If I Have To

The Wedding Ringer

New York, New York
February 21st

Xena M.

New York was a beautiful city. The huge buildings and the pretty lights that shined at night were mesmerizing. That was late at night. The morning time was terrible. I woke up around seven because I couldn't sleep and already heard a whole bunch of commotion going on. Compared to Seattle, this city was noisy. The traffic was similar, ridiculous on whole other level.

There was also a whole bunch of buildings surrounding each other. It was cramped. At least I was in close proximity of nature down at home. The greenery Evergreens always caught my attention every time I saw them. I desperately wanted my parents to snag me an Evergreen tree, so I could take care of it in my room. Like a child. I know that was weird but I wanted to raise a tree so badly. I never got the opportunity to because raising a tree was stupid to my family.

I still wanted to.

That was all a fantasy. I honestly wished this whole marriage situation was a fantasy as well. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I was about to do this in four hours. Time was something man besides on my side.

Jeez.

"Xena Mills."

I was brought out of my daze when my name was called. I turned to see the bridal stylist, all smiles since we were about to slide her a stack of cash. I stood to my feet, Cynthia doing the same. Yes, she came along with me because this was a woman thing. That's how Franklin explained it soon as he told me about the appointment. I hated that he was giving me information so last minute.

I mean I understand why. I'll literally have a damn fit, fusing and cursing everyone out over this. I still did either way. The entire ride over here I was fusing with Cynthia who was busy trying to tell me that I was blessed. Honored even to be getting married into such a wealthy family. As if our family wasn't already rich enough. Why did I need another random sicko with money to be attached to me? It was stupid.

Regardless, my ass was here following behind this bridal stylist as we went to the back. All I saw were white wedding gowns dressed on headless mannequins. They all were long, decorative, and ugly.

Extremely.

The stylist came to a sudden stop and turned around fast, her hair dramatically doing the same. Still all smiles on her face. She must really enjoyed her job. I wished she stopped smiling though because I wasn't feeling this.

"Alright, so who's the bride?" She eagerly asked, moving side to side. Were all New York people out here this happy? If that was the case then I was not going to be able to handle it.

"This is the bride! She's getting married in four hours!" Cynthia cheered, clapping her hands.

The stylist raised her brow and her happiness turned into concern. She sized me up and down, and a fake smile came on her face. Now, she knows how I was feeling at the moment.

"Well then, congratulations." She gave me a small head nod.

"Mhm," I hummed, crossing my arms. "Can we get this over with please?"

"Right!" She went back to that bubbly attitude. Turning around, her hair moving with her, she continued walking.

I gave Cynthia a glare. She rolled her eyes at me then walked off. I blew out an annoyed breath and went along. The stylist stood in front of a huge dressing room.