A Love Restored

Lexi sighed, her gaze wandering to the wedding magazines sc**d on the coffee table. “I just want everything to be perfect, you know? The venue, the dress, the flowers-every little detail. It’s so overwhelming. And Gray’s parents kind of think I’m some street urchin. I want to plan a wedding that matches their…status,

Reaching over, I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Lexi, your wedding will be perfect because it’s a celebration of your love. Don’t let the details overshadow the joy of this moment. And especially, Gray’s snobby parents.

A soft smile played on Lexi’s lips, gratitude shining in her eyes. “You always know how to put things in perspective, Flora. I’m lucky to have you by my side through all of this. I love you, you know?”

The sentiment warmed my heart. “I love you, too, Lexi. Now, tell me, have you decided on the music for the ceremony?”

Lexi’s eyes lit up, and she reached for a notebook on the nearby table. “I’ve got a list of songs I love, but I can’t choose between them. Lover is the top choice, obviously.”

We laughed, remembering the old times at work when we’d debate our favorite songs. We had bonded first over being huge Swifties. Now, we were choosing the tunes for Lexi’s big day.

“You remember how we’d play Taylor all day at the bar?” Lexi grinned, a wistful look in her

eves.

“Yep, those were the days. Now, we’re picking songs for one of the biggest days of your life,” I replied.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

As we scrolled through playlists, Lexi’s focus shifted to another big deal – the food. The aroma of something cooking in the kitchen hinted at a tasty distraction.

“Menu time!” Lexi announced, emerging from the kitchen.

I eyed the spread she laid out, my stomach growling. “You’ve outdone yourself, Lexi. Grey’s gonna love this.”

Lexi beamed, already onto the next topic. “Okay, so seating arrangements. How do we avoid putting Uncle Jake next to Aunt Sally? They can’t stand each other!”

We spent some considerable time brainstorming the perfect seating chart to avoid family. foods. “Should I place you with Felix?” Lexi giggled. “Or will that be too, weird, given he’s Your boss and all?

“Yes please! Keep me very, very away from him. Maybe Tommy and I could be together.”

Lexi, now deeply invested in the wedding details, sighed. ‘Sure. I just want everything to be perfect, Flora, It’s a lot.”

I reassured her, squeezing her hand, “Lexi, your wedding will be perfect. I’ll help out. Trust

me”

The day rolled on, filled with plans, laughs, and funny anecdotes. Lexi’s living room became a point of shared memories and dreams. We discussed everything from flowers to seating charts, with breaks for delicious snacks in between.

As the sun dipped low, Lexi leaned back on the couch, looking both tired and content. “Flora, thanks for being here. Your presence makes all this feel more real, more special.”

I squeezed her hand. “No need for thanks, Lexi. Being here with you is a gift. Your friendship means everything to me.”

The wedding binder, filled with color swatches, guest lists, and venue options, sat closed on the coffee table.

“Flora, we did it!” Lexi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. She reached for the remote and turned on Spotify on the TV, filling the room with the familiar opening chords of a Taylor Swift song I knew all too well. Our favorite since Lover had come out Cruel Summer.

I couldn’t help but smile at the choice. Taylor Swift’s music had

h the soundtrack to our friendship, from late-night talks at the empty bar on a Tuesday and now, wedding planning! As the music swelled, Lexi grabbed my hands and twirled me around, the stress of the day melting away with each step.

The room seemed to shrink as we moved to the beat, the soft carpet beneath our feet. providing the perfect dance floor.

For a moment, I closed my eyes and let the music take over. It was as if the world outside our little dance bubble ceased to exist, leaving only the two of us swaying to the rhythm of the music.

As the song transitioned to a slower melody, livet Nothing, Loxi pulled me into a gentle embrace.

I never imagined my life like this. Lext whispered.

I shook my head, a grin spreading across my face. I never thought planning a wedding would be this exhausting.”

As the playlist shuffled to another Taylor Swift it, Lexi started singing along, her voice a sweet melody that blended seamlessly with the music. I joined in, our voices intertwining in a harmonious duet.

Out of the corner of my eye, I didn’t see Gray and Felix walk in.