Under My Body

chapter eight

     It was finally Friday. Even though it was supposed to be my vacation, being a wedding planner never really stops. Coming to Canada was meant to be a break, a chance to relax with Xavier and Penny, but getting a client in the same town as his? That was a coincidence I couldn't pass up. I love being a wedding planner—the stress, the people, the researching, and going to different venues or simply talking and finding things. It's all enjoyable for me.

Xavier was annoyed at first that I was working while I was here, but after bribing him with his favorite Bischoff cheesecake, his tantrum died down. He acted like he didn't care, but I knew better.

Most people are shocked when they find out what I do for a living. Maybe it's because I give off an introverted vibe, but once I start talking about a wedding, people usually tell me to shut up. They don't realize that planning weddings is how I express myself.

Penny was heading out of town for the weekend to visit her sister, who was going through a bit of a crisis. Apparently, she'd broken up with her boyfriend, regretted it almost immediately, and now wanted him back—except he wanted nothing to do with her. Penny, being the ever-dutiful sister, had packed her bags and was standing at the front door, ready to leave.

"You both be safe. The house better be clean when I get back, and no drugs, please," she said, hugging the life out of Xavier. The look on his face made me laugh.

"Mom, I'm 26, for God's sake. I came here to visit you, so I think I know what I should and shouldn't do."

She rolled her eyes and moved toward me. "Whatever it is, I'm only a call away, sweets. I know you both are grown adults, but I'm still a mother who worries."

I kissed her cheek. "We'll be okay, Penny."

Xavier took her bag and put it in the trunk of her car, and she left. With a big grin on his face, he turned to me, swinging his arm over my shoulders.

"Time to hit the smoke, my sweet V."

I snorted, thinking he was joking, but when I heard no reply, I turned back. "You're kidding."

With one text to the group, Xavier and I cleaned up the house and got some food ready for the small party. We turned the massive sofa into a bed by putting the sections together and laying down thick blankets and pillows. The dining table was covered with empty bowls, and three of Penny's hidden whiskies and tequilas were out. Xavier found them under her bed—she apparently hadn't changed her hiding spot since he was 16. He promised he'd buy new bottles and hide them back, so it would be like they were never touched. I rolled my eyes at that; Penny would know either way.

The gang would be arriving in two hours, so I told Xavier I was going to take a quick shower.

After a nice, hot shower, I changed into something cute and comfortable. I wore navy blue, patterned flare pants with a hoodie over my red bralette. The hoodie was off-shoulder, showing off the bralette straps. I took out the braids I had done earlier that morning, letting my hair fall in curly waves down my back.

I stood in front of the mirror, scrutinizing my reflection. The pants were skin-tight, clinging to my curves in a way that made me feel exposed. I looked down at my tummy, sighing. I know the girls will look better than I do.

Why am I feeling like this? Is it because of Asher? God, I need to stop.

"You look fine, Malar. Stop thinking so much," I whispered to myself, trying to push the negative thoughts away. My mind drifted to Asher—his smile, the way he spoke to me at the hospital. I hadn't seen everyone since then, except for Dellana when we met for lunch a few days ago.