When I arrived at another venue, the late afternoon sunshine felt warm on my skin. Blakely and Chase were right behind me, coming any moment. After Lainey showed up at my place demanding I deal with Blakely's wedding crisis, she threw in the towel and gave me complete control, which Trey, of course, didn't know about.
Blakely had concerns about Trey when she found out, but I assured her I handled it. She was over the moon that finally something good was happening for her wedding. I couldn't promise her I'd fix everything that Lainey had helped her with, but the venue was one I could do. It turns out Lainey wasn't the only one at her witts end, Blakely was too, and she had only wanted someone who was genuinely willing to help her.
So here I was, helping Blakely with her wedding last minute. Yesterday was cakes and music. The day before was dresses. Today we spent the entire afternoon venue hunting. This was our last stop for the afternoon and our last option within a thirty-mile radius.
"Hey, Gabby." Blakely greeted as she approached with Chase hot on her heel. "Sorry we kept you waiting; Chase was driving like an old lady."
"Hey, I was not!" Chase exclaimed, whipping his head in Blakely's direction.
"Then why did Gabby have to wait?" She argued with clear annoyance in her voice. "If you drove faster, we'd arrive at the same time."
Oh, goodie, the verbal beatings are starting before we even get inside. I let out a small groan as I watched them hash it out. This was not them. Blakely was your typical bride, and Chase was feeling stressed because everything that could have gone wrong with the wedding prep had happened. Now everyone is on each other's last leg.
I blew a loud whistle to grab their attention. "Guys." I decided to step in before either of them said anything they'd regret later. "Both of you need to take a breath and calm down. Taking your stress out on each is not helping, and the last thing we need is you two at odds."
"Sorry." They apologized simultaneously and laughed.
"See." I smiled, glad to have the bride and groom back on the same team. "It's not so bad, and everything will get figured out."
Chase slipped his hands into Blakely's. "We've been through worse. We'll make it work, and Gabby is our planner, so we know it will happen somehow."
"That is the only good thing." Blakely sighed, "The bad news just keeps rolling in. It's like the universe is saying we shouldn't be going through with this."
My phone went off, and I grabbed it from my back pocket. I grinned from ear to ear at the messages my brother, Javier, sent me. I knew he would come through. I could always count on him for anything.
"I wouldn't say it's all bad." I showed Blakely and Chase the message.
Talked to Smiley, she said yes. And Casey said there are easy fixes.
Above the message was a picture of a bridesmaid's dress with some changes. Blakely's spirit brightens at the sight of the message. It was the good news we all needed.
"Your brother is serious?" Blakely looked as if she was on cloud nine.
I nodded, "Javier wouldn't have told me otherwise."
Blakely let go of Chase and threw her arms around me. She was near tears as she caught me in a suffocating bear hug. "Thank you. I don't know how you got Trey to let you take over, but thank you."
My stomach dropped as I pulled her off of me. She apologized, watching me catch my breath. I quickly gathered myself and suggested we head inside.
"How does your brother do it?" Chase wondered as we waited for the manager of the venue. "You ask for help, and he always comes through. Always."
I shrugged, "that's just Javy. I could count on him for anything. Always."
"Apparently, so can we," Blakely noted as the manager arrived.
"Sorry for the wait." The manager shook our hands. "I'm Hannah, and I'm the manager here."
"Hi, I'm Gabriella, and this is the happy couple, Blakely and Chase. We talked on the phone." I pray Hannah would not recognize me.
Hannah stared at me for a moment and continued. "Sorry, I just thought you were the assistant. Normally I see you here with someone else, and you're the one in the background taking notes."
No such luck. "I'm filling in," I informed her. It wasn't a complete lie. Technically I was filling in. "Is that going to be a problem?"
She shook her head. "As long as you know we have paper, I don't see any issues."
"I'm familiar with the paperwork," I assured her.
"Perfect." She smiled, "Right this way to the reception hall."
We followed behind her as she talked and gave us some information. It mainly was information on seating and events they've done. It wasn't the first time Fantasy Event Planning booked their reception hall for an event, so I'd heard it all before. Hannah finished laying out all the information as we arrived.
Hannah and I faded into the background as Chase and Blakely discussed their decision. Blakely took her time walking around, noting everything. Chase was right beside her, but the desperation for their last-minute venue hunt to end was apparent on his face.
"You're sure this is within our small budget?" Blakely asked, taking another glance around.
