Annalise
1408 Words
I looked at the checklist I had written in my notebook. Venue, Maya did. Check. Dress, check. Flowers, check. Photographer, check. Cake, check. The country club where it was going to be held is taking care is catering and the the bar. Check, check. Bridesmaids dresses, check. RSVP’s received, check. Seating chart, check. “I think we’re all set!” I said excitedly to Maya. “Wow, I can’t believe it. I would have thought being three months out, we’d still have a lot to do.” she sounded relieved. “I know, now you can enjoy being a bride to be!” “You’re awesome sis, I love you!” I gloated a little hearing that. “Ok, well I’m at Celeste’s now, I handed over the bachelorette party to her last week and now she wants to talk about the details.” Maya has been asking me non stop about it since she found out where it was. “Ok, I can’t wait!” She said before she hung up. I couldn’t wither. Ethan was being even more cold and distant lately and I was about to go insane. The kids were out of control lately in his absence due to having to work a lot.
I got to Celeste’s door and she opened it before I could even knock. “I have to tell you something before you come in.” She said as she stepped out and closed the door behind her. I looked at her, confused. “We have a house guest. I was going to tell you last week, but wasn’t sure how you’d react.” Ok, now I’m even more confused. Before she could continue, Josh opened the door. I felt my heart skip a beat and butterflies in my stomach. He looked good. I know it’s only been a couple of weeks, but I feel like it’s been months since I’ve seen him. “Annalise, what a present surprise.” He said smiling at me. “I was going to run out for some coffee and bagels, would you like anything?” he asked moving closer to me. “No, I’m fine. But thank you.” I answered as I moved around him to get into Celeste’s apartment. “Alright. Well I’ll be back shortly.” He turned around and headed for the elevator. “Damn, the way he looks at you makes my knees weak!” Celeste said as she shut the door. I rolled my eyes at her. “I didn’t come to talk about that. Let’s just talk about the bachelorette party.” She laughed, “Fine, but you know we’ll talk about it eventually!” I just walked away and headed to her living room.
Just as we finished talking my phone rang. I looked down and rolled my eyes. It was Ethan. “I’m going to step out and take this” I said as I got up and headed for the door. “Yes Ethan” I answered. “Do you know when you will be home? I have a work function tonight that I can’t miss.” He said, sounding irritated as usual. “Well, I’m almost done with Celeste. I have to stop and pick up a few things and then I’ll be home.” Just then Josh walked off the elevator. “Well hey gorgeous, you’re not leaving already are you?” He asked. I stared at him, f**k. Ethan heard. “Who the f**k is that? You’re side piece?” He demanded. “No. It’s Cameron’s friend. I’ll be home shortly.” And I ended the call. “Oh, whoops. Didn’t know you were on the phone. I hope I didn’t get you in trouble.” He said apologetically. “It’s fine. He won’t do nothing, at least any worse then he does now.” I said shrugging me shoulders. He looked at me confused. “It’s a long story. But we haven’t really gotten along for years.” He then looked at me with a little sympathy in his eyes. He took the bag and coffees he was good and put them in the side table next to the door. Oh god. I could feel my insides heat up. I was getting moist, and with every step he took closer to me, I felt a yearning in me. He closed the gap and put hands on my waist and pulled me into him. He kissed me gently on the forehead and wrapped his arms around me. “If you were mine, you be treated like a queen” he whispered in my ear. I closed my eyes. The thought of being treated better actually stung a little. I couldn’t help it. The tears started to roll. He pulled me back a bit and then said “hey, it’s ok. If you ever need to talk, I’m a good listener.” I shook my head yes, and quickly wiped my eyes. “Thanks. Can you please tell Celeste I had to go? I should get home.” He nodded and I walked away.
I tried to do my errands as quickly as possible, as I’m sure there’s going to be an explosion when I get home. Pulled up to our house. A little nervous to get out, I slowly grabbed my bags and headed up the steps. The door flung open. He wasn’t as angry as I had anticipated, but still clearly mad. “Took you long enough” he said as he put his hand out, wanting the see keys I assumed. His car needed some work done, so we are down to just mine for now. I handed him the keys. “I went as fast as I could.” I said handing him the keys as I walked passed him into the house. I got the groceries put away and was working on making supper when he came down the stairs. “So, is everything worked out for Maya’s wedding?” He asked. “Yeah pretty much. Bachelorette party is in two weeks, then all clear until the big day.” I answered, not even looking at him. “Alright then.” He finally said. “I am heading out. I‘ll be late tonight.” He said as he spun on his heel and headed for the front door.
After I got the kids to bed, I sat down and figured I’d better call Maya back. She called several times during dinner and bedtime routines. My mom did too, but I was still a little upset with her. I had asked her to babysit night the night of Maya’s bachelorette party, but she said she couldn’t because Henry, her boyfriend, was taking her to California. Oh well. It upsets me that she had kind of forgotten all about us, but I know he makes her happy. Since they are both calling I’m guessing it’s something they’ve talked about together and I’d rather here it from Maya. “OMG why haven’t you been answering mine or moms calls??” She said as soon as she picked up. “Well I have five kids who need to be fed and bathed and out to bed..mom should know she raised four herself.” I responded, a little more aggravated then I planned. “Well you’re not going to believe it! Jackson and Aaron are coming to town the week of my bachelorette party.” I’m not sure why she was so excited about this, their wives were invited, not them. “So they decided to come with Sarah and Danielle to the bachelorette party?” I asked. Not amused, I’ll add. “No, silly! Just let me finish! They are bringing their families. The boys, mom and Henry are going to go camping that weekend.” She paused, but not king enough for me to say anything. “They want to take your kids too. And Ethan of course.” I laughed. I didn’t know what was funnier, Ethan camping or my family taking all my kids, which included a 9 month old. “Seriously? For one, Ethan won’t go. And for two, they really want to take a 9 month camping?” She laughed too, probably at the thought of Ethan camping. “Call mom. She has it all worked out.” She said, then she ended the call.
She did have it all worked out. Henry had actually rented a cabin for two weeks and she had an answer to every baby related question I could throw out. “Alright mom. I’ll agree to it.” I finally conceded. “Oh great! I can’t wait to spend time with all of my grandkids together!” She truly sounded excited. I guess I was too. I wanted them to have a better relationship with my mom and this would be a great start. Plus, not having kids for two weeks sounded pretty amazing. “Now about Ethan.” Well that ruined my momentary high. “He won’t go mom. He won’t want to miss work and he’s not a camper or wilderness type.” I said before she could say anything to else. “Well I just wanted to clarify that he was invited to join.” She said, but sounded relieved he wouldn’t go. I’ll ask him, but I’m pretty sure he’ll say no.”
- Writer
