Hearts On The Highrise

Chapter 23 : amidst the mall crowd

New York City was blessed with a glorious day. The sun was out in full force, painting everything in a golden hue, while a gentle breeze swept through the streets, offering a welcome relief from the summer heat. I met up with my friends – Heidi, Tina, and Nudee – at this cute little terrace joint for a brunch session. The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and good vibes, and despite the stress at work, I couldn't help but feel my spirits lift in the company of my girls.

As we settled in, I couldn't help but notice how much closer Nudee had gotten to us specially to Tina lately. It was a bit surprising considering that Nudee was Engfa's bestie, but I guess friendships have a way of evolving, right?

The girls turned their attention to me, their eyes gleaming with excitement. "So, Charlotte, when are we diving into wedding planning? And where's the big shindig going to be?" Heidi chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. I chuckled nervously, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety bubbling inside me. "Well, uh, we haven't really figured out all the details yet," I admitted, scratching the back of my head. "But we'll get there, right?"

"Of course, we'll get there," Tina reassured, her smile brightening the table. "But seriously, Charlotte, have you thought about what kind of venue you want? A beach wedding would be dreamy!" Nudee nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Or maybe a garden wedding with lots of flowers," she suggested, her gaze drifting off as she imagined the scene.

Heidi leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "And what about the dress? Have you started looking for the perfect gown?" she asked eagerly. I laughed nervously, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks. "Uh, not yet, but I have some ideas," I replied vaguely, hoping to steer the conversation away from the daunting task of dress shopping.

As the conversation flowed around me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the peace Mew and I were experiencing. Gone were the days of tension and reproaches over my interactions with Engfa. Now, things were finally falling into place, and we could focus on the excitement of planning our wedding. With a contented smile, I realized that our future together was brighter than ever before.

"Hey, girls, what do you say we plan a getaway to my place by Lake Flower this summer?" Nudee's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she pitched the idea. "It's just a couple of hours' drive from the city, and trust me, it's stunning out there, especially in the summer. We could chill, take the kayaks out on the lake, and just soak up the sun. What do you all think?"

I couldn't help but smile at Nudee's enthusiasm. The thought of a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City sounded incredibly tempting. Plus, spending quality time with my closest friends in such a picturesque setting was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

"That sounds amazing!" I chimed in, nodding eagerly. "I'm definitely in. It'll be a much-needed break from the city madness."

"Count me in too!" Tina exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of a peaceful retreat. "I could definitely use some time away from the chaos of work."

Heidi nodded in agreement. "It sounds like just what we all need."

Nudee grinned, pleased with their positive response. "Great! I'll start planning everything and let you know the dates."

As the conversation unfolded, I couldn't shake off the feeling of longing that crept into my heart. The thought of escaping to Lake Flower for a few days sounded like a much-needed respite from the chaos of city life. I realized how desperately I needed this break, a chance to leave behind the stress of work and simply bask in the company of my friends.

As we enjoyed our brunch, Tina and Heidi seemed absorbed in their own conversation, leaving me to engage in a private conversation with Nudee. Amidst the clinking of cutlery and the merry chatter that surrounded us, Nudee leaned towards me, her expression filled with genuine concern.