Chapter 47

CHAPTER 47

RYLEE

I got to the restaurant before anyone else. I was looking forward to seeing everyone. I wasn't sure if I was going to tell them about Simon and me agreeing to be exclusive. I had a feeling it was going to be met with some scrutiny. No more than how we all reacted to Mary Ellen getting together with Archer. We all thought that was a horrible idea, but it was working for her. I believed it might just work for me and Simon.

I got out of my car and started toward the doors when my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a text from Simon. "Read this," he wrote.

It was a link. I clicked on it and was taken to a newly published article about the press release he gave earlier. A grin spread across my face as I read his sincere and heartfelt words. I immediately texted him. "I'm so proud of you! We'll talk more tonight."

He sent me a smiling face emoji followed by a message telling me to have fun at lunch.

I felt a mix of pride and excitement for Simon. He had taken a big step, and I was thrilled for him. I knew that wasn't easy for him. I couldn't wait to talk to him and find out what changed his mind. I walked inside the restaurant and gave my name. To my surprise, Lauren was hurrying around the table she had reserved, placing little gift boxes at each place setting and stepping back to make sure everything looked just right. When she looked up and saw me, her face lit up.

"Hey, Rylee!" she exclaimed, giving me a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're here!"

I returned her hug, looking over her shoulder at the beautifully arranged table. "Whatever might this be?" I asked, teasing her.

"Just sit down," Lauren said, sticking her tongue out playfully. "You'll see."

"You're glowing," I said.

"Because I'm over the moon with happiness," she replied.

"I can see that."

Over the next fifteen minutes, Jenny, Mary Ellen, Karen, and even Lauren's sister, Alli, all arrived, each of them bringing their own excitement and energy. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation with the boxes begging to be opened.

"Thank you guys for coming," Lauren said. "I know I was being a bit of a freak, but this lunch is really important. It's so hard to coordinate so many schedules. So, I won't make you wait any longer. Please, open your gifts."

We all tore into them. Inside were beautiful diamond earrings, a gift card to a glamorous special events store, and a personal message asking each of us to be a bridesmaid. I felt tears stinging the backs of my eyes.

"These are beautiful," I said. "Thank you. This is very generous. You know I'm going to be one of your bridesmaids."

Everyone else quickly agreed to be in the wedding as well. A round of mimosas was delivered to the table.

"Jameson is the one that insisted on giving you the earrings," Lauren said. "He wants us to splurge on the dresses and shoes."

"Jameson really outdid himself," Alli said, examining her earrings with awe.

We were all flabbergasted and over the moon excited.

"So, what do you have in mind for the wedding?" Mary Ellen asked.

Lauren smiled, her whole face lighting up. "I'm thinking dark blue silk dresses, faux fur shawls, and sparkly sheer gloves."

"Wow, that sounds fabulous!" Jenny gasped.

"What about the reception?" Karen asked.

"Diamonds and crystals everywhere, plenty of silver and white—a true winter wonderland. We secured a beautiful winery for the venue."

"It's going to be absolutely stunning, Lauren," Mary Ellen said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"It sounds beautiful." I nodded. "I can't wait to see it come to life."

She talked more about what she envisioned as our appetizers arrived.

"Do you have the bridesmaid dresses already picked out?" Jenny asked.

"Not exactly," she answered. "You guys are going to have to help with that."

"What about your dress?" I asked her.

Lauren's eyes lit up at my question. "Oh, I've found the most incredible gown," she said, beaming. "I've had my eye on it since I knew Jameson was the one. Shopping for Jenny's dress gave me plenty of opportunity to really narrow down what I was looking for."

"Tell us about it!" Mary Ellen urged, her excitement palpable.

Her smile grew wider, if that was possible. "It's a strapless A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice is beautifully adorned with crystals and pearls, and the skirt is something out of a dream! It's this gorgeous tulle overlay scattered with intricate lace appliques. The back is a lace-up corset style. It's just so romantic and timeless. And I'm thinking I might wear a white stole as well."

We all gushed at her description, imagining her in such a beautiful dress.

"Sounds enchanting," I said, feeling a rush of happiness for my friend. "The perfect winter style."

"Did you hire a wedding planner?" Mary Ellen asked.

"Yes, definitely." She nodded. "Since we're doing this on a very short timeline, I need all the help I can get."

"I'm sure it's going to be gorgeous," Karen said. "Jameson's lucky to be marrying you."

Lauren blushed at this. "Thank you, Karen. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. I can't wait to be his wife."

We all raised our glasses in a toast to her future happiness. After another round of drinks and a few more tidbits about the wedding, Lauren suddenly cleared her throat.

"Okay, enough about me," she said, dramatically flipping her hair over her shoulder. "What about you guys? Any exciting news?"

When it was my turn, I hesitated. I glanced at my phone screen once more, still displaying Simon's heartfelt press release.

