Brittany’s Arrival

Chrissy and I decided we would surprise Raquel with the wedding planner. Just make it a girl's day, drinking and talking about weddings. Saturday night we would go out on the strip for clubbing.

I also made plans for my friend Brittany. Getting Veronica and her family out of the house was only the first step. I had to convince my brother to stay with some friends for the weekend before Easter, and in exchange, I would buy him and his friends dinner in the near future. My dad was the easiest to handle since he promised to stay out of sight.

I was abled to keep organized thanks to my handy calendar and my lists. Raquel's trip was relatively simple: we drive out to Vegas after work on Friday (potentially leaving early), have some fun, Saturday Sue will take us around town, then the rest of the trip should be fun. Maybe look at a few dresses, but Raquel might want her mom to be there for dress shopping.

I looked forward to her trip, but unfortunately Brittany's visit comes first. Planning for her visit was a lot more work. I used up a lot of my free time trying to find dress stores with a good reputation and is also known for quick alterations. Beyond that, I made reservations for a spa day and at the country club for Sunday brunch. I didn't want her to just stress about finding a dress. She needed some time to relax and go back to being my easiest bride.

Throughout the weeks, I fielded calls from all three brides and a couple of other friends as well. Karina was the most frequent caller, constantly wanting to know my opinions on her wedding colors, her flowers, her photographer, and so on. I really applauded her effort on planning most of her wedding on her own, but I really wish she would call her maid of honor a little more.

If you included my project at work, there wasn't a whole lot of time for myself. It all paid off though, at the sight on one of my close friends coming through the gates at the airport.

She squealed, dropped her bag, and sprinted for me. I braced myself for impact just as she came crashing into me, squeezing me as tight as possible. "I missed you so much Val!!"

I laughed and reciprocated the hug. "I missed you too. Now, let me breath before I pass out. Otherwise, who will drive everyone home?"

She loosened her grip, but held onto my hand like I might run away. She pointed at the other four women walking our way. Starting with the one that picked up the bag she dropped. "That's my mom, you remember her, right?"

"Of course!" She visited the college a few times and treated us to dinner at least once every visit.

"That's my maid of honor, Rachel. We've been friends since we were five. I'm so happy you guys could meet." She squeezed my hand in excitement. "Then there's AJ, also friends since forever. And of course you know Kelly."

Kelly went to the same college as us so that one was easy. I've hung out and gotten to know Kelly, who was roommates with Brittany back in college.

I greeted everyone as they reached us.

Brittany lifted the hand she was holding. "This is our fabulous host for the weekend, Valerie." She beamed at me, putting my hand down. "I really appreciate you letting us stay for free at your place."

I laughed. "It's no problem." It definitely WAS a problem. "You would have done the same for me." I grinned at everyone. "You all ready to hit the road? Fair warning, it's almost rush hour, so traffic might be a little rough."

"I better go to the restroom before we go." Brittany's mom, Mrs. Cooper set the bags down by our feet and hurried away.

"Will the traffic really be bad at four in the afternoon?" Rachel asked, tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"It's Los Angeles." I told her, trying not to be rude. "There's always traffic." That's why I suggested they fly in to the Orange County airport, but they complained it was too expensive. But so was gas so thanks for sticking me with the bill. I kept the smiling going. "How was the flight? Nonstop, right?"

"Yes!"

"Yep!"

"Smooth ride."

All the girls commented at the same time. They started to take turns, telling me what they liked and didn't like about the flight. Once Mrs. Cooper was back, I guided them through the parking structure and found the Jeep I had to rent for the weekend. With Brittany's friends, I need a seven seater so everyone could fit comfortably.

"Is this yours?" Brittany asked, clearly surprised when I opened the trunk.

I laughed. "Only for the weekend." I took her bag and set it in the trunk, then continued to help the others.

Everyone found a seat. Rachel and AJ in the very back, Kelly and Mrs. cooper in the middle, and Brittany in the passenger seat beside me. Brittany talked my ear off about her wedding, talking about how the wedding planner was doing so much of the work. He left ceremony would be on the beach and the reception just a few feet away in a grassy area.

I hesitated before asking. "Does this mean you're not going to wear heels for the ceremony? Are you going barefoot? Are we all going barefoot?" I asked this because Brittany was petite; we were almost the same kind of height: short, very short. Meanwhile her fiancé, Dean, is nearly a foot taller than her.

"No worries!" Brittany chirped happily. "They told me they would lay out bricks for a small walking path. The guests might have to go barefoot though. We'll be fine. Nothing can hold me back from wearing those beautiful wedding heels I found last month."

I held back a laugh. "Did you bring them? So we can make sure they match the dress you pick out?"

"What?!" Her head swiveled to me. "You think I should have brought them..?"

The car got quiet, and I quickly backpedaled. "No, no, just a suggestion. It's not a big deal. It would have been a hassle to bring around anyways."

"Oh, okay." She sighed in relief.

I also let out a small sigh of my own.