"I promise it's within your budget," I assured her.
Blakely turned to Chase, asking for his opinion. "We can't be that picky. This is pretty close to what we originally wanted."
"But, this place looks smaller. 100 is the minimum between our closest friends and family." Blakely frowned, "I can't just suddenly call someone up and tell them they're no longer invited. Can you?"
Chase turned to me. "Gabby, can this place seat 100?"
"Yes. This place sits 100." I promised them. "We just need to move the tables a bit."
"You can really fit everything in here with our guest?" She looked at me like I'd just told her I could do mission impossible. "Like nothing has to go."
I promised her it could be done, and she looked like she'd won the lottery. Relief washed over me when Chase and Blakely settled on this venue. I helped them with the paperwork before we left. Before we parted ways, we made plans to meet first thing tomorrow with Teagan, Smiley, and Javier for another cake tasting at my place.
When I got in the car, Lainey texted me, asking me for an update on bridezilla. Her words, not mine. I shook my head, wondering why Lainey was an event planner. It never seemed like she was enjoying her work. Half the time, it seemed like my colleagues weren't too fond of their job. But Lainey had to be the worst. Brushing it off, I typed a response before driving off towards my parents' place, eager for some hugs from my little girl after a long day.
My family decided to gather at Javier's place to watch my dad's game two days later. We knew this could be dad's last season before he retires, so we've all been gathering to watch him play much more. The early afternoon breeze felt cool as I ran down the basketball court in the middle of a three-on-three with my siblings while we waited for everyone to show. We were all breathing heavily and covered in sweat, but we were having a blast. None of us wanted to stop, no matter how tired we felt.
My sister-in-law, Rowan, called for the ball, but Esmerelda's boyfriend, Matthew, intercepted it when I tossed it to her. He took a shot and missed. Groans could be heard as Rowan took this chance to grab the ball and race back down the court. She saw that I had a clear opening and tossed the ball in my direction.
Mom's cheering with the kids was not lost on us when I made the shot from the foul line. My brother-in-law, Lukas, tossed the ball in after our biggest fans' applause died. Javier stole the ball from Matthew as he ran it down the court and started running it back up.
Javier threw it in my direction halfway up the court. I caught it easily but froze as an idea came to me. It was only for a split second, but it was enough to get everyone's attention.
"Elly, everything OK?" Javier called as his doctor instinct kicked in.
"Yeah," I answered with a mischievous grin. "I just thought….."
I didn't finish before I started to travel the ball around the court. My siblings all exchanged glances for a moment, and I caught mom's look from the corner of my eyes. She knew what was coming for sure.
"That's traveling," Esmeralda called out with amusement.
I ignored them and continued to travel the ball around the court. Waving the ball around, I taunted them silently, daring them to come and get me. I could hear the kids laughing on the sidelines as they watched what was happening on the courts.
"Actually, that's really bad traveling." Javier corrected, and all my siblings chased after me.
It didn't take long for Javier to catch me. Wrapping his arms around me from behind, he picked me up and spun me around, causing me to laugh harder than I already was. Everyone else was laughing just as hard.
"Why do all our family games always end with Gabby traveling the ball and everyone else chancing after her?" Cruz asked, giving us reason to turn towards the house.
Mom was grinning from ear to ear, happy to have us all together. "It's Montez tradition." Mom started to explain.
Javier continued, "Ever since dad first taught Elly to play b-ball, and she decided to take the ball and run mid-game."
I gave them an innocent smile. "Hey, I was like two or three years old." We all continued talking as we headed inside to shower before watching dad play.
After I showered, I found Javier, Esmeralda, and Isabella in the kitchen, grabbing snacks. They were goofing on each other as all siblings do, unaware of my presence.
"Hey, guys, need any help," I asked, making my presence known.
"Love some," Isabella waved me in and put me to work. "So, is everything set for Blakely's wedding next week."
"All that's left is the venue to decorate, thanks to Javy." I nudged him, knowing he didn't say anything to anyone. "I could always count on him for anything."
Esmerelda and Isabella perked up. "Sounds like Javy to us."
Javier's face turned a flushing pink. "It was nothing. Plus, Smiley and Casey get more publicity for their work out of this."
"Sounds like a win for everyone," Esmerelda spoke up. "Especially Trey."
Javier stopped cutting the fruit by the sink and turned to me. "Speaking of Trey, where is he today? You two are normally joined at the hip."
