Page 13 of Wisteria Winds
As Morty hurried off to spread the news, Cecilia turned to Clara.
“Is he always so exuberant?”
Clara offered, “I mean, from what I’ve seen so far, yes. There’s something very refreshing about his enthusiasm, especially on an island full of retired people.”
“Indeed,” Cecilia said, standing up from her chair. “Well, I suppose I should continue my exploration of Wisteria Island. It was lovely meeting you, Clara, and maybe I’ll see you at the planning session later.”
Bennett sat at his desk reviewing quarterly financial reports. Even though he lived in an idyllic island setting, maintaining this community of older people required very careful financial management. Between the health care costs, infrastructure maintenance, and salaries for the staff, the expenses were substantial. And although his technology investments continued to perform well, it was all on him to provide the necessary funding.
A knock at his office door interrupted his concentration.
“Come in,” he called. As he looked up, he found Naomi, his assistant, standing there with a concerned expression and her hands on her hips.
“Sorry to bother you, but there’s quite a situation at the community center that might need your attention.”
Bennett sighed, pushing his papers aside. “What kind of situation?”
“Well, Morty and Dorothy have taken over the main room for wedding planning, which was fine at first, but now Dr. Wright has joined them, and let’s just say things are getting a bit heated.”
“Heated how?”
Naomi winced. “I think there’s some kind of disagreement about color schemes and flower arrangements, and maybe the entire concept of even having a beach wedding. I heard the phrase ‘sand in Louboutins’ mentioned several times.”
Bennett rubbed his temples. “And where’s Danielle?”
“She’s at the clinic with Mamie. She’s had another episode with her blood pressure.”
“Of course,” Bennett said. “I’ll handle it.”
He made his way to the community center and mentally prepared for diplomatic negotiations with Danielle’s mother. Cecilia was a formidable opponent, but he suspected she wasn’t entirely against the island wedding. She just wanted to make sure it was an elegant affair.
The scene that greeted him was even more chaotic than he’d anticipated. The large table in the center of the room was covered in flower catalogs, fabric swatches, and what looked like architectural sketches of some sort of elaborate structure. Morty and Dorothy stood to one side, gesturing animatedly, while Cecilia stood there, clearly composed but firm on the other side. Clara sat slightly apart, looking slightly amused but more overwhelmed than anything. This was not a good first impression of the island when it came to Clara.
“A tent is simply not sufficient protection against the elements,” Cecilia said, “and if you insist on an outdoor ceremony, we need a proper pavilion with a solid roof.”
“The tent has a romantic, ethereal quality,” Morty argued, as he held his hands in the air like he was catching butterflies or something, “all billowing in the breeze like something out of a fairy tale.”
“Until that breeze becomes a sandstorm and then the whole thing collapses on the bride, who happens to be my daughter,” Cecilia said, putting her hand on her hip.
Dorothy looked glamorous as always, wearing her silk caftan and oversized sunglasses indoors for reasons Bennett would never understand. She nodded.
“Cecilia has a point, darling. I remember when I filmed Summer Storms in ’62. An unexpected squall destroyed the entire set. Ruined three Dior gowns and gave poor Rock Hudson a concussion when a palm tree fell on him.”
Bennett cleared his throat, drawing all of their attention. “I see wedding planning is well underway.”
“Bennett!” Morty exclaimed. “Thank goodness you’re here. Perhaps you can help us resolve some creative differences.”
“I don’t think I’m the one you want weighing in on design decisions,” Bennett said, “but I am interested in what it is you’re all planning.”
Cecilia set her gaze on him. “I was trying to explain the practical considerations of an outdoor wedding. I know it sounds really romantic to have a beach ceremony, but there are significant logistical challenges.”
“Which we’re prepared to address,” Bennett said. “What specific concerns do you have?”
“Weather contingencies, for one,” Cecilia replied. “Guest comfort, for another. And honestly, the level of sophistication is just not possible in such a setting.”
“All valid points. But what if we could combine the natural beauty of the island with the elegance and security you’re concerned about?”
“I’m listening,” Cecilia said, crossing her arms.
