“So, you need to figure out how much you really like him. Maybe you’re even…”
“No, don’t say it. Please.”
She held her hands out in defense, dropping the subject.
“Well I’m here for you.”
I nodded, thanking her. I really needed that. Even when she brought it up I could not entertain it. It would be too r
eal and way too hard.
So, we just ate pizza like pigs and watched trash television. It was perfect. My hands itched to talk to Tristan. To at least apologize. I hadn’t realized how much I was hurting him and confusing myself. But it would just open the floodgates. He even said to only call him when it’s about the wedding. It hurt, but it’s what I wanted.
Isn’t it?
Chapter Twenty Four: Emilia
A week felt like an eternity. I kept busy packing new orders, and talking with Gabriella a lot. But I heard nothing from Tristan.
I supposed I should be relieved, it was what I wanted. He did not speak to me at all, and I had gotten used to his morning texts and daily antics. I had gotten used to him.
I thought not being involved with anyone would make my work better, but it seemed my arrangements were only getting worse. It was like I met him that first night, and my work got better. Then I decided I could not be with him, and my arrangements lost their luster. I heard some customers talking about it in hushed whispers around the flower shop.
And Gabriella sent back four of my wedding ideas. We were going back and forth for the past three days over email. She finally told me she would just discuss it with me tonight when I drop off the flowers for the bridal shower. She was having it at her mother’ house.
Anything relating to the wedding made me think of Tristan, but I was somehow relieved I wouldn’t see him tonight since it was the bridal shower. I was even curious to see what kind of friends she had, and wondered if she was as picky with them as she was with me.
I thought I would be the same way with my wedding anyway, it was her special day after all. So, everything should be perfect. And I was happy to oblige to help her with that.
I walked to the bus station to go down to the rental place where I rented a truck out to transport all the flowers. Gabriella confirmed she paid the retailer, so I picked up everything I needed and headed her way.
The truck was full when I arrived at her mother’s estate. And I do mean estate. It was huge. The front of the house looked like a castle with its pillars and semi-circle outputs. It was an old cream color, lined with darker trim. The van looked out of place even at the service entrance—they had a service entrance.
I rang the doorbell there and waited. I don’t know why I hadn’t expected Gabriella to be the one to answer the door.
“Hey, you look amazing!” I wasn’t just saying that to flatter the bride either.
She had on a beautiful floral maxi dress with a slit on the side. For a doctor, she was very fit and tan. I just did not think she had time to make herself look this good, me? I have no excuse. Levi was a lucky guy.
“Thank you so much, do you need help unloading?” she gestured to the van, stepping out of the threshold.
“Oh no, you just wait inside. I’ll be done soon.” I assured her. I definitely did not want to mess up her perfect up do and makeup either.
I kind of felt my heart panging, wanting to be making the floral arrangement for my bridal shower. But I shoved the thought away and got to work. She showed me the main room and then I was otherwise alone. All the trips back and forth had me a little sweaty, and mostly tired. But I was done carrying them in after thirty minutes.
It took an hour to set everything up. We finally decided on azalea side pieces, and a mix of orchids and camellias for the centerpieces. Their large main living room had been changed to a seating area with eight tables. I wanted each piece to be perfect, she would have these photos forever. Her theme was artsy, which made sense. The other sitting room had easels set up where they would be doing a painting session with a nude model. It sounded fun. I could imagine how her bachelorette party would be, which was tomorrow.
It was my understanding she did not have many friends though, so I wondered who she was going with. But as I was setting up, I found out she had seven sisters. Seven. I was finishing up the accent wall with white, hot pink, and fuchsia touch-me-nots. They did well indoors. I strung them out and lined both pillars with them. The living room had a large entryway so I wanted to decorate it as well.
I heard Gabriella outside with her sisters the entire time, they seemed very happy. I tried not to eavesdrop, but I could not help it.
“Gab, if you don’t have naked men at the bachelorette party, it did not really happen.”
“I don’t want to go to a strip club!” She exclaimed.
“What about an entertainment club? The dancing is more tasteful.”
There was more chatter and discussion.