Wedding Haters (Event to Remember Series-Book 2) Read online

  When I hang up, I’m hopeful that I have convinced Sienna to get me out of this mess. Fingers crossed.

  I finally get to work and try to put the conversation from the morning out of my mind.

  I love my job. I mean really love my job. Honestly, how many people can say that and mean it? Sometimes I feel like a therapist, but for the most part, it’s pure entertainment. Today’s clientele does not disappoint.

  My first client is Chloe; I see her every seven weeks to the day. Every visit she has a new true love and she “knows” that they are the one, as in her soul mate put on this earth to find her. Those are her words, not mine. After talking for the majority of her appointment, she asks about the wedding plans. I tell her all about the amazing Four Seasons and about my conversation with my grandmother.

  “That totally reminds me of when my sister got married. My mom took control of everything. Things have never been the same with them,” she explains. “Don’t let her tell you how to plan your day because something like this could forever change your relationship.”

  “Everyone seems to think that’s an easy task,” I explain. “When it comes to my grandmother, I turn into a child again.” I’ve spent a lot of time going out of my way to please my grandmother, probably even more than my own parents.

  “So, you’re seriously considering having two girls in your wedding that you don’t even get along with?” she asks. “Girl, that’s crazy.”

  “It’s not that we don’t get along, exactly . . .” I hesitate as I trim the back of her hair. “We just haven’t really had any contact with each other in fifteen years.”

  “That’s kind of the same thing,” she says. “And how do you even know that they would want to be in the wedding?”

  “That’s a good point. I haven’t thought of that, and knowing them, they probably don’t. This may be all my grandmother’s doing.” I start to feel better, and I know exactly what I need to do to move on from this nonsense.

  After work, I sit down to think about what I need to say to my cousins. I know that I need to call Ellie even though I really, really don’t want to. This is completely ridiculous that I’m this nervous. I never get nervous talking to anyone; I’m usually very bold.

  I dial Ellie’s number, and as it continues to ring, I’m praying that she doesn’t answer. As soon as her voice mail comes on my heartbeat slows down. I leave her a quick message and hang up.

  A few hours later, I’m happily baking in my kitchen. Lately I have been baking a lot, testing new cookie designs and creating new flavors in preparation for Bev’s Sweet Treats. I have a secret cookie ingredient, but I have never told anyone. Sienna claims she knows what it is, but I think she’s bluffing. She’s threatened to reveal it on a few occasions when she has gotten mad at me, but I still don’t buy it. I’ve just created some adorable monogrammed cookies when I hear my phone ringing. I’m hoping it’s Cole and not Ellie, but no such luck. I take a few breaths and answer.

  “Hello,” I say timidly.

  “Madie, it’s about time you called me. I was wondering when I would hear from you,” she says cheerfully.

  I check my phone screen just to make sure I didn’t imagine seeing her name. This doesn’t sound like Ellie at all.

  “Ellie, is that you?” I ask.

  “Of course, mad Madie,” she says with a chuckle. I groan; that’s a nickname they gave me when I was younger. I used to get so upset when they were mean and that was the nickname they gave me. I still hate it.

  “You know I hate when you call me that. Anyway, what’s up?” I try to create some small talk before the dreaded bridesmaid discussion.

  “Steph and I were waiting to hear the details. How’s everything coming?” she asks with an overwhelming genuine concern, too much concern. I’m trying to process her question because I don’t know if she’s asking about the wedding plans in general or about bridesmaid gowns.

  “Everything is coming along well. Sienna is on top of things as usual. How are things with you?” I’m pleased with my response as I try to move on to talking about her life. Although, I’m still curious as to why she cares so much about my wedding and my life, I can’t remember one time in my adult life that she has been so eager to talk.

  “Grandmother says you are having it at the Four Seasons. That sure is a nice place; of course I wouldn’t expect anything less for you, Madie,” she says with a chuckle.

