My Only Exception (gxg)

Part 26

Poppy came back to work a week after her dad's funeral, and everyone was incredibly kind to her. I knew that she was struggling, but all I could do was be there for her.

One Saturday in July, I was working with Sydney, Diego, and Charlie, and Layla was at the shop as well.

"I wanted to tell you all something," Layla said, walking behind the counter.

"Oh no," Diego said, "Is it bad?"

Layla chuckled and shook her head, "Not at all, Diego. I told Laura, Liv, and Poppy this morning while they were working, Erica and I are having a vow renewal party and ceremony. When we got married 10 years ago, we eloped. Just the two of us, and Erica's daughter. We never got to celebrate with family and friends, so we decided to do this now that we have been married for 10 years. I'd love it if you all could come."

"That's so exciting!" Charlie said, "I'd love to come. When is it?"

"I know I'm giving short notice, but it's in 3 weeks. The shop will be closed the day of the party, of course. And the day after. I completely understand if any of you already have plans, but I wanted to extend the invite to all of you."

"I don't think I have anything going on," Sydney said, "I'd love to come."

Diego nodded in agreement and said, "I'll be there."

"Same," I said to Layla, "It means a lot that you would invite all of us."

Layla smiled, "Wonderful. It seems as though all of you will be able to make it. I am sending out an e-vite with all of the information. Be on the lookout for it."

Poppy came over to my house after my shift.

"Did Layla tell you about her and Erica's vow renewal?" Poppy asked as we lay on my bed together.

I nodded, "She did. I assume you'll be my date for it?"

"You have assumed correctly," Poppy chuckled, "I think it's such a wonderful idea."

"I agree."

Poppy was quiet for a second, and she then said, "I wanted to tell you something that's really been on my mind."

"What's up, Poptart?"

"I think I'm going to start taking some college courses. I've been really thinking about it, and I want to do something to help patients with cancer. Maybe I'll wind up going to nursing school, maybe it'll be something different. I know I don't want to be a barista forever. My dad passing away has really made me think about what I want my future to look like."

"I think that's a wonderful idea," I encouraged Poppy, "I'll support you in whatever you want to do."

"That's why I love you," Poppy smiled up at me. She then asked, "Would you ever go back to college?"

"I don't think so. I've thought about it...but I think that my path might be different. Whatever that path is. All I know is that I want you there."

"I'll be there for you, Delilah. No matter what," Poppy said, and she cuddled against me.

I knew that I had to buy a new dress for Layla and Erica's vow renewal, and my mom went with me to the mall to do so.

"Let me guess, you want to buy something black?" my mom asked me.

"You know, it's a vow renewal. Not a funeral. Maybe I should get something that's not black."

"So, something that's baby pink?" my mom joked.

I laughed, "No way in hell."

I searched the racks of a couple of stores with my mom, and I wound up settling on a wine colored dress. It was strapless and hugged my waist, but flared out a bit into a short skirt. It was very comfortable, and I thought it was pretty as well.