Chapter 4-
The Plaza
The horns of Mendelssohn's wedding march played into the church.
Slowly I told myself, one step at a time.
This was the most beautiful church I'd ever seen. The ceiling was high with wood beams and round arches ran down the sides of the church, the floors were smooth and shiny; made of marble, and small twig- like trees acted as decorative elements. Mahogany pews ran down either side of the aisle, with glass vases, holding small flickering candles acted like street lamps to guide the bride to her future. Slowly, I made my way down the aisle, amazed at the beauty.
At the end of the aisle were five marble steps. A priest stood on the third step and standing before the steps, staring at me with the most amazing smile on his face was...
Wait was that...No way! It can't be. I squinted my eyes, my mind must be playing tricks on me.
No it wasn't!
Dressed in a black tux, standing at the end of the aisle, the aisle I was currently walking down, was Edward Cullen.
As I reached the end, Edward held out his and for me, which I happily accepted. He pulled me close and whispered to me.
"You look beautiful." Of course I blushed.
He smiled at me then kissed my cheek softly and we both turned to face the priest, who smiled and began the ceremony.
"We're gathered here today." But slowly the dream started to morph. Things became blurry but nobody seemed to notice, Edwards was still smiling and looking at the priest who had not stopped the ceremony. I felt like I was being pulled backwards, I lost my hold on Edwards hand. As I regained my balance, the dream became clear again. Only this time I was standing at the back of the church. I looked to my left expecting to see Edward but he was not there, but Jayde was. I looked down the aisle, which I had just walked down. Edward was there, staring lovingly into the eyes of Tanya.
"No," I screamed, running towards Edward, but I never made it to him, instead:
My eyes flew open, I lay in my bed, breathing heavily, trying to slow my heart beat.
What the hell was that? I'd just dreamed that I was marrying Edward Cullen. I barely even knew him!
I once dreamed that I jumped off a moving train because I was being chased by Ronald McDonald, so in all fairness you can't help what you dream about, and that was all it was; A dream, which would never become a reality. At this thought I decided that it's best to forget that it even happened. If I paid attention to every dream I have ever had I would have gone crazy by now.
Just keep it professional Bella. I reminded myself of the promise I made myself last night.
I practically jumped out of my skin, when my alarm went off. I shut it off. Today was the first official day of planning for Tanya and Edward's wedding. Sighing; I dragged myself out of my king size bed and went through my usual routine.
I chose to wear a black vintage inspired dress with a small red belt, black and red peep toe Christian Louboutins, a black Moschino, bag and stud earrings.
I got to work at 8:45, and spent twenty minutes listening to Jessica's speech about her wedding. Honestly, I was trying to delay her wedding, hoping that she'd realise what a twat Mike really was before tying the knot. But I can only pretend to have a full schedule for so long. When Jayde came to remind me of a meeting, I managed to escape Jessica's talks about potential flower arrangements. The meeting wasn't until ten, but clearly Jayde felt my plea to be free from that situation, and came to the rescue.
I went to talk to Sinead and Angela, to update them both on yesterdays' events.
I was so caught up in the conversation, that I failed to realise the time. It was only when Shayna, Angela's first assistant, came into Angela's office to tell me that my clients had arrived and were waiting for me in my office that I'd realized the time. I dashed back into my office to greet my guest, all the while mentally prepare myself what was going to be a very long day.
As I approached my office Jayde appeared by side.
"Where were you? I've been looking for you thirty minutes! Oh never mind… She's already in your office. I just told her you had to make an emergency call and you would be with her as soon as possible." She said, handing me Tanya's file as we came to a stop outside my office door.
"Oh thank you. Sorry, I was talking to Ange and Sinead, I lost track of time." I thanked her and let her avoid the whole situation that was about to occur by allowing her to stay out of the meeting, unless I needed her. That certainly made her happy.
When I opened my office door I thought I had been blinded. But I hadn't. It was just Tanya's outfit, reflecting the sunlight.
She was dressed in a very bright white structured dress; white peep toe heels decorated rhinestones and a white leather bag. The whole outfit was very bright, it almost hurt to look at but she did look good. However, I forgot about her outfit, the minute I saw who was standing next to her.
