Olivia

"Are you going to give me the details?"

Tearing open the box full of quavers, I roll my eyes with a knowing smile. I'm sure Jasper's already relayed the events of yesterday with his brother, if not, then I'm shocked and mushy that he's allowing me to tell the story.

Meeting Emit's hopeful gaze, I let out a playful sigh and start packing the shelf. "He was sweet; I was surprised when I realised he was recreating our last day together, and he even sealed the deal by showing me everything I got for him in the time we knew each other." That was my favourite part, not that all of it wasn't spectacular. "And he gave me the engagement ring—wait, don't you have somewhere to be?"

Emit scoffs, feigning hurt by resting a hand on his chest as he watches me cram the last of the quavers on the shelf. "I'm free for another couple of minutes, whereas you, little missy, have fifteen minutes. David's awesome for letting you go early with pay."

I scoff this time. "Only because you played the desperate wedding preparation card." I shake my head, still remembering the look on his face. "The poor man, he wants to come more than anything; you do lay it on thick, my friend."

I smile at a passing customer who makes an obvious sweep over Emit's frame and scurries past. He doesn't pay her any attention as he wears a wide smile and follows me down the aisle as I carry a half-opened box of skips.

"It worked though! And why can't he? Friends of the two families are going to be coming, and David is a dear friend to dad." He rounds to cut me off and makes a halt motion. "Hey, don't change the subject, did Jasper get down on one knee?"

My heart jumps at that. The image of Jasper down on one knee with a ring held out like his heart on the end of his sleeve is just. . . Jesus, the thought of it does things to me I've never felt which isn't a first when it comes to Jasper Petrova. I can tell it has a linger of wordless happiness in my chest, and it's enough to nearly bring a tear to my eye. But this isn't for us, we're marrying for business, and I know that. We're not ready for the real deal, and I'd rather have this side of him than nothing at all.

"No, but I don't mind—" Catching the look on Emit's face, I hastily add, "I didn't expect him to, before you say anything, Emit. That side of things is for business, and I don't see it being anything more."

A heavy sigh falls from his lips, and he wordlessly lets me continue packing the crisp until I'm down half a pallet. "Liv, all I can say, is when Jasper finally has that chat with you, you will see none of this is just business to him."

I'm stunned by his words, but Emit's smile is enough to show me there's nothing to stress about. After the conversation me and Jasper had, I feel more understanding, but I do have some guards up considering I want answers more than anything.

But what if I hear something I don't want to?

Shaking my head, I grab a box of pringles. "Thanks, Emit. I'll keep that in mind."

I'm not entirely lying. I'm not going to keep my hopes up for them to be knocked down, but I don't want to close myself off from possibilities either.

"Good." He ruffles my hair, and I swat him away, earning a laugh. "I need to make a run, or dad will scold me. We have to make sure our reservations are still being held before we collect Jasper. Let me know how your shopping trip goes, OK?"

"Will do, have fun, and thanks again," I call as he back pedals down the remainder of the aisle before rounding the end out of view.

Today's going to be a long day, I can feel it. On the other hand, knowing I'm not going to be the only one is a comfort. Grinning, I pile in the tubes, making sure their logo's face outward, and they're neatly perched on the edge of the shelf for an easy grab. Once all four flavours are unloaded, I work on the more exotic packs before emptying the Doritos in their compartment next to the dips.

Time flies by, and Tamsin comes to take over with her own beaming smile. "I'll catch you later, Olivia."

"Thanks, Tamsin. I'll see you later, have a good day!" Waving goodbye, I scurry for the bathroom, knowing Marissa will be waiting outside for me. Swapping my white shirt and black jeans for a blue pair and a navy vest, I let my hair down and collect my backpack from the lockers. Cursing as my foot slips on the stairs in my attempt to cram my belongings inside, I make haste for the entrance, spying the road for her car. Unlocking my phone, I sigh when there's no new messages, and stuff it back in the pocket, only to hear a horn.

Grinning, I jog across to the awaiting Mercedes, and pull open the passenger door. Once I'm in, she reaches over for a quick hug before re-strapping herself in, I follow suit and lean back into the creamy leather. "Thank you for picking me up," I beam.

