I haven't been able to update as much because I have to study for a test. Please read and review.
In early January, Jessica exited her car in the parking lot of the Juicy Lucy, eager to sit with her friend and have a chat. Lila was so busy these days with planning her wedding, one that promised to be a grandiose occasion, the best the town had ever seen. The fact that Lila was so damn happy recently, was such a contrast to Jessica's moodiness. Nothing seemed to be going right these days.
Seeing Lila, excited and high on life, and on Roger Patman, only reminded Jessica of her own misery. It was just over a week ago, on New Years eve, when the Fowlers threw their usual gala affair. At the stroke of midnight, everyone stood on the wide lawn of their Spanish Style mansion, admiring the lights in the valley beneath them, awaiting the usual display of fireworks. But this year, there was a twist to the festivity. When the clock hit twelve, eyes turned upwards to the sky, where a sudden glow spelled out a very special message.
LILA'S GETTING MARRIED!….
BY THE WAY…
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It was then the fireworks starting bursting, but there was so much pandemonium at the announcement, that Jessica could barely hear them.
George Fowler, in his typical fashion, had hired a skywriting company to display the illuminated message in the night sky. It was just another opportunity to showcase his wealth, and announce his daughter's engagement.
At least I'm invited to this wedding, Jessica thought to herself as she walked under the yellow striped awning and into her friend's small bar.
To Jessica's surprise, Enid Rollins was sitting in one of the booths, Lila next to her. The two of them were deep in conversation, while their dark heads were bent over, concentrating on something laid out on the table. They were too busy to notice Jessica until she was practically standing on top of them. Jessica narrowed her eyes.
She didn't like this, she didn't like it one bit! Lila was her friend! She couldn't stand Enid... in fact, Lila had never been able to stand Enid either. So why were they cozily sitting together, talking and laughing as if they were best friends? She walked up to the table with curiosity and a hint of annoyance plastered on her pretty face.
Jessica cleared her throat loudly. Hi, she greeted.
On hearing her voice, Lila looked up at her in surprise.
Oh… hey Jess, she said.
Hello Jessica, Enid said, a smirk spread across her features.
What are those,? Jessica asked, pointing at what she now saw was a large pile of pictures.
Ummmm, said Lila, looking ill at ease. She exchanged a glance with Enid.
They're ummmmmm, Lila stalled.
They're Elizabeth's wedding pictures, Enid answered smugly.
Oh? Jessica said. I see, she added, sitting next to Lila. An awkward silence enveloped the trio. Jessica felt like she had been slapped. Lila and Enid again looked at each other. Jessica turned her head in the direction of the photos, trying to avoid Enid's green eyed self-satisfaction.
Does she know? She has to know. I bet Elizabeth told her! The two of them were probably rolling on the floor in their dresses, laughing at my arrest!
Look how cute Alex looks!, Lila said, trying to break the ice. She was one of the flower girls, Lila expanded, holding up the picture of Enid's daughter for Jessica to see.
Great, Jessica said, forcing herself to smile.
Who are the other children,? Lila twirled her hair.
I can't remember half their names, Enid replied. Nicholas has a few cousins with young children. Actually, they're mostly the grandchildren of his parents' cousins. Neither of his parents have siblings, so he has no first cousins of his own. There were so many of them running around, we couldn't keep track.
Jessica seethed inwardly. So she had all those distant cousins' kids at her wedding, but my son's existence hasn't been acknowledged!
And Nathan was the ring bearer,? Lila continued, passing her another photo. Jessica looked at her nephew, adorable in his tiny tuxedo, a lace covered pillow in his hands.
Jake would have looked just as cute in his tux!
Are they dancing here? Lila laughed, referring to a picture of the two toddlers embracing each other.
Oh they were dancing alright, Enid grinned. Dancing up a storm the only way little kids know how! Then the two of them made a huge mess with their cake on the dance floor. Cara and I had to run after them to clean them up. They were so adorable though, everyone was laughing and clapping along with them and the rest of the children. Alex thought the whole ceremony was just a continuation of her first birthday party.
How was it, traveling so far with a one year old? Lila asked.
