The Wedding Report

by Daria White

  His phone beeped in the background. What did his mother want? It wasn’t the time, but he didn’t want her calling him repeatedly if he didn’t answer. “Hold on.”

  “Sure.” Chantelle replied.

  Lance clicked over to his mother. He’d make the conversation quick. “Hello?”

  “A-CHOO!”

  “Mom, are you alright?”

  She sniffled. “I’m so sorry, son. I seem to have caught a cold.”

  “You never get sick. I haven’t seen you sick since—”

  “Well, I need to rest the next few days. Doctor’s orders along with your father.”

  Lance’s eyes widened. “I hate to ask this, but who’ll help me with the—”

  “I’ve already found someone to take my place. You should hear from June Myers by tomorrow.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “I hear she’s difficult to work with.”

  His mother coughed. “That’s nothing but gossip. June has a fine reputation. I’ll be back up on my feet to help again soon.”

  Why did Lance think it was a bad idea? “Mom, I don’t—”

  “Don’t worry about it. You and Andrea will have the perfect wedding.” His mother hung up.

  Lance clicked back over to Chantelle. “Are you still there?”

  “Yes.”

  “Sorry about that.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “You forgive me?”

  “Yes. Do you forgive me? It’s been too long for us to hold a grudge against each other.”

  His mind flashed again to the last time he saw her. Chantelle wore a hospital gown. The doctor had talked to him, his parents, and Chantelle’s parents. Abnormal chromosomes, particularly damaged ones, were the reason she miscarried their child. He didn’t understand it with Chantelle being so young, but the doctor told him there was no way to prevent problems from happening in a pregnancy.

  Then he did the absolute worst thing. He suggested an annulment, at his parents’ bidding. Too heartbroken, he didn’t regard the consequences for his hasty decision. He had blamed himself and figured Chantelle would have been better off without him.

  “Get out,” she had said. Her voice cold like ice. She hated him. He knew that much. He didn’t blame her, but what could he do to fix it? He couldn’t bring their child back. His parents were right. They were too young to handle it.

  He had stepped forward. Could he make her understand? “Chantelle—”

  “Get out!” She threw a pillow at him. Her eyes watered. “Get out!”

  Lance exited her room. Nausea took over, and he ran to the men’s room. It was over.

  He blinked, bringing himself back to the present. “I do and I agree.” Did she hear the hesitation in his voice?

  “What’s wrong?” She asked.

  “It’s... the first time we’ve said those words to each other.”

  “You’re right. I guess we didn’t know what to say at first.”

  She had to know. He had to tell her. “It’s not what you think. I didn’t forget, Chantelle. It hurt me too.”

  “I know you didn’t. I assumed the worst.”

  A light feeling took over Lance’s chest. The burden he had felt for ten years was finally lifting. “I hope now we can...”

  “I’d like that.”

  He smiled, grateful that she could always tell what he was thinking. He cleared his throat. “Do you think you can help me with something tomorrow?”

  Chantelle answered. “What’s that?”

  “I’ll text you the address. Meet me there.”

  ***

  Chantelle sat next to Lance in June Myers’ office. A part of her hated that she cracked and called him, but did it matter who apologized first? This wasn’t high school anymore. No matter the pain, she would be the bigger person.

  Her chest clenched hearing the remorse in his voice. She shouldn’t have thought the worst. He was right. They never talked about it. They parted ways.

  Chantelle sighed. Those days were behind them. They could work together on good terms, and when he invited her to join him in meeting the wedding planner, she figured it would help with her story. That’s what was most important.

  Myers’ Weddings was the best wedding planning company in town, according to an article Cameron wrote last year. Yet, the woman with the bob blonde hair cut, Louis Vuitton bag and Chanel shoes did nothing to impress Chantelle. Neither she nor Lance could get a word in once they arrived at her office.

  Samples covered the table. From invitation designs, silverware, centerpiece selections, along with a DJ or band, and tabletops or banquet tables. Chantelle’s head spun, but she made her notes.

