Elodie:Your brother is an obnoxious, know-it-all jerk.
ruby, my bestie 4eva:Do you need a mediator? I can send Will over. It’s not like he’s working.
Elodie:No, no, absolutely not. The bride and groom do not break up respectful email disagreements or real life fights. The bride and groom let their dear, wonderful Elodie handle any stubborn six-foot-four men. It’s in the vows, I’m pretty sure.
ruby, my bestie 4eva:The vows, huh? Somehow, I think you made that one up.
Elodie:*gasp* moi? Concocting falsehoods? How dare you!
ruby, my bestie 4eva:Uh huh. Well, let me know if you change your mind about a mediator. I’d like my brother to make it to the wedding, if you don’t mind. I kind of love him.
Ew. Gross. LovingRoman?My poor friend. It must be so hard dealing with such a confusing emotion.
Miss Sage,
Seeing as catering is handled, I’d like to discuss the crafts and colors (“C&C”). Since Brian Single is listed among the groomsmen, I assume I am at liberty to request his assistance?
If this is not the case, please let me know.
Thank you,
William Warrick
Best Man Number Two
I blink. Did the katrillionaire famous man just askmypermission to bring his buddy in to plan arts and crafts with him? And then promote himself to best man status?
I reread the email, glance at the scarlet building above Roman’s stubble and the steam pouring out of his ears, then, slowly, I grin.
Hey, Best Man!
You can definitely bring Brian in. I trust your judgement.
I look forward to meeting you and your wife as we go through this wedding process together, and I’m excited to see what you and Brian think up!
Warmest regards,
Elodie Sage, Maid of Honor
Roman’s eye twitches.
“I’m the best man,” Roman grumbles, typing violently on his phone. “Will said so. There was a whole speech.”
I bend, reaching to pat his arm in a totally not-patronizing sort of way. “I know, buddy. It’s so hard when our besties have besties.” I sit back, beaming. “Not that I would know, of course, being Ruby’s only bestie. But. From the outside, it sure does look hard.”
“Mybestiedoes nothaveanotherbestie, you irritating littlebrat.”
I gasp, hand to my heart. “Name calling, Roman?” I tsk. “Think of what your mother would say.”
Before the curses on the tip of his tongue can fall, both of our phones herald another email reply.
Giddy, I open my app. A quick look tells me the message isfrom Liam to Roman and me, separate from the thread with the rest of the wedding party.
Elodie and Roman,
Ruby and Will asked me to let you know that I am transferring $250,000 to the budget. Please allocate $100,000 for C&C.
The funds should be accessible from the wedding account within five business days, and I trust your judgment on the matter of distributing the remaining $150,000; however, I highly recommend seeing what it would take to have Build-A-Bear hosted at the reception party.