"No problem, darling. So, we're going to meet up with my friends Emilia, Merideth, Lucinda, and Luna, do you remember them?" she offers lightly before carrying on. "They're going to help you with the essentials for your big day."

I nod enthusiastically, but my brain is working overtime. I've heard their names crop up before in conversations, but she's only mentioned them once to me, so my memory is a bit squiffy with the details.

"Are you ready?"

I share a shy smile. "No?"

She laughs, patting my knee before reversing, and waiting for a car to pass before pulling out. "You'll be fine, we'll take care of you."

"Oh my god, you came; I thought you weren't going to make it!"

Silently taking in the fair-skinned woman—who looks like she's barely reached her early thirties but turns out to be thirty-eight according to Marissa—bounces across the room to embrace her. She greets the other women in the same manner before her blue eyes land on me.

"My, you must be the beautiful bride to be! Welcome to Luna's Forémata—dresses, if you don't read Greek—and I be the great Luna, how may I be of assistance?" the bubbly character, now known as Luna, squeals while jumping in her four-inch heels, causing her platinum curls to bounce with every action.

If I tried to do that, I'd more than likely break my neck.

Crushing me into one of the friendly hugs I saw her do to the others, my lungs suck in a breath of relief when she decides to let go.

"Thank you, Luna, for closing your shop for us to brows," I say, committing her name to memory.

"My, she's a good girl. . . don't you think, Marissa?" Luna ponders, bringing a flush to my cheeks as I listen to the playful snicker behind me.

The thought of not being allowed to pay for anything brings me discomfort, but Marissa's strict mother-like words remind me whenever it crosses my mind. In the car ride over, she told me it's down to her and—according to tradition—the father. In this case, that would be Graham, since mine is no longer around, and mum sadly joined him. With no siblings, I'm not sure who will walk me down the aisle.

Would anyone walk me down the aisle since it's temporary? I doubt Jasper's parents are aware by the fuss they're making over things.

Giving the room a quick once over, I'm in awe. It's like a dress shop from a book, or a movie. Pale coloured walls, in this case, pastel pink; mannequins dot the centre with a few traditional dresses encasing them, and beside each one is a small case with accessories.

There's more to this than I thought.

While the women catch up, my brain kicks into gear to work each of them out.

The stylish one with the green eyes has to be Merideth. Her deep brown hair is tied back at the sides in braids, and the intricacy is enough proof she's the hairdresser Marissa's known since college. I swear Marissa said she's in her forties, but with the three women combined, numbers aren't on my side.

Lucinda looks a few years younger, but still in their age vicinity. Marissa mentioned they'd met during an auction a handful of years ago and bonded over their interest in jewellery. I'm confidant it's her by how her soft brown eyes sparkle at the tiny jewels embedded in a tiara that's tucked away inside a display cabinet. She's got a light tan to her skin, and her punkish short one side and long the other hair style is only a few shades lighter with some blonde highlights.

Marissa labelled her the Punk Jeweller because she's hardcore and knows her way around the accessory side of life.

Lastly is Emilia, the dainty florist with the softest looking complexion of creamy mocha. She has a mop of wavy black hair that flows to her shoulders with streaks of green that floods into the tips. Her and Marissa have known each other for a couple of years, especially on a closer level since Emilia is her personal florist. Even her eyes are a bright shade of green. The green in her hair represents her passion for nature, according to Marissa.

Luna on the other hand, I have no idea how they know each other. She's hardly said a word about the hyperactive character, but I'm sure it will pop up later—

"So, is there a theme you guys are following?" Luna pipes up, drawing me back to the present. "Maybe colour coding?"

My mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. Nothing comes to mind, and my eyes shift to Marissa for help.

Her green eyes soften, and a small smile curves her lips. "Maybe the traditional, honey?"

This doesn't feel right, making all the plans by myself or letting others take the reins. It's not just my day, it's Jasper's too.

Flicking my gaze around the group, I offer an apologetic smile and take a step back. "I'm sorry, I'm just going to call Jasper; I won't take long, I promise."

They give me thethumbs up, Luna taking the term literally as she holds up two in front of herbright smile. Scurrying out of the room and hopping off the small step on theother side of the door in record time, I stand on the side of the wide window outof view.