  “Well?” June asked with her hands on her slim hips.

  Lance gestured at the “vision” board June had created. “You can do this by June 29th?”

  “Absolutely.” Her white smile flashing a grin.

  Chantelle’s skin prickled. “You didn’t mention the gala theme?”

  “What?” June asked, raising a thin eyebrow.

  Chantelle cleared her throat. “Well… Lance proposed to Andrea at a gala function. Wouldn’t that be more appropriate than a Parisian theme wedding? It’s gorgeous what you’ve come up with, but wouldn’t that mean more to the bride and groom? More personal?”

  June’s nostrils flared. “Who are you again?”

  “A friend of mine,” Lance said. “I’d appreciate it if you take her advice into consideration.”

  June folded her manicured hands together. “My apologies, but I have strict orders from your mother. You and your bride to be are honeymooning in Paris, so I assumed that—”

  “That decision isn’t final.” Lance interrupted. “Since I’m part of this wedding planning, I want a gala themed wedding. If either my mother or fiancé have a problem with it, they can call me.”

  Chantelle hid her smile as best she could. Lance taking charge made her heart skip. She stared down at her hands, berating herself for responding that way. Yet, he had been so sweet over the phone. He wanted her to know his apology was sincere. Perhaps the old Lance was still inside the grown man sitting next to her.

  “Very well,” June said. “I’ll make the changes.”

  “Thank you.” Lance turned to face the table displaying the china June picked out for the reception. “Leave out the gold.”

  “But that’s one of the primary colors?” Her eyes bugged as if he told her the sky was green.

  “I don’t want it. I have to eat off of it, and I would prefer simple place settings and silverware. In fact, I’m thinking of a more home cooked meal for the reception.”

  June pressed her hand against her forehead. “Please tell me you’re joking, Mr. Taylor. This is an elegant wedding.”

  He shrugged. “Well, instead of filet mignon, what about smothered steaks in brown gravy? For those that prefer fish, they can have the smoked salmon.”

  June further pressed a hand to her stomach. “Are you sure?”

  “You heard the man.” Chantelle’s lips quirked into a smile.

  “I’ll-I-would you both excuse me, please.” June scurried out the door.

  As soon as they were alone, both Chantelle and Lance burst into laughter. Did he say smothered steaks? Chantelle covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her giggles.

  “Did you see her face?”

  Lance chuckled. “I thought she would pass out.”

  Chantelle threw her head back. “I can’t wait to see your mother’s face. That will be the kicker.”

  He turned in his seat to face her. “I’ll compromise on the steaks, although it sounds good.”

  Chantelle bobbed her head. “I love when my mother makes them.”

  He gave half a smile. “Thanks for coming. I know I’ve been difficult.”

  “I’m surprised you didn’t request another reporter for the story.”

  He shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that, Chantelle.”

  Her heart melted inside. Her fingers tingled to touch his hand, but she held back. Instead, she
cleared her throat. “Thank you, Lance. I appreciate that.”

  His smile grew.

  “What?”

  “I should have told her I wanted shrimp.”

  She giggled. “She would have passed out for sure.” Staring into his eyes, her lips parted. Lance licked his full lips, and Chantelle noticed the sound of her own heartbeat. Swallowing, she averted her eyes to the crown molding decorating the ceiling.

  “I want you to know something,” he said.

  She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Yes.” She faced him again, getting lost in the deep pools of his eyes.

  “I’m glad you’re back,” he said.

  She opened her mouth to respond, only to have her cell ring. Cameron was calling. “Will you give me a minute?”

  He nodded.

  Chantelle rose from her seat, left the room, and entered the hallway. “Hey Cam?”

  “I feel like I haven’t talked to you in forever? How is everything?”

  She rubbed the back of her neck. “I know. I’ve been getting adjusted to being back home.” Chantelle leaned against the wall, crossing her ankles.

  “How’s Lance?”

