CHAPTER EIGHTY–FIVE- A Battle of Wills
But then Ryan withdrew his hand, and the moment passed. He stood up, smiling down at her. “I should get going. Thanks for being honest with me, Laura. I promise things will get better.”
As Laura watched him leave the café, she felt a mix of relief and guilt swirling in her stomach. She had done the right thing by telling Ryan about the situation with Julia, hadn’t she? Then why did she feel like she had just betrayed someone’s trust?
With a sigh, she gathered her things and headed out into the cool evening air, hoping that somehow, everything would work out for the best.
Laura sat at her desk in the Sivarra Tech office, her eyes fixed on the computer screen as she reviewed the latest project specifications. She reached for her glass of water, taking a long sip as she scrolled through the document. The cool liquid was a welcome relief in the stulty office environment.
As she set the glass down, a familiar voice caught her attention.
“Laura? Do you have a moment?”
Laura looked up to see Julia Florent standing by her desk, a hesitant smile on her face. Surprised by the unexpected visit, Laura quickly minimized her work screen.
“Julia? What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to keep the confusion out of her voice.
Julia fidgeted with the strap of her designer handbag. “I was in the area and thought I’d stop by. Is now a good time to talk?
step into the break room?”
Laura glanced at her watch, then nodded. “Sure, I can spare a few minutes. Want to step
They made their way to the small, empty break room. Laura leaned against the counter while julia paced nervously.
“So, what’s up?” Laura prompted, curiosity getting the better of her.
Julia took a deep breath, then turned to face Laura. “I owe you an apology, Laura. A big one.”
Laura blinked, taken aback. “An apology? For what?”
“For my behavior lately,” Julia said, her voice tinged with remorse. “I’ve been.. well, let’s face it, I’ve been a nightmare. Demanding, inconsiderate, completely self–absorbed. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to drop out of the wedding entirely.”
Laura’s eyebrows shot up. This was unexpected. “Julia, 1-”
But Julia held up a hand, cutting her off. “Please, let me finish. Ryan… he talked to me about how my behavior was affecting you. How it was interfering with your work, causing you stress. I felt terrible when I realized what I’d been doing.”
She moved closer, her eyes earnest. “You’ve been so patient, so helpful through all of this. And I’ve been taking advantage of your kindness. I’m truly sorry, Laura.”
Laura stood there, momentarily speechless. Part of her was touched by the apology, while another part remained skeptical. After all, Julia’s behavior hadn’t changed overnight.
“I appreciate that, Julia,” she said carefully. “Wedding planning can be stressful. I understand.”
Julia shook her head. “That’s no excuse. I promise I’ll be more mindful going forward. You’re not just helping with the wedding, you’re our friend. Ryan and I both value that friendship so much.”
The mention of Ryan sent a small pang through Laura’s chest, but she pushed it aside
“Thank you, Julia. That means a lot,” Laura said, offering a small smile.
Julia’s face lit up. “So, we’re okay? You’ll still be part of the wedding?”
Laura nodded, “Of course. I’m happy to help… within reason.”
Julia laughed, the tension in the room dissipating. “Absolutely. No more three–hour lunch meetings about napkin colors, I promise.” They chatted for a few more minutes, with Julia sharing some of the latest wedding updates. As they were about to part ways, Julia pulled Laura into a quick hug
“Thank you again, Laura. For everything.”
As Laura watched Julia leave, she felt a mix of emotions, Relief that the air had been cleared, hope that things would improve, but also a lingering doubt. Only time would tell if Julia’s promise of change would hold true.
CHAPTER EIGHTY FIVE
Later that week, Laura found herself standing outside Kingsman’s, one of the city’s most upscale men’s clothing stores. Ryan had invited her to join him for his tuxedo fitting, along with his best man, Tim Brooks. Laura took a deep breath, steeling herself for the afternoon ahead.
As she pushed open the heavy glass door, the rich scent of leather and cologne enveloped her. The store was a sea of dark wood and plush carpets, with racks of impeccably tailored suits lining the walls.
“Laura! Over here!”
She turned to see Ryan waving at her from a seating area near the back of the store. Beside him stood a tall, athletic man with a mop of unruly brown hair and a mischievous grin. Tim Brooks, she presumed.
As Laura approached, Ryan stood to greet her with a warm hug. “Thanks for coming. I need all the help I can get with this fashion stuff.
“Oh please,” Laura laughed, pulling back “As if you’ve ever had trouble looking good in anything”
The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, and she felt a blush creeping up her neck. Thankfully, Tim chose that moment to introduce himself.
“So you’re the famous Laura,” he said, extending a hand. “Ryan’s told me so much about you, I feel like we’re old friends already.” Laura shook his hand, immediately put at ease by his friendly demeanor. “All good things, I hope?”
“Oh, the best,” Tim winked. “Though he failed to mention how charming you are in person.”
Ryan rolled his eyes. “Alright, Romeo, dial it back. We’re here to find me a tux, remember?”
The next hour flew by in a whirlwind of fabric swatches, style options, and good–natured ribbing. As Ryan tried on different tuxedos, Laura and Tim took turns offering their opinions and cracking jokes.
