A match to remember

The day before the wedding

Chapter 14

Olivia and Mary were quiet during the drive to her house. Mary only had a two-bedroom house but like her brother they optimized the space. The master bedroom had a king bed …...the spare bedroom has twin beds…... both had full baths. The den area, like her brothers had two sofas which converted into beds with a half bath strategically placed between the kitchen and the den... The kitchen had a counter which seated four and window seats throughout the house that doubled as storage for linen and pillows. …...The dining room table that could convert to seat eight…... Any real overflow could be accommodated by the porch which wrapped around one half of the house.

Their large family and lack of easily accessible hotels made adapting to sleep extra family at a moment's notice necessary...

Mary asked Olivia to pick her room of choice, the master or if she preferred the room with the twin beds. Both knew they would not get much sleep tonight, so they decided to get the house ready for one guest or multiples…. if necessary.

The beds were stripped…. blankets and pillows put into the dryer to fluff…the house given a once over with the vacuum. Finally…. after both had their showers they settled down to have a couple of hours of girls talk…...around a bowl of popcorn…...wine for Olivia tequila for Mary.

They settled on a Game of Thrones marathon knowing they would not finish…... it was the farthest thing they could find that did not remind them of the wedding and they both agreed on the scenes they could fast forward through.

After her second glass of tequila Mary asked Olivia about Fitz…. how they met, why she avoided him and how in the world did she forget she was worth millions.

"Olivia, I don't want to gossip I just want to know…. first about the money and then about you and Fitz."

"Mary, I wish I could explain about the money. It was left to me by my grandfather through my mother. In the back of my mind I knew it was there, but I never needed it so it's like your house. You have a spare bedroom and a large den. You can easily sleep 10 people. With room for air mattresses or pallets on the floor you can provide beds for more... You have 2 ½ bathrooms. Do you ever think about it?"

"Nope I never thought about it…until now."

"It's the same thing. You live every day in this house, but you never think that you could easily sleep maybe twenty people without a problem.".

"Now I understand…but not really … that said…. what are your plans after the wedding?"

"I'm still hoping to open the office in Chicago. With you and Marcus being an important part. You have exceptional skills and I believe you will make a great office manager…maybe more. I'm not sure how the family will accept me coming in a taking you and Fitz away. As for Fitz … no decision there… it's easier for me to make the biweekly trip here than for him…. we will find a way to make it work because we want it to work.…

"Tell me the real story behind your meeting… tell me what really made you walk away."

"It was so easy and nothing good is ever easy. When I first saw your brother and Jake the first thing that came to mind was bad boys, bad bad boys. Jake had the tattoos and the jelled hair. Fitz' entire right arm was covered. First, I thought, here's trouble …. later I thought why would two handsome men cover their beautiful bodies that way. Now those tattoos have grown on me."

"I told Fitz the arm was a bit too much. What made you change your mind about them?"

"They were so polite, and your brother has the best-looking body, even with his clothes on. It's hard to think bad thoughts of a very polite man with an atlas body. I kept thinking about the tattoos I could not see. By the final match of the day started I decided to enjoy the view of the bad boy biker who evidently used his gym membership."

"Did you know he rode a motorcycle.?"

"Nope…not really but his wallet hanging off a chain was a slight giveaway. They were so polite …. both offering to bring me a drink when they went for theirs, but I refused."

Mary poured herself another glass and looked at the half empty bottle "Why did you refuse?"

"It was easy…One hundred steps to the water closet. When they left they said goodbye which was kind of odd for people at a sporting event who don't know each other ... I did not see them for the evening match that opening Monday, so I thought it was one and done until the next day when Fitz stopped me when I was going to my seat…and the rest is history."

Mary got up to make another batch of popcorn as Olivia hit the fast forward button. Coming back with a new batch of popcorn they sat on the floor and continued their conversation.

"How big is the stadium?"

"It seats over 17k."

"17k and he found you…...you were meant to be."

"Not really he was sitting in the food court and recognized the coat I was wearing …... he saw me enter the stadium and decided to go to the same area he saw me the day before … when he saw me he spoke and offered to buy me dinner."

"Now that's really a great love story. You could have chosen a different coat, or you could have decided not to go to the evening match."

"Roger was playing….no real tennis fan would miss seeing Roger play."

