Cress didn't just wake up. Oh no. Apparently, waking up today had to be accompanied by a jackhammer going off inside her head. No, several jackhammers and a wrecking ball. Screw that, an entire construction site had made itself at home inside Cress's head, tearing down every brain cell with as much noise as possible.
Cress tentatively opened one eye, quickly shutting it again when the glaring light entered it. It was way too bright for Cress's liking.
Still curled into a little ball, Cress forced her mind to focus. Like running diagnostics on a computer, she mentally checked every part of her body that seemed to have a bug.
Her mouth was dry and had an unpleasant taste.
Her eyes were burning.
Her head felt like an active warzone.
She felt sluggish and like she wanted to die.
End run diagnostics. Result?
Hangover.
Hangover with a side of the plague more like it.
Cress groaned and vowed to never drink again. Or stand up. Nope. She would just lie here in peace and welcome death.
That sounded like a good plan ... if not for something bumping her nose. Repeatedly.
Cress wrinkled her nose which earned her another bump. Someone was booping her nose.
Defeated, Cress forced her eyes open.
Her mysterious nose-booper turned out to be ... a cat.
An adorable kitten, more like it. A tabby, by the looks of it, with reddish fur and white paws and big curious eyes.
Which raised the questions, what was the cat doing here and, more importantly, where was here?
Cress slowly sat up and looked around. Now that the kitten couldn't reach her nose anymore, it seemed happy to crawl into Cress's lap and curled up with a satisfied purr. Cress absent-mindedly stroked the soft fur, trying to remember last night's events.
She recalled Thorne picking her up from the airport, then their trip to the motel after the car had broken down, but things became a bit more fuzzy after that. She must have fallen asleep in the car because when Thorne woke her up, they had already arrived at his apartment. He had quickly shown her around and she had insisted on taking the couch, though he had repeatedly offered her his bed. But after he had picked her up from the airport, paid for her motel room and her food, it didn't feel right to take his bed too. Thorne had only grudgingly conceded ... after Cress had already snuggled herself in the blankets and promptly fallen asleep.
She was at Thorne's apartment, then. That hadn't been planned. Kai had arranged for her to stay at Huy Deshal's place, an international correspondent who used his own apartment rarely since he traveled a lot. It was a gracious offer because renting a hotel room for a few weeks would have been too expensive for her. But, of course, Thorne hadn't known where she was staying and Cress wasn't sure if he knew where Mr Deshal lived either. It had still been kind that he had offered her his own place to sleep without a second thought.
Last night, Cress had been too tired to actually see much of it but now, in broad daylight, she could take a closer look at the spacious room that seemed to be both living room and kitchen.
It was way more functional than she had expected, despite it being a bit messy. Though she had to admit that her expectations had come from the idea that Thorne was actually as romantic as he had claimed to be in his interviews, not the Thorne she had gotten to know yesterday. Therefore, it shouldn't have been surprising that there was nothing whimsical and picturesque about his decor. There were no knickknacks or flowers or anything. Overall, it was more on the practical side than on the stylish side. He had a lot of cleverly designed storage room, a shelve that served to divide the room into two sections – everything served a purpose. From where she sat, at least, it hardly told her more about Thorne or who he was and what he liked. It was confusing.
Just like that little fluffball purring in her lap. A guy who only looked out for himself didn't own cute nose-booping kittens.
"No, they don't," Cress sing-songed to the kitten, scratching behind its tiny ears which earned her a small meow. She wished she knew its name. She also wondered where Thorne was. Was he still asleep?
That's when Cress saw the glass of orange juice on the couch table next to two pills of aspirin. Okay, that was nice. Which Thorne had shown he could be yesterday, Cress had to admit. Sure, he wasn't what she had imagined him to be but he had been overall very thoughtful. It made her worry less about having to work with him. Maybe they could work together if the both of them compromised here and there. They were both professionals, after all. Yes, things were looking up this morning, despite her headache.
She took the two pills and downed them with the juice, feeling instantly a bit better when she saw the small post-it. She picked it up.
Cress,
I assume you're going to wake up with a massive hangover, so here are two aspirin for you. If you need more, they're on the counter. You can take whatever you need from the fridge too. I'm off to meet with Cinder and Kai to discuss ideas. Feel free to come whenever you're ready.
