Page 224 of Bridesmaid Undercover
Unfortunately, that’s what I tried to convince myself of yesterday when I was supposed to go to the rehearsal dinner, but since I couldn’t get it together, I cancelled on Polly, letting her know I had another event.
Well, that other event was actually a sobfest put on by yours truly. I spent the entire night in my apartment, crying into my pillow while I inhaled the lingering scent he left behind from our one night together.
So freaking pathetic.
But that can’t be me today.
I have a job to do…and though it may be a phony job, I am still a professional and will see through my commitments.
I will get through this wedding, take pictures, smile at the reception, and after dinner is served, I will slip out, knowing my duties are done.
Simple as that.
I can do this.
I was made to get through tough things, this being one of them.
Taking a deep breath, I fold down my car visor, open up the mirror, and wipe at my face, attempting to brush away my sadness and put on a bright smile for the bride.
When the lump in my throat has dissipated and the redness in my cheeks has calmed down, I gather the bag that’s next to me as well as my dress, and I exit my car, ready to take on this challenge.
If anything, I’ve always enjoyed a good challenge, and this is no exception.
I’m going to walk into the bridal suite, show just how ready I am for this wedding, and be the best bridesmaid ever to be hired.
Shoulders held back, I walk into the opulent conservatory and make my way toward the beautiful old garden, one of my all-time favorite venues here. Once a botanical garden open to the public, a new owner took over and has turned the glass conservatory into a wedding venue, hiring a twenty-four-hour garden staff to maintain the stunning plants, and turning the inside of the conservatory into a paradise for parties. It’s onthe smaller size, so there is just enough room for a group of one hundred and fifty, along with a dance floor. But when the San Francisco weather cooperates, the conservatory’s attached courtyard offers more space and is surrounded by native foliage, botanicals of vibrant colors, and water features that set a beautiful, serene ambiance for any event, especially a wedding.
Today, we will be having the ceremony in the courtyard and hopefully getting inside just before the rain is supposed to start. There’s a small window, so we can make it.
And because the owner was thinking about the conservatory with weddings in mind, they turned two of the garden sheds into bridal and groom suites, each on opposite ends of the venue.
I’m headed toward the bridal suite.
My feet crunch against the gravel of the path that leads to the back of that suite, not needing to stop and talk to anyone because the whole staff already knows me here. I glance over at the courtyard where white chairs are lined up, the archway opening up on a shrub maze covered in beautiful pink, purple, and white flowers. Just stunning.
Polly and Ken’s moms did a beautiful job picking everything out. From the votives lining the aisle, to the choice in flowers and venue, this will be a wedding they will never forget.
As I near the bridal suite, I remind myself that I am smiling, keeping it together, and being the consummate professional.
I can do this.
I plaster on a smile, knock on the door, and when I hear Polly call out, “Come in,” I open it and step inside to find Polly in a chair getting her hair styled, and Maple sitting across from her, getting her makeup done.
And for some stupid reason, seeing their welcoming faces, it…it does something to me.
It reminds me of the night of the party, the night Hardy and I got together, and before I can stop myself, my emotions get the better of me.
My lip quivers.
My eyes well up with tears.
And my stomach heaves in embarrassment as I let out a feral sob.
“Oh my God,” Polly says as she gets up from the chair and comes up to me, pulling me into a hug. Holding me tightly, she turns toward the makeup and hair artists. “Can you give us a moment?”
“That’s not necessary,” I say, snot forming in my nose.
“It is,” Polly says and then brings me over to the couch that’s a focal point in the room, a place where mothers of the bride usually sit and watch their daughters get ready.
