Chapter 148 Rehearsal Dinner
Back in Vancouver, the winter didn’t seem as dreary after their brief journey to the south. It felt like a little bit of sunshine and warmth remained with them.
Emily’s workplace seemed like a more happening place too since people brought their dogs along and everyone was in a better mood because of it. A husky, a chihuahua, and some kind of mutt filled the offices with their friendly doggie energy. Turtle Corner was already built, and the resident turtle grazed on some leafy greens.
With the company now producing men’s and women’s clothing and becoming more famous on the international scene, Emily was known as the head of a fashion empire. She let Michelle manage the business side of the company while Pam dealt with international sales.
As her company grew exponentially, winter turned to spring, and then to early summer. Family and friends poured into the city for Emily and Byron’s wedding, which was only a few days away. Soon it was time for the rehearsal dinner.
One of the people Emily most longed to see was her brother, who had just arrived from Toronto. He was less skinny than the last time she had seen him, now at a normal weight. Emily was relieved to see how much healthier he looked.
“Hey, I hear you’re the star of the hip hop scene,” Emily said.
“Yeah, I’m getting there,” he replied humbly. “I’m still living with mom and dad. I need the moral support. But maybe I’ll get my own place one of these days. I can afford it now.”
“Nick, that’s awesome!” Emily said.
His attention seemed distracted for a moment as he looked to the side. Emily followed his gaze and spotted Katie walking through the crowd.
“I hope you don’t mind that Katie is here,” she said.
“Of course not,” Nick replied, “We’re still in touch, and we’re on good terms. Don’t worry, I won’t bring any unnecessary drama to your wedding. We’re on friendly terms, Katie and I.”
“That’s good… And I didn’t think you were going to create drama. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
“Thanks, you’re very caring, but I’ll be fine,” Nick said confidently.
Emily thought her little brother was finally growing up. After they talked a bit longer, Nick went over to Katie to say hello. Emily couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they were happy to see each other.
Then Emily noticed someone else looking in their direction. It was Byron’s half-brother Mateo who had recently arrived from California along with his family. Emily remembered that look. It was the way people looked at Katie when they were struck by how beautiful and lively she was. Now Emily was concerned because the last time this happened, things didn’t end well.
But maybe it would turn out just a schoolboy crush, and after all, Katie was a little bit older and wiser after her failed attempts at dating.
“Who is that?” Mateo asked, “A friend of yours?”
“That’s Katie, a very good friend,” Emily said, “and she works for my company.”
Mateo squared his lean shoulders with a grave expression. “This is going to sound a little bold, but… is she single?”
“Yes,” Emily said with a chuckle, “but I warn you, she’s had a difficult time with relationships, so please tread carefully.”
“I will treat her as delicately as a lemon souffle,” Mateo promised. “That’s a dish that requires very gentle handling.”
“Yeah, I get that,” Emily said, cracking a smile.
“Is it okay if I go and introduce myself?” he asked sheepishly.
“Yeah, you don’t need my permission,” Emily said, even though she dreaded the outcome.
On one hand, Mateo had only graduated high school that year, and he was a bit younger than Katie, so she might not even take him seriously. He still had a scrawny, boyish look, while Katie had already received lots of interest from grown men. On the other hand, Mateo had an easy-going charm, and just like Byron, he had inherited Teddy’s handsome looks.
Suddenly, she felt much more at ease when Byron’s strong hand gently took hers. “Have you seen Nick already?” he asked.
“Yeah, he’s doing so much better,” Emily replied.
“I know,” Byron said, “I talked to him earlier. I’m really proud of the kid. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it seems Katie has claimed another victim.” She pointed to where Katie and Mateo were talking together. They seemed to be getting along fairly well.
“They’ll figure it out,” Byron said lightly. “I’m just glad your other dear friend didn’t make it.”
For a moment she didn’t know what he meant, but then she realized it was Carter who was missing, even though he had been invited.
“I wish you would stop picking on Carter,” Emily said.
“I’m not,” Byron said calmly. “I’m just stating a fact that he’s not here. I actually made my peace with Carter, but I still think he has feelings for you.”
“Then why did he always pick up various women at our house parties?” Emily asked.
“He’s a red-blooded male,” Byron pointed out, “Who can resist Nova Summers? Or Katie for that matter? But he really went to those parties for your sake.”
“Then I’m sure he’ll be here on the actual wedding day,” Emily replied.
“Yeah,” Byron said grimly, “that’s what I’m afraid of.”