On another post-it she saw two addresses scribbled down, but Cress was already setting Little Kitten aside and dashed towards the bathroom.
That mean-spirited, selfish ... Cress didn't dare finish her thought. They were supposed to meet Kai and Cinder together but he left without her to pitch his ideas. And he didn't wake her. No, he had left her behind so he could have a headstart!
Cress scrambled to brush her teeth, wash up a bit and put on some clothes. She still looked like she felt — like a mess.
Again.
But she didn't have time for make-up, she had to get there in time. Cress was never late to meet her clients.
Grabbing the post-it with the addresses, Cress dashed out of the apartment, looking for a taxi. Maybe, just maybe, she could still make it on time.
She didn't make it on time.
Kai had sent her a nice little text saying that they would wait for her and she shouldn't worry. It was so embarrassing. She already knew well enough that she had only landed this lucrative job because Kai was her friend, but to show up late and wearing the first things she could find — a wrinkled blazer over an even wrinklier dress with her most worn-out running shoes — would never fly as a good impression. And not just as a wedding planner but it was her first time meeting Cinder too. It was unacceptable, embarrassing and worst of all, it was Thorne's fault.
Oh, how he had fooled her. Picking her up from the airport, letting her sleep at his place, getting her food and aspirin — it had probably all been an elaborate plan to spy on her, trick her into trusting him and then make her look bad in front of Kai and Cinder. Maybe he had lied about everything, not just to the bridal magazines, but also to her yesterday.
All to lull her into a false sense of security.
Cress gasped. That's what he had that kitten for — to distract her!
In Cress's frazzled mind, Thorne became more and more villainous and she had second-guessed everything she thought she knew about him by the time her taxi finally arrived at Regolith Décor. It was a fancy, high-end shop for home decor but why Thorne wanted to meet here, Cress had no idea.
Cress paid the driver when she saw Kai exiting the building.
Even though Cress had been expecting —no anticipating— this moment for a while now she felt the familiar happiness of seeing her friend coming over her.
It had been so long. Too long.
She had hardly exited the taxi when Kai jogged over and hugged her fiercely. Cress welcomed the embrace. It was warm and familiar and way more genuine than Thorne's showy kiss on the hand yesterday.
"Hey, no smooching up other women. Those times are over, lover boy."
Speak of the devil.
Cress looked around to see Thorne standing in the entrance, opening the door for a woman with flourish. They exchanged a few words and Cress could see that his appearance was flawless. No wrinkle in sight, the dress shoes fit his smart suit — he looked impeccable.
Cress was done with the roller-coaster that was Carswell Thorne. He could lie and flirt all he wanted. She had never met a person that was as unpredictable and had so many personalities as him. Thorne seemed to be more competitive than she had previously thought but she would show him.
She might not be the darling of bridal magazines but she was a good wedding planner. A great one, even, who really cared about her clients. Cress would actually lend her grandmother's necklace to a bride and not just a cheap trinket.
"I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up yesterday myself." Cress looked up to Kai who gave her a sheepish look. "I'm glad Thorne could step in. I hope he was on his best behavior?"
Well, how could Cress possibly answer? No, your friend is a lying, conniving and selfish human being that fools couples for a living and even sabotaged me this very morning? Tempting, but Cress knew she could only say "Yes, of course" with a forced smile for Kai's sake.
He didn't seem to notice."Good." He then smiled warmly, his ears turning pink. "Are you ready to meet my bride?"
Kai chatted happily as they entered the store, asking her questions about her life but Cress kept her answers noncommittal. They usually messaged each other regularly a few times a year but it wasn't about her now. It was about Kai and Cinder and their wedding.
And she grudgingly had to admit, as a hand settled on her shoulder, apparently it was about Thorne too. Somehow she had to factor him in whether she liked it or not.
He was downright jovial as he steered her through the store, greeting staff members when they crossed their paths. She felt him shooting glances at her which Cress ignored. Instead, she focused on the store. It seemed to sell everything from lamps and vases, fake flowers and table cloths, to napkins and candles. Everything was beautiful and elegant, but when Cress spotted a few price tags, she sucked in her breath. Beauty and elegance sure didn't come cheap.
"So ... I take it you slept well?" Thorne asked her.
Cress gritted her teeth. "Yes."
"Good." He nodded. "I thought about waking you but you looked like you needed sleep."