  “He’s good. He seems overwhelmed with all the wedding planning.”

  “Andrea’s not there?”

  Chantelle shook her head. “No, she’s been working overseas. His mother is doing most of the planning, but now she’s sick with a cold.”

  “So where are you?” Her friend asked.

  “I’m here with Lance and the new wedding planner. June Myers.”

  Cameron gasped. “She’s top notch, Chantelle. Celebrity status. I even remember working with her.”

  “How was she then?”

  “A little snobbish, but that didn’t stop me from doing my job.”

  “I know what you mean, but I don’t think Lance likes her. He’s more down to earth and she wants all this fancy china and gourmet food,” Chantelle said.

  “You seem to know a lot about what he wants.” Cameron teased.

  “Why wouldn’t I? I’ve known him for years.”

  “If you say so. You don’t have to tell me.”

  Chantelle sighed. “There’s nothing more to tell. Yes, we got off to a rocky start when I got here, but we’re past that. There’s nothing more to say.”

  “Are you sure?” Cameron asked.

  “I’m positive.” Chantelle replied. Why did her stomach harden? Who was she trying to convince, her friend or herself?

  Chapter 14

  Lance fidgeted in his seat as he waited for Chantelle to return. His eyes followed her when she left the room. An almost electrical feeling struck him when meeting her eyes. For a moment, he remembered the girl in high school.

  He closed his eyes as the night of their prom night replayed in his mind. Their kiss at their country road only fueled his passion for her. By the time prom night arrived, they found themselves alone.

  His hormones raged. She was stunning in her gown. Her smile was bright. Her touch to his face was warm. One night. That’s all it took. He poured out his heart that night. He didn’t care how young they were. A decision at that moment led to an unplanned pregnancy.

  Then the door creaked open. He straightened in his seat as she walked back to hers next to him.

  “Sorry about that. That was Cameron checking on me.”

  His chest tightened for a moment. Chantelle involved with someone else? The thought crossed his mind, but he wouldn’t say it. His opinion didn’t matter. Her personal life was her business. “Oh, really?”

  Chantelle bobbed her head. “She’s a fellow writer at The Wedding Report. We’ve gotten close as friends over the last few years.”

  The pain eased inside. Why did it show up? Maybe it wasn’t a bad thing. He had a history with Chantelle. He’d always care about her. It didn’t mean more than that.

  “Did she come back yet?” Chantelle asked.

  He shook his head. “Not yet. So tell me more about your friend. Is she the only one you have in Chicago?”

  “No, but Cameron is the one I’m closest to. We’ve been through a lot together. She quit her job because of me.”

  “How was that helpful?” He raised an eyebrow. “Did something happen?”

  She blew out her cheeks. “I was… um…” She brushed her hair back again with her fingers. “There was a… scandal two years ago.”

  “Scandal?”

  She bobbed her head. “I haven’t always been at The Wedding Report.” She turned in her seat to face him. “Promise you won’t repeat what I’m about to say. Only my immediate family knows this.”

  “I promise,” he said, hoping June didn’t return anytime soon.

  “I used to work at a newspaper before I moved to the magazine. I had a boss who was tough, but he seemed fair. He was friendly, so I thought nothing of it until he called me to his office one day. I wanted to talk to him anyway about a story I was interested in writing, but he blew off my idea. He said I was too pretty to worry about writing on serious matters in the world.”

  Lance’s skin crawled at the thought of someone insulting Chantelle. She graduated in their high school class in the top five percent. Chantelle wasn’t just a beauty. She was brilliant.

  She continued. “He kept saying if I wanted to move up the corporate ladder, I needed him in my corner. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know what he meant. I refused and reported him.”

  “I’m sorry, Chantelle,” Lance said.

  “A few days later, he was accused of laundering money. He thought I had something to do with it, and that I reported him out of spite. I didn’t know about the money, but since it was around the same time as his investigation, he assumed.

