by Sophie Meyer
“Of course not,” said Ashley, desperately trying to hold onto reality. “I am not a bride, I never have been, no one has ever asked me!” Suddenly, she just wanted to go back to sleep again.
“It’s irrelevant,” Ray called out more loudly. “That’s why you’re having this problem.”
What problem? At the moment Ashley didn’t feel she had any problem, except getting him off the phone.
“Once you experience yourself as a beautiful bride,” Ray continued, “that vibration will go out into the world and attract your groom.”
“This is very far out, Ray, over the edge if you asked me. And it happens to be the middle of the night.”
“Not at all - it’s exactly like the law of gravity. What you put out comes right back to you. Right now you’re putting out that you’re a failure. So, the guys you date are picking it up and obliging, by getting rid of you.”
Ashley woke up completely when he said the word failure! For a strange second, it all made sense.
Ray went on, unstoppable. “So, it’s really simple, the more you act like you’re going to get married, the sooner you’ll find your love!”
Ray had drunk in every word that Vince had uttered, needed to believe it desperately.
“This will work, I know it!” he continued, “First thing in the morning, you and I are getting started. We’re going to look for wedding invitations!”
Ashley caught herself momentarily getting caught up in the excitement. Then she came to her senses, and pulled back sharply.
“Ray, you sound crazy.”
“But I’m not. I’m completely sane! This is brilliant. It’s exciting.”
“I’ll think about it,” Ashley mumbled, not wanting to be rude to someone who cared so much.
But Ray wouldn’t have any of it. “Nope,” he uttered. “There’s nothing to think about. Thinking is the best way to stop things cold. You just have to jump in! Commit to your dreams, or nothing will happen. Start right away, one step at a time.”
“Start what?” Now Ashley was getting really nervous.
“Start planning for the wedding. Weren’t you listening to what I said?”
“What wedding, Ray?”
“Your wedding! The fantastic, beautiful wedding you’re going to have!”
Ashley had only known Ray a few months and never seen this side of him. For all she knew he was a secret madman, pulling her into his insane world.
“This feels totally weird,” Ashley objected.
“Who cares how it feels?” said Ray. “I promise, we’ll take it slow.”
He sounded so sweet then, Ashley’s heart went out to him. He wasn’t a madman, he was just a guy who really believed!
“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Ray went on. “What’s the big deal about looking at some wedding invitations and making believe you’re going to be a bride?”
“No big deal, I guess,” said Ashley, relenting.
“Of course not. You’ll get into the mood. You’ll change your vibration. Your self-esteem will soar to the sky. Listen, I’m your Support Buddy, I made a promise to you, and I take my promises very seriously. I’m not letting this go.”
Ashley took a deep breath. No one had ever been that committed to her before.
“Besides, it would be nice to see you tomorrow,” Ray continued. “After all, you’re my Support Buddy, too. We have to keep each other’s spirits up. There are people out there who will do all they can to burst your bubble. They can’t stand seeing someone happy and free.”
A quick memory of her conversation with her mother flashed across Ashley’s mind. Ray was right, it would be nice to see him tomorrow. And besides, she was his Support Buddy too. She had also made a promise to him. She couldn’t take that so lightly.
“Let’s go just for a couple of hours, please?” he said.
“Okay, I’ll go,” said Ashley.
“Thank God,” Ray sighed.
“Then, afterwards, we can also look at some studios for you,” she added.
“Good idea,” he agreed.
“Where are we meeting?” asked Ashley.
“We’ll start at Langstons, the wedding invitation store on California Avenue.”
“Langstons, wow, we’re starting at the top!” Ashley said.
Everybody knew Langstons, it was a high end stationary store that specialized in wedding invitations and had photos of beautiful brides in the window. Ashley took a deep breath and felt the way she used to when she was a kid and about to go on a roller coaster ride. It would be fine, though, she calmed herself down. She and Ray would spend a little while looking at invitations, then she’d do her best to help him find a studio nearby.
