Black Rose

Fifty One

Today, I'm meeting with the wedding planner Raine told me about last week. I invited Kelsi down because she's the only close friend I have and now sister, so I had to include her in this moment with me. I also put my pride aside and asked Venus to come back if she could because this is a huge moment for her as well, being I'm the only child and this will never happen again. When I spoke with her, she sounded down and I know exactly why, but I didn't bring the topic up. However, when I explained why I called, her mood changed drastically, and she'd booked a plane ticket before our conversation ended. Now, they were both here with me in Miami, while Raine and Ahmad were on daddy daycare duty.

Walking into the diner, the atmosphere was calm and laid back, just like the pictures shown online. For once, no false advertising to attract business. In the far back, next to the bar, I saw a woman who was no older than myself, sitting at a sectional by herself and knew it was Lydia. I proceeded to head in her direction with my plus two in tow and as if she had eyes in the back of her head, she turned around with a smile.

"Melrose, correct?" She asked, standing up as I approached her.

I nodded, offering my hand for a professional greeting. "Yes and you must be Lydia Smith."

"The one and only, but please, just call me Lydia. I am only twenty-seven and the whole formal name calling is not me." She rolled her eyes, slightly frowning before looking at Venus and Kelsi. "And who may these beautiful ladies be?"

"This is my mother, Venus and my sister/best friend, Kelsi."

"Bitch, I still can't believe we're actual sisters. Daddy is an asshole for not telling us sooner." Kelsi grew agitated. Chris came clean to her the day after I found out and she has been mad at him ever since. Venus gave her that motherly look that will scare a six foot, three-hundred-and-eighty-pound wrestler. "Excuse my outburst. It's nice to meet you Lydia."

Lydia waved her off and motioned for us to sit down. "No problem at all. I'm not one of those uptight, stick in the ass people. Feel free to voice whatever is on your mind, however you'd like. This is a judge free zone."

"She'll be on her best behavior." Venus chimed in, side eyeing Kelsi. "Isn't that right young lady?"

"Yes."

"Alright, let's get down to business, but first, are there any questions for me? I always let my clients have the opportunity to ask whatever it is they want to know about me."

"How long have you been a planner, professionally that is?" I delved right into the questions.

Lydia had a stunned looked on her face, but I need to know who I'm putting in charge of my magical night. "Straight to the point. I like it. I started planning professionally four years ago when I graduated college. Throughout my college experience, I used to assist some of my teachers with event planning to get a feel of what I'd be doing and it was the best internship I've had. Sometimes, depending on how big the event is, they'd let me plan the entire function without their assistance and the feedback was always positive. They'd even pay me for my work."

"How did you meet my fiancé?" I queried. Rule number one, always check to see if she's a has been or want to be. I'd be damn if I let her sabotage my wedding with malicious intent.

"My best friend is an interior designer with connections all over the states and she introduced me to one of his colleagues by the name of Tucker Wells. The hustler in me knocked into gear, so I showed him pictures of my work and he hired me. Your fiancé, Raine was in attendance at the wedding and Tucker introduced us. He told me he planned on proposing to his girlfriend and would need a planner, so I took his offer." I nodded in approval because she wasn't lying as of now. When I was four months pregnant, Tucker invited us to his wedding, but I didn't make it due to sickness. However, Raine was in attendance.