19. Two Anxious Peas in a Pod
CHAPTER 19
TWO ANXIOUS PEAS IN A POD
A ddison had been starry-eyed ever since the other night when she and Tim had their practice run for “canoodling by the fire” in Aspen, as he called it. She was in such a romantic mood that when Laura invited her to the National Capital Wedding Show with her and Amy, it was a no-brainer. Addison had never been the type to plan her future wedding, so this was her first exposure to the crazy wedding industry. She was excited to check out the vendors without the pressure of having to choose one.
Laura was a ball of energy when she and Amy pulled up in front of Addison's building. They both wore sashes, and Laura couldn't wait to hand Addison the one they’d made for her. “Security?” she read aloud, confused.
“Check out what Amy made for me,” Laura pouted, holding up her sash, which was fashioned out of caution tape. “Amy thought she was being really cute with that one.”
“We do know you,” Amy replied smugly, “and everyone should be on alert for your snooping ways.”
Addison snorted with laughter, finally catching on. Amy’s sash idea was perfect, considering everyone had underestimated Laura’s willingness to use any resource to endear herself to Jake in the beginning.
During the short drive to the convention center, Addison laughed harder than she had in ages. I wish I’d had these sisters in my life earlier. Lexi is going to love them. I’m a jerk for depriving her of this new girl group.
Her guilt over Lexi faded when they entered the main exhibit hall. The place was packed with young women and what looked like their mothers and aunties. Everything was loud, attention-grabbing, and exciting. Almost makes me wish I were engaged. Someday.
Exhausted and weighed down with bags of samples, guides, freebies, and who knew what else, Addison, Laura, and Amy finally found seats in the corner of the hall to enjoy their overpriced soft pretzels and sodas.
“I think I’m overstimulated,” Laura groaned, dropping her head into her hands. “How am I supposed to make a wedding out of all of this?”
“One step at a time,” Amy said soothingly.
“What do you know so far about your plans?” Addison asked. “Unless that will stress you out,” she added quickly.
A miserable groan was all they got from Laura.
“I’ll take this one,” Amy said. “Mom wanted to hire a wedding planner to handle everything, but Miss Takes-On-Too-Much here didn’t want that. She insisted on being part of every single detail,” she said, poking her sister.
“Is it too late to get a planner?” Addison asked.
“Not at all. Laura is just being stubborn.” Laura lifted her head just enough for them to see one wild eye. “Aren’t you?” Amy teased.
“Yes.”
Amy smiled triumphantly. “Here’s what we know: the wedding will be April 18th at the Anderson House over on Embassy Row. We’ve got the save-the-dates and invitations ready. The guest list was an ordeal, but we got that settled early on, thank goodness.”
“Oh, the Anderson House will be perfect,” Addison sighed. The venue was a historic mansion that looked like it was out of a fairytale, with a reflecting pool and grand staircase perfect for swoon-worthy wedding photos.
“You think?” Laura asked, her face hopeful.
“Seriously? It’s a dream venue. The very idea of it makes me want to get married.”
Where did that come from? Why can I picture stolen kisses in the garden with Tim, family photos with me in a dress trailing down that grand staircase? This expo is getting to me.
“Speaking of getting married,” Laura said slyly, “I think Amy might be off the market permanently sooner rather than later.”
Amy blushed. “I don’t know about that. It’s not like we’ve talked about marriage, but Drew and I have been together a while.”
“They’re so cute, Addison. He’s a professor at American, so he’s smart enough to keep up with Amy. And he’s the cutest blonde Southern boy.”
“A Southern boy, huh? I’m very familiar with their charms,” Addison joked.
“There is something about those guys,” Amy said dreamily. “He’s incredible. He’s patient and easygoing, which is nice, since, well, I’m not.”
“Oh, you’re not?” Laura teased.
“You have no room to talk. We’re two anxious peas in a pod.”
Their sisterly banter made Addison miss her brothers. She watched them with an amused smile. I should be better about staying in touch with the boys.
“So, what’s the latest with you and Tim?” Laura asked. “And more importantly, have you told Lexi about your relationship?”
“Uh-oh, she’s in reporter mode,” Amy warned.
“I’ll start with the second question: no, I haven’t told Lexi. As for Tim, things are going great. One of the partners at my firm is giving me a trip for two to stay at his place in Aspen. We’re leaving next week.”
“We’ll get back to Aspen, but first—why haven’t you told Lexi about the relationship yet?” Laura pressed.
“Wait,” Amy interrupted. “Who’s Lexi, and what does Addison need to tell her?”
Addison opened her mouth to explain, but Laura jumped in. “Lexi is Addison’s best friend. She used to date Tim back when Addison and Jake were together. They were this inseparable group. Addison’s afraid Lexi will be mad at her for dating her ex. That about right?” she asked Addison.
“Pretty much,” Addison shrugged.
Amy grew thoughtful. “Why do you think she’ll be mad? Did they break up recently?”
Why is this part always so hard to justify? “No, they broke up around the same time Jake and I did.”
“To summarize,” Amy said, “Jake has since been single, dated, and gotten engaged to me. It’s not like Lexi and Tim broke up yesterday.”
Addison shifted uncomfortably and stared out at the crowd of women. If I were an outsider, I’d say I’m being ridiculous.
Amy took another bite of her pretzel. “So, you’re telling me Addison is being ridiculous?”
“Well, there’s more to it,” Addison started, but couldn’t find anything else to say.
The sisters looked at her expectantly.
“Laura’s right, but she left out the part where I’ve been with Tim for months now—without Lexi knowing. So, yeah, there’s also the crime of keeping it from her this long.”
“That’s worse than dating her ex. In fact, that’s the headline,” Laura said.
“Yep, that’s what she’ll be mad about,” Amy agreed. “You’re going to have to tell her. It’s not like you can wait until your wedding day for the big reveal.”
No kidding.
“How does Tim feel about all this?” Amy asked.
“He’s not pleased. He thought she should have known from the beginning, and, honestly, I think it’s an issue our relationship might not survive. About a month ago, I bought myself more time to get my story together and tell her. Tim hasn’t forgotten, so I’m on edge every time I talk to him.”
“And what did he threaten to do if you don’t tell her?” Laura’s eyes widened.
“There wasn’t really a threat, which is probably why I’ve dragged my feet. But I know I’m going to push him too far one day soon. I’m hoping we can have a nice time in Aspen and then I’ll tell her when we get back.”
Maybe I can be vague, and he’ll think I did it. Then I can tell her for real after the trip.
“You be careful,” Amy warned. “Laura and I know that bending the truth and making assumptions can lead to a breakup. Be honest with Tim. And for goodness' sake, just tell Lexi. Every day you don’t makes it worse.”
Addison suddenly felt sick.