  “Thanks,” I reply. There it is, that underlying, condescending tone that Ellie is so good at. Now I’m positive I’m talking to Ellie. “Speaking of Grandmother, she mentioned something about my bridesmaids’ gowns, and I’m not sure what she was talking about. I’m really sorry if she was harassing you about it.”

  “It’s fine; we just figured you were so busy that you forgot to give us the details. So, when do we get to see pictures and where should we get our fittings?” she asks.

  Crap! Did she just ask about fittings? This is really happening; they think they are a part of my wedding even though I never asked them.

  “Ellie, honestly, I didn’t mention the gowns to you because I assumed you guys wouldn’t want to be in the wedding. I know this is not exactly your thing,” I explain. “Especially because we haven’t talked in months.”

  “Are you serious? Why wouldn’t we want to be in the wedding? We are family; you are like a sister to us,” she says softly. Sister? Did she really say sister, since when? She’s up to something; it’s probably just another way to earn points with Grandmother or to tell people they will be a part of a Four Seasons wedding. Either way, I have to put a stop to this and fast!

  “Cole and I have decided to have a very small wedding party. I didn’t pick out any gowns. Sienna and my friend Abby each chose their own gowns. So . . .”

  “That’s even better; Stephy and I will start looking ASAP. I hope you at least have a color scheme,” she says. Oh no! What do I say? These girls have never shown any interest in my life before, and now they are dying to be in my wedding? I need to just be honest. I need to ask why they are suddenly so eager to have something to do with me.

  “Wait, Ellie,” I interrupt. “I have to be honest that I’m really surprised about all of this.”

  “What do you mean by that?” she says sharply.

  “I just mean that I’m surprised you want to be a part of my wedding. We haven’t had much contact over the years, and I know how busy your schedules are.” I taper off in hope that she takes the way out I’m offering her. My hopes are dashed as she continues talking.

  “Madie, I know we haven’t been as close as we were when we were kids, but you are more important than any busy schedules. Of course Stephy and I will be a part of your day.”

  There are no words to express my shock at that moment. First of all, the fact that she said we were close blows my mind. This girl has gone completely mad.

  “I hope you understand that I have to talk to Cole,” I reply. Yes, that’s it! I will blame the man; that’s always a safe way out. ”We hadn’t really planned for a larger wedding party, and it’s only fair that I discuss it with him,” I add carefully.

  “I suppose, but is this not your wedding, and haven’t we been like sisters to you?” she asks firmly. “I should think he wouldn’t have a problem with this. Unless, he is one of those controlling men that has to have the final say. Madie, have you turned into one of those submissive girlfriends?”

  “Of course not. Cole is not like that at all, but it’s still the right thing to let him know if I make any changes.”

  “Whatever, just let me know the details soon. I need to have time to find the perfect dress.” When I hang up the phone, I’m still in shock. A part of me wonders if I just imagined this entire conversation. I have no idea how I’m going to get out of this mess. I still hope that Sienna will step up to the plate and save me. I know the right thing would be to just suck it up and ask them. On the other hand, this idea has the potential to ruin my perfect day.

  Cole is traveling for a few days,
so I send him a text.

  Call me soon. Need to talk.

  When I speak to Sienna, she reminds me of the torment and frustration that these girls can cause. I know she’s right, but if I exclude them this could have lasting negative effects within my family. My aunt and my mom are still pretty close, and I know that I will never live it down. I can’t even count the number of times my mom has begged me to move on from my issues with them. Perhaps it’s time I grew up and got over it.

  A few hours later, after I finally talked to Cole, I decide that it’s the right thing to do to move on from the past. Tomorrow, I plan to call each of them separately and officially ask them to be a bridesmaid. I really hope I’m not making a big mistake.

  ~*~

  The next morning I call my mom before work. My first client isn’t until 11 a.m., so I have a few hours free. I explain about Grandmother’s phone call and my decision to ask the girls to be in our wedding.