I shook my head with a smile. Javier is constantly reminding me of Trey's protective nature. He means well and would never do anything to hurt me, but like any else in our family, he didn't like that Trey was making every decision in our relationship.
"Well, we decided to separate for a couple of hours since he had something to do, and there was no way I'd miss hanging out with my family." I joked along.
"And is that something going to give Lainey some sort of warning, or is he oblivious to his party planner's true nature again?" Isabella wondered.
I blew out a raspberry. "The second, or I would have definitely heard from him."
Isabella frowned as she stopped what she was doing. "How is it that Trey is oblivious to what's happening in his company? I mean, this is hardly the first time that Gabby had to pick up the slack of his other planners."
Esmerelda shrugged, "who knows."
I shrugged, just as clueless, "I don't question it. I'm just grateful for it because I wouldn't be working with any clients otherwise."
Javier went to get bowls and trays from the cupboards. "Whether or not Trey knows is one thing, but if you ever want your co-workers to take you seriously, you need to speak up."
I thought about how nice it would be to get some recognition at work. For everyone to actually know my name and that I'm capable of doing more than just noting things. That would be so awesome.
"I don't want to cause trouble, though," I explained as I grabbed the drinks from the fridge. "They're not my clients, to begin with, and it wouldn't be fair for me to take their credit."
Esmerelda's brow narrowed into a straight line. "What credit?" She questioned with confusion in her voice. "If any credit were taken, your colleague would be the first to speak up. Plus, if there were any credit to take, you wouldn't get stuck clean up the lovely after messes."
None of my siblings bought my explanation for a second. "You mean you don't want to go against your protective boyfriend's wishes."
"Because that will cause conflict." Esmerelda finished agreeing with Isabella.
I opened my mouth, ready to protest, and closed it again. My spirit fell, knowing in my heart that they were right. I've never been one for confrontation with anyone, which meant I gave in many times to everyone.
"Trey does get a lot of say in our relationship, but everything he does is because he cares." I denied the extent of it.
"Translation Trey controls everything, and there's no real communication between you two." Javier tossed the last of the peeled fruit skin into the trash.
"And he won't stop controlling or taking advantage of you if you don't speak up." Isabella pointed out.
I snuck a piece of fruit and popped it into my mouth. "He's not that controlling. Just the other day, he offered to let me move in with him. He respected my space and didn't pressure me, either. He just asked me to consider it. So he can let me make my own choice."
All three of my siblings had a look of horror on their faces as they exchanged silent glances. I could tell something was up. But I couldn't tell if it was good or not.
"Did he bring it up again?" Esmerelda finally asked.
My shoulders slumped as I frowned. "No," I replied, unable to figure out why that mattered.
My stomach tensed as I watched my siblings exchange silent glances again. What were they hiding?
"What is it?!" I exclaimed, having enough of their silent conversation.
Javier cleared his throat before saying anything. "Trey will probably demand you guys live together…..after he finishes making his plans."
I wasn't sure what to say. It never occurred to me that Trey would demand we live together. He certainly didn't seem that upset several days ago.
But he did tend to make plans without me. I sighed, blowing out a breath as realization hit me. They weren't totally wrong. The probability was there, and it was high. The feeling of dread crept up in me, causing me to shut my eyes for a moment.
I could feel arms wrapping around me, and I opened my eyes again. Javier, Esmerelda, and Isabella wrapped their arms around me in a tight group hug. Feelings of warmth and love washed over me.
"We didn't mean to upset you," Isabella spoke calmly.
"We're sorry if we did." Esmerelda apologized.
I smiled and shook my head. "I know you guys would never hurt me; you were just speaking the truth."
"We just never want you to lose yourself," Javier explained as we all let go. "Because we would never want to lose our sister."
We each grabbed a tray full of snacks and drinks and started heading out. I stopped them before we left the kitchen.
"Guys, you would never lose me; just like I know, I'd never lose you," I assured them with a bright, assuring smile. "We'll always have each other's back; that's one of the first things Yaya and Nana taught us."
We all grinned from ear to ear with a nod knowing I had spoken the truth. Hearing the cheering grow in the living room, we knew we had wasted enough time and quickly headed out with the snacks.
"Snacks!" Javier announced as we placed the trays on the coffee table. "Come and get them."
Everyone moved to make room for us. Summer tore herself away from the Sports Channel and raced up to Isabella.