I was shocked, I thought I was only meeting with Tanya. Why I thought that I'm not so sure. It was normal for the groom to accompany his bride to the first official day of planning. Even though they never contribute much, they tend to just sit there staring into space replying with a 'Yes darling' or 'whatever you want sweetheart' whenever they are asked a question.
The second I looked into face I was caught up in his eyes, they were so deep and hypnotizing, I couldn't look away and it seemed that he was having problems looking away from me or maybe he was just wondering why I was just standing there looking into his eyes. 'No Bella you're not looking, you're staring!' My mind had gone back to screaming at me again.
"Morning Bella!. How are you?" Tanya asked, drawing my attention to her and away from Edward.
Edward seemed to regain himself as well "Yes Bella, How are you." Oh my gosh his voice is so sexy.
"I'm good, Thank you both for asking. I... I am so sorry I am late," I somehow managed to get out. I cleared my throat and started again.
"That's fine Bella, Your assistant explained that you were had to make an important call," Edward reassured me.
"Would you like a drink?" I offered but neither of them wanted one. "Please have a seat," I offered. Tanya sat down right away, but Edward remained standing.
"I wasn't expecting the both of you." I say honestly sitting down in my chair. When I had sat down, he finally took his seat.
"Well it was going to be just me, Eddy had this big meeting at work but I made him come here instead. My wedding is bigger and more important; I told him he should make more of an effort. And so, he's here," She stated as a matter of fact.
So basically she'd guilt tripped him into coming. Poor Edward. He stood no chance against this woman.
"It's lovely that you gave up work just to be here," I blurted out.
"Once again I am really sorry that I was late," I said gruffly, trying to regain my professionalism.
Edward laughed lightly. His voice sounded like bells chiming.
"It's okay Bella, honestly, we all have those days when things don't go according to plan," he flashed the most dazzling smile I had ever seen towards me and I immediately felt my breath hitch.
"Well, if you're sure." I said in a croaky voice. I couldn't look away. That is until the sound of an annoying insect interrupted our little conversation.
"So can we get started then?" she was trying to be polite but her voice held slight annoyance. I was tempted to tell her where to go but she was right, we had a lot of work to do.
We spent the morning going through the musts and must not's for the entire ceremony. They had decided that they wanted to get married by the end of the upcoming summer, August 28th. That gave me just over five months to pull this whole thing together. No pressure then.
The average wedding takes up to a year to plan. This includes dress rehearsals, dress fittings and confirming and the re-confirming every single aspect of the wedding. That can be hard at the best of times, and when you have a bride like Tanya, five months is barely any time at all. Lucky for her, I loved a challenge.
"Well because of the small time period, we need to start work right away. What we need to do is decided how many people are coming, then we can start looking for a venue. Once we have a venue we can start with the invitations and start talking to caters if need be."
"This is so exciting! Isn't it Eddy! It about time we got the ball rolling," she was squealing and practically jumping in her seat. Edward smile at her and kissed her cheek, a wave of envy shot through me.
"Yes sweetheart it is, but you need to calm down," he said placing his hands on her shoulders, trying to hold her in place.
"I know but I can't! I'm just so excited. Guess what Bella?" Her voice was getting higher and higher. If she kept going at this rate soon only dogs would be able to hear her. Clearly, Edward's calming techniques weren't working. She pushed his hand off her shoulders.
"Edward, get off. You're crinkling my dress." I wanted to lean over the desk a slap her.
"Um...What's that Tanya?" I asked her hesitantly, scared I would explode.
"Eddy and I have already decided who will be coming to the wedding. We spent last night deciding. So basically anyone who is not on this list is going to miss out, anyone not on this list won't be allowed anywhere near my wedding." She reached into her bag and pulled out a pile of papers.
"That's great, one less thing for us to do," I said taking the papers off her. True to her word they had, well she had already compiled a guest list for 162 people. This list consisted of the bride and groom, five bridesmaids, two ushers and a best man, a flower girl, a page boy and 150 guests. Um.. Only 150. I expected more.
"I'll have the first draft of your invitation list typed up. Okay, I guess we can start talking about the venues." I said laying the list on my desk. "Any ideas at all."