An adventure in itself. You should have seen her and Nathan on the plane over there. She screamed and laughed at the takeoff and landing. Nate loved it, and behaved himself, although he didn't like the seat belt too much. They slept through most of it, even the turbulence. And then they got to sit in the cockpit with the pilots.
Did you fly in to JFK? Lila queried.
No, it was Westchester County airport, Enid corrected. It's just about fifteen minutes from the house we were staying at the first night we were there.
Lila nodded slowly. Oh? So you flew out with Cara right?
Yes, the seven of us flew east on the same plane, and then, coming back, Nicholas and Elizabeth flew back with us and their dads. The Morrows chartered a jet…..they have a regular pilot who flies them everywhere. It was the whole family, except the moms.
Jessica almost reached out to slap Enid. Since when are you family,? she wanted to yell.
So the reception was on a boat? Lila questioned, going back to the photos. That is some boat,! she exclaimed admiring the classic navy blue Lurssen yacht.
Yes, Enid confirmed. That was the best part. After the I do's I mean. After the ceremony, everyone piled onto the yacht. After a few hours, the majority of guests left, leaving a select few to go on a sunset cruise. We traveled eastwards all the way to Montauk at the end of Long Island, and then turned the boat around. We then sailed the Atlantic westward towards Manhattan. You should see some of the jaw dropping mansions right on the waterfront and the bluffs facing the beaches.
Wasn't it cold though...out on the water? Lila asked.
You know, it really wasn't that bad. It was in the mid sixties the few days we were there, warm enough for an outdoor wedding. With lots of bright sunshine. And maybe in the forties at night. It was tolerable for the most part. No one wanted to get off the boat the next morning. It was that beautiful. And the food! I must have gained ten pounds just looking at the cheese and lobster pockets. The entire affair was perfection! You can tell that Liz and Nicholas are so connected, so in love with each other, Enid reflected, glancing sideways at Jessica. There wasn't a dry eye when they said their vows.
In the morning we sailed into lower Manhattan. The captain took us pretty close to the base of the statue of Liberty, she continued. We didn't get off to go to Liberty island, but I still got some great shots of the statue, Enid pointed, going through the pile of pictures. Here they are, she said, handing them to Lila. Oh, and get this! The yacht has a helipad. A helicopter flew right on the boat and took all of us to JFK for our flight to LAX. Nicholas and Elizabeth connected from there to Tahiti, and then Bora Bora. Then they flew to New Zealand for a week.
Lila raised her brows. Very impressive!
The whole day, the wedding, the cruise, the send off…. it was like a beautiful dream. It was so romantic, so spectacular. We had fireworks too, while we were sailing. It was awesome, being on the water in the darkness, watching them go off. Lila, the pictures do not do the interiors of the yacht justice.
Just shut up already,! Jessica thought to herself.
So you spent the whole night on the boat right? Lila asked, her brown eyes wide with curiosity.
Yep, Enid replied. We sailed non stop when we left the island. Luxurious is an understatement.
You should have seen our stateroom. It was fantastic. I had to watch Alex like a hawk to make sure she didn't do any damage. The ballroom, the reception area, the dining room, the richly paneled hallways, the plush carpeting, I can't even describe it. The staff were incredible, I've never felt so pampered. And the bathrooms! You should have seen Liz's hot tub. And mine too! Wait, let me show you, Enid said, flipping through more pictures.
Their ooohing and ahhhing was grating on Jessica's nerves.
Breakfast the next morning was unbelievable! I'm still burning off the calories from the lump crab omelets and Belgian waffles drenched with bananas and syrup. And the shrimp and mushroom crepes!
And the cake! You should have seen the cake, Enid raved, leafing through the photos. Here it is, she handed some snapshots to Lila. Alice pretty much designed it herself, just one day before the wedding.
It's Mrs Wakefield to you bitch,! Jessica almost screamed.
It's pretty nice, Lila continued. I have always appreciated the look of Jasperware. I don't even know what kind of cake I'm having. I'm guessing mine will have to be a lot bigger than this.