"Momma, does Pop-Pop know we're watching him?" Summer asked, hopping up and down. "Does he?"
Isabella placed a calming hand on her daughter's shoulder and got her to take some breath. "I'm sure Pop-Pop knows," Isabella promised, picking her up to take over to the couch.
The snacks started making their way around as we got situated. Everyone's talking overlapped while we waited for the game to start.
"So, how's the search for a new place going?" Mom asked, handing me a drink.
"If you need help with anything, we'd be happy to lend a hand." Matthew put in.
I took the drink from my mom. "Thanks, but I'm still looking. I'm sure I'll figure something out."
All my siblings spoke up at once, offering their places. It didn't surprise me that my siblings all offered their homes. We've always looked out for each other since we were kids.
Suddenly Truett and Melody screamed. "Bob-Bob!" They squealed, pointing at the screen.
They waved and continued to squeal like dad could hear them. We all chuckled, watching them blow a kiss towards the T.V. We've all been there when we were our kid's age and now seeing our kids react the same way was like watching a tradition continue.
I thanked my siblings for their offer as I stopped Melody from flying off the couch. A feeling of relief washed over me as the game started. I was ready for the focus to shift off of me for a while. We were all cheering along with all the kids, fully engaged in the game. Eventually, the children's attention dwindled from the game, and by half-time, Olyvya was the only kid still awake.
It was late when the game ended, so we all stayed at Javier's. We had a living room campout just like we did as children. We all chatted, reminiscing and catching up until sleep slowly took us one by one.
When he invited Melody and me over to his place for a surprise the following morning, I knew he was up to something. I, unfortunately, got to see just how right my siblings were about Trey, and I wasn't so sure it was a good thing. Seeing his apartment only made my worries worse.
He wasn't kidding when he said his apartment was new and improved. I was stunned, speechless by all the changes I saw in the living room alone. There were locks and rubber safety stops all around for the first time. The new play area in the corner had toys on top of a toy chest filled with toys, no doubt, and shelves. I knew I had to talk with Trey about this.
"Toys!" Melody squealed with excitement.
Trey bent down to Melody's level, "these toys are all for you."
Melody grinned from ear to ear, looking like she had won the jackpot. She looked up at me for approval. As soon as I let her go, she raced for the new toys. She dove into the new kitchen set, pretending to be a chef.
Trey and I joined her, playing her imaginary game. Melody was over the moon with the attention she got and attempted to repeat the words we were saying. I did my best to focus on Melody and spending time with her. Trey was the exact opposite. He wasn't struggling to focus, and his demeanor was so carefree. Clearly, he didn't see any problems.
Ten cups of tea and numerous pieces of cakes later, it was pushing noon. Melody would get fussy sooner rather than later, and I was itching to leave before then.
"I should get Melody home before she starts fussing," I whispered, looking up from a fake menu.
"No need," Trey whispered back, giving me a sneaky smile and wink.
I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach—a horrible feeling. Trey made an excuse for us to leave before I could ask him anything. I knew I was in trouble when I saw the newly renovated guest room in front of me. He had turned the guest room into a nursery for Melody. The room was decorated simply with pink wallpaper and pictures. There was a dresser and changing table on one side of the room. Melody's name, a picture, and a little lamp were on top of the dresser. Clear on the other side was a mini-play area with another toy chest. In between the changing table and play area was a portable crib.
I walked into the room feeling a little dazed, needing a moment to take everything in. Trey had really outdone himself. This room was perfect for Melody, but I wasn't feeling happy. It was more of an anxious and nervous feeling that I got.
Trey didn't pick up on the feelings I was feeling. "Why not let Melody sleep in here? It's perfect; it'll be great practice for when you two move in."
When did I agree to move in? I blew out a breath, ready to veto the idea, when I heard Melody calling from the living room. Putting the issue on the back burner, I headed back to the living room.
"Chef Melody egg special. Mmmmm. My favorite." Trey jumped right back into the game.
I pulled him aside as soon as Melody had her back turned. "We need to start winding down."
He raised a brow at me. "Why? She's having fun. Shouldn't we let her be as long as her attention holds?"
"Yeah, but if she doesn't nap, then you've just made the evening that much harder for yourself," I whispered back.
"Sorry. I should have realized." He apologized, looking over at Melody. "Uhhh, she's still really into the game. How are we going to get her to nap."