What happened…did you sit together that day…the rest of the week…...it all sounds like a romance story?
"…We sat together the rest of the week…...never exchanging numbers just making small talk and enjoying the matches. I usually watched matches on the outer courts during the day then come into the main stadium for the mid after-noon and night matches. Fitz was usually there when I arrived. We did a little harmless flirting...nothing heavy nothing that made my heart flutter, no lightning bolts, no sleepless nights... We flirted a little but each evening after the final match we said our goodbyes until the next day. I figured what happens in NY stays in NY, so a little flirting could not hurt if it was only flirting. I did not have any expectations and I never expected or intended to ever see him again even after we spent the entire day together…but not the night….as fate would have it he knew Huck and Huck knew me…"

"Small world…."
"Real small world…when I called, and you answered the phone after I spent a month avoiding him I thought "what happens in NY stays in NY" was a good idea. A week later the two of you showed up and now we are getting married in 2 days. I am not sure if I should be happy or terrified."

"You should be happy."

"Mary how do we manage a life together …he is a farm boy I'm a city girl. Two totally different cultures. How do we make it work…...I know it's a heck of a time to start having doubts?"

"My suggestion one day at a time. Don't try to solve next week's problems today…. take it one day at a time. Put all your effort in loving him and letting him love you. Don't question just let it be…let it flow. Don't forget Fitz was raised on a farm but he spent a lot of time away from the farm…. you can see that from his tattoos. You Olivia, I would consider Switzerland a lot more rural than city. I heard they have nearly as many cows as Wisconsin, you spent more of your early life there not in the big city."

"But Mary two different cultures."

"Let me ask you Olivia…when he is making love to you…making your toes curl…. giving you feelings that you never thought possible. Have you ever heard yourself scream from the pure ecstasy of what you were feelings….

Olivia interrupted Mary….."we can't spend the rest of our lives in bed….we have to face our differences at some point. That's why I ran I did not want society to spoil something that made me feel so good, so at ease so satisfying."

"So don't let it…don't let society spoil what you have. I know my brother loves you. Spending extra time in bed will do until you figure out how to face your fears and doubt. I can't think of any better use of time.

I don't think it's about "we" facing your fears it more about you facing your fears. Fitz is marrying you in two days in front of his family in his family church….he doesn't seem to have any fears. Didn't he invite you to visit him here ? He saw the woman he wanted and let her know he was all in…now it's your turn.. try to relax. . When a problem happens…..deal with it but do not create a problem until it confronts you.

"Mary …I just don't know or want to know how many fake smiles will congratulate us at the wedding."

"Olivia….don't you think couples from the same culture also face the same fake friends. Get rid of as much unnecessary baggage as possible… Don't be afraid…. I'm not afraid with Marcus. If he asked me to marry him tomorrow I would say yes and never look back…never care what the world thinks. Anyone who has ever loved…ever know love would be selfish if they did not want the same for others. Those you hate or/and find fault have never loved they have never know love , never loved anyone never been loved by anyone . There is nothing to compare to love. Olivia….talk to Fitz…let him know how you feel . He's the only one who can ease your fears."

Olivia emptied her glass and looked at the empty bottle…" should we call it a night…or is it morning. Today will make or break the wedding."

"It won't make or break it…. we have a bride, groom, venue, plenty of food and the best free wedding planner ever. It will work I promise."

Neither Mary or Olivia made it to their bed. The next morning at 7am. Fitz, Marcus and Huck found the two on the floor lying next to the sofa ... An empty bottle of wine was near Olivia a half empty bottle of Tequila was near Mary. Both only groaned when the men tried to wake them up. By eight both were finally awake …not ready for today's events but they both were off the floor and in the shower hoping the cold water would help.

Fitz started breakfast the smell of bacon did little to make them feel better but Marcus, an old hand with hangovers had mixed his secret pick-me-up which had the ladies in top form in short order. It was just in time to get the bad news started.

Dot informed Mary some unidentified person had bought all the long-stemmed flowers that were going to be used in the reception area. No problem…Mary had anticipated some shenanigans from those hoping to spoil the couple's day, so she had a plan B and C. She changed the flowers to mums available from wholesale distributor 100 miles away who supplied the stores in the area. She ordered all the white flowers for the church and purple ones for the reception area and the tent... Their white and green buds went well with the bridal colors. Boutonnieres as well as bouquets for the bridesmaids were included with the bridal attire so that was covered. The mums had been ordered, just in case. Mary decided any extra flowers would be a great donation to several retirement settlements in the area. They were still able to get the flowers they wanted for the altar pieces.