"Well I can tell you that I simply won't get married in a registry office, I don't know how people do that, there nothing even remotely special about that, it's just wrong and daddy would hate it. So no registry offices. Also, I'm not so keen getting married on the beach either, the sand and sea water would completely ruin my dress. I'm not going anywhere near a pub. I will not get married in park, a barn, a tent, not on a pier, or a dock or a boat for that matter. Also, no to a garden or church. I'm not religious."
Edward had remained silent throughout her decision on where she just 'simply won't' get married. How does he put up with her? I looked over to him, trying to be sly about it only to find him staring directly at me. When he became aware that he had been caught he quickly looked at Tanya.
"Um.. What about a hotel, or a country house or an exclusive country club." I asked Tanya.
"I like the sound of the country house. A hotel is also a good idea, as long as it's posh of course, I can't be seen in some cheap motel. I also like the sound of a private country club. See, this is why I hired you Bella." She seemed genuinely impressed.
It wasn't exactly rocket science to figure out a venue since she hadn't left me with many options in the first place, but I smiled and accepted the compliment.
"I can have a list of the most private and exclusive hotels and clubs ready for you by this afternoon. I can also arrange for a viewing of the Plaza this afternoon, if you're both free."
"The Plaza hotel? What an amazing idea! Yes, only the best of the best can walk through the front doors! We'll definitely be there!"
I think my ear drum just burst. I pulled my lips into a tight smile and called for Jayde.
"Yes Bella?" She asked, walking into the office.
"I need you to ring Aro Volturi and arrange for a viewing this afternoon, for a wedding. I also need a list of all the private country clubs, houses, and exclusive hotels. Oh, and here's the copy of the guest list so make any adjustments and re-type it please," I said handing her the list.
"Of course, I shall have these typed up right away." She smiled and left the office.
"So it seems that we have plans this afternoon! Do you want to get some lunch Bella?" Tanya asked.
"No thank you Tanya, that's okay," I declined as politely as I could manage. There was no way I was spending more time with this woman than I needed to. Nothing on earth would get me to go to lunch with her. Well almost nothing.
"I insist Bella, you're doing so much for us. Plus it will give us a chance to get to know you." His voice is truly perfect, how can anyone resist that?
"Okay." I gave in without even putting up a fight.
I stood from my desk and gathered my bag, just as Tanya and Edward stood up to leave. As we left my office Jayde hung up the phone.
"Ah here you go Bella." She said handing me a piece of paper. "I got you an appointment for 2:30 this afternoon and here's that list you asked for."
"Thank you Jayde. I'm going to lunch now, so feel free to leave when you're ready. I probably won't be back until later."
"That's fine. I've got a lot of work to do," I just offered her the rest of the day off and she declined. This girl works too hard.
"Ok well, I will see you later." I said
"Bye Bella." She said to me, then turned to address Edwards and Tanya. "Goodbye Mr. Cullen, Miss Denali."
"It was lovely to meet you. Thank you everything today." Edward addressed Jayde with a dazzling smile.
"Bye Jamie," Tanya replied, clearly bored with the conversation.
"It's Jayde, Tanya." Edward said to her.
"Isn't that what I said?" She asked. She didn't even wait for a reply, she just walked off down the corridor.
No, you spoilt bitch you said Jamie! I felt like screaming. I slowly breathed in and out, calming my anger. Edward ran his hand through his hair, sighing.
"I apologise for that," he said to Jayde.
"Its fine Mr. Cullen," Jayde reassured him.
With one last smile he walked off in the direction Tanya had left in. I looked at Jayde, who was giving me a sympathetic look but trying not to laugh at the same time. I rolled my eyes at her and took off after Tanya and Edward.
*~XOXOXOXOXO~*
For lunch we ended up at The Four Seasons restaurant Tanya's choice obviously. The whole time she was there all she did was talk about herself, there was hardly any point in me or Edward even being there. She did enough talking for the both of us. I think my contributions consisted of "ooh" and "ok" while Edward's was "Anything you want sweetheart."
Was there anything this women did that wasn't completely over-the-top? Did she have any depth to her personality at all? Was she really the 'Princess' everyone seems to refer her to as? Judging by what I had seen in the space of two days, yes she was. Whenever Edward tried to show her any sort of affection she would just brush him off or tell him to shut up.
What was her problem? I didn't understand her.