"By rolling with it," I told him simply before taking the plastic egg in his hands.
"Here, momma," Melody handed me a cup. "Juths."
I took the cup and pretended to drink it. "Thanks, that was delicious. Can you show mommy where everything in the kitchen goes?"
She nodded, taking the plastic food, plate, and cup in my hand. She was yawning by the time the toys were put away. Trey and I took her to the nursery together. I took her from Trey and settled her with her baby blanket, bottle, and favorite doll.
"You didn't have to do all this," I started telling him when we got out of the room.
He cleared his throat. "My apartment wasn't suitable for kids. When you move here in a couple of days, Melody will need her own room. Plus, babyproofing is necessary with toddlers."
I felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall ninety percent of the time we talked. "But I never agreed to move in," I tried again.
"But you said you'd think about it, and no final decision will be made until you see my apartment." He reminded me, pulling me into his arms, "now that you'd had some time to think about it and saw my apartment, there isn't any reason to say no. You save on rent, we have more time together, I get more time with Melody, and I'm here if anything happens. Benefits all around, babe. And that's only the start of the benefits."
My stomach tightened as he leaned in inches from my lips. Feeling his hot breath on me, my skin made my heart beat faster. The frustration I felt melted away at the touch of his lips.
"We better start dinner." I breathed out when we pulled apart.
He scrunched his nose, "OK, but I wanted a lot more of that after you move in.
"We'll see," I answered in a teasing tone.
He did most of the talking during the dinner prep. I just nodded and answered now and again. Melody was up by the time dinner was set. I was hesitant when Trey volunteered to get her but gave in when he insisted he had it handled.
True to his word, Melody was changed and ready to go when Trey brought her out. She wasn't looking too happy, though, as she squirmed around in his arms. I took her and situated her for dinner.
While we ate, Trey tried to talk to Melody and entertain her. Melody's responses weren't always too good, but I loved how hard Trey tried with Melody. At least he understands how vital Melody is to me, and he cares for us. But part of me wondered if that was enough to make up for our problems.
"No." Melody pushed her bowl away and crossed her arms.
"Melody, if you can finish this piece of chicken and take one more bite of corn, I have another surprise for you." Trey showed her just how much more to eat.
I raised my brow at the mention of another surprise. Today was already full of surprises. A chill ran down my spine as I wondered what more he could have in store.
Melody finished what Trey showed her and started playing with the rest of the food on her plate. I figured she was done and started to clean her off. She kept asking about the surprise while I cleaned her.
The new toys in the play area were the perfect distraction. I was taken aback by the variety of toy selections in the toy chest. As surprising as this was, I had a feeling this wasn't the surprise that Trey mentioned to Melody. I stopped Melody from throwing all the toys out and helped her pick one. When Melody was happy with her toy, I went back into the kitchen.
"Trey, all this it's too much. It's not necessary." I tried again as I helped him clear dinner.
He shrugged, "I'm happy to make the accommodations; that's what love is." He replied, not at all understanding how this was making me feel.
I let out a tired sigh as we finished up. What will it take to get through to you, I wondered, watching Trey talk to Melody before picking her up. Feeling too tired to argue with him, I dropped it and followed Trey to the spare room.
My jaw dropped at the playroom in front of me. Trey's only response was an innocent look when I had a 'what the' look. Melody wasn't surprised; she was excited. As soon as Trey set Melody down and told her all the toys were hers, she toddled in. Melody was in Toyland heaven. Figuring she would be safe in the room, I pulled Trey out.
"Trey, you shouldn't be buying Melody's affection with all the toys." I started.
Trey frowned. "Is that what you really think of me? That I'll buy Melody's love."
I wasn't sure how to answer. Is that what I really thought of Trey? That he was capable of buying Melody's love? I wasn't sure, and that scared me.
"I only spent 30$ on the sports center. All the other toys are all hammy downs from my nieces and nephews. If I hadn't taken them, my siblings would've donated most of them and stored a handful of them. The wooden and floor piano are traded with reward points." He explained with a hurt voice.
I shut my eyes as a feeling of guilt hit me. I apologized, letting him know I appreciated him for trying. But everything was just too much. Feeling too tired to get into a confrontation, I felt like it was time to leave.
"It's getting late." I spoke up, "I should get Melody home."
Trey didn't protest or kiss me goodbye like usual. I knew this was not the end of our conversation, which meant confrontation sooner or later.
