Page 71 of Not that Sea-Rious
“We’ll improvise.Do you have a business card?”
“Oh, yeah.”He stuck his hand in his pocket for his wallet.
“Write something nice on the back.I’ll make sure she gets them.”
44
Marissa
Carolynhadn’ttransitionedtoa complete bridezilla, but she was most certainly on her way.Thankfully, the wedding was in a few days.Marissa wasn’t sure how much more she could handle.Standing in the bride’s hotel room wearing her bridesmaid dress with Tina and Joyce so her seamstress cousin could look them over one last time was pushing it.
They’d already spent hundreds on the dress and alterations.Now, to be examined by another sewer felt a bit excessive.Yes, this was Carolyn’s big day, but there was only so much Marissa could take.
Thankfully, Ava, Joyce’s daughter and the flower girl for this little affair, was delighting everyone with a twirl and dance in her dress as she held on to the vibrant pink daisy.“Flower girl,” she said, wearing the biggest smile.The three-year-old was proud as punch to be included in this.
“This is good work,” Jenna commented as she held her chin.“Whoever did the stitching on these alterations has a gift.I can’t tell what is factory and what isn’t.”
Carolyn blew out a breath.“I really thought I’d started retaining water or had gotten swollen from the humidity down here.”
Jenna snorted.“You’re fine.”
“I think we should take these off before Ava spills something on hers or someone else’s,” Joyce said as she wrangled her daughter, keeping her from spilling, or maybe drinking, the glass of red wine Tina had left on the desk.
Just as Joyce swooped in, Tina snatched her glass.“Sorry.Shouldn’t have left that unattended.”
With both hands over her heart and wide eyes, Carolyn stared at the desk.“Oh my God!Could you imagine?”
“We don’t have to,” Marissa reminded as Joyce hoisted her daughter on her hip.
“I’m going to take her back.It’s past her bedtime, anyway.”
Carolyn nodded.“Yes.Tomorrow we have to drop off the welcome bags downstairs because everyone will start showing up.Then we have the rehearsal and dinner and…”
“You get married,” Tina sang, finishing Carolyn’s sentence.
The room erupted in loud cheering.
“I can’t believe it’s almost here.It’s so surreal,” Carolyn said as her eyes welled with tears.Surveying the room, she fanned her face.“Thank you.”She sniffled.“Thank you, all of you.I’m aware it was a lot to ask between the cruise, staying here for a week, and everything you have done, but I want you to know, I truly appreciate your love and support to make the next few days as magical as possible.”
Everyone in the room exchanged glances as Carolyn used a tissue to blot her eyes.Together, the women moved closer.In a tangle of arms, they shared a group hug with the bride at the center.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” Joyce offered.
Tina nodded.“You’ve been crazy, but we all have our own brand of nuts with stuff like this.I was a basket case.”
Everyone chuckled.
Marissa inhaled a deep breath.“I’m just excited to see you and Erich finally make it official.”
After another squeeze, the women detangled themselves, swiped at their teary eyes, and collected the last of their items.
“See you tomorrow,” Tina said as she led the way out the door.
As they walked the hall to their rooms, a “psst” caught Marissa’s attention.She turned and caught Joyce’s eye.As the mother hoisted her daughter up on her hip, she waved, gesturing for Marissa to come closer.
When she got there, Joyce leaned in.“Stop by my room.I have something for you.”
With furrowed brows, Marissa eyed her friend with confusion.“What?”Why would Joyce get her anything?
