Page 20 of Before You Say I Do
“Have you been asked to do anything weird in your role?”
“Delta!” Abby hadn’t expected that question this early on.
“No, that’s fair enough,” Jordan replied. “I’ve stepped in for dads who couldn’t handle the father-of-the-bride speech. I’ve dyed my hair brown to fit in with the rest of the bridesmaids. I’ve held brides while they’ve thrown up all the tequila they had on their hen do. No day is the same. I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to such an important time in people’s lives, and help them to the goal of a happily married life.” She paused. “I have high hopes for the run-up to this wedding. No vomiting at least.”
Abby glanced at Delta, whose face was still drawn into a straight line, giving nothing away.
Jordan leaned forward, flashing her audience a killer smile. “At the end of the day, I’m a mix of on-call therapist, virtual assistant, social director, and peacekeeper.” She glanced at Abby. “Now Lauren’s stepped back, I’ve taken over the wedding planning, too. However, my key role is being the bride’s right-hand woman, but also being there for all the bridesmaids, too. Think of me as at your beck and call. All of you, particularly the three at this table. The bride, her mum, and her maid of honour. Three of the most important people at the wedding. I’m totally Team Abby, and I’m full-time working in Cannes. I promise you, I’ll make it a weekend to remember.” She paused, looking directly at Delta. “But I also promise to defer to the maid of honour and the bride in what they want to do. I don’t want to tread on any toes. If I do my job right, I should be invisibly making things seem easy.”
Gloria held up her glass. “Well I’ll cheers to that. You sound like Wonder Woman and Superman combined.”
“Will you be wearing a cape all weekend?” Delta asked.
Abby held her breath. This would get easier. She hoped. This was the first meeting. Teething trouble, that’s all.
“I’ll wear anything the bride wants. If that means sporting a Wonder Woman costume all weekend, I’m in.” Jordan paused, eyeing Delta with interest. “Although I think I rock a Cat Woman PVC jumpsuit better. More edge.”
Abby conjured that image in her mind. Then let it go as quickly as it had arrived. She had to focus on getting her bridal party on the same page and on-board with Jordan.
Not how Jordan might look in PVC.
The answer, obviously, was stunning.
Definitely better than Marcus.
However, Abby brought her mind back to the present. She cleared her throat, gaining everyone’s attention.
Delta’s wary blue eyes; Gloria’s bright green stare; and Jordan’s baby blues.
So capable, so strong.
What the actual fuck, Abby?
She slapped that thought away as quickly as it had arisen. “Just to reiterate the back story, because it might come up at the hen. We met at primary school. Then she was whisked away by her military parents to Germany. We got back in touch via Facebook in the last six months and I always promised Jordan she’d be my bridesmaid, so here she is.”
“Shame we never met before, Jordan,” Delta said. “I’ve known Abby since we were 17. So not quite as long as you.” The snark in her voice was audible.
“We all know the truth, that’s the main thing,” Jordan replied, skilfully side-stepping the tension seeping from Delta. “I’m relying on your input as you know Abby best. She tells me you came up with a good few of the grand plans for the weekend.”
Delta dipped her head, at least having the good grace to look embarrassed.
“Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the weekend is now in tip-top shape.” Jordan swept her gaze around the table. “Transport, food, entertainment, surprises. It’s going to be great.”
“It will be, because we’re all going to be there,” Delta said.
Abby eyed her. Was that the sound of her thawing a little? She really hoped so, otherwise the hen weekend was going to be long. “Just like you’re going to be at my final dress decision, dearest maid of honour?” Her tone was pointed.
Gloria glanced at her daughter. “I told you I can’t make that, right? I’ve got a conference.”
Abby nodded. “You did. But you were at the first one, so that’s fine. I’ve had both dresses fitted already. I held up the final decision on which one to choose so Delta could be there. Plus, now Jordan’s coming, too.”
Delta gave a salute. “I’m there. Jordan might have taken over some things, but noteverything.”
“Good.” Abby sat back, smiling at her wedding crew.
This was it.
It looked like she was getting married.
