Page 56 of Missed Communication
We hang up, and it hits me that it was mere hours ago that we said it for the first time, but it comes so naturally. It didn’t matter how hard I tried to deny it, I’ve been in love with him since he moved here. Probably before that. Cradling my bellythat’s only showing a little, I take a moment to ruminate on how we got here. I’d given up on finding love, and not only did I find a man who loves me as much as I love him—okay, I’m pretty sure he loves me more—but now we have an adorable little pup and a baby on the way. Ever since the first ultrasound, he’s referred to this baby as ours, even knowing he’s not the biological father. Part of me wonders if this little bubble we’re in is going to pop; things are going a little too well.
Before leaving to meet with Olivia, I send a quick text to Jamie, letting him know we’ll be celebrating with white-girl tacos tonight. He doesn’t reply, likely annoyed because he is definitely the better cook, but I don’t read into it, and make my way to Livy’s office.
When I enter, there’s a woman I recognize but can’t quite place. With a wide smile, she offers her hand. “Ms. Raine, it’s such a pleasure to finally meet you! Westley has told me so much about you.”
It takes me a second to place who she is, but then I share her smile. “Fiona?” She nods, and I release her hand to give her a hug. “You’re basically family, even if we just met.” I’ve never been much of a hugger, but Fiona’s husband has been Olivia’s head of security for years. He’s always spoken so fondly of her, and the only reason we haven’t met before now is because she’s insanely busy as one of the top event planners in California.
“We’re just going over the last of the wedding details,” she explains as we take a seat opposite Olivia.
There’s a small cake and a charcuterie board filled with what appears to be toppings for nachos. Surprising, but it is Tuesday, after all. After tacos, nachos are easily my second favoriteAmericanized Mexican food. With this much sugar and salt, I’ll need to hydrate.
As I open one of the water bottles, Fiona continues, “The hotel was so kind to send this in overnight. These are the samples of the wedding cake you picked out and a small version of what they would be serving after the ceremony as the requested appetizers while you’re taking pictures. The only thing that won’t be exact is the meat and beans because I had to heat them up in your microwave. Is the guest count still sitting at eight?”
“I think so. Isaac said he’s waiting to hear back from two people. Aubrey, are you sure you don’t want a plus-one?” Livy asks, and I picked the wrong time to take a sip of water, sputtering a cough. “I saw something this morning about you having a new boyfriend.”
“It’s… new.” I hate lying to her, but until Jamie and I discuss how to tell everyone, I don’t want to jump the gun. He wouldn’t be able to come with me anyway, since he’ll be meeting his dad—another fact I’ll need to sit on. There’s a good chance Isaac has told Livy things, but until I know for sure, I want to keep my relationship with Jamie to myself, especially in front of Fiona.
“Well why don’t we shift the count to ten guests, just in case.”
My heart sinks. I’d give anything to have Jamie come with me to Vegas, but between having to secure a pet sitter and meeting his father, there’s no way he’d be able to swing it. While it’ll only be a weekend away from him, I’ll miss waking up in his arms and snuggles with Angel.
Maybe I can leave after the reception and surprise Jamie by returning early?
“Earth to Aubrey,” Livy chuckles, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Sorry, yes?”
“We’re finalizing the room reservations and want to confirm you’d still like a king bed,” Fiona repeats, though I didn’t hear her the first time.
“I was just thinking that as much as I’d love to spend the whole weekend in Vegas with you guys, the heat is going to be a bit much for me.” I place my hand on my stomach, even if my baby girl isn’t the reason I want to leave early. “I’ll take care of my own room reservations, and I’ll coordinate my departing flight with yours.”
“Whatever you need. I’m just happy you’ll be there,” Livy insists. They finalize the plans, and I help myself to a serving of nachos. When Fiona is done, she leaves Olivia and me alone, and the second the door shuts, Livy begins her interrogation. “Okay, so who is the new guy?”
“I really want to tell you, but I don’t want to jinx things.”
“Bree, we tell each other everything.”
“I know,” I sigh. “I’ll talk to him about it tonight, but I wanted to wait until after your wedding.”
“He knows you’re pregnant?”
Nodding, I reply, “Yeah, and he wants to be involved.”
“What about Jamie? I thought the two of you were really connecting? Aren’t you basically co-parenting his new dog?”
“I, uh… yeah, we are. Hey, I’m sorry to do this, but I need to get a bit of work done and book my flight. Can we catch up later?”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Of course.”
I grab my bag and hustle out of her office. As much as I want to admit the guy in question is actually Jamie, I really want to wait until after her wedding—she should be the center of attention, not me. Once I’m in my own office, I pull out my phone and message Jamie.
I lied to Olivia today.
Jamie
Why? What about?
Us.
