Back To You

Chapter 1 || This Is That Moment In Time

𝐒 𝐎 𝐏 𝐇 𝐈 𝐀

There is a moment in time where the stars align, and everything falls into place.

When all the long nights and the countless hours spent worrying that something will go wrong, no longer matter. When you can finally breathe after months, or even a year, of planning the perfect wedding. This is that moment in time.

Wedding planning is an art that takes careful precision. Even the smallest of complications can spiral into something significant that can affect everything. 

A year in the making had led us to this day, the wedding day. Soft, melodic music flows through the air surrounding the outside reception area, harmonizing with the laughter and joyful cheers of the guests, who all have delighted smiles playing on their lips. The happiness of every person resonates through the air. Kids merrily chase each other, weaving in and out of the elegantly decorated tables, giggling as they go. The bride and groom stand out amongst the guests, dancing gracefully.

Nothing can go wrong, and today is the day where it all counts. The day that makes all the stressful times and the many last-minute changes worth it. To see the elated smiles grace the bride and groom's faces as everyone around them celebrates in their matrimony.

I tap my nails against the marble countertop bar beside me. I watch the happy couple and the guests as if waiting for something to go wrong, because it can. A waiter tripping and spilling the food, a gatecrasher or a drunk aunt who tries to ruin the wedding. Name it and in my many years of wedding planning, it has more than likely happened. I need to be alert at every second and nothing can distract me, because that's when something is more than likely to go wrong.

What is the biggest distraction known to women everywhere? Men.

Feeling eyes burning into my side, a good-looking guy appears in my peripheral vision. Taking a seat next to me at the bar, his eyes stray away from me for a second and to the bartender.

"I'll take a beer and whatever this beautiful lady beside me would like," a deep voice orders. I tear my eyes away from the wedding reception to focus on the man next to me. My eyes connect with his deep brown ones as he stares back at me.

"Oh no, I'm not drinking. But thank you, that's kind of you," I say, giving a small polite smile.

"Not even one drink? A wedding is a cause for celebration," the man persists. "And I refuse for a beautiful woman to pay for a drink."

"I'm actually the wedding planner, so no drinking for me tonight." I laugh.

"Oh really? Beautiful and successful. You've done an outstanding job with the wedding," the man flirts. "Have you been doing it long?" he asks, starting up a conversation.

"Around three and a half years now," I tell him. "So I've been to my fair share of weddings." More than I can count, actually.

"And you're not married?" As if you need to be married to become a wedding planner. I shake my head and purse my nude, color-stained lips that complement my fair skin. This is a common misconception people have about wedding planners. That we're all married. 

"Must be my lucky day, although I'd feel a lot luckier if I could get your number. If you won't let me buy you a drink, maybe we can have a drink another time. Or dinner."

"I'm not one for dating. I'm very career focused right now. Speaking of my career, I should go check on my colleagues. I hope you enjoy your drink and the rest of the wedding." I gently let him down before standing up, smoothing down my dress. Giving one last polite smile, I turn around and make my way through the outside reception area towards my assistant, Nicole. Her red painted lips, that I can see are pulled into a smirk the closer I get, contrasts with her light brown skin.