Well, Liz insisted on not having a big cake. She specifically knew she wanted something that looks like Wedgewood and she knew the flavors she wanted. There was more than enough for everyone as well as the crew on the yacht. She and Nicholas cut the captain's big piece themselves, Enid said, grinning at the memory.
What flavors did she have? Lila queried, examining the cake.
The yellow part was banana caramel. The pink layer was a really yummy mocha. The bottom part was a minty chocolate. You know how some cakes look really pretty but don't taste that good? Well, we specifically asked that they not make it too sweet or too rich. I personally think it's much better that way.
Jessica glared at Enid from the corner or her eye. Who cares what you think?
Sounds delicious, Lila said, shaking her head. I don't even know where to start with what I'm serving yet. Now you're stressing me out Enid. How am I going to top this?
Don't worry Li, you'll be great! Enid assured her. And you shouldn't try to outdo anyone else's wedding. Yours will be fabulous, like all the rest of the Fowler events, I'm sure! The most important thing is that you and Roger have a wonderful day.
Li? Li? Since when did Enid start calling Lila Li,? Jessica thought while silently seething. And who is she to give Lila advice about her wedding? What does she know? Ha! She's never even been married!
Jessica rolled her eyes. Lila and Enid were so engrossed in their conversation to notice how irritated she was and how much she was trying to hide it.
Hmmmmm? Who are they? Lila said, raising her brows. Looks like a very sexy wedding party.
Most of them are relatives of the Morrows. There are lots of hot guys in that family. If I wasn't taken…..Enid giggled.
As if a wet blanket like you would have a chance with any of them,! Jessica thought meanly.
U huh, Lila nodded, with a knowing eye. Very hot.
They all traveled from Boston, some of them from Connecticut, Enid explained. The Morrows have a lot of family there.
Lila flipped through more pictures. Who are the other women? And those guys?
Oh, that's Adrienne, Liz's old roommate. That other girl is Angie. She pretty much lived with all of them. The guys were her roommates too. Adrienne's a ballerina, a real ballerina. You should see her dance. She's the real thing, not like one of those wannabe high school sideshows.
Count to ten, just count to ten, Jessica said to herself, before you strangle this witch!
Oh and what's this,? Lila asked holding up a picture and laughing.
That's Chi Chi, Enid giggled, looking at the photo of the miniature chihuahua decked out in a pink dress, a tiara around her tiny head. It's the loudest little dog, but so cute at the same time. Between the dog and the children, I don't know who got into the most mischief. You see the bell around her neck? Chi Chi played the bell ringer. But after a while, we had to take the bell off because the noise got too annoying.
Lila grinned. A dog in a wedding as a bell girl, that's so cute! Who thought of it?
Well, it's kind of a long story, explained Enid. In a way, that dog is what made the whole wedding happen. I mean, she's the reason that Liz and Nicholas got together. So of course she had to have a starring role in the show.
Liz looks really beautiful, Lila remarked. I love her dress. Did she have it custom made?
Actually the dress is a real antique, from the early 1900s, Enid answered.
No wonder it looks so authentic, Lila gushed. The lace they had back then was exquisite. And look at the quality of the silk! And I like her other dress too, Lila remarked, looking admiringly at the silver beaded silk.
Jessica looked at Lila and Enid, raving about Elizabeth's wedding, almost as if they forgot she was sitting right next to them. It was unbelievable!
The colored leaves are amazing! What a beautiful setting. You looked nice too Enid, Lila said graciously, flipping again through the photos. I love your bridesmaid's dress. The olive color goes good with darker hair.
Well, ummmmm, thanks Lila, Enid said uneasily. Getting compliments from Lila Fowler was not something she was used to.
So the actual ceremony, it was on an island right?
Right. It was the best way to assure privacy. Enid ran her hand through her curly hair. Nobody likes unwanted people showing up on their wedding day, she said casually, knowing she was throwing a dart at Jessica.
I'm sure your wedding will be just as wonderful as Liz's. A lot bigger for sure, Enid continued.
