Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(127)

“So we’ve broken just a few,” he states matter-of-factly with a hint of consoling.

“You’re not some random guy. Your a friend of Henry’s. Breaking them was never a consideration with any of Maggie’s ex-boyfriends’ friends,” I blurt.

Chuckling under his breathe, he comments, “Well, at least kissing and snuggling aren’t rules. I’m glad you didn’t add them.”

“Yeah,” I timidly laugh.

I can’t believe I told him. What was I thinking?

“I should let you go,” he advises.

“Okay,” I agree.

“See you Wednesday,” he proclaims more than asks.

“Wednesday,” I repeat.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” he delivers delightfully, sealed with a kiss.

“Goodnight, Joe,” I express after seeking another kiss.

Joe walks away backward with a grin on his face until he hits the corner for the elevators. Once he’s out of sight, I sneak back inside without a sound. I grab my vibrator and take care of myself in the office as to not draw any unwanted attention or wake Maggie. She is sound asleep and doesn’t even flinch when I get into bed.

Sunday meets Maggie and me with reviewing the proofs for the save-the-date cards. The gold embossed cards with an adorable photo of Maggie and Henry are ordered and expected to be ready by Wednesday morning the latest. We have a lunch meeting with Amelia, that lasts several hours, to choose which of the services the St. Regis offers that Maggie and Henry will be using. As Maggie and Amelia talk with Henry on the phone regarding other arrangements, I check in with Nathan about Jared’s party that is happening in a couple of days. Nathan’s excited to hear that Jared still doesn’t know about the party and that Joe confirmed Jared’s present will be arriving Tuesday.

Early evening and dinner finds Maggie, Jared and me using my iPad to select more items for the wedding gift registry while Henry is on speaker phone. Henry sweetly delegates all decisions to Maggie, but he happily offers his opinion and desires. I keep to myself and only direct them back to the task at hand when their chatting gets too far off topic. Maggie and Henry talk into the evening as Jared, Sadie and I curl up on the couch.

Monday morning, I wake my best friends up to join me at the local trampoline place for an early morning, hour long intense workout to begin our day and planned, hectic week. Maggie’s grateful for the distraction and the physical exertion. After showering and breakfast, the three of us take care of business needs. With a short nap and lunch in our bellies, we then journey with Sadie out to our next round of wedding appointments. Time to meet up with Amelia to pick out a band or a DJ for the ceremony and the reception.

Maggie successfully chooses a harpist for the ceremony and decides on a DJ for the reception. Jared parts ways with us to help Nathan at Nathaniel’s. With Jared gone, Maggie and I stop at the Mondrian Hotel where we’re hosting Jared’s private birthday party up in their infamous Skybar. I check in with the management team on any last minute details that need to be addressed that Nathan couldn’t take care of over the phone. Maggie and I then proceed to the private airport to pick up Henry and make our way to the Li family house in Chinatown for dinner.

Waking alone to peace in my apartment Tuesday, I quickly jump into my regular routine and prep for the Naturally Me crew for another day of filming. Jared and I decided to get ahead of schedule with the filming side of things prior to our days being bombarded with last minute errands and details for Maggie’s wedding. With extra filming complete, we can stay ahead of schedule and have a backlog of video that only need to be edited and posted. During our lunch break, Jared has an awesome idea for Maggie’s wedding. Before the end of the day, Henry and Maggie hire Ian’s and his wife’s company for video and photography.

With everyone gone, I jump on the phone with Nathan making sure that everything is lined up for Jared’s birthday party tomorrow. “As far as I can tell, Jared doesn’t know,” I mention.


“Good. I hate to keep Maggie in the dark about the added surprise, but I know she’d slip,” Nathan adds.

“I know. At least Joe has been a big help,” I console.

We don’t like keeping secrets from Maggie, but with all of her wedding planning, she can easily get distracted and say something by mistake to Jared.

“Thanks for footing most of the bill, Kitten.”

“I’m happy to since you’ve been handling most of the arrangements for me on top of being so busy with Nathaniel’s. There’s no way I’d be able to plan it with the wedding and Maggie’s and your birthdays coming up,” I express.

“Did Joe say if Jimmy and Allen are going to making it?”

“They were ninety percent sure last time I talked to Joe, but I”ll double check since I’ve got to call him anyway about the gift. I’ll text you,” I say.

“Great. I’ve got to go. I need to finish a few things before Jared gets here,” he indicates.

“Sure. See you tomorrow, babe.”

“Love you,” Nathan declares.

“Love you too,” I add.

Not wanting to call or text Joe right away, and avoid any chance of him trying to come over, I take Sadie out for a long, peaceful stroll. An hour later, I change and rebound before hopping into the bathtub.

Twenty minutes into my relaxing bath, my phone chirps.