While Dexter was ambitious, intelligent, and meticulous about managing both his personal and professional life, Jamie never lived by a clock. He was an artist and only wanted to create, design and write. They were a classic example of opposites attracting. Asking Jamie to manage a remodel was like asking a comedian not to tell jokes. Knowing full well that Jamie was incapable of doing something so structured, it always made me scratch my head that Dexter continued to trust Jamie with the responsibility. I think it was love. Like a parent loves their child; no matter how many times they might fail at something, they always continued to encourage and support them. Dexter and Jamie bickered like an old couple, but were loyal and dedicated to one other. It was obvious they were deeply in love and would do anything for each other.
“So finally, I made the arrangements to get the plumber into the house and the electrical wiring completely redone, but since then, there has been very little progress on anything else. It’s driving me up the wall. I think I’m just going to have to do it all myself!” Dexter huffed in frustration.
“Isn’t that what you always do?” I asked dryly, smiling empathetically.
Dexter put his head down on the table. “Yes, yes. But I never stop trying.” He lifted his head back up. “So enough about me, how is the wedding planning going? And by the way, I’m so sorry I’m going to miss it,” he said, bowing his head to Anna and Ethan with regret.
Ryan took this opportunity to congratulate Anna and Ethan. “When is the big day?” he asked.
“Two weeks! I can’t believe it. We have final dress fittings tomorrow, and then it will be here before we know it!” Anna said with nervous excitement, sharing a sentimental and knowing look with Ethan.
“Where is it being held?” Ryan asked.
“The ceremony is at Parson’s Garden in Queen Anne, but the reception will be at the Edgewater Hotel. There’s this amazing ballroom there that overlooks the water. Ethan’s only criteria for the reception was that it be someplace with a waterfront view.”
“I really hope the weather cooperates,” I added and crossed my fingers.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“I live right next to Parson’s Garden. Beautiful location,” Ryan commented. Parson’s Garden was located on the end of one of the most exclusive blocks in Seattle. If he lived next to the park, then that meant MS was paying him very well.
Anna looked at Ryan and her eyes were wide and bright. “Well, I have a brilliant idea. You should come with Julia to our wedding. She doesn’t have a date yet and it sounds like it couldn’t get any more convenient, literally.”
I tried to kick her under the table, but she saw it coming and dodged it. I was totally mortified. I didn’t want to discuss it further in case Ryan declined and I didn’t want to put him on the spot, either. I gave her a warning look, but she just shrugged and I could tell she thought I was overreacting.
“Anna,” Ethan said in a warning tone.
God, I loved Ethan. I’m so glad he was going to become my brother-in-law. He was an architect working for one of those big fancy firms downtown and the perfect balance for my sister. Where Anna could sometimes be overly dramatic and idealistic, Ethan was laid back and level headed. He quelled her fears and anxieties and provided the calm and balance she needed to be her best self. Like Anna, Ethan was beautiful, artistic, and creative. They’d been together for over five years and were that cool, hip, contemporary couple that everyone envied and wanted to be around. I mostly cared that Ethan absolutely adored Anna and she crazily loved him back.
Nonetheless, I glared at my sister. There was a brief, awkward silence.
Ethan, knowing me well enough to read my non-verbal cues, redirected the conversation. “So Ryan,” he started, “how did you and Julia meet? Anna gave me the short version, but I’m sure she exaggerated some details.”
Anna gave Ethan the evil eye. Ryan didn’t bat a lash. By now our server had brought our food and instead of addressing Anna’s “brilliant idea,” we ordered another bottle of wine.
Well played, Ethan. I was curious to hear this story from Ryan’s point of view.
“Well, I basically hit her with my car.”
This got a reaction out of Dexter, who almost spit out his wine.
I actually guffawed and thought it best I chime in. “It was just a bump. I was walking into the street to pick up a soccer ball from a nearby game. We were on the MS campus.”
“I totally didn’t see her step out into the road. I wasn’t going fast, and it was so sudden, but I apparently bumped her hard enough for her to fall. She left a huge dent in my bumper, though.”