Phoenix ✔️

Chapter 36: Double Excitement

"So, I've got a few agents noted down on the list. I did some research, along with my friend, who knows several agents in the business, and we were able to kind of narrow down a few things to help you get published. What about you? How's your query letter going?" Lara asks, as she flips through the guest list for her and Dom's wedding.

I rub my forehead with my fingers, and say, "Oh my gosh, it's such a pain in the neck. I've been rewriting it like a madman, and just having a really hard time overall. Is it going to be this bad always?"

Lara shrugs. "I mean, it's just the start. It's going to get worse. But, you're strong. I know you're going to get better. It's going to get better, and you're going to be fine. I assure you."

I smile, and look over at Lara's guest list. "You doing okay? You seem kind of stressed. Do you want some help?"

Lara shakes her head. "The guest list is the least of my worries. There's something else on my mind that's just bugging me for some reason."

I raise an eyebrow. "Wanna talk about it? I mean, it may help. Usually if we feel weird, we just need to talk about it."

Lara looks at me, with a raised eyebrow, and says, "You sure?"

I nod. "Come on. It's not the end of the world. Plus, if you talk about it, you'll probably let off what's bothering you so much. Been through that several times. But, of course, I'm not pressuring you. If you want to talk about it, do it. If not, I won't bug you for it."

Lara nods. "Yeah, I think I'll talk. Basically, I think Dom's changing. He's not around much, he's kind of iffy. I don't know what's going on."

I raise an eyebrow. "Give it some time, Lara. It's a pretty stressful time at his office right now. A huge project is going on right now. Once he's done, which will be in a few days, then he'll embrace you with open arms, thanking gosh that he's finally done with that hellhole. Plus, the last touches on your guys' wedding are another factor. Trust me, on your honeymoon, you guys will have lots of time for each other."

Lara chuckles. She checks off a few more gusts from her list and then flips the notebook page to the next one to see the extended list. Honestly, I don't even think my college essays were that long. She looks like she is writing an essay for English class that could screw her grade if she doesn't do well.

"How many guests are you inviting? Dang."

Lara snickers. She sets her pencil down, and looks back at me. She has the look on her face like one that a teacher has when she's about to tell a long, somewhat interesting story. "Well, Nicole, you see, my mother is Thai, and my dad is Cambodian. Asian families are humongous. Like, you're expected to know your mother's sister's cousin's dog's nephew's step-brother's rabbit's uncle, and act like it's normal. So, we have a bit of an extended guest list because my mom wants to invite my favorite cousins and aunts and uncles. Dom doesn't mind, partially because my parents are paying for the family part, and we're paying for the part where our own family and friends are coming. You know, the ones which we actually see regularly and know they exist. So, my guest list is longer than the wait time at an Apple store on Black Friday."

"And yet Dom refused to leave the line."

"I'm telling you, everyone wanted the IPhone since it was so cheap."

We just laugh some more, and then with that, she closes the notebook. "This is just our personal family and friends that Dom and i invited. My mom's got the large family."

I nod, and then say, "Have you had your coffee yet? You look a little bit woozy."

Lara nods. "Yeah, I had a cup ten minutes ago. By the way, that creamer you recommended is delicious. It tastes amazing. So, thanks for that."