Page 161 of Forbidden Fruit
“They won’t even notice if we’re late,” he says against my lips, his hands slipping to the waistband of my leggings as he lays me back onto the plush bed.
I’m just about to lose myself in the moment when a loud, persistent knock on the door startles us both.
“Hey, stop fucking and let’s go!” Desmond’s voice booms from the other side of the door, making me burst into laughter.
Calvin groans, clearly annoyed. “I’m going to kill him,” he grumbles. “My mom might be mad for a few years, but she’ll get over it, won’t she?” His serious tone only makes me laugh harder.
“Let’s just go,” I say, playfully shoving him off me and fixing my clothes.
Calvin sighs dramatically but helps me up, his lips brushing against my forehead as we head to the door. “This isn’t over,” he says, landing a firm spank on my ass that makes my cheeks flush.
The lounge feels like a hidden gem, with plush seating in soft velvet, golden lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the river. It’s both intimate and luxurious, tailor-made for moments like this.
As we settle in, Meghan takes charge, pouring drinks with her signature grace. For me, it’s sparkling water, courtesy of my current “pregnancy perks,” while the others indulge in champagne. She raises her glass with a radiant smile. “To friendship and celebrations!”
“To Meghan’s wedding!” Camille chimes in, her glass clinking against the others’.
Laughter bubbles around the room. The conversation flows effortlessly, skipping from wedding plans to baby talk and everything in between.
“This is exactly what I needed,” Camille says, leaning back in her chair with a small sigh. Her voice carries a note of vulnerability that tugs at my heart. Things have been rocky between her and Avery lately, though she hasn’t shared the full details. I haven’t known Camille for long; we first met when the girls threw me a graduation-slash-moving-away party in Boston. Back then, she was staying with Inès and Kingsley because her fights with Avery had reached a boiling point. And after that, we saw each other twice in New York because I made the bridesmaids’ and maid of honor’s dresses.
It’s clear she’s still carrying that weight, and I want nothing more than to see her at ease, even if just for tonight.
“You know what? Me too,” I say, hoping to lift the mood. “It’s so good to see all of you again. It feels like it’s been forever.”
The corners of Camille’s lips lift into a small smile, and Meghan reaches over to squeeze her hand.
“Life gets so crazy,” Inès adds, her voice warm. “I swear,we blink, and months go by. But we’re here now, and that’s what matters.”
Meghan, always the planner, sits up straighter. “We should make a pact: girls’ getaways at least once a year. Somewhere fabulous each time. What do you think?”
“Oh my god, yes.” Camille lights up.
“Can we include spa days and unlimited snacks?” I joke, earning a round of laughter from all of them.
“Obviously,” Meghan says with mock seriousness. “What’s a getaway without spoiling ourselves rotten?”
The warmth in the room feels almost tangible. It’s moments like this that make the craziness of life, work, relationships, and even pregnancy feel manageable. We’re a team, a sisterhood, and no matter where life takes us, I know we’ll always come back to moments like this.
The day of the wedding dawns with clear blue skies and a gentle summer breeze. Perfect for a June wedding.
The ceremony takes place in a garden overlooking the river, with an arch of flowers framing the couple as they exchange their vows. The chairs are draped in white and gold, and a live string quartet plays softly in the background.
It gives royal wedding with the historic castle-like hotel perched on a hill, with its iconic green roofs and towers, which is really making me want to get married in Quebec too.
Justin looks dashing in his tailored tuxedo, and when Meghan walks down the aisle, there’s not a dry eye in the crowd. She looks stunning as the bride. Her dress wascustom-made by a very popular designer who has dressed tons of celebrities and high-profile people. When Meghan asked me to make the bridesmaids’ and the maid of honor’s dresses, I was so humbled and grateful. Meghan’s dress has intricate lace detailing that trails into a long train. Her blonde hair is exquisitely styled, and her makeup is flawless. Inès is fluttering around her, making sure everything is perfect. Camille and I are dressed in blush silk gowns that flow elegantly with every step, with mine hugging my baby bump flatteringly. I mean, I would know, I made them. I can’t help but feel a little emotional seeing all of us together.
Inside, the ballroom is an ethereal dream. White roses, peonies, and hydrangeas spill from towering arrangements, and the air is filled with their soft fragrance. Twinkling lights drape the walls, and the golden accents of the room gleam in the sunlight streaming through the grand windows.
The chandeliers sparkle above us, and the long dining tables are adorned with gold-rimmed plates, crystal glasses, and more flowers than I can count. A live band plays romantic jazz, and the mood is one of pure celebration.
Calvin, Desmond, Kingsley, and Justin look undeniably dashing in their tailored suits, each one exuding effortless charm. But my eyes are drawn to only one: Calvin. Every glance he sends my way feels electric, as though the crowded room has receded and it’s just us, tethered by something unspoken yet undeniably powerful.
During dinner, he keeps his hand gently resting on my back. He doesn’t miss a beat in making sure I’m comfortable, slipping extra bites of dessert onto my plate when he thinks I’m not paying attention. I catch him every time, and his sheepish smile makes my heart melt.
The next morning, we gather for a bittersweet breakfast together. There’s laughter, teasing, and heartfelt goodbyes.Meghan and Justin leave for their honeymoon, glowing with newlywed bliss. Inès and Kingsley return to Boston, Camille heads back to New York, and Desmond does the same. Though when he left, he was furious, on the phone yelling at someone about members’ privacy and something to do with an underground something. I didn’t catch the rest. I’ve never seen Desmond angry before. Hell, I’ve never even seen him annoyed. He’s always the one cracking jokes, the easygoing one. I thought Calvin was the scary one, but maybe I had that completely backward. This side of Desmond was new, and honestly, kind of terrifying.
Calvin and I decide to stay for two more days, savoring the luxury and tranquility of this magical place. We explore the cobblestone streets hand-in-hand, indulge in decadent meals, and lounge by the rooftop pool, soaking in the sun and each other’s company. These moments feel like a gift.
