“Hey,” she says to me and I grunt in response. A woman dressed in a fuchsia pantsuit comes barreling out of the kitchen and races over to us. Patience stands, but I stay seated.
“Oh my god, hiiiii,” the woman squeals and I snort. Who the fuck is this? Malibu Barbie's twin? “I am so excited to finally meet you! I know we’ve met over the phone, but, ahh, this is so exciting.”
The lady pulls Patience into a hug and I laugh quietly at how uncomfortable she is. “Umm, hi. I take it you’re Laci? It’s great to meet you, too.”
“Oh goodness me. Yes, I’m Laci,” the wedding planner says, then laughs nervously, and looks at me. “Now, you must be the groom. Come here.” I give her a glare but Patience grabs my arm to aggressively pull me to my feet. Fuck, she’s stronger than she looks; must be from all the pole dancing.
“Be nice,” she hisses, and I roll my eyes, but let Laci give me a quick hug.
“Now, how about we try some food? The kitchen smells mouthwatering. I think you will really love the chef and what we picked for this tasting.”
We all sit around the small table and Laci pulls out a fake bow tie and a tiara from her bag then hands them to us. Patience places the small crown on her head and looks at me to put the tie on. I groan but listen.
A waiter comes a few moments later and I sigh with relief. If I have to hear another comment about color schemes, I think I’ll shoot myself.
“Okay, so this is the chef’s take on a surf and turf, but bite-sized for the party. It’s a steak and prosciutto skewer with a creamy basil tarragon sauce, and a bacon-wrapped scallop with a brown sugar glaze. Enjoy. I’ll be back,” Laci says, then pops out of her chair and rushes to the kitchen.
I glance over at Patience and she looks longingly at the door. Huh, maybe she doesn’t want to be here either.
“This is so stupid. Why couldn’t someone else come and do this? It’s not like it’s for the wedding. It’s just an engagement party,” I say, trying to start a conversation. Patience giggles and looks at me.
“I know a lot of things have changed in the last five years, but is Cal Reynolds seriously complaining about eating free food?” she fake gasps and bats her eyes at me. I laugh and shake my head.
“Still a brat I see. Fine, let's dig in and get this over with.” She takes a small bite of the scallop and a seriously orgasmic moan leaves her lips. She covers her mouth with her hand and chews, mumbling.
“Oh, my god. Yes. That is seriously amazing.” I look at her with horror. My dick is starting to get hard. She cannot make noises like that. Especially not in public. When she takes another scallop off the platter, I adjust myself, then grab one for myself. Okay, that is good.
There are notepads and pens beside our plates, so I write down ‘yes’ for the scallops.
“Okay, now the steak whatever,” I mumble and take a bite. Patience hums then shakes her head.
“I like the skewer on its own. I don’t care for the basil sauce. Now, if it was a creamy horseradish sauce, I would be all over it,” she says, then jots down her notes, as I wipe my fingers on a napkin and pop another scallop in my mouth.
“I didn't know you were a food snob,” I mumble and she frowns.
“I like to cook. Alla was an amazing chef, and we would cook together most nights.” I nod my head and drop it. I remember Alla and her delicious dinners. I wonder what happened to her, but I can't handle starting another conversation with Patience right now.
Laci pops back out and brings us our second tray to try, setting it on the table. The waiter returns and takes the old tray.
“Okay, based on the scallops being gone and the steak still sitting there, I can tell what we liked and didn’t. That’s fine. Now, this I know you’re going to like. I had a nibble myself and it was to die for. We have a spicy crab salad tapas and brie mushroom pastries.” She once again leaves us and I grimace at the thought of mushrooms. I have never been a fan. I go for the crab thing and it’s good.
The next few trays are filled with four options and by the time we’re supposed to pick the desserts, I’m stuffed. Laci leaves a tray of cake pops and Patience groans.
“I can’t take another bite, or I won’t fit in my dress tomorrow. And that would be a shame. It was a battle to find, then acquire,” she mumbles, and I pop some coconut rum cake in my mouth and groan. I love coconut.
“I think what we have chosen for the hors d'oeuvres is plenty, and this coconut cake is good. Maybe the lemon and passionfruit too,” I say, not bothering to try the others. I just want this night to end. Patience nods and we wait for Laci to return and tell us we are done.
“Thanks for coming tonight. I know you’re dreading this wedding as much as me, but I’m glad you didn’t stand me up.” I look at her and take in the blush on her cheeks. She really thought I would leave her here alone.
“I wouldn’t do that, Patience. We have our troubles, and I know that getting to know each other again isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but I think maybe we can try being friends again.” She smiles and nods, but I can see the wheels turning about something.
I walk her out to her car and she laughs. “We should have just carpooled.” I snort at that and nod.
“I’ll see you tomorrow for the party,” I tell her then get in my car and go home.
* * *
This past weekhas been hell; dealing with my father, and meeting with people about the company and the wedding stuff. I still don’t see what the big rush is. Patience just turned eighteen, and we’re still in college. Can’t we just be engaged for a few years, graduate, then do all this wedding shit?