  “I can’t tell you how happy this makes me,” she says joyfully. “Aunt Kate has asked me a few times, but I have tried to stay neutral. This will make things a lot less awkward for everyone.” I can hear the relief in her voice. This is typical; my mom has always tried to stay neutral, even at my expense.

  “I know, Mom. I just wish you understood why this is so hard for me,” I explain. “They were horrible to me, and to this day we’re not close at all. This is a huge step for me. I just hope I’m not going to regret it.”

  “Madison, I know they weren’t always nice, but you know how mean teenagers can be and you’re all adults now,” she says. “And don’t forget they’ve always been jealous of you; that’s probably why they acted that way toward you.” I roll my eyes. If I had a dollar for every time my mom has told me this, I would be a billionaire. I tune out the rest of this conversation because no matter how she tries to spin this there is never a good reason to bully another person. Also, neither of them has ever had a decent relationship that I know of, and I’m sure that’s bothering them. Now, here I am getting married in a beautiful venue to my own prince charming surrounded by everyone I love.

  “When I spoke with Ellie last night, she seemed really excited about the wedding, which I find strange but whatever,” I say.

  “Kate has told me that they are really happy for you and were hoping to be involved,” she adds.

  I don’t have the heart to tell my mom that Aunt Kate has no clue what she is talking about. My aunt tends to be really ditsy; don’t get me wrong, I love her and I know she’s had a hard life. Her husband left her and my cousins when they were young, and she pretty much had to make a life for them on her own. I know this is what my mom means when she says they were always jealous of me. My dad was always around, and I did have a great childhood. I suppose this is also why my grandmother always favored them over me. After a few more minutes of hearing how proud of me she is, I get off the phone. I can only take this conversation in small doses because it always ends the same way.

  I decide to call Stephy first because she’s easier to deal with and she actually congratulated me. She doesn’t answer, so I leave her a message. I take a few deep breaths before I call Ellie.

  “Ellenor Smith,” she answers.

  “Hi, Ellie, it’s Madison.”

  “Madie, two times in twenty-four hours. I’m so lucky,” she says with a snicker. I take another deep breath and mentally force myself not to hang up the phone.

  “Yes, it’s your lucky day,” I say sarcastically. “I wanted to call you back to let you know that I spoke with Cole. We would be honored if you and Stephy would be a part of our wedding day.” I bite my lip; I’m not sure if she will see right through me or not.

  “Really?” she says, sounding surprised. “Oh wow, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you said that. I know you may not believe this, but we were really hoping you would ask us. We are family, and we should all come together for such a happy occasion.” Wow. I feel like I’m taking to Grandmother. I wonder if she wrote a script for Ellie to recite.

  “I know, and that means a lot,” I say uncomfortably. “I will email you some details. I also left Stephy a message, so if you talk to her before I do just let her know.” After I hang up, I actually feel good about my decision. Maybe our relationship is evolving and we will grow closer over time. Or maybe I just ruined my entire wedding. All of a sudden, I feel nauseous.

  After a busy day at work and the stress of my family stuff, I’m looking forward to dinner with Sienna and our friend Craig. We are meeting at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. I also have to find a way to break the exciting news to Sienna.

  “Madie!” Craig yells my name and gives me a big hug. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

  “I know. How are you?” I ask as we sit down at our table.

  “Sienna has me slaving away. You know she’s a drill sergeant at work. I hardly even get to stop for lunch or even a sip of water,” he says, giving a laugh. “Oh, and forget about bathroom breaks,” he adds. Craig works for Sienna at her company Sheer Happiness Events. They have worked together for years.

  “Hell ya, I know how she is. She’s been on me to clean my room for weeks. She must think I have nothing better to do; that girl cleans in her sleep.” We both start laughing. Poor Sienna doesn’t say a word; she’s such a good sport.

  “OK, guys! You’ve made your point,” Sienna says.

  “I actually have some news,” I say quickly. I figure I may as well get it over with and break the news to them about the evil stepsisters joining the party.

