Page 2 of Unpredictable
“It looks like Landon already got you something to drink. Do you need anything else?” I asked.
“We’re good,” James said.
“Great!” I sat down, and they followed suit. “How are you guys feeling? Did you make a decision on the cake?”
“Red velvet,” James said at the same time Declan said, “Cheesecake.”
They turned to each other, frowned, then started talking over each other. I couldn’t make out every word, but they were arguing about cakes. How cheesecake was superior or too heavy or whatever. I tried to keep my expression neutral, even as I felt a headache building.
“Guys.” I held up my hands, wondering if this was really about cake or something else. So often with the couples I worked with, fights over these small decisions were merely a reflection of a deeper issue. And sometimes, they really did just fight about cake.
“Typically, there is a bride’s and a groom’s cake. Why don’t we do two groom’s cakes? Then, you can each pick a flavor.”
They both seemed to relax at that suggestion. Declan nodded. “Yes. I like that.”
“It’s perfect.” James smiled at him, and I could see the love pinging between them.
I was happy for them, but also—my heart ached. That had been Ryan and me. Planning our wedding, our future. We hadn’t argued over cake flavors, but I’d give anything to see him, talk to him again. Even if it was to bicker over something as trivial as cake.
“Juliana,” Declan said. “Are you okay?”
I shook my head to clear it, pushing the memory from my mind as I forced a smile. “Yes. Of course. Now—” I glanced at my tablet where my notes were displayed. I went over a few more items before asking if they had any questions.
They glanced at each other then back at me. “I think we’re good,” James said.
“Great.” I stood, wobbling a little as I smoothed down my dress. “Then I’ll see you in a few weeks for one of your last appointments before you walk down the aisle.”
James clapped his hands together, and Declan wrapped an arm around his shoulder. They were such a stylish couple, such an attractive couple, but it was their love that really spoke to me. Especially when Declan pressed a soft kiss to James’s hair and whispered, “I love you.”
I held it together long enough for them to leave. But as soon as I was alone in my office, I burst into tears. I’d known today would be hard, but everyone had told me it would get easier with time. They’d lied.
Maybe if I could sleep without the nightmares, I’d be functioning better. But over the past month, they’d really ramped up again. Drinking wine before bed didn’t help nor did sleeping pills. The only thing that seemed to work was avoiding sleep altogether.
“Juliana,” Landon called through the door. “Juliana.” He knocked, and I rushed to swipe away my tears without smearing my makeup.
I pushed back my shoulders and swung open the door. “Yes?”
His eyes were wide, panicked, and he kept glancing down the hall toward the lobby. “Taylor Long is here.”
I frowned. “I don’t remember seeing her on the calendar today.”
“She’s not,” Landon said. “But she just came from a fitting, and she’s pissed.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. I should’ve known better than to agree to plan Taylor Long’s wedding. She was a rising pop star and a notorious diva. But the money was good, and the exposure even better—as long as she got everything she wanted. And keeping her happy was no small feat.
“Send her in,” I said to Landon, dreading the emails already piling up in my inbox.
I squared my shoulders, but every click of Taylor’s heels on the floor felt like a nail pounding into my skull.
I’m so freaking tired.
Even though I longed to drop my head on my desk and close my eyes, I straightened, preparing for battle.
“Taylor.” I forced a smile, accepting her hug and air kiss. I tried not to roll my eyes. This woman had become the bane of my existence, and I couldn’t wait for her to get married.
Fortunately, I didn’t feel that way about most of my clients. But that didn’t make dealing with Taylor any easier. Her demands were outrageous, and I’d honestly started to pity the poor groom. I’d also begun to wonder if this wedding was all part of an elaborate—and expensive—publicity stunt. I sincerely hoped not, but I’d continue to do my job as long as they paid me.
“Jules.” The sound of her voice grated on my already-fragile nerves. “You look terrible. You’re not getting sick, are you?”
