Marriage of Unconvenience

“That was all very... clerical,” Cara said, looking at the paper as we walked out.

“I know, right? I don’t know what I thought it would be, but not that. It really was like signing for a credit card.”

“Still, it’s kind of exciting. Just one more step and then it’s happening. Is your mom still being weird about the party?” I rolled my eyes. My mom had gone completely berserk with this whole “reception” thing. She said it was going to be a surprise and that we only had to tell her who we wanted to invite, and she would take care of the rest as a present. I’d made some food suggestions, but she’d shushed me and said she’d handle it. I was a little worried.

“Yes, she is. I haven’t seen her this excited about anything in ever. I think she might have missed her calling as a party planner.” Cara laughed and shook her head.

“Your mom is something else. But I’m kind of happy we’re having a party. That will be fun. Is she doing the invites?”

“Well, I figured that I should probably tell people before they get invited to a reception for a wedding they didn’t know was happening, so I took the liberty of telling everyone. Ansel is pissed that he’s not the best man.” Seriously, he was actually upset.

“Do you, uh, mind if he comes?” Cara slid the paper into a folder she’d brought and carefully slid that into her bag. This was one of the most important pieces of paper either of us had ever had.

“No, not at all. It would be kind of fun, since he’s the only one who really knows what we’re doing.” I was pretty sure our other friends had figured out something was up, but hadn’t pushed. Sure, Kell had badgered me for half an hour to give her details about every single thing and I’d had to make up a whole story about how one day Cara and I had realized we were meant for each other that I’m pretty sure she didn’t buy, but other than that, everyone had been shocked, then supportive, then excited. A few had even asked if we had a registry, which was something I hadn’t even thought of.

“I still don’t think we need to do the registry thing. It seems weird. Since we’re going to be getting piles of money. I’d feel bad asking for stuff from our friends,” I said.

“Yeah, I agree. And it’s all so sudden, so they don’t really have time to figure anything out. I’d feel uncomfortable if they did anything. They’re coming to the party and that’s enough. Hey, I’m starving, you want to get something to eat?”

Only four days. Four days until our wedding.

Eleven

Cara and I fielded some more questions about our wedding from friends over the next few days and had to tell them that we wanted it to be private. I didn’t even want to tell them what time it was in case they decided to show up.

“You know they’re probably going to show up. Ansel will tell them,” Cara said as we ate pizza in her apartment. The place was even more filled with boxes. We were getting the money next week and she was going to move in on Friday.

“Yeah, he will. He’s not the best at keeping secrets. That asshole.” Cara handed me a paper towel to wipe pizza sauce off my chin.

“Yes, but we love him.”

“Yes. Yes we do.”

“So we should have an unpacking party next week, I think. Invite everyone over. Feed them pizza.” She held up a slice.

“Sounds great. Use our friends for cheap labor.” Cara smacked me with a paper plate.

“They love us. And we would do the same for them.” I chomped on a piece of crust.

“We have done the same for them.” I couldn’t count how many friends I’d help move, sometimes multiple times. That was just what happened in the city. People moved apartments, sometimes every year. I swear, I didn’t go six months without moving at least one friend.

“Exactly.”

I stole her crusts and looked around.

“It’s weird seeing everything in boxes. Do you feel sad at all, leaving this place?” She shook her head.

“Definitely not. This was a place to live. Not a home. I’m looking forward to making a home with you, Lo. It’s going to be so fun. I hope I don’t bug you when I go and get snacks in the middle of the night. I wake up hungry all the time.” I gave her a look.