Most women spend their lives looking for a guy like Edward, hell I wanted him. But she had him and didn't seem to see the way she treated him. But then again he allowed her to treat him that way. So he deserves it. Right? No he didn't believe that.
As soon as we exited the restaurant reporters rushed up to us asking endless questions, the paparazzi taking none stop pictures. Someone must have tipped them off that Tanya and Edward were here. I heard Edward curse lightly under his breath. He went to shield Tanya from the endless sea of pap's but she push his hands away, with a blunt "Get off". He sighed, then looked at me. Clearly the distress was showing on my face because he moved to cover me slightly. I really didn't like this, in fact I hated it.
Tanya on the other hand was loving the spotlight. The paparazzi were screaming her name, their cameras were flashing so brightly I could barely see where I was going. I finally managed to stumble my way over to the car. Edward was already there holding the door open for me, blocking me from the screaming fans, paparazzi, and news reporters. I wasted no time jumping in and pulling the door closed behind me. Seconds later Edward has climbed into the drivers seats. Tanya however was still posing for cameras.
"Are you ok Bella?" Edwards looked at me with worry.
"I'm fine. I'm just not used to that sort of thing, it took me off guard." I tried to explain, but my heart was still beating like crazy. He wasn't convinced.
"Are you sure? You look like you're going to faint. Do you need water?" He genuinely seemed to care about my well-being.
Could this guy get any more perfect? He was just so caring, charming, honest, and intelligent and his was a gentleman. He stood when a woman entered the room, he pulled out my chair for me at lunch, he shielded me from the press when he saw stressed out the situation made me. He had such old fashioned values, which left me speechless, and falling more and more for his charm. I didn't have time to reply, before Tanya finally climbed into the car.
"Wasn't that exhilarating? I love it when they just appear out of nowhere like that. My hair looks ok right, I mean they were just taking so many pictures, I hope I don't look bad, but then again that's not really possible. Oh I told them about the wedding plans and that Bella's planning the wedding, so they know it's going to be amazing." She turned to smile at me. You could hear and see the excitement in her voice and body language. She lived off the attention she was given. I have seriously never met anyone like her before.
"No Tan, it wasn't. You know I hate when they swarm around you like that. Can't you just walk away when it happens?" Edward asked Tanya, pulling the car away from the restaurant.
"Edward, don't tell me what to do!" She fired at him. Then crossed her arm staring out the window.
"Tan, I'm only telling you because I just want you to be safe." He sounded so defeated.
I remained quite throughout their little disagreement. Why did he put up with her and her behaviour? She really did act like a child sometimes.
The remainder of the journey to The Plaza was quite. Tanya continued to sulk like a child staring out the window, with her arms crossed.
As we pulled up to the twenty story luxury hotel, three hotel porters came straight to the car, opening the doors and holding out their hands. I recognized my porter. He was tall, and thick through the shoulders. He had a slightly olive complexion, short, cropped, black hair and brown eyes.
"Welcome back Miss. Swan." Felix smiled at me. "Aro is waiting in the lobby for you."
"Thank you Felix." I thanked him. Walking up the red carpeted stairs of The Plaza Hotel, Edward and Tanya walking behind me.
As we walked through the swinging glass door I heard Tanya gasp. You could see why. The red carpets that covered to floor, mirrors situated on the walls, tall vases flowed with flowers and crystal chandeliers hung from the gold patterned ceiling.
"Wow!" Tanya said in complete awe.
"Oh Tanya, you haven't seen anything yet." I reply smugly at her complete awe struck expression.
I took off, walking through more glass panelled doors, turning left and walking down the hall, emerging in the lobby. The desks and floors were marble. More flowers, candles and lights dominating the area and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
"It's so beautiful." I heard from behind me.
"Can you imagine us getting married here?"
"It would be amazing, Tanya." Edward agreed with Tanya
"This is amazing Bella." She said to me. I smiled at her, I liked this side of her. There was something odd about her sometimes. I spotted Aro standing at end reception desk, talking to a concierge.
"Come on." I said to Edward and Tanya, who were still staring in awe at their surroundings. When I reached the desk Aro noticed me.
"Isabella" He practically screamed, scaring some of the guests around him.
He waved the concierge away and came around the desk to pull me into a hug.
"How are you my dear?" He finally released me.
