Loves Deception

Chapter 23

Over the next month and a half Layla and Ethan settled into a comfortable friendship. They realized that both were holding back their hearts and they agreed to pump the breaks before they ruined their budding friendship. They never had sex, and the times that they did kiss she never experienced the sparks. The swooning that she always felt with Xavier. They talked about everything and even went out to dinner occasionally. They took in a movie or two and even sent funny emails back and forth just to help each other through the work week. She felt comfortable enough asking him to accompany her to her best friends wedding, and he said yes. That was one less problem she had to worry about.

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“Thanks again sweetie.” Layla said stifling a yawn. “No problem babe. I know your friend has been running you ragged these past couple of weeks.” “Yeah. Ragged isn't the word. It’s only two weeks until the wedding and she is having cold feet still. I'm using half my vacation time that was supposed to be for my Christmas present to the sandals resort in California. Now I'll be stuck in bridesmaid hell." She pouted. “Yeah babe that's a bummer. But at least you get to see family and friends.” Ethan said trying to soothe her. “Ugh! Don't remind me. I still haven't gotten over Thanksgiving. They wore me out." He burst out laughing and she cut her eyes at him. “‘Yeah laugh now and cry later. Don't forget you're my date. So get ready to be grilled. By the time their done with you, you’ll be darker than me.” He glanced at her medium brown skin and they both burst out laughing. They chatted amicably on the short ride to the airport.

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“Thank god you're here!” Naomi rushed into her arms as she exited the airport. She had made it. Layla hugged her friend as she struggled to hold onto her bags. "Its good to see you too, but you're choking me sweetie." Layla rasped. “Sorry. Girl I'm just so happy to see you. Everything is going wrong. The church flooded, the restaurant forgot to book us for the rehearsal dinner and David doesn't want to have a coed bachelor party!” Naomi screamed. “Alright. Calm down. Damn. Let’s get out of the airport before the police think your having a nervous breakdown.” Layla said looking around at the people staring at them. As they drove to Naomi and David's home in Alpharetta she talked nonstop. "I'm just so stressed out girl, maybe this is a sign. I mean everything is falling apart and I. I just don't know Lay." Naomi said nervously. “Nae! Please just chill. Don't go second guessing yourself just because a couple of incompetent people. Everything will be fine. I promise. You just have jitters that's all. Let me take care of everything. That's my job OK. I'm here now so give me the stress. ” Layla squeezed her best friend's hand and smiled over at her. Naomi sighed. “See that's why you're my day one. You know just what to say and do. I love you girl.” They air kissed and laughed. As she passed through the security gates and drive further into the subdivision Layla took a moment to sightsee all the beautiful oversized homes. Every house was decorated for the Christmas holiday and everything looked pristinely beautiful. Her friend had done well for herself.

Naomi was vice president of her advertising agency, and her college sweetheart and soon to be husband was a successful video game designer. They lived in one of the most affluent city's in the outskirts of Atlanta. Layla had visited her countless times and still marveled at the views. As she pulled into her winding driveway Layla noticed cars lined the sides. "You have company hon?" Layla asked absently. Naomi smiled meekly as she pulled into the double wide garage pulling the classic Range Rover to a halt. "Um. I sort of forgot to tell you that the fitting turned into a "fitting party" she said softly. Layla's eyes bugged. "What! Are you serious? A party! Really Nae? I mean who all is here and I look a mess and I'm tired and oh god! I wish you would have said something dammit!" “I know, I'm sorry! But if I'd of told you then you would have caught a later flight. This is the only way we can get everyone together for the last fitting. I just want everything to be perfect.” Naomi whined. "Oh god" Layla moaned. She could feel a headache coming on. “Ok Ok. Shit! Please stop whining girl. You need to sneak me inside and to my room pronto. I need to freshen up before anyone sees me all wrinkled and frumpy.” she huffed. She exited the truck and grabbed her bags while Naomi got the door. They entered into the large laundry room. Naomi peeked through the door to see if the coast was clear. They ran into the the massive kitchen and stopped. They heard voices trial off and continued on. They crept through the double doors and past the dining room. Then raced up the winding staircase and onto the top level of the house. It was even more elegant than the bottom. It held seven bedrooms and six and a half baths. They hurried down the long hallway and entered a door to the left. Layla looked around the room and blew a breath. "Girl." Was all she said. They burst out laughing. “ Everyone seems to be outside on the patio so your safe in here for now." "Gee, Thanks" She said sarcastically. "So go ahead get freshened up come down and mingle. The fitting starts in half a hour. Your dress is hanging in the closet so bring it with you." “Yes massa" Naomi hugged her friend again. “I've really missed you boo. I'm glad we get to spend some time together. Talking on the phone wasn't cutting it” "Aw, sweetie I'm glad I’m here too. I wouldn't miss this for the world." They squeezed each other and Naomi left the room.

Layla showered and dressed in jeans and a thin sweater. The weather here was warmer this time of year than back home. There wasn't any snow this year, but there was a slight chill in the air today. She had gotten her hair in Senegalese twists for the wedding so she wouldn't have to fuss with her hair. She piled her hair atop her head and twisted it into a knot. She'd fix it later. She stretched out across the bed and opened her notebook. She had started it the moment she became the maid of honor. It held every piece of information pertaining to the wedding and since she had flown down a week early she figured she'd get a jump start on her duties.

First she called the church to get a update on the repairs. She spoke with the church secretary and she informed her that everything was progressing well and the wedding was still scheduled. She invited them down to see for themselves and Layla made a appointment for the upcoming week. Then she called every restaurant in the proximity and all were booked up until after Christmas which was three weeks away. Why her friend chose to get married four days before Christmas was beyond her. This was the busiest time of the year in Atlanta. Hell Chicago was ten times worse! Truthfully she was glad to be spending more time with her family and friends, even though she was spending her Christmas at a resort. An idea came to mind. Her friend's home was huge. The dining area alone seated at least twenty five comfortably. They could have the rehearsal at the church and then come back here for a sit down dinner. She'd hire a caterer and everyone could  relax and enjoy themselves. Done! Now there was the bachelor parties. Her friend was crazy to expect her fiancee to share a party with her. Layla would calmly suggest that they meet separately at a club and party together then part ways for their own fun later. It was a win win for everyone. She yawned and looked at the clock on the wall. She still had fifteen minutes until the fitting. She closed her eyes for a moment.