport girl?
“What do you think, Eros?”
I look up. Misty and Olivia stare at me expectantly.
I blink twice. Shit, I wasn’t paying attention at all. “About?”
“We were discussing the caterer and some of the suppliers,” Misty responds. “I mentioned you might be able to provide some organic and sustainable products.”
“It depends on what you’re looking for.” I pause, staring at my phone.
Olivia knows what I produce better than anyone. I don’t understand why we’re having this conversation. I’m not marrying Misty. I should tell her that, and then what?
Nyx: A girl he met while stranded at the airport. They have the most romantic history.
Persy: Is she getting married too?
Nate: Wow, you know how to choose them. :ROFL emoji:
“Personally, I’m not looking for anything. If you want your products to be included during your wedding, you can contact the owner. She’ll let you know about our policies,” Olivia says, and I loathe the business tone.
What happened to my fun, playful girl? Why the owner and not her?
“When can we start organizing the event?” Misty, the woman who is only shopping around, asks.