"I'm very well, Aro. How are you, how's business?" I asked back. I really did like Aro. Yes he could be seen as intimidating sometimes, but to me he was a laugh and we got on really well. I had provided him with some very good business over the years.
"I also very good Isabella. Business is as good as ever." He looked over my shoulder, spotting Tanya and Edward. "And who do we have here, may I ask?"
"I apologies, how rude of me. Edward, Tanya this is Aro Volturi, His one owner of the hotel." I addressed the two of them. "Aro, this is Tanya Denali and Edward Cullen. They're interested in having their wedding here," I explained to Aro. His eyes brightened.
"Oh how marvellous. May I offer my congratulations. I do love a wedding!" Aro said taking Tanya's hand and kissing the top of it. I rolled my eyes.
"Smooth Aro," I giggled.
He laughed letting on of Tanya's hand
"I do try. Well allow me to give you a tour, you're very lucky actually. We have a wedding here tomorrow so you will be able to see what we have to offer. We shall start with that room," He turned around holding his arm out for Tanya, who giggled and took his arm.
He took off down one corridor, Edward and I following behind them. After a short walk, we entered the room that was holding the tomorrows wedding.
The room was huge. Three crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The walls were half covered in mirrors. Rows of gold chairs sat either side of a white carpet aisle. Candles lit the sides of the room. At the end of the aisle was the stage with a white canopy, alit with more candles and flowers. Once again, Edward was in awe and Tanya looked like she was going to pass out. It was extraordinary. This is what the Plaza could produce.
"This is the largest room we use for weddings. This is the grand ballroom." I felt myself switch into wedding planner mode as I explained the room to them. "It has an iconic link to the history and elegance of New York City. As you can see it is truly amazing."
"My goodness." Was what Tanya managed to squeak out after a few minutes of awestruck silence. "This is...wow." Aro's smile was enormous.
"I can see you like this particular room" I slapped his arm.
"It is extraordinary, but I think it's a little big for us." Edward finally composed himself.
"Very well, then let's move on." Aro held his arm for Tanya who hadn't said a word since she entered this room.
Aro escorted us out of the room, down some corridors and to the next room used for weddings. The Terrace room was slightly smaller than the Grand Ballroom. The Terrace room just beyond the French doors of the Plaza s famed Palm Court, a setting rich with its own history and charm. Meticulously restored to its original grandeur. It hosts some of the most impressive historical detailing within the Plaza. Figural paintings of the Italian Renaissance adorn the ceiling along with flawlessly original crystal chandeliers, hung from the ceiling. It was striking yet elegant.
"Wow." Tanya's voice was back, but only in a whisper, here we go again.
The tour carried on for the rest of the afternoon mostly in the same fashion. Aro would take us into different rooms used for weddings, both Edward and Tanya would stare in awe and then Tanya would say she wanted to get married there. We were shown the outside grounds, the honeymoon suite, everything related to a wedding that Tanya could possible want.
At five o'clock we had left the Hotel and were in Edward's car, driving back to Divine Matrimony.
"That was incredible Bella. I have never seen anything like that before. It was so elegant and grand, it was just..." Tanya was talking to me in a soft, warm voice. "I can't explain it. I'm so glad that we hired you"
"So I'm guessing the Plaza is definitely a possibility?" I asked the two of them, smirking to myself.
"Yes!" They both answered at the same time. As we pulled up to my work place.
"Ok. I'll put it on your list and get you some quotes but don't make a decision just yet, not until you've seen a few more venues at least." I warned them.
"It's okay, we won't." Edward said.
"Thank you for today." Tanya was still talking in that soft, warm voice.
"You're welcome Tanya, Edward. I'll see you on Monday. Goodbye." I was just about to get out of the car, when the door opened for me, Edward.
"Bye Bella." Tanya called. Edward closed the door once I had stepped out.
"Thank you." I could feel the heat creeping up my face. He was doing that intense staring thing again.
"You're welcome. Thank you for today."
"You're welcome." Yep I was defiantly blushing now.
"Goodbye Edward."
"Bye Bella." He kissed my hand. I smiled and walked into work.
I reached my office and sat down in my chair. Thirty seconds had passed when Sinead, Jayde and Angela came storming into my office. Their eye wide glistening for gossip. They all spoke one word at the same time, making me smile.
"Spill."