Cress didn't dare trust his innocent statement — as if he was so concerned about her. She prepared herself to answer, though what she didn't know, when Kai chimed in.
"I already heard. Delayed flights and then the Rampion breaking down too? What a rough arrival." He gave Thorne a pointed glace over Cress's head. "Though hardly surprising. Cinder told you time and time again to get the engine checked, Thorne."
Thorne waved at Kai. "Well, it's being checked at right now. I brought it to a repairshop this morning, so it's all good."
He even had time to drive his car to a repairshop and make it here on time? Cress wished she had taken her time to set her alarm last night. But it was no use. She had to be at her best right now.
They made a turn when Cress saw a familiar woman standing at one of the tables that showcased various decorations, weighing a dainty tea cup in her hands. She looked uncomfortable holding such fine china, as if it could break in her hand at every second. She placed it quickly back on the saucer where it gave a loud ding.
"Try not to break everything in sight, will you, Cinder?" Thorne hollered at her and Cinder whipped around, sending her ponytail flying. She looked scornfully at Thorne who left Cress's side to make a great show of scrutinizing the cup for damage. Cress wanted to scold him - that was no way to treat a bride and client — when Cinder slapped his shoulder after Thorne didn't stop nudging her with it.
Cress smiled. Cinder was exactly as Kai had described her. She had recognized her from the photos Kai sent her from time to time. Sharp-eyed and with an even sharper tongue, she had no problem holding her own against Thorne as they bickered.
Like Kai and Thorne, Cinder was tall and lean and when standing next to her, Cress felt small. She wished she had at least grabbed her high heels on the way out.
But Cinder looked just as casually dressed as her, if not more so. Just a simple jeans and blouse, the latter of which sported a noticeable brown stain at the collar.
When Cinder noticed that Cress was looking at it, she instantly rubbed at it to no avail. "I spilled some coffee. I always spill something." She then looked up at Cress with worry. "I will be a horrible bride in a dress that is full of smudges."
A nervous bride was nothing Cress couldn't handle. She shook her head. "You will be a wonderful bride," she said, she hoped reassuringly, when Thorne chimed in.
"Yes. Or we could wrap her in cellophane until the ceremony."
Cress was tempted to hit him now too but Cinder looked hopeful. "Can we do that?" She waved at Thorne. "Nevermind." She extended her hand towards Cress. "I'm Cinder, as you know. It's great to finally meet you. Kai has told me a lot about you."
Cress shook her hand. It was rougher than expected. "It's great to meet you too. And thank you for this opportunity. I'll do everything I can to make your dream wedding come true." Cress had said that sentence, in one variation or other, to many couples, mainly the brides. But every single time she meant it and hoped to convey that to her clients. That their wedding was her top priority, even when she juggled several at once.
And this time it meant more to her than ever. Unfortunately her tardiness must have already given off the worst impression possible. Cress had to apologize. "I'm sorry I was late. I didn't set my alarm yesterday, so I overslept. I promise it won't happen again."
Cinder shrugged good-naturedly. "Don't worry. I know you had a rough time getting here." She pointed her thumb at Thorne. "Thanks to this moron here. Seriously, Thorne, I told you to —"
"— get my engine fixed." He mimicked Cinder's stern voice." Yes, I know. It's being fixed right now. I got Cress here in one piece, so mission accomplished. Can we finally go and plan a wedding?" He grabbed Cinder by the shoulders and steered her towards the back of the store, weaving her through the few customers that were mingling about.
"Shall we?" Kai offered her his elbow and together they followed Cinder and Thorne. They arrived at the only table that wasn't decorated to showcase the various products the store was selling.
There were two chairs; Cinder was already sitting in one when Thorne motioned Kai to take the other one. Kai raised an eyebrow but did as he was told. Cress stood a bit awkwardly next to the couple.
"Okay, Thorne, now what's your plan? What are we doing in this department store?" Kai asked, pointing at their surroundings. So, Kai and Cinder had no idea either, Cress realized. They all looked expectantly at Thorne who seemed to enjoy the attention.
"Well, my friends and friend of my friends"— he gave a nod in Cress's direction before he continued with an impish grin, "we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses —"
"Thorne!"
Thorne held up his hands. "Just kidding. But we are still gathered here today to discuss your wedding. You decided to have not one but two excellent wedding planners." He winked at Cress who remembered that he hadn't been too impressed by her weddings yesterday. "For the price of ... still two wedding planners because you two have apparently way too much money."