“Be at Langstons at ten o’clock sharp,” said Ray. “Can’t wait to see you.”
CHAPTER 8
Totally spent, Ashley fell into a deep sleep right after she hung up the phone and was amazed to wake up the next morning early, completely refreshed. She got out of bed and rushed into the shower without a thought, almost excited to start the new day.
She started to pull on a pair of old jeans, but suddenly remembered she was going to Langstons, shopping for wedding invitations. She couldn’t wear a pair of old jeans there. Would she dress that way if she were really going to plan for wedding, actually getting married? The thought had never struck her. Of course not. She threw back her head and laughed for a second. The whole thing was so ridiculous, but what would be the harm of choosing something else to wear? She rummaged through her large, walk in closet and instead chose a lovely, sleeveless, printed silk dress she hadn’t worn in ages. Then she brushed her hair loose over her shoulders and put on sandals and bracelets to match.
All dressed Ashley went into her spacious open kitchen, but instead of grabbing a cup of coffee, and then leaving, she stopped. It was still early and she had plenty of time before she and Ray were meeting. There was no reason why she couldn’t spend time and enjoy the beautiful view she had. The apartment looked out over the hills, as if perched half way between the earth and the sky. She’d been so fortunate this particular apartment was available when she was looking. Birds regularly flew by and landed on her patio, sometimes stopping to look in. Ashley loved watching birds in flight, but rarely took a moment to enjoy the ones who came by.
Ashley turned to the counter then, popped some whole wheat toast into the toaster and scrambled a couple of eggs. Then she sat at the kitchen’s island and ate her breakfast slowly, trying not to think about the past two days. There were some good things about the workshop, she guessed, but it was way too extreme for her taste. She’d just chalk it up to a learning experience, do all she could to help Ray, and make this day fun. The last thing she wanted to be was one of the naysayers. What was the big deal about looking at some wedding invitations? Nothing at all.
*
Ashley arrived at Langstons at ten o’clock sharp, and Ray was in front, waiting, looking rested, showed, and dressed up. Instead of his khakis and T shirt, he wore an expensive pair of jeans and long sleeve open shirt. He actually looked quite dashing. For a split second Ashley thought it was a shame that he wasn’t available. But, he wasn’t, and that was that.
“You look beautiful, marvelous,” Ray greeted her and gave her a little hug.
Ashley felt delighted to be greeted this way. “You look fabulous yourself,” she responded lightly.
“Let’s go,” he said, as they walked through the huge glass doors of the elegant store, which had opened about half an hour ago.
A middle aged, well-dressed woman at the front desk looked up and smiled at them as they walked in.
“We’d like to see your Premiere Wedding Invitations,” Ray said immediately, full of pride.
The woman raised her eyebrows and nodded warmly, “Congratulations,” she offered.
“Thank you,” Ray smiled back, as Ashley flushed from head to foot. It was obvious that this woman thought the two of them were getting married.
The woman stood up and stepped out from
behind her desk. “Just follow me, dears. I’ll have Andrea help you in your search. Her specialty is wedding invitations.”
Ray and Ashley walked behind her, close together, to another part of the store.
“She thinks we’re getting married,” Ashley whispered to Ray, as they followed along.
“Fine,” Ray whispered, “let her think what she wants. It doesn’t matter.”
But it did matter to Ashley, she felt disoriented.
The woman stopped at a long, marble counter in the middle of the store. There were stools in front to sit on, and behind the counter were books and books filled with wedding invitations. Then she raised her arm to beckon to a younger woman, a few feet away, to come over.
“That’s Andrea,” the woman announced, as Andrea caught her eye. “Andrea’s our expert in Wedding Invitations.”
“Great,” Ray said, “thank you.”
“There are so many details, Andrea will make you aware of,” the woman went on, as if she were announcing the coronation of a King or Queen. “You have to decide about the paper to use for your particular wedding, the colors, designs, response cards, wording. It all has to be coordinated carefully.”
As a graphic artist, Ashley realized there was a great deal of detail that went into a project, but this was different from the issues she dealt with at work. She’d never thought about what was involved in wedding planning.
“This is such a beautiful time for the two of you,” the woman said, glancing again at them more carefully.
“Beautiful,” Ray agreed, though Ashley could say nothing.
The woman threw a long side glance at Ashley then and paused, waiting for a response.
“It’s certainly something,” Ashley reluctantly agreed, as the woman gave her a forced smile in return.
Andrea, who was in her late thirties, arrived at the counter by then. She was taut, slender, and beautifully groomed, dressed in a simple, azure blue dress. Ashley wondered if Andrea was married herself, and why had she chosen to specialize in wedding invitations, serving brides to be all day long. It had to be depressing.
“Andrea, this lovely couple has come to look at Wedding Invitations,” the woman introduced them. “I’m sure you will help them make the perfect choice.”
Andrea smiled at the woman and then at Ashley and Ray. It was clear she’d been through this many, many times.
“I’ll do my very best,” said Andrea, then turned to Ray and Ashley, “please sit down.”
The woman left then, walking back to the front desk, while Andrea inspected Ray and Ashley.
“First of all, congratulations,” Andrea said smiling a pre-packaged smile.
Ashley wondered if she should tell Andrea that she and Ray weren’t getting married, that he was just a dear friend, helping her out. Ashley suddenly had a great longing to let someone know the truth. She looked more closely at Andrea though, and saw she wasn’t the person to talk to. Andrea was completely caught up in the whirl.
“So, where do we begin?” Ray asked, eager to get started.
“Well, for starters,” Andrea said, “do you want to look at both Invitations and Save The Date Cards?” Do you want them matched?”
“Save The Date Cards?” Ray was perplexed.
Andrea smiled broadly. “I can see you’re new to this,” then she looked at Ashley sympathetically. “Don’t worry, it’s natural. Most men have no idea at all what’s involved, what’s in store for them.”
Ashley quickly remembered all the Save The Date cards she’d received, usually three or four months before wedding invitations came, asking the people on the guest list to save the date for the wedding in advance.
“When’s the date of your wedding?” Andrea turned to Ashley then.
Ashley took a deep breath, smiled, and said nothing.
Andrea waited a moment. “I know it’s nerve wracking to actually say the date,” she went on. “Many of my couples feel that way.”
“We won’t need any Save The Date cards,” Ray interrupted, “our wedding is sooner than expected!”
“Really?” Andrea’s eyebrows rose. “When is it?”
Ashley couldn’t bear another moment of this. She leaned forward instantly, “The date’s not set yet,” she said.
“But it will be by the end of the week,” Ray chimed in, overriding her.
“What’s that you said?” Andrea’s voice raised an octave. “The wedding’s at the end of the week?”
“No, no,” Ray corrected her, “the date will be set by then.”
“Oh, I see,” said Andrea, pulling back and staring at both of them.
“And what exactly can I do for you now?”
“We have to choose our invitations immediately,” said Ray.
“Of course,” said Andrea, gathering herself together. “Especially as the wedding is so soon!”
“Exactly,” said Ray, smiling from ear to ear.
Andrea turned her back to them and began taking down the large wedding invitation albums behind her, and spreading them out on the counter. Ashley felt as if an entire world was being laid out in front of her, with thousands of choices all spread out in one glance.
“These are our classics favorites of all time,” Andrea continued. “Of course, it depends upon the kind of wedding you’re going to have, how formal it will be, the time of year, and also the theme.” She looked up at them coyly then, “Have you two chosen your theme yet?”
“Not really,” said Ashley, hesitantly, her eyes glazing over.
Andrea turned to Ashley then, looking directly in her eyes.
“We’re thinking of purple and lavender,” Ray interrupted, “with butterflies. Butterflies are our theme.”
“Really?” Andrea said, turning to Ashley, “butterflies?”
“Ray means that we both love butterflies,” Ashley corrected him.
“But you haven’t exactly chosen it as a theme?” Andrea was trying to be precise.
“Not exactly,” Ashley insisted.
“I thought we had,” Ray murmured.
“Well, it’s natural for couples to disagree on some things,” Andrea was trying to smooth it over.
Ashley decided to step in and take charge now. Yes, she liked butterflies, but would never plan a whole wedding around it. It embarrassed her that Ray said that, made her seem strange.
“If you have some invitations with butterflies, we’ll look at that, but show us others as well,” Ashley said.
“Fine,” said Andrea, “we can start by looking at our favorites.” She seemed reassured as she opened the largest book on the counter, which was quite formal, mostly heavy linen invitations with lace.
“We have all kinds of engraving available,” Andrea said as Ashley and Ray put their heads together and glanced at the pages, turning them slowly, pointing to this and that.
The invitations were actually beautiful and Ashley became so engrossed in looking at them that she didn’t hear someone come up behind her and stop. In another second she did hear a shout though!
“Oh my God, Ashley, is that you?”
Ashley spun around. There was Heather standing behind her, her eyes wide open, peering down at the invitations over Ashley’s shoulder.
“Heather? What are you doing here?” Ashley was shocked.
Heather’s eyes kept darting back and forth between Ashley and Ray.
“The question is what are you doing here, you little devil?” Heather chirped, “Looking at wedding Invitations? Oh my God!”
Ashley tried desperately to smile.
Heather turned to Ray then, and her eyes opened wider. “And who is this gorgeous, gorgeous guy? Someone you’ve been hiding?”
Ashley tossed a quick look at Andrea, as if to say, back off, give us privacy, this is a total emergency!
Fortunately Andrea got the message and quickly backed away.
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing,” Heather was dumbstruck, “you’re getting married to him?”
“It’s working
already,” Ray quickly whispered in Ashley’s ear.
“Heather, please let me introduce Ray,” Ashley quickly took charge, “he’s my yoga teacher and good friend. We’re not getting married. In fact, he desperately needs a new yoga studio nearby. Do you happen to know of one?”
“Wait a minute, I’m confused,” Heather’s eyes darted back and forth again between them. “What are you doing looking for a yoga studio here?”
“We’re not looking for a studio here,” Ray interrupted. “I do happen to need a new yoga studio, but right now we’re looking at wedding invitations. I’m giving Ashley a hand.”
Heather’s eyes grew wider. “A hand at what?”
“Choosing a wedding invitation,” Ray answered, totally nonplussed.
“What’s going on? You have to tell me,” Heather screeched.
Out of the corner of her eyes Ashley saw Andrea at the other end of the counter, scrutinizing them all intently, as if they were a pack of madmen. Ashley couldn’t answer Heather’s question, she couldn’t say she’d come here on a lark, that it was just a crazy experiment she’d gotten herself into. It would be too embarrassing, humiliating actually.
“Don’t be afraid, tell Heather the news,” Ray prompted Ashley, nudging her gently, a little smile curling around his mouth.
“Tell me what news?” Heather demanded, “I’ve got to know.”
Ashley took a deep breath and jumped in. “I’m getting engaged,” she whispered under her breath, hoping Heather couldn’t make out a thing she said.
“Be proud of it,” said Ray, “say it out loud!”
Unfortunately, Heather heard every word. “You’re getting engaged?” She couldn’t have been more amazed.
“More than engaged,” Ray added. “It’s time to order wedding invitations!”
It was too much for Heather, she was beside herself. “Why didn’t you tell us? Who’s the groom?” She couldn’t get the words out fast enough.
“I just met him,” Ashley confessed, the words coming by themselves.
“Just met him and you’re looking for invitations?” Heather stopped and stared at her. “When did this all happen? When?” She was practically foaming at the mouth. “And why are you getting married so fast?”