Between the long hours at the salon, making time for Richard, and keeping my mind from wondering about Stefan, I was completely wiped out. So on my first Sunday morning off work, with the house to myself, I thought of nothing but relaxing. I took a nice long bubble bath, wrapped myself in my brand new, extra soft robe and kicked my feet up.
It was just after 11:00 in the morning and a prominent knock sounded against the apartment door. My hand flew to the remote and pressed the mute button. I wasn't sure who it was, but I knew I didn't give a damn. This was my day and I intended to do nothing but sit on my lazy bum. Another knock came and I knew whatever lowlife salesman was on the other side must have had a full load of some ridiculous product. Well, he could sit out there all day if he wanted, it wasn't going to change my mind.
This time the knock was even louder and the sweetly demanding voice of my mother accompanied the pounding.
"Greyson! Do not pretend like you're not home. I saw your car outside and I know very well that you did not go for a walk today!"
The instantaneous eye-roll reaction reminded me so much of my teen years, living at home and praying that she wouldn't disturb me for some ludicrous task. Lately, in addition to feeding me task after task that needed to be done in preparation for the wedding, she had started badgering me incessantly to actively start working out.
Reluctantly, I pulled myself from the couch and made my way to the door to let her in. As tempted as I was to leave her out there so I could just get some rest, I knew that wasn't an option
Standing in the doorway with my 5'2 powerhouse of a mom was Jayden and Cara. "Um, hi guys? What are you all doing here?"
"Please, don't tell me you forgot already, Grey."
My eyes scanned Jay and Cara's faces for an answer to her question but before I could get one, Leeann huffed a sigh and stomped inside.
"Honestly Greyson, you'd think this wedding was for me by how much work I'm putting into it day after day."
"Mom, that's not fair. I do everything you ask, I'm just exhausted, and honestly thought my day was completely free."
"Oh no, no, my beautiful daughter. Today is a very big and special day."
My face fell before I could even attempt a forced smile of enthusiasm. She caught my sullen expression immediately, pursued her lips and positioned her hands on her hips. This was her power stance. For as long as I could remember anytime my mother stood this way, she had been about to wage war with a salesman, or my father. But most importantly I had learned that when that look of determination struck, Leeann Desmond was about to fight in order to get her way.
"Greyson, tell me you at least know the big event I am referring to for today."
I had already screwed up efficiently, so I shrugged my shoulders and waited for whatever was coming my way.
"Today's the day we find you a wedding dress."
Honestly, how I forgot was something of a mystery, since I was suddenly able to recall the multiple texts I received daily concerning this very day. Planning the wedding thus far had been exhausting, but for the most part uncomplicated. It involved more of me just choosing which one of a few different choices I preferred when mom had a question. That had been the extent of it thus far. Selecting what invitation style looked best, or what placement setting I liked were all very simple tasks. The instant we started talking about actual wedding gowns though, my mind drifted elsewhere.
It was the same reaction every time and it frustrated the living hell out of me that I could honestly not get myself to even browse dress photos. While I wondered every now and again why that was, I refused to give the topic much thought. Apparently, not giving it much thought meant that I would feel my mother's wrath regardless of whatever mental block was keeping me from looking into it.
"Are you guys coming too?" I asked over my mother's shoulder.
Cara opened her mouth to respond but my mother piped up first. "Of course they are, Grey. Kacie and Kari are meeting us there as well, so we can select some bridesmaids' dresses today."
I pointed at Jayden with my eyebrow raised, "Are you going to get a bridesmaids' dress too?"
He rolled his eyes with a laugh. "Nope, I'd hate to be prettier than the bride on her big day."
"Har har," I mumbled out.
"I'm going for two reasons. Mom wants me to get fitted for my tux and my baby sister is getting married, I want to be there to support her."
Fresh tears formed behind my eyes, I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around Jayden's shoulder. "Thank you, Jay."