Cress flushed with guilt. She had not been able to give Kai and Cinder a discount and they were even paying her better than most of her clients thus far. But while she was here, she wouldn't be able to take other offers. She had scheduled some consultations in advance but the lucrative full-services packages or even Day of Consultations arrangements would have to wait until September. She assumed that Thorne would still continue his regular work while Cress could only focus on Kai and Cinder's wedding.
Cress was lucky that her inheritance allowed her to do skip one of the busiest months of the year for wedding planners. She knew that Kai's family was loaded but still, they paid way more for two wedding planners whereas usually only one was hired.
"That means," Thorne said, interrupting Cress's train-of-thought, "you have the opportunity to be presented with the ideas of more than one wedding planner. However, I think, and I hope Cress agrees with me"—he glanced at her—"that trying to combine several concepts would be stressful and time-consuming."
Cress nodded but wasn't quite sure what she was agreeing to. Did he already expect their ideas to clash? Cress had assumed that they would talk to Kai and Cinder and come up with a great concept together. But it seemed like Thorne had something else in mind.
"Great. Now I thought it would be best if both Cress and I would present you with different concepts and you get to pick one."
Cinder and Kai exchanged glances. "Sounds reasonable. What do you think, Cress?" Kai asked her.
"Sure." But if Cress were honest with herself, she was anything but sure at this moment. It was all very vague. Cress wet her lips before she asked, "What do you propose then, Thorne?"
"And what are we doing here?" Cinder chimed in.
"Glad you're asking, ladies. We're here because I propose that Cress and I will each pitch ideas and for that we can use everything you see." Spreading out his arms, Thorne made a show to gesture towards the shelves. "Here's what we do. Cress and I will each brainstorm one or more concepts and decorate the table. Table cloths, vases, flowers, candles, whatever. So you get to see what it could look like on your big day."
Okay, that Cress had not expected. They would put together their concept right here ... right now? That was not how she usually worked. She typically met the couple, talked to them in an initial casual meeting and then came up with a few concepts she discussed at a second meeting. It had always worked so far.
She tried to focus on what Kai was asking but Cress started to get nervous, only half-listening to what Thorne was saying now.
"No, don't worry. This is just the shop but they do have a supply store that rents basically everything you see here. I've worked with them before. They can supply you with the tableware, linens, and lights, so you can get a good idea of how your tables would look. Except flowers. I think we should get real ones." Thorne picked up a glass figurine from one the shelves and set it right back. "We don't have to get everything from here either. But they do have an amazing selection and if you want something else, we can get it. But at least this way, you will get an idea on how the tables will look, the color schemes …" He trailed off, scratching his thumb across his lips.
There was a moment of silence which gave Cress a few seconds to gather her thoughts.
It was a competition. Her against Thorne. She would hardly be working with Thorne, which was something Cress had been looking forward to, she would have to work against him. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt but she felt like he tried everything to relegate her to the sidelines.
Cress was comfortable at the sidelines, rather than in the spotlight — just not like this. She liked standing aside, delegating everything while the bride walked down the aisle and had her moment. But this — the ideas, the concept, the brainstorming with the couple — this was Cress's moment to shine.
Cress wasn't competitive. No, she tried to be as good as she could be and her small business was starting to take off very well. She had great reviews and a steady amount of couples asking for her services.
She wasn't as experienced as Thorne. She wasn't featured in fancy magazines and didn't plan to have her own product line. She didn't organize high-class weddings in L.A. either.
But she was good at her job.
"Cress, do you agree with this?" Kai asked her. He, Cinder and Thorne looked at her expectantly. Cress thought she saw a glimmer of nervousness in Thorne's eyes.
She drew herself up, meeting his gaze. "I do."
A/N: Yay, another update. I hope you enjoyed it, especially since we not only meet Kai and Cress but Boots too. Boots needs way more spotlight in fanfics if you ask me. :P
I'm also working on a little drabble series, "Till we Meet Again". If you haven't checked it out yet, you can find it on my profile page. Since the drabbles are shorter and I can basically write whatever I want, I'm updating that story a bit more often than "Planning Ever After". I hope you enjoy both and if so, let me know in the reviews.
As always, a big thanks to lovelunarchron who betas my fics so you can enjoy it without any wonky grammar. ;)