Our main course was delivered, and we all eagerly dug in. I couldn't begin to estimate how much this lunch was costing her, but I knew she was marrying rich. This was a drop in the bucket for her future husband.

"Rylee, I saw Simon's press release this morning," Karen said, looking at me with a curious smile. "I have to say, it surprised me with how raw it was. He seemed so kind."

"He is kind," I said.

"What happened?" Lauren asked.

Karen gave her a recap of the press briefing. The girls all looked at me.

"Maybe he's not as bad as we thought," Jenny said.

"I told you," I retorted.

"Why was he apologizing?" Karen asked. "He doesn't strike me as the kind of man that apologizes for anything."

"Because he's not a cyborg," I replied. "Everyone has this idea about him, but it's not who he is. Not the real him."

They all exchanged a look. "Come on, Rylee," Jenny said, leaning across the table. "Tell the truth now, it's us. Are you falling for this guy?"

I frowned with every intention of denying it, but I didn't want to. "Okay, okay," I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "Yes, I am falling for him. Simon has been amazing and seeing him take that step today with the press release just made me so proud."

The girls erupted into a chorus of "Awws" and "I knew it."

"Simon is lucky to have you," Mary Ellen said, her voice filled with warmth. "You've obviously had a positive impact on him."

"Thanks, guys," I said, feeling touched by their support. "He's been really great to me too. It's just so weird. Everything feels right, you know?"

Lauren reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "We're happy for you, Rylee. And we can't wait to see where this goes. You deserve a good guy."

"Have you guys talked about what your relationship is?" Karen asked gently.

"Actually, yes." I nodded. "Last night."

"Ah, I thought you were with him." She laughed.

"We are a thing," I said. "Exclusive."

"Are you guys going to try a long-distance relationship?"

"Well, I'm not sure that's what it would be," I said. "He bought a house here. A huge house. A beautiful house on a beautiful piece of property. He wants to spend more time here than in Houston."

Everyone's eyes widened.

"He bought a house? Here?" Mary Ellen exclaimed. "That's a big step."

"Wow, Simon sounds serious about you, Rylee," Karen said, her voice carrying an undertone of surprise.

"So, you'll be living together?" Lauren questioned, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"No! We're just enjoying ourselves, but he did say that he wants me to help him pick out furniture and decorate the place."

Once again, they all exchanged looks.

"Sounds like he's hoping you'll make it something you would like to live in," Lauren said knowingly.

I shook my head. "That is not what he's talking about at all. The man has a full plate. I'm not looking to get into something serious."

"Too late." Jenny laughed.

"I am just enjoying spending time with him," I said. "We have fun together. I know that's hard for you guys to imagine, but it's true. Last night you guys should have seen him at the bar. He was entertaining. Everyone had a good time with him. He was making jokes and people were giving him shit about his wealth. He took it all in stride."

"He was there with you," Lauren said, a knowing smile floating on her lips. "That's what made him so comfortable. He was enjoying himself, in his element, and he had you by his side. He could just be him."

"Maybe," I mumbled noncommittally. "I think I've made him feel like he can be his true self."

"You've changed him, Rylee," she said earnestly. "In a good way."

"Not that he needed any changing," I clarified, trying to dispel the misconception that Simon was a project or something. "And I don't think I changed him. I just stripped away the defensive barrier he keeps up around everyone else."

"Sounds like we're going to be planning another wedding soon," Lauren teased.

"He's growing on me." I sighed. "A lot."

"We can tell." Mary Ellen grinned.

Dessert was brought to our table: an elegant fig and honey cheesecake that looked too beautiful to eat. It was one of those perfect afternoons where everything felt right in the world.

After lunch, we all decided to go back to the Big House for drinks and more wedding planning. Back at the house, we took over the living room, spreading out on the plush sofas, with notebooks and bridal magazines sprawled across the coffee table. Lauren was animated and excited, pulling out little pieces of fabric she'd collected for potential bridesmaids' gowns. We all oohed and ahhed over each one, suggesting styles and colors that might complement her wedding dress.

We dove into wedding planning with gusto. Lauren showed us Pinterest boards full of decoration ideas and hairstyles, eagerly asking for our opinions. We weighed in on everything from invitations to flower arrangements to the perfect shade of lipstick that would match her winter theme. It felt good to be in the company of my closest friends, helping Lauren plan the most important day of her life. After all, it wasn't every day that one of your best friends got married.

Well, in my case it was every couple of months, but that wasn't the point.

"The catering company sent over some menu samples," Lauren said, pulling out a brochure. "I'm thinking we should have a tasting soon to finalize the dishes."

"That sounds exciting," Karen said, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.

"And what about music?" Mary Ellen asked. "Have you decided on a band or a DJ?"

Lauren shook her head. "Not yet. We're still exploring options. Any recommendations?"

She was going to marry the man of her dreams in a few months, while my relationship with Simon was still in its early stages. Would I be in her position anytime soon? The thought both excited and terrified me.