Olivia complimented her on her foresight to plan for the unexpected." Olivia." Mary said" I told you I got this…. I am more than just a pretty face. My family is in charge and we know how to make quick adjustments. Suspecting Mellie was behind the flower purchase Mary had plugged possible ways that could create problems…Mary made sure the date and time of the wedding was posted and said wedding or no wedding there would be celebration at the church at 6pm on Wednesday with plenty of food and entertainment... Mary was doing all she could to anticipate anyone doing any mischief …no one and nothing was going to spoil her well made plans.

By the time they had breakfast and arrived at the church the cleaners were through with the cleaning and started the decorations. They had installed all the artificial flowers with the live flowers to be placed the follow day, so they would be fresh. The flower wholesaler scheduled his delivery for 9am Wednesday. He surprised Mary by telling her he would include some long stem flowers which fit in perfectly... He had been experimenting with some new varieties …they were perfect for the altar and for the spots around the reception area as well as some for the tent.

Everything was taking shape. The tent had been set up, Adam had arrived with his cooker and the caterer assured them the food would be ready. Gerry Grant decided he and Eli Pope would stay at the site all night to make sure nothing unusual happened after the l flower incident was discovered. This would give the two fathers time to talk.

Huck had left the group at eight to pick up Abby, Jake, Cyrus and Eli…. they were expected back by two... Fitz would serve his guest pizza and pasta…...Mrs. Grant planned assorted salads and another finger food, for her guest. When they learned the van with the wedding attire ….along with the car carrying Aunt Dee, Ms. Smith and James were one hour out …all knew they were in the final stretch.

Olivia would dress at the Grant's house, along with her bridesmaids. This would eliminate the need to move the dresses several times. They would all be transported to the church in a small bus used by the college for special events. The men would dress and leave from Fitz'. Everything was humming along smoothly Olivia kept hoping there would not be an explosion when the one-on one meeting between Eli and Dee happened... Maybe they would not meet until after the wedding. Maybe after a couple of glasses of the special brew no-one would remember...

The van arrived carrying the wedding attire and everyone took care that everything was unloaded, and all placed in one room Margaret had set aside... Introductions were made all around, but chit chat would have to wait for later as the van was unloaded and the fitting began. The bridesmaids' boutiques were stored in an outdoor refrigerator that would later hold the beer for the afterparty... Additional mirrors were placed in the room much like a store's fitting room.

The tuxedos were pulled out and went with Fitz and Sam to his house for anything necessary steaming or alterations , except Gerry's and Eli's. Sam decided since Eli and Gerry would be at the church together he would fit them there. Everything the men needed were accounted for and sent on its way.…the boutonnieres would be stored in Fitz' refrigerator.

The group with Huck arrived back at 2pm. Lori and the drivers were invited to relax before starting the trip home, so they decided to delay their departure until 6pm…. time to rest and even take a quick nap.

Margaret tried on her dress and was satisfied with the color and the fit. The bridesmaids dresses which were a light peach in two different styles were fitted next... The ladies all chose the same style and the fits were perfect with little alterations necessary. Abby choose the exact dress as the other ladies and the entire wedding party had been fitted by 4pm. Then it was the bride's turn, three dresses were available for her to choose from. Olivia started to cry when the nearly duplicate dress that she wanted was pulled from the storage bag. it was the YSL dress, the first wedding dress he designed. …or very close to it... No need to look at the other two. One was a plain light cream chemise with spaghetti straps the other a lace bodice top with a full skirt but once Olivia saw the dress of her dreams there was no real thought about either of the other dresses.

The dresses, shoes and accessories were all in place for the next day so now the group could properly introduce themselves. It was an interesting mix…...a wall street broker, a college professor, a Smithsonian curator, a wedding planner, two attorneys, a businessman, three teachers, two retirees and a mass of Grant relatives with two partridges in a pear tree. Everyone was very formal until someone mentioned the upcoming football season then it was all boats away. Every group had a favorite and no two agreed, so they decided to disagree and concentrate on college teams.

Lori, the wedding planner, with encouragement from Olivia decided she would stay over and ride back with Aunt Dee. The van with the extra clothing left at 6pm and slowly the crowd thinned., Fitz and his group headed to his house, the bride's group headed back to Mary's.

Eli and Gerry along with Billy and his group left for the church for any last-minute decorations or cleaning that the cleaning crew had missed. Eli and Dee had somehow avoided any one on one contact, but Olivia knew they still had a twenty-four-hour window for something unexpected to happen.

For now, everything had a place, and everything was in place as different groups settled in for the night.

This story started with Tennis roots. Did anyone see Serena and Alexis sitting in the first bank of seats at Meghan's wedding right behind Meghan's mother... Loved that.