Page 35 of Love at Teamsgiving
“I want everything to be perfect for my sweetheart,” I say.
“But—”
Placing my hand on Junie’s knee, I say, “Really, truly, whatever will make you happy.”
I left that window open for it to be slammed on my knuckles, but Rae gives me an assist. “So these are the documents you’ll need to sign for our working agreement. The deposit amount is here and I’ll need your signatures here.” She points to the sheet of paper.
Junie blinks as if overwhelmed, stuck on Rae’s comment about pressure from friends and family, which was precisely our problem, or preparing to retaliate and embarrass me for going along with Rae’s mistake about us being the bride and groom to be.
“Oh, wait. You signed everything online already. I’m not old, but I am old-fashioned, which is what people love about my cooking. I still can’t get used to doing everything digitally. My assistant insisted I move into the modern day, so I made a compromise. She’ll do the forms online, but I collect payment in person. Plus, it’s so nice to meet face to face, don’t you think? I want to know who I’m cooking for. It might sound silly, but that way, I can add a little bit of extra love into the recipes, reflecting your love for each other.”
With a break in Rae’s monologue, Junie says, “Oh, we don’t?—”
She interrupts. “I really appreciate you not minding coming over on short notice. I was holding a spot for a wedding inOmaha.” She drops her voice to a whisper, “An assemblyman’s daughter supposedly broke off a marriage of convenience, leaving the groom at the altar because it was all for show.” She waggles her eyebrows. “Can you imagine? Planning an entire wedding and then calling it off?!”
“Actually, yes—” Junie starts.
Rae claps her hands. “Oh, don’t tell me yours is a second-chance romance? I’m a sucker for all the sappy love stories, but that one might be my favorite. When I discovered the wonder of audiobooks, I’ll tell you that it passes the time when I have to do dishes.”
Junie tries again, “But we’re?—”
Rae jumps to her feet. “My husband tells me I’d be more efficient if I stopped gabbing, but I can’t help it. However, I’ll grab you the samples you requested. This is the best part.”
Junie turns to me. “Tell her. You have to tell her the truth that we’re not?—”
The truth is, no matter how hard Junie tries to push my buttons and drive me away, I’ve never gotten over her. Trust me, I’ve tried. Yes, she can be feisty and fiery, but that’s something I appreciate about her. I’m that way too, and it’s like we’re on common ground, equal footing. She doesn’t take my nonsense, and I won’t tolerate hers. Much.
I rather like the idea of a second chance.
I whisper, “We might embarrass Rae if we correct her at this point. Plus, it’ll be complicated to explain.”
“Terrible idea. When she sees the actual bride and groom, she’ll think she’s at the wrong wedding.”
We go back and forth for a full minute until Rae appears, pushing a cart with several plates covered with those fancy silver dome covers.
“Now, I know you two won’t mind sharing, what with your embarking on sharing a life together.” She sets the various plates on a table and describes each dish with passion.
Even if we were able to get a word in edgewise, we wouldn’t be able to explain that we’re not a couple about to embark on anything together other than planning the wedding of the real Erica and Shane because our mouths are full of arguably the most delicious food I’ve had in ages. Don’t tell Ma.
“Wow. This is amazing,” Junie says, swallowing a mouthful.
“The steak is so tender,” I add.
Rae beams as she talks about various cooking methods that go well over my head, even though I’m no slouch in the kitchen. Ma and Pop dream of opening an Italian-Mexican hybrid restaurant. Pop says his knees might not make it to see that day since he’s still doing carpentry and that line of work is hard on the joints and back.
While I try the creamiest garlic mashed potatoes I’ve ever tasted, I think about my post-hockey career. Perhaps I could open the restaurant next to Junie’s salon, getting a future with her one way or another.
Never mind samples, we walk out of Rae’s having eaten a full-course meal ... and letting her think that we’re Erica and Shane.
The opposite of a hangry Junie is a satis-appy Junie—satisfied and happy. Before we get on the road, I check my texts and read one from my mother. Then I shoot one off to Shane, letting him know everything for the caterer is cool.
She says, “I’m looking forward to Erica and Shane’s wedding just so we can eat that again.”
“You mean you’re not most excited to walk down the aisle with me?”
Junie, buckling her seatbelt, goes still. “What do you mean?”
“As you pointed out, the maid of honor and best man typically lead the wedding processional and exit together as well.”
