Billionaires Runaway Bride

“The BEST!” she screeched.

Someone “wooed” in the background.

“You know it!” she called out. I could picture Rachel being more preoccupied with them than me. That had been obvious by her lack of contact since she’d left for her mini-vacation.

“How’s the wedding planning going?” she asked.

I didn’t know if she was getting my texts since she refused to take my phone calls, so I had to recap everything for her. “We changed the venue to this really spectacular place overlooking the ocean. I rented out the entire space so we can add other things. Sienna was thinking a photo booth—”

“Sounds good,” Rachel said, interrupting me. “Listen, I want to move the wedding up if you can get the plans done before I get back.”

I stared at the phone, stunned that she would even ask that. I had enough trouble securing vendors for the original date. “I don’t think that will work, Rachel. Unless you want to do something at the courthouse.” I wasn’t opposed to a quick wedding, but I didn’t think a big wedding was possible in the timeline that she wanted.

“I’m not wearing my ten thousand dollar dress at a courthouse. Just make it happen. Throw whatever money you can at this.”

She’d been callous before, but only when we were alone. I didn’t like how she spoke about my money in front of her friends. It was a personal thing to me, and she was treating my life’s work like Monopoly money.

“I don’t think you understand how this works, Rachel.” I couldn’t help feeling annoyed.

“We’re going to the pool, Rachel,” Ophelia said in the background.

“Rachel,” I said, “I think we need to discuss this.”

“Later, Parker. Just make it work.”

“I’ll try,” I said, resigning myself to the fact that I’d probably have to redo the entire wedding, and now in a shorter amount of time.

“’Kay, great, bye.”

“I love—” the phone line went dead, “—you.”

I tossed my phone onto the bed and dug my palms into my eyes. I really wished I hadn’t picked up the phone for her. She was asking way too much of me while being away. I needed her here to help me. Maybe it was a good time to hire a wedding planner. At least they could take care of everything, and then Rachel could blame them if something went wrong. Stress built up in my chest and a rush of energy flooded my body. I sat up and pushed off the bed. I needed to do something.

Sienna’s face flashed in my mind. She’d know what to do.

By the time I reached the diner, my mouth was watering for some nearly burnt bacon. I’d shoved the conversation with Rachel to the back of my mind. I’d talk to her later when she wasn’t so distracted and see if we could work something out. If not, I’d hire someone to help out. I had to. I didn’t have time for this. Maybe Rachel would pick up her phone for a wedding planner even if she didn’t for me.

The lot was full, and I had to park around back where there was space. I went into the kitchen. I grabbed an apron and put it in front of me as a shield.

Tony turned when I came in. “What are you doing, man?”

Sienna turned around and smiled at me. She had a bit of jelly on her cheek, which added to her charm.

“I don’t need to be assaulted by more eggs. I’m protecting myself.”

“We’re too busy for food fights today,” Sienna said.

“That’s good. I think my advertising has paid off.”

“Do you want a medal?” she said, smiling.

“No, but I could use some food.”

“Give us about ten minutes to catch up,” Tony said. “Then she’ll make you whatever you want.”

“Thanks for speaking for me,” Sienna said to Tony and bumped him with her elbow.

He brandished a spatula at her and she erupted with laughter. “No spatula fights today, Tony.”