The Design(77)

“Nope. Go. The guests are arriving in five minutes and you’re still wearing pajamas.”

I glanced down at the flannel pajamas I’d stolen from Brooklyn that morning. I hated to hand over the reins, but Summer had a point. I couldn’t greet the guests in plaid sleepwear.

“I’ve got this. I swear. Go get ready,” Summer insisted, slapping my butt and pushing me toward Brooklyn’s bedroom.

“Fine! But those flowers had better be perfect when I come back out,” I teased.

Summer flipped me her middle finger as I stepped past Brooklyn’s doorway. I was still laughing when I all but collided with Jason as he made his way out of the room.

“Whoa,” he said, reaching out to steady my shoulders so that I wouldn’t topple over.

He was already gussied up in a designer suit and I paused for a moment to admire him. Jason Monroe was more leather boots than shined shoes, but he pulled off a suit as well as Grayson.

In an instant I was flooded with emotions. This was my future brother-in-law, my sister’s fiancé, and he was one of the best men I’d ever known.

“I’m really happy my sister found someone like you,” I said, meeting his gaze and trying my hardest to keep any tears at bay.

“Aw, you’re gonna make me blush, Cammie,” he quipped.

“I’m serious! Brooklyn is the best person in the entire world. She’s seriously a baby angel and she deserves the world. Do you hear me, Monroe? I will take you down if you hurt my sister.”

Clearly, my emotions were starting to jump around. I’d never threatened someone so soon after complimenting them before.

“Whoa,” he laughed. “Alright. I swear that your sister is in good hands with me.”

“Pinky swear,” I said, holding out my hand with utter seriousness.

He laughed, but when my hand didn’t budge, he stuck his out to join mine.

“I do solemnly pinky swear,” he said with a sincere tone.

“Cammie!” Brooklyn yelled from her bathroom. “Jesus, stop scaring off my fiancé and come get dressed!”

“I’m watching you, Monroe,” I teased, as I pointed the same pinky from my eye to his, then moved to step past him.

He laughed. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

After that, Brooklyn and her makeup artist rushed to help me change into my dress and touch up my makeup and hair. I was wearing my favorite color: a deep royal blue. The dress was stretchy and easy to move in. The hem cut off at mid-thigh and the strapless bodice was fitted with a hidden corset so that I didn’t have to worry about pulling it up all night. I was borrowing some of Brooklyn’s cream-colored Louboutin heels that I’d worn dozens of times before. I mean, they were basically mine at this point.

Since the hairstylist had curled my hair earlier, I left off a necklace in favor of layering gold bangles on my wrist. It offered a little bohemian touch to an otherwise fancy outfit.

“You look gorgeous!” Brooklyn said, meeting my eye in the mirror.

I laughed, unable to fully look at her without going blind. Literally. She looked absolutely stunning. She was wearing an ivory Grecian-inspired dress that was belted around her waist with embroidered crystals. Her hair was down, just like mine, and the only accessory she needed was the giant rock sitting on her left ring finger: a princess cut stone that was big enough to knock someone out. Good work, Monroe.

“Ready?” I asked, taking her hand in mine.

She smiled and nodded. “Let’s go.”

…



I stood in the corner of the room, sipping on a glass of champagne and watching as Brooklyn and Jason moved around the room and greeted guests. I smiled at the way Jason looked at Brooklyn with stars in his eyes. He was completely enamored and I knew that my sister was in good hands.

A waiter circled by me with a tray of delicious smelling hors d’oeuvres and I shook my head, knowing that I couldn’t stomach any food until I saw Grayson. He was due to arrive any minute, but every time the door opened, I’d feel a pang of disappointment as another one of Brooklyn or Jason’s friends stepped inside instead of him.

“Have you tried the salmon balls yet? They are f*cking amazing,” Summer said, joining me in the corner with two champagne flutes.

“Not yet. But, oh, I already have a drink,” I said, holding up my champagne.

She laughed. “Don't flatter yourself little C, these are both for me.”

I laughed and shook my head. Summer had worked for Brooklyn for years but her shock factor had yet to wear off for me.

“There aren't many eligible guys here tonight. I mean, that waiter is pretty hot, but I gave up waiters for Lent,” she said, waggling her eyebrows at the young waiter across the room.

I thought about her comment for a second. “Summer… Lent isn’t going on right now. What are you talking about?”

Her eyes lit up and a slow smile broke out across her lips. “If you’ll just excuse me then,” she said, all but bee lining for the spiky haired waiter she’d been ogling for the last few minutes. Just as she reached him, the door to Brooklyn’s apartment opened and more guests flooded in.

There was an older couple that walked in first, leaning on one another for support. After them, I recognized Brooklyn’s manager, strolling in on his cell phone, probably trying to cram in five more minutes of work. He continued on the phone while reaching for a glass of champagne as it passed by him on a tray. Impressive. I watched him for another second before a glimpse of dark brown hair pulled my attention back to the open door.