“That’s on brand for her,” I said, my voice light and unaffected. Something had shifted in me, and I was reacting differently to my family.
The phone rang, and Blakely groaned. Montana offered to answer, but I reached over the counter and grabbed it.
“The Blushing Bride. This is Violet, how can I help you?”
“This is Missy. I’m glad you finally decided to show up to work. I’ve tried your cell phone several times as well. My daughter is getting married in a few days, and I need you to be responsive.”
I leaned against the desk. “I’ve been at work since seven this morning. I’m trying to plan my sister’s wedding, so my phone is off when I’m working with contractors to get the venue mapped out. What do you need, Missy?”
“I need to know that the hotel has been confirmed,” she hissed.
“I told you the hotel was confirmed on our last call. Blakely told you the hotel was confirmed each time you’ve called today. We are busy trying to get things ready over here. I’m a wedding planner, not a travel agent. Go ahead and call the hotel yourself, and please stop calling the office with ridiculous questions. We’ve got a lot on our plates,” I said, glancing down at my fingernails and realizing I’d need a manicure before the wedding.
“I thought you handled this stuff?”
“I was just kind enough to do it for you, because you’re family by default. But we don’t normally handle travel arrangements, nor do we allow clients to harass us after we’ve assured them things were handled. So this whole back-and-forth ends now. Velveteen and I are in contact daily. Unless you’re calling with a question that hasn’t been answered, go ahead and email me, and I’ll get back to you when I can.” I reached for some Skittles as Montana and Blakely stared at me with wide eyes.
“Fine. I’ll call the hotel myself.”
“Wonderful. I’m sure they will love that. Have a good day.” I ended the call.
Damn. That felt good.
“I mean, I’m used to this side of you, but just not with your family. It’s about damn time.” Montana wrapped her arms around my neck. “Proud of you, Vi.”
I was proud of me too.
“Thank you. If she calls again, just say you will forward it to my voice message.” I reached for a few more Skittles. “Okay, we’ve got lots to do to get ready for this wedding. I’m heading over to the florist to look at the samples she put together, and then I’ve got a Zoom meeting with the DJ that Ralph picked.”
“DJ Daddy O?” Blakely asked. “It’s his fraternity brother, right?”
“Yes. I asked for samples, and he had nothing to share,” I said. “I have a feeling this is his first wedding. I’ve addressed my concerns with both Ralph and Velveteen, and they want to stick with the plan.”
“There are so many red flags here,” Montana groaned. “I’m going to just follow up on the delivery for the tables and linens and stop by the bakery to make sure the cake is all set.”
“I’ll call and check on the catering staff,” Blakely said. “And I will confirm with the hair and makeup team as well.”
“Damn. We’re good. A well-oiled machine.” I winked before grabbing my purse and making my way out the door.
Clifford was lying in the grass across the street, the sun shining down on him, and I chuckled. I’d never thought this place would feel like home, but now even a giant moose lying in the grass felt normal.
I loved it here.
Blushing, Alaska, felt like home.
I made my way to Blushing Blooms.
“Violet, I’m really glad to see you. I just hung up with Missy. She’s your mother?” Charlotte asked, and I didn’t miss the hesitation in her voice.
“No. She’s married to my father.” I cleared my throat. “Why is she calling you?”
“She said they want to change the color of the arrangements.” Her voice was shaky, and it was clear that she was panicking. “I just don’t have the colors that she wants in stock. We’re too close to the big day. I’ve already got my team lined up to knock these out on Friday afternoon and deliver them to you first thing Saturday morning.”
I groaned. Missy had always been a thorn in my side, but throw in her daughter’s wedding, and she was intolerable. “We aren’t changing anything. She’s clearly just getting anxious about coming here, as she’s been calling our office all day too.”
“Normally I would have told her that she’d have to go through you, but with her being a family member, I wasn’t sure how to handle it.”
Welcome to my life.
