I do not own any of the concepts related to the 'Glee' franchise. As always stay safe.
New Directions (both veteran and new) gathered together at Breadstix, one of Lima's most favored restaurants. Sandy the waitress shoved several tables together, enough to cover a party of nearly twenty. The breadsticks and pasta were flowing freely as members vied for control of the conversation, some celebrating the end of school semester, some talking about winter plans, and in the case of Rachel Berry, sharing their star reviews and accolades.
"Okay, everyone settle down!" Will Schuester commanded the tables by clinking his glass. "I know there's lots to celebrate this week –"
"My birthday!"
"No more school!"
"More solos!"
"My internship!"
"My pool cleaning business!"
"Enough!" Will hollered over the din. "There will be plenty of time for all of those things but first, I wanted to share some news about Ms. Pillsbury's and my engagement."
Tina clapped her hands. "When, when, when."
"June 15th," Emma Pillsbury said shyly. She wasn't used to speaking in front of so many youth at the same time. "Everyone's invited and it's going to be at my parents' beach house in Fairport Harbor."
"Beach!" Puck called out.
"Can you tell us about the dress, Miss Pillsbury?" Unique Adams asked.
"I haven't gotten the dress just yet. I want to wear the dress my mother wore when she married my father; it just may need a little updating."
"We can help with that!" Sugar Motta offered. "We can glitz and glam it up to make it current."
"Do you have any plans for music yet?" Marley Rose asked.
"Well we were hoping our Glee family would be willing to entertain everyone," Will suggested.
"Sounds like a plan!" Mercedes Jones clapped in approval.
"June 15," Rachel Berry said quietly, making a note to remind Finn to schedule time to be home.
"Finn knows about the date," Emma whispered reassuringly to Rachel.
The conversation was soon dominated by wedding talk and Rachel did her very best to listen in and be supportive. It would be easier if Finn were here, Rachel reminded herself. If he were here…there'd be a different vibe. Always the center of attention, he knows how to make everyone feel special….especially me.
"You're thinking of Finn?" Tina whispered.
"I am," Rachel smiled, relieved. "I really am." Her friendship with Brody, as fun and new as it was, didn't bring her the same comfort as her boyfriend and future fiancé.