Page 37 of Rooster

“Well, you have plenty of time to figure it out.”

“Not if we want to get married in the spring,” Ryan argued. “I need to book a venue, get a caterer, a dress, a preacher. The list goes on and on. It’s a nightmare.”

“Maybe you should consider getting a wedding planner.”

“Yeah, but they’re so expensive.”

“This is your wedding, Ryan. It’s supposed to be your special day, not a nightmare.”

“I know, I know, but I really want to try to do it on my own.” A thought crossed her mind, and she pursed her lips before saying, “You know, it would be awesome if I had someone to give me a hand with all this. Someone who is a dear, dear friend who knows all my likes and dislikes.”

“Oh, sure!” I smiled as I teased, “I think Keeley would be perfect for that.”

“Umm, I was actually thinking about you.” Ryan shrugged. “I think Keeley would be great to help here and there, but she’s not really in the best headspace these days, especially when it comes to me getting hitched.”

“You know she’s happy for you.”

“Yeah, well, she has a crappy way of showing it.” Ryan rolled her eyes. “She won’t even go with me to look at dresses.”

“Just because I couldn’t go last weekend doesn’t mean I don’t want to go with you,” Keeley sassed as she walked through the front door. “I do, but I had some things to take care of last weekend and couldn’t make it.”

“Are you sure?” Ryan pushed. “Because it seemed like you were put off by the idea of shopping with me.”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not looking forward to it at all.” Keeley turned to Ryan and smiled as she teased, “You are the most indecisive person on the planet. It took you hours just to pick out a pair of boots last week. I can only imagine what you’ll be like when it comes to picking out your wedding dress.”

“She’s got a point there,” I giggled.

“I’m not that bad.”

“Weren’t you just telling me what a hard time you were having finding a venue you liked?”

“Yes, but I’ve made up my mind,” she lied. “I’m doing the lighthouse.”

“Really?” Keeley gasped. “That will be so beautiful.”

“You think so?”

After several days of awkward silence, it was nice to see them back in each other’s good graces. I left them to carry on with their conversation and started getting ready for my next client. I was just about to start sweeping when my cell phone chimed with a message. I picked it up from the counter, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw it was from Ronin.

Ronin:

Hey, beautiful.

How’s it going?

Me:

Hey!

Things are good here. How about with you?

Ronin:

Can’t complain.

Just wanted to let you know I’m going to be out of pocket for the rest of the day.

Me:

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