  “You’re not pregnant, are you?” Craig demands. “Because if you are, you will look awful in your dress.” I can tell he’s completely serious. “Not to mention you will have some serious explaining to do to your grandmother. Please let me be there when you tell her.”

  “Craig!” Sienna shouts.

  “What?” I shriek. “Of course I’m not pregnant. Why would you ask that?”

  “You said you had some news,” he says innocently. “I just figured.”

  “No, I’m not pregnant, but . . .” I hesitate, “I’m not sure you will be much happier with what I do have to tell you.” Both Sienna and Craig are staring at me.

  “We have two new members of the bridal party,” I say excitedly. At least, I try to sound excited. I feel like someone should start playing some horror movie music because the look of horror has come over Sienna’s face.

  “Oh no, tell me you didn’t!” yells Sienna. “I can’t believe you gave into the pressure from Grandmother.”

  “Who are these people?” Craig asks with a curious look in his eyes.

  “These people are my cousins, Ellie and Stephy,” I tell him. “We haven’t been close in a very long time, or ever really,” I add. “I got a call from Grandmother the other day to tell me that they had been asking about the wedding. Between my grandmother, my mom, and them, I finally gave in to the pressure and asked them to be bridesmaids.” I glance at Sienna, and she still has the same horrified look on her face.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” I tell her.

  “Do you?” she asks. “Madie, you are one of the strongest and boldest people that I know. Why is it that you let them tell you what to do?” I groan because I know she’s one hundred percent right. I usually have no problem standing up for myself. At the same time, maybe this is a step toward a new relationship with my family.

  “You’re right,” I say finally. “But, I’m willing to give them a chance. Ellie seemed really happy when I asked her, and my mom was really happy too. I’m hoping that maybe this will change our family dynamic.”

  “So, tell me what’s so bad about Ellie and Stephy?” Craig asks. “Their names are adorable by the way,” he says with a laugh.

  “Ha! Yeah well, don’t let the names fool you. When we were growing up, they were little terrors and that didn’t improve with age. They were so mean to me, and I still haven’t completely gotten over it.”

  “So what!” says Craig. “Kids were alw
ays mean to me for as long as I can remember. It happens to everyone.”

  “I know,” I say thoughtfully. “But there’s one moment that stands out in my mind.” I pause. Both of them are staring at me, listening intently. All of a sudden, I’m nervous to tell my story, but I start to tell it anyway. “When I was thirteen, we were at a family friend’s birthday party. I had saved all my allowance for several months to buy these awesome Guess jeans. I was so excited to wear them for the first time that night. I still remember every detail about this party. There was a huge Italian buffet and probably about fifty guests or more there. I had just gotten my plate of food and sat down at the table next to Ellie. I stood up to reach across the table to grab a napkin, and then I sat back down. Little did I know that Ellie had put a plate of spaghetti sauce on my seat, and I sat down in it. Ellie and Stephy were practically rolling on the floor laughing, and they had told the other kids beforehand, so everyone was watching to see it all play out. When I realized what had happened, I just sat there and started crying.” I get so caught up in my story that I almost forget that I’m talking to Craig and Sienna. At that moment, I feel like I’m back in that dining room, and the tears are welling up in my eyes.

  “Anyway, I know it sounds silly and I’m not thirteen anymore.” I dab the corners of my eyes with my napkin. “I guess I just have never fully gotten over it.”

  “OK, so that would be pretty traumatic for a thirteen-year-old,” Craig replies. “Did they get in trouble?”

  I let out a sigh. “Yes, they did, but it never lasted. Somehow, they always seemed to come out on top. My mom has always said they were jealous of me because their dad left when they were young. My grandmother always favored them, but it got especially worse after we grew up. They chose the respectable professions, and I decided to go to cosmetology school,” I explain.

  “We also sort of nicknamed them,” Sienna chimes in. She looks at me with a smile and winks.

  “Yes!” I smile. “When I was younger, I used to feel like I was Cinderella and they were the evil stepsisters, so we kind of gave them the nicknames.”