Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Our mother, on the other hand, would fall over dead from the shock. Or disown Sadie. Or more likely, find some way to blame me for the disgrace.
I’ve heard that the youngest child is often spoiled and babied, but that’s not how it works with my mom. My big sister can do no wrong. Sadie has a great boyfriend, Sadie has a meaningful and well-paying job, Sadie’s about to have the perfect wedding … and then there’s me.
I’d be resentful of my sister if she weren’t such a wonderful person and my best friend.
“Has Mom called you yet today?”
I cringe as I take another bite of my sandwich. “No. What’s today’s crisis?”
“Something about place cards, and she’s getting stressed about the favors.”
“I told her I’ll be over on Saturday to work on those.”
“Just giving you a heads up. She seems to be even more tightly wound than usual today.”
“Don’t let her rub off on you. Just enjoy the preparations.”
My sister responds with a string of silly emojis that express just how challenging that is.
As I finish my sandwich, I debate the pros and cons of being proactive versus avoidant when dealing with my mother. I’ve tried both approaches, and each is stressful in its own way.
If I avoid talking to her, the prospect of an eventual phone call hangs over my head like a dark cloud. When I take the initiative and contact her, I’m hit with a barrage of worries and concerns about the wedding. No matter how much Sadie reassures her that everything is on track and under control, my mother won’t rest.
She would have been like this no matter who Sadie was marrying, but the fact that Adam and his father have money has put pressure on her to plan an impressive event. I haven’t met Mr. Hargrove yet, since he got called out of town and couldn’t attend the engagement party last year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if his attitude toward the wedding is every bit as unbothered as his son’s, even if he is footing most of the bill.
Meanwhile, my mom is very bothered.
While I’m still deciding whether or not to contact her, my phone vibrates, and I don’t have to look to know who’s calling.
CHAPTER 4
CALLIE
“Callie, so glad I caught you. I’ve been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, making no progress today.”
“Eww. Mom.” I’m glad I finished my sandwich before she called.
“As Sadie’s maid of honor, I need to be able to rely on you—”
“Mom, I planned the bachelorette party, I’ve been making and ordering props for the photo booth, I drove all the way to the next county to pick up the cake knife you wanted, I’ve been helping Sadie work on her vows, and I’ll be over this weekend to assemble the table favors. Yet you act like I’m not doing anything.”
“I didn’t say that, Callie. It’s just that there’s so much to do, and time is getting tight.”
I’d like to reassure her, but it won’t do any good.
She continues on, her words tumbling one after the other in a rush. “Next on my list today is place cards, and we’re behind on those, since the seating chart took so long.”
Again, I bite my tongue. I was present for some of the seating chart discussions. I got to watch my mom turn a pile of dust into Mt. Everest. This aunt can’t sit next to this cousin; this person’s going to be mad if they’re too far back in the room, etc., etc.
The whole thing made me relieved that I’m never getting married, and if I’m ever somehow dumb enough to change my mind, I’ll be sure to elope.
“Did you decide who you’ll be bringing to the wedding?” she asks. This question, that I knew was coming, is the reason I should have opted for the avoidant approach today.
Did I decide? She makes it sound like I have a row of suitors lined up, all vying to escort me to the ball.
“No, mom. I told you I don’t want to bring a date to the wedding. Besides, I’ll be busy fulfilling my maid of honor duties. I won’t have time to entertain a date.” I can’t contain my snarky tone, but Mom ignores it.
“Callie, you need to bring a date. I’ll check back with you in a few days.” That subject put on hold, she launches into a discussion about the handful of guests who have so rudely not yet RSVP’ed—her words, not mine. I listen patiently, even though none of it has anything to do with me.
After a few more updates and a run-through of her agenda for the rest of the day, she clicks off, and I slump back in my car seat. So much for relaxing during my break.
I’m so happy for my sister and want her wedding to be special, but I also can’t wait for it to be over. Mom is trying so hard to impress Adam’s family, and worrying so much about every detail being perfect, but the wedding should just be about Sadie and Adam’s love.