Lila laughed. It's so much stress, she admitted. Roger doesn't want more than fifty people. But my parents…My parents both have all these friends and business associates coming, most of them I don't even know, she said worriedly. And there's everyone from the Patmans side. Although if Roger's aunt had her way…she trailed off, thinking about how much she couldn't stand Marie Patman. I'm thinking we should fly off to Mustique and have it there… just Roger and me, and forget the whole thing. I've always wanted a huge wedding, but I'm having a hard time dealing with all the anxiety. I just want things to be perfect you know? We don't even know exactly what date we're having it!
I know, but knowing you Lila, it will be fantastic, Enid said generously.
I hope so, Lila said, glancing at Jessica, as if suddenly remembering she was there.
Enid looked at her watch.
Well… it's time for me to take off, she stated, putting the pictures in an envelope. My clients await.
Are you sure you're not running off to see Doctor Ray? Lila teased, raising her eyebrow.
Enid looked thoughtful as she placed the envelope in her purse. He's actually at the hospital performing a tummy tuck today. But I'll definitely be seeing him later.
Well tell him hi for me, Lila said.
Oh I will, Enid smiled. Bye Lila,….. bye Jessica, she said, as she got up from her seat.
She waved them as she walked out the door. Jessica flashed Enid another fake smile as she watched her entering the massage parlor, across from the Juicy Lucy.
Jessica turned to her friend, an accusing stare on her face.
So since when are you and Enid friends?
Lila shrugged. We're not exactly friends Jess. Enid's not that bad.
Jessica scoffed loudly.
Besides, Lila continued, she sends a lot of her customers over here for a drink. She even let me give samples at the parlor. Her clients always order one of my Spalicious smoothies whenever they're over there. What better way is there to completely relax than to get a rubdown while sipping a delicious drink? And her boyfriend, she continued, he did some work on my Mom. I won't say what she had done, but he's pretty incredible as a surgeon. Who would have thought that Enid Rollins would land such a great guy?
Didn't you see her,? Jessica snapped. Rubbing it all in my face? The fact that she was Liz's maid of honor and I wasn't even invited!
Lila looked at her. Sorry Jess but…. It's not like she knew you were coming in today. She had the pictures and I was anxious to see them. Look, I know you're hurt because you didn't get to go. But it's not like Elizabeth was at your wedding.
Not because I didn't want her there, Jessica retorted. I invited her, hoped she would get over it!
Come on Jess, do you honestly think she would want to come? You and her ex boyfriend? After you had been sneaking around with Todd behind her back?
Jessica gave Lila a stern look.
OK OK, Lila said, holding her hands up. I won't say anything about you and Todd.
I am over it, Jessica said unconvincingly. Let's not talk about my sister and her wedding. Let's talk about your wedding instead. Her face lit up. And the fabulous dress I get to wear as matron of honor.
Lila averted her eyes, suddenly looking uncomfortable.
At least I'm still your matron of honor right? Jessica asked suspiciously.
Well, ummmm, about that. I was meaning to call you and tell you, but I've been so busy with everything. My mother is going to be my matron of honor, she breathed out in a huff.
Jessica's face fell.
I'm sorry Jess, Lila explained guiltily. But for most of my life she wasn't around, you know? Now that she's here, as my mother, I felt like it was right to give her that role in my wedding. You can still be a bridesmaid though. I still want you, Cara and Amy there as my bridesmaids.
I mean, I would have had you for maid of honor, but you're married. So…
It's fine Li, Jessica perked up. I'm too young for the title of matron anyway.
Lila changed the subject. How is Todd doing? I haven't seen him in a while.
He's OK. Jessica said, a bored expression on her face.
Just OK?
Well, he's pretty busy with basketball. He spends a lot of time in LA with the team, and then on the road.
And Jake?
Jake's fine. He's with his nanny.
You're OK with this right Jess? Lila asked, still noting the look of disappointment on her friend's face.
Sure Lila, I understand. It is your Mom after all, Jessica sighed.
Miss Fowler, a voice rang out...telephone.
Oh, Jess, I have to take this, Lila said getting up. You'll call me later OK? I want you, Cara and Amy to decide on the dresses.
OK, Li, Jessica said, getting up, grabbing her purse and looking for her keys. See ya, she said, walking out of the door...
