Page 35 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2
Friday
My friends had been doing a fantastic job decorating. But when I stepped back into our apartment, my jaw dropped. Justin's assistants had rearranged all the furniture so that there was room for long tables with elegant tablecloths and huge flowery centerpieces. The caterers were all set up and the food smelled amazing. Everyone was bustling around, doing last minute preparations.
"Told you I'd make it beautiful," Justin said. "What do you kids think?"
James smiled at me, only caring about what I had to say.
"It's perfect, Justin. Thank you."
"Does that mean I get an A?" he said with a wink to James.
James laughed. "Absolutely."
Justin clapped his hands. "Okay, people! Everyone not in the bridal party will be arriving in fifteen minutes! Places everyone! Places!"
We had originally wanted to keep our rehearsal dinner small. Just the people that were a part of the wedding. But with so many people coming in from out of town, we decided to make it a bigger thing. Mostly James' friends that I had never met. I was a little nervous to meet them. I wanted to hear their stories. I wanted to know what James was like in college.
Bee looped her arm in mine. "I feel like I just got completely schooled in party decorating."
I laughed. "I like the streamers. It's exactly what I would have done."
She smiled. "We'll learn how to step up our party throwing game together. Sometimes I still feel so out of place in all," she gestured with her hand, "this."
"Yeah, I know what you mean." I looked over at James. He was standing with my mom, introducing himself to the caterer. No matter the situation, he always looked so in his element. I looked back at Bee. "I'm glad I have you to figure it out with."
"Here's to that. God, I need a drink. These shoes are killing me. I have no idea what I was thinking, they just looked so cute with this dress."
Her shoes matched her dress perfectly. But they were also at least 7 inches tall. "They are really cute."
She laughed. "Thank you. Can I get you something?"
"No, I'm good." Ever since James had kicked me out, my stomach had felt uneasy. I knew it was probably just nerves now, but I didn't want to add alcohol to the mix.
"Penny! Come over here for a second," my mom said and waved her arm toward the caterer. She had been very insistent on hiring the catering staff by herself. Whoever she had chosen, it smelled amazing. I walked over toward her and James.
"Remember La Patisserie? Your favorite restaurant in Philly?"
"Of course."
"This is Rory, he used to work there."
"Oh yeah? You're an amazing chef." I tried not to look directly at him. I used to love going to La Patisserie because he was as mouth watering as his food. I had never even had a boyfriend in high school. I may have daydreamed quite a lot about Rory. It had been a few years since I had seen him, but he looked exactly the same.
"Thank you. It's nice to meet you, Penny," he said and stuck out his hand for me.
I quickly shook it.
"James, this is a funny story," my mom said and lightly touched his arm. "In high school, Penny always wanted to go to that restaurant. The food was really good. But I have to say, I was completely convinced that she had a crush on Rory."
"Oh my God. Mom." I was completely mortified. "That's not...the food was just..."
Rory and James both laughed.
"I never really thought about it before, but I guess she's always had a thing for older men." My mom shrugged. "But, either way, you did love his food, so...here he is. The chef himself! And James, you've had his food before too. The first time you came to our house. You know, when you told us who you really were. Oh,Peter was so angry that day." She laughed. "Anyway, I'm going to go try some of the appetizers." She walked toward one of the servers.
"I am so sorry," I said to Rory and James.
James laughed and put his arm around my shoulders. "Such great memories."
