Page 53 of The Wedding Crush

“So, before we switch to Stefano’s projects, Morgan, we’ve got a jeweler appointment this coming Tuesday to purchase Dante’s ring, save-the-dates and invitations have been designed, and…” She pulls in a small breath, then sags on the desk. “Look, I know we’re not on your additional requests yet, but guys, if you’re really going for fifty guests, we need to do some serious cutting and send the save-the-dates this week,Dante…”

Oof!

Avery shoots daggers at him through the screen.

Morgan elbows him, and whispers out the side of her mouth, I’m guessing reminding him what we’re discussing.

He groans.

As expected, the guest list is evidently a point of contention.

“Yeah, I’ll talk to Mom this week,” he says.

“Great, now, I want to confirm the wedding party members.” Avery reads from her huge pink planner, “On the bride’s side, we’ve got Monica, Valerie, Seneca, Chiara, and me, for a total of five. On the groom’s, there’s Stefano, Marcello, Mike, Everett, and…” She glances over her notes. “Looks like, Jameson, also, for a grand total of five.”

“Dante, seriously?” I ask.

“What?” My brother’s head pops up again guiltily from his phone where I’m sure he’s been sneaking to watch baseball.

“Jameson for a groomsman?” I ask. “What are you trying to do?”

He shrugs.

Apparently, it’s no big deal to include—and partner—a guy who grew up with our sister and who abruptly ended their friendship without explanation.

“Does Chiara know?” I ask.

“Should Chiara care when she’s dating his best friend?” Dante counters.

A long silence ensues.

Luckily, Avery stays her course, confirming Ace will be ring bearer, while I chime in, rounding out the wedding party and officially naming Dylan’s daughter, Danielle, as flower girl.

Honestly, we really are the dream team.

After she passes me the project baton, the PowerPoint pages turns again, and I check off my completed lodging and catering projects. In no time, we divvy up this week’s tasks: wedding party attire (Avery); book officiant (my cousin, Enzo); mail save-the-dates (Avery); bridal undergarments (not touching that one with a ten-foot pole), and registries (Avery). With Avery’s business, she’s already secured a photographer, videographer, deejay, and florist. She’s even reached out to her bridal magazine editor clients about featuring the wedding.

I’m feeling like a slacker.

The page turns on the screen, andBride and Groom Additional Requestsis in bold at the center.

Avery closes her planner.

“Down to our last order of business…” She quirks a small smile. “We’ve covered the entrances dances and the smaller guest list, but I wanted to bring this last one to Stefano’s attention.”

“Sure, let me know how I can help,” I say, eager to pull my weight.Even if my mind has time-traveled to next Saturday, picturing Avery and me swaying to the beat.

“Well, it seems Victoria requested to invite Carina.”

Shit.

CHAPTER TEN

Avery

The following Saturdayafternoon, I pull up to Stefano’s ultra-chic high-rise building on the edge of Lower Nob Hill. A swift and friendly valet takes the keys from my hands, and a bright-eyed doorman directs me to a grand marble concierge desk, where I’m currently shaking like a leaf behind a grocery delivery guy loaded up with bags hanging from his arms.

I pull in a long breath, strangely nervous to see Stefano.

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