Eruption

7

Sunday

My phone buzzed just as the car pulled up to the J.F.K. Airport. I quickly pulled my phone out of my purse, expecting to see James' sister, Jen, calling me. Instead, I saw Melissa's name. I swiped my finger across the screen. "Hey, Melissa. I just got to the airport to pick up Jen. It'll be at least forty minutes before we get to you."

"Actually, that's why I'm calling. I'm just going to meet you there if that's okay?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Great. I might be a little late. I just have a bunch of errands to run first. Trying to get everything settled." Tyler said something in the background, but I couldn't hear what it was.

"The appointment is in an hour," I said. "How late are you going to be?"

"Not very. I gotta go, I'll see you all there."

"Melissa?" I said, but she had already hung up the phone. It didn't sound like she wanted to come at all. I couldn't force her to tell me whether or not she was dating Tyler. But now it felt like she was trying to avoid spending time with me altogether. We'd have to have this conversation eventually. The longer we waited the more awkward it seemed.

My phone buzzed again and this time it was Jen. "Hey, Jen!"

"I'm coming out now. Are you already here? Never mind, I see Ian. See you in a sec." She hung up the phone.

I looked out the window. She was already running over to the car. She dropped her bags, threw her arms around Ian, and kissed his cheek as I stepped out of the car. Ian always looked happiest whenever Jen was in town. It was pretty clear to me that he had a crush on her. I just didn't know if it was apparent to Jen. I waited a second before getting out of the car, letting them enjoy their moment.

Jen squealed and threw her arms around me. "I can't believe you're marrying my brother in less than a month! We really should have looked for dresses sooner, you know. The consultants are going to have a fit."

Ian opened up the door to the car for us and we both climbed back in.

"I know," I said. "I was just hoping I'd get to meet your mother before I went dress shopping. I pictured her coming, you know?"

Jen waived her hand through the air. "She'll come around. Don't let her ruin this for you. This is going to be so much fun." She squeezed my hand.

"I know, I am excited. I just have absolutely no idea what kind of dress to get."

"And that's why I'm here."

We were heading to Kleinfeld's. Jen swore it was the place I had to get my dress from. Melissa usually gave me all my fashion advice, but Jen knew elegance better than anyone else. I needed her help making this decision, because I had no idea what James expected me to wear.

"How's the west coast been treating you?" I asked. She looked tan and much more content than the last time I had seen her a few months ago. She had just called it off with her boyfriend and was debating whether to buy a ticket to escape to the other side of the country. I had my doubts, but it looked like it was working for her.

"Amazing. I've been working on a new book, and there is literally nothing better than writing when you have a view of the ocean."

"That does sound amazing. I miss the beach. I used to go every summer with my family."

"Tell James to take you. God knows he needs a vacation." She shifted in her seat. "How is he by the way? Is he getting nervous?"

"For the wedding? I don't think so. We're both just really excited. Why? Did he say something to you?"

She laughed. "No, no, don't worry. I just know how much he worries about everything. This thing with my parents has been just as upsetting for him."

"I know. I think I'm finally at peace with it, though. I can't force them to meet me. So I'm just going to try and not think about it."

"They're being so ridiculous. I bet they're going to love you when they meet you too. Maybe I can do some nagging of my own while I'm in town."

"It's fine. Please don't on my account. I'm not sure James even wants them to come to our wedding at this point. So I'm done dwelling on it. Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are going to throw us a late engagement party thing at their house on Friday." James and I had called them this morning to set up the date.

"Really?"

"Yeah. So I'm just focusing on being excited about that. I hope you'll stay for it."

"I wouldn't miss it."

***

I sat down on a velvety couch and looked up at the chandelier above my head. Everything about this place screamed elegance. It was going to be ridiculously expensive. I don't think I was ever going to get used to spending exorbitant amounts of money like James liked to do. Our wedding alone was going to cost more than my tuition at NYCU.

"When's the maid of honor getting here?" Bee asked with a smile as she sat down beside me.

I had picked up my mother and Bee after getting Jen. "She's running late, but I'm sure she'll be here soon." I hoped Melissa would be here any minute. I didn't want whatever weirdness was going on between us to continue. She knew how important it was that she helped me pick out a dress. I couldn't even think about doing this without her. She was my best friend.

A young woman in a black dress walked up to us. "Hi, I'm Anna, and I'll be your bridal consultant today. Which one of you is the bride?"

I raised my hand awkwardly. I was still used to being in a classroom. "That would be me," I said and immediately dropped my hand. "I'm Penny," I said as I stood up and shook her hand.

"And who is with you today?"

"This is my mom and my two bridesmaids, Bee and Jen."

"Nice to meet all of you," Anna said.

I looked over Anna's shoulder to the door. Where was Melissa?