Arranged to My Best Friend

12.

BRIE

I stared at the Dallas' Victorian-styled house, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the fact Ryder wasn't here. I usually always had him with me. His mother had called me and asked if I could come over. Obviously, I couldn't say no.

I rang the doorbell and waited unsurely, switching my weight from one foot to another. I kept nibbling on my bottom lip because I didn't know what the afternoon held. The wide oak door opened and I stepped inside when the maid gestured me in. Despite the times I've been here, I still stare at the decked out foyer and sleek hardwood floors.

Michelle came from the living room and smiled at me. "I'm so glad you could make it, Brie."

"So am I," I said.

Georgie appeared from behind her mother, clad in skinny jeans and a white leather jacket. "Got the keys to the Porsche, Mom."

"Where are we going?" I asked curiously, eyebrows scrunched together.

Michelle slid on a designer mahogany coat and grabbed the keys. "We are going out for lunch and then doing some shopping. If you're going to be married to a Dallas, let me warn you: there are women who are vultures. They'll tear you apart and criticize everything you do. But I'm here to help you show those women how amazing you are."

I smiled gratefully. If anyone knew how to handle being a Dallas woman, it'd be her. She was married to the head honcho.

"Thanks, Michelle," I told her.

She waved it off. "No problem, sweetie. Now let's go. And no, Georgie, you cannot drive."

"Why?" the teenager whined.

"I'm not risking the life of my car or Brie. Ryder would have a fit if his fiancée was killed," Michelle shot back.

Georgie bit her lip. "Okay, point taken. I don't want to become a shish kabob."

~~~

After a delicious lunch at a Japanese restaurant, we drove to the mall where all the good clothes were sold. Apparently, we had to ump my wardrobe a little bit. I wasn't opposed to new clothes, as long as they weren't pink and frilly and ruffled. I liked to stay with my current color schemes and free of annoyances.

When we found a parking spot and began walking, I felt a vibrate in my pocket. I took my phone from the back of my jeans and read the text.

Save me. The meeting is being overran to lunch. We've already discussed everything! What else is there??

I typed in: You can make it. I'm going out with your mom and sister. If I can survive a day with your opinionated mother, you can survive a day of overrun meetings.

He responded shortly: Good luck. Don't be afraid to tell her what you like and don't like.

I replied with: I won't.

"Is that Ryder?" Georgie asked as we ventured our way through the semi-crowded aisles.

I nodded. "Yeah. He's complaining about a meeting running into lunch."

"Hey, at least he's not with us. Personally, I rather be in his spot than shopping. Mom can be... overbearing at times," she said in a low tone so Michelle wouldn't hear.

I didn't know whether or not to agree or disagree. The last thing I wanted is to offend her or her mother.

"Can I tell you something?" She questioned.

"You can tell me anything," I offered truthfully.

Georgie glanced at me to meet my eyes momentarily. "Thank you."