Chapter 5 Poppy
F or ten in the morning, the airport is crazy. Why did I think this would be the ideal flight over leaving last night? I don’t remember now, but I was definitely wrong. Between all the business people and the pre-weekend rush for travel, it is jam-packed. Pushing through people, I grab my suitcase and then head over to the car pick up lines. I, at least, had the sense to call for a car as soon as we landed.
I rush over to the car as soon as I see it pull up. I can’t wait to have my own car again. I smile, mentally adding this to my list of positives to being home again. Another positive? Getting to see my best friend on the happiest day of her life in an hour. I tell my driver where I’m headed, then settle in to not think about what is to come and instead, think about the newest book I picked up.
***
Suddenly there’s a knocking on the window so loudly it makes me squeal. “ What is it? God,” I shriek. I turn and see we have arrived at the house, my book is on the floor of this nice man’s car and a line of drool is now at home on his door. I must have dozed off. Grinning sheepishly at him as I slowly open the door and get out, I add, “I’m so, so sorry. I didn’t realize I’d fallen asleep.”
He gives me a slightly annoyed look, but says, “That’s alright. I have to clean it in between customers anyways.” He moves around to the back and hands me my bag.
Reaching into my purse, I pull out a hefty tip for the inconvenience. His day isn’t starting out great with me as his passenger. “Thank you again. I know it was a longer drive!” I try to give him my best “sorry” face one last time before he pulls out of the driveway and down the gravel road.
For the first time, I turn my attention to the house with a big breath. It’s a gorgeous old farmhouse that Brandon’s grandparents left to his family when they passed. The picturesque front porch is complete with shutters and a swing. It’s still quite early, but I’m surprised by the lack of activity outside. Maybe everyone is out back.
After grabbing my things and heading over to the front door, I slowly creak it open, only to find a bustling mess of people, caterers, and flowers. Flowers everywhere . I move quietly along, hoping to blend in with the crowd and find Andi so I can see her first without making a scene.
“Oh my goodness, it’s Poppy. What in the world? We didn’t think you’d show.”
I grimace and roll my eyes. The shrieking is coming from Andi’s sister Janice who is not my favorite person in the world.
“Thanks, Janice. As you can see, I’m here. So, there’s that.” I look her up and down. She’s already dressed to the nines with her own assets on display. I smile as I see Leslie down a hallway. Now’s my chance. I slip away from Janice and glance back as she just stares after me.
“Leslie,” I shout a little too loudly down the not large hallway. Everyone in the kitchen turns and looks at me. Gawking. I smile and wave to them. “Just going to talk to Leslie over there.” Act natural, this is fine. I sidestep and catch up to Leslie.
“Hi, Leslie, how’s it going?” What was my plan with talking to her again?
As predicted, she asks me all about my travels and what happened with Steven. I give her the most basic details. Did he break my heart? Yes. Am I okay? Yes. Why did I leave? I was sad. This one was only a partial truth. Sure, I was sad about being dumped, when I thought we were getting engaged—but I was also ashamed. I thought Steven was it for me, end of story. Married, 2.5 kids, and a garage type for me. When that turned out not to be true, I couldn’t face everyone in our small town who had been excited for that future right along with me. I was able to imagine a new story for myself while on my trip though. Now I just need to show everyone else that too.
After talking with Leslie for a while and imparting all of the details I rehearsed so many times that I’m hoping she’ll share with everyone else so I don’t have to, I start my hunt for Andi again. I bump into, who I assume, is a groomsman I don’t know heading up the stairs. He clearly had a little too much fun the night before, but also has a cute butt that I may or may not have checked out after he passed me by. We awkwardly talked about the tightness of the stairs and we’re on our way. He didn’t act like he knew my sob story, which was kind of refreshing. I gathered he was from Brandon’s side of the family, which explained why I wasn’t sure who he was.
I finally find Andi in her and Brandon’s room. She’s standing by a window, holding her dress up to the light. The beautiful lace gown has a mermaid cut that will be gorgeous on her. The light is shining through the fabric, bathing it and her in an ethereal glow. The perfect bride. “Hey beautiful,” I say, smiling at her from the doorway.
“Ah, Poppy!” She throws her dress down on the bed and I’m suddenly mauled to the floor. After an extended time of hugging, jumping up and down and twirling, we end up sitting, facing each other on the bed, hand in hand. “How was the flight? How are you? You’re so tan! Did you eat already?” I just laugh.
“So many questions and I should be asking you the most important one on your big day. Are you ready for this?” I’m surprised to see her on the verge of crying. “Oh, honey, are you okay? What is it?”
“Everything is just perfect now that you’re here. I’m just so happy, Poppy.”