  I quit. I couldn’t stay there, especially after I testified against him. It was never the same at work. Some believed me while others thought I ruined him and the paper’s reputation. Cameron worked there too, and since they overlooked her for a promotion, she left with me.”

  Lance leaned back in his cushioned chair. “Wow.”

  “Sometimes I don’t think about it, but it still grates on me.”

  He draped an arm around her shoulder. His body felt feverish. Lance didn’t know why, but he wanted to protect her.

  “I’m okay, Lance,” she said.

  “I’m here if you need me.” He meant it. No matter what happened between them, he wanted her to know she could count on him.

  Chantelle gave half a smile. “Not for long. You’re getting married and I’m going back to Chicago.”

  “I’ll still see you around when you visit.” Lance licked his lips. It wouldn’t be right to see her once he married. Delta Heights was a small town, and word would travel faster than him blinking his eyes. What were they saying now with her following him around? It was all innocent, but would that hinder the town gossip?

  His muscles tensed. “I mean, if that’s what you would like, to keep in touch this time.”

  She smiled. “I’d like that, Lance.”

  His mouth flooded with moisture as they locked eyes with each other. His hands tingled. Her lips parted slightly. Lance wouldn’t stare at her lips. Instead, he moved his arm from her chair. He then clasped his hands on the table.

  June Myers returned to the room. “I hope you can forgive my absence. I had to make an emergency phone call about this wedding.”

  “To whom? I’m right here.” Lance cocked his head to the side.

  “Your mother,” June said. “She hired me to do a job and I will follow her instructions to the letter. Besides, it’ll save you the trouble and you can focus on your work.” She folded her hands in front of her, staring at him as if she’d won.

  Lance’s eyes diverted back and forth between June and Chantelle. What about his opinion? What about Andrea’s?

  When would it end? He grew tired of his mother taking over. This was between him and Andrea. Over the years he tried to break free from the hold his parents had, but Lance never succeeded. His stomach hardened. A grown man,
but bound.

  “You’re right, Ms. Myers,” he said. “I appreciate the time and effort you’re putting into making my day with Andrea a success.”

  She clapped her hands. “I’m glad you agree, Mr. Taylor. Now, in terms of the venue, I was thinking—”

  “You’re fired.” He stood from his seat, hearing it scrape against the hardwood floors.

  “Excuse me!” June’s mouth dropped.

  “You’re fired.” Lance didn’t blink. “You’ll be compensated for any purchases you’ve already made, but I’ll no longer need your services.” He looked down at Chantelle, whose eyes bugged. “Are you ready to go?”

  She nodded.

  Lance took her hand and together they walked to the door.

  “What about the smothered steaks?” June called out. “Fish? You can’t do this! Don’t you know who I am?”

  Lance chuckled as he and Chantelle marched down the hall. She looped her arm through his.

  “Am I allowed to print this? Or is this considered private?” She asked with a grin.

  “I’ll think about it. June may not want that in the papers that she tries to take over her clients’ weddings. Are you hungry?”

  “Why? You want smothered steaks?” She joked.

  “Not a terrible idea. Are you free for dinner tonight?” He escorted her to her car.

  Chantelle unhooked her arm from his. “For another interview?”

  “Think of it as an exclusive.”

  “And you’re cooking?” She grinned.

  “I can cook. Don’t forget the dinner I made for your birthday.”

  “Yes, and afterwards I was in the hospital with food poisoning.”

  “I cooked the chicken right.” Was dinner even a good idea?

  Chantelle tapped her lips with her fingers, but her smile gave her away. “Okay. What time?”

  “Seven.”

  “That’s a time for a date.”

  He tilted his head to the side, loving her teasing. “Six-thirty.”

  “Perfect.”

  ***

  Lance moved his steaks around in the skillet, careful not to add too much heat to the pan. Steam brushed against his face. Chantelle would arrive any moment, and his steaks were perfect. Diverting his attention to his side dishes, Dottie already finished the mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. He rubbed his palms together, his mouth watering at the sight of home-cooked food.