wedding interrupted

8/3/2019 Wedding Interrupted

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Wedding

Interrupteda chainbooks publication

Chapter 1 written by Rochelle Devoe

Chapter 2 written by Brooke Williams

Chapter 3 written by Jordan WIlliams


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Chapter 1

When Kendall Everett stepped out of the taxi she had no idea she was going to findherself in the middle of scandal by the end of the week. She tilted her head staring atthe regal hotel stretching up into blue sky. The eloquent building screamed

sophistication and refinement. Miraculously, so did she. Her normally wild tangle ofmocha curls were tamed into an elegant French braid and her burgundy pantsuittelegraphed authority. She topped off her big city makeover with a pair of black pumpsshe borrowed from her sister. Her skin was tanned by the sun and her freckles werehidden underneath some well applied make-up. She didnt even feel like herself."

She left Mississippi on a plane early in the morning and arrived at the JFK airport anhour and a half ago. She ventured into the Big Apple for one simple reason. To see herbest friend Quincy get married. She hadnt seen him in about ten years but she knewshe couldnt miss this event. They stayed in touch over the years. First there were longletters where they discussed their lives. She kept him updated on who was sleeping

with who, who left the town, who returned and he gave her plenty of detail on his life asa soldier."

Then he met Mary Lynn Beckford."

She stepped into the hotel lobby, her suitcase rolling behind her, and approached thefront desk. Her clothes stated New York but her accent was one hