Chapter 17
The light from my window filters in through the sheer curtains. I slept harder than I have in months. Nothing like putting together an entire wedding in less than 24 hours to ensure a good night’s sleep. It’s strange, waking up and realizing that technically Ben slept under the same roof.
After devouring my dinner in the kitchen, I watched a bit of the rehearsal dinner from the sunroom. Brody and his bride-to-be really do look like they are in love. Ben is different with his family. At school, he’s always confident and flirty. Watching him interact with his brother, he’s more serious. Like he has a weight on his shoulders. I want to ask him about it.
My talk with Mom resonated with me. I guess because of her past and my own bad experiences, I assumed she would be hostile toward any boy that looked at me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. She trusts me, and really does want the best for me. With that new knowledge, I’m nervous about today. I had been considering the possibility of Ben. However, here in my safe haven the great expectations of Briarwood disappear, and we are left with just Amelia and Ben. Well, Amelia, Ben, and a wedding to put on. With that final thought, I lunge myself out of bed and get ready for the day.
The smell of coffee lures me from my room, and I find Mom at the island still dressed in her pajamas. “Late start?” I ask.
“It’s only 7, and the weekend staff is prepped for today’s event. You did such a great job yesterday there isn’t much to do today other than enjoy.” She pauses, taking a large sip of her coffee. “We have time for coffee and breakfast.”
I float over to meet her. The smell of the coffee overtaking me. “Coffee first. I like it.”
“I thought you might.” Mom is polite enough for me to take a few sips before she begins. “Tell me more about Ben.”
I choke on my coffee. “I told you about him last night.”
“No, you told me that and I quote, ‘you guess you like him.’ I need more details.” She moves back toward the toaster oven and takes out some frozen waffles.
“I mean…. I don’t know. What do you want to know?” It’s too early and I don’t have enough coffee in my system for this.
“Mia, you’ve been holding out on me for over a month now. I want to know everything I missed.” We don’t have nearly enough time for everything.
I go into explaining how Ben started out a little flirty and how we have some classes together. I talk about how frustrating he can be in literary discussions, always challenging me. How he brings coffee to Journalism and how his sports articles actually make the events he covers interesting. How his calculus notes mysteriously appeared in my locker after I had a meltdown the day before my first test. I go into some detail about Lisa and Summer. I leave it with him kind of asking me to dance tonight.
“Let me clarify. You have become the female lead in your own personal romcom, and you have given me nothing!” She exclaims.
“It’s not like that. He’s just my mentor and kind of flirty friend.” I put my head into my arms.
“Amelia. A boy does not bring you coffee every day or basically growl at other boys when he doesn’t like you.”
“Oh my God Mom! He doesn’t growl at them, he just scowls.” Realization hits me. I did see him after golf one day towering over a guy who was trying to chat with me walking through the course.
“Same thing. Amelia, I’m happy for you. Don’t get me wrong, I love how driven you are by school and how focused you are, but I want to see you living a little too. I’ve been worried about you, socially.” I had no idea.
“I’m not a hermit.” I grumble. “I have friends. Well, I have Sarah Mae and you.”
“I know that. As much as I hate to admit it, you need more than just us. You need friends at school too.” She takes a breath. “A very cute boyfriend isn’t what I had in my mind, but I will take it as a start.”
“Mom! Ugh! He isn’t my boyfriend.” She laughs at my response.
“Well, maybe not yet, but you two are heading in that direction.”
“Can this conversation end, please?” I start cleaning up my breakfast dishes.
“For now, because we really do need to be downstairs. But honey, it really isn’t a bad thing.” She moves to her room. “He seems like a nice boy.”
I respond with an eye roll. I head downstairs to start the very hectic day of avoiding my mom and making sure this wedding runs smoothly.
I’m on bridal suite duty today. So far, it has been simple. Gabriel came through with making sure the bridal party had any snack or drink they could ever want stocked and ready to go. He even made a watermelon replica of the gazebo with a tiny fruit bride and groom.
The bride, Alyssa, is stunning. She is as far from a bridezilla as one can be. She’s constantly checking in on everyone else, making sure they are happy. Her bridesmaids have reminded her several times it is her day. She keeps asking about Brody’s mom, if she has arrived. I might have done some eavesdropping and learned that Ben and Brody’s mom has been battling cancer. No one was sure she would feel up to the wedding today. It explains why Ben is different with his family. They’ve gone through so much this past year. I feel bad for not knowing. He never lets on about anything at school.
“Okay ladies, is there anything else I can get for you?” I ask before ducking out to check on the time. The ceremony will be starting soon.
“No. Thank you, Mia. You’ve been wonderful.” Alyssa calls. I told Alyssa to call me Mia. She is too kind not to allow her the invitation.
“Okay” I chime. “I’ll come back when it’s time to go down.” As I slip out of the room, I hear the girls gushing over her, telling her how excited they are for her again.
Coming down the hall to the lobby, I spot Ben with an older woman in a wheelchair. He is knelt next to the chair, looking up at her with a soft expression. This must be his mom. She is frail although you could tell at one time she was the picture of beauty. I’m too far away to hear them, but Ben looks up at me, and my heart stops. He gives me a breathtaking smile as he stands. He’s wearing a full black tux. I may swoon.
“Amelia, I want to introduce you to someone.” He waves me over.
I approach the pair, and the woman appraises me. “Mom, this is Amelia Roberts. Amelia, this is my mom, Grace.” Ben’s voice is tender as he speaks.
“Hello, ma”am, it is nice to meet you.” I straighten my posture and smile politely, feeling a strong need for her approval.
“Ma”am, you do not have to call me ma”am dear. You can call me Grace.” She huffs.
“I’m sorry. It is nice to meet you, Grace.” I correct myself.
“It’s nice to meet you finally Amelia. Ben has told me a lot about you,” I seem to have already earned her approval. I’m surprised.
“He has?” I raise an eyebrow at Ben.
“I’ve mentioned you once or twice,” Ben rubs the back of his neck, clearly rethinking his choice of introducing me to his mom.
“I see,” I smile at him, then turn my attention back to his mom. “I hope all good things. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to let Alyssa know you’re here. She’s been asking about you.”
“Oh, that girl. She’s always making such a fuss over me. Someone ought to remind her this is her day.” I like Grace already.
“Oh, her bridesmaids have reminded her.” I reassure her.
Ben stares at me and his mom conversing like this isn’t our first meeting. After spending all my time this morning in the Bridal Suite, I feel like I’m a part of the family. Not that I want to be. I just... Shut up, Amelia.
“Okay, Mom, let’s get you to your seat. We have a spot for you in the shade.” Ben goes to wheel his mom away but then steps back. “I’ll see you later, Dorothy? On the dance floor?” My heart flutters a little.
“Yeah,” I nod. “I’ll be around.”
This day is unreal. I scurry off back to the bridal suite.