A Taste of You

45: Life Will Always Throw Curves

I texted Ethan when I got in to let him know we were back safely. I asked him to call me if he was up. He didn't call until late morning. I told him about our chance meeting with Mateo, about how he protected me from Lupo,and about our duet.

What I didn't tell him was that I waited on the beach for Mateo at sunrise. And he never showed. Either he got the closure he needed or he's continuing to run from it. Either way, I was disappointed that I at least didn't get to say goodbye.

***

Night Before the Wedding

The past two weeks have flown by and now the day of our wedding has arrived. We held the rehearsal dinner at C'est Fini. It was a night filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and of course, delicious food.

Before leaving Ethan was super romantic. "Are you sure we have to spend the night apart from one another? I need to make sure you don't get diverted on your way to meet me at the altar."

"Well the restaurant is closed for the week so no worries about work. Ronnie plans to bubble wrap me once we leave and then only unwrap me minutes before the main event. Past flames are either in the bridal party or out of the country with one exception." I go through the list of threats.

"Mateo?" Ethan guesses.

"I think he got the closure he needed in San Diego. So no worries...I'll be walking down that aisle towards you. Here's a hint: I'll be the one in white, trying not to cry." I tease.

"Well I'll be the one at the altar anticipating every step you take towards becoming my beautiful wife." He says with adoration in his brilliant blue eyes.

"Stop, you're going to make me cry now. Are your vows written?" I ask.

"Mostly. Yours?"

"Of course! I remember how tongue-tied I was when I first stared into your eyes. Can't let that happen with a room full of people watching." I confess.

"Know what else you can't let happen with a room full of people? You can't show up with bags under your eyes. Now let's go, bride-to-be." Ronnie tries to shoo me along.

"This is it, my last night as Chef Alise Ballas." I sigh.

"You'll always be Chef Alise Ballas. While I love that you're becoming a Garcetti, I think you should keep your last name. You've built such a reputation around yourself." He says proudly.

"Well maybe it's time to start anew, especially as I think about teaching and maybe a second restaurant in the near future." I say, tapping my chin.

"Maybe y'all didn't understand me the first time? Aron, a little help here." Ronnie asks her beau. Aron looks at both me and Ethan, sizing us up. He picks me up and puts me over his shoulder.

I gasp. "Aron, is this completely necessary?"

"You heard the woman. Now kiss Ethan goodbye and I'll escort you to Ronnie's car." He directs me.

I cup Ethan's face and whisper to him before kissing him. "I can't wait to become your wife tomorrow."

"And I can't wait to be your husband." We kiss, but before we're ready to disengage Aron starts walking out.

"Rude!" I yell.

"This is the last time I get to carry you over my shoulder as a single lady. Live in the moment, Alise!" Aron laughs.

I stay the night with Ronnie. We have a spa day scheduled with the moms, Aliya, and Bev. We opted for an early evening wedding followed by a seated dinner reception at a separate venue based almost entirely on the catering. As a chef, I have to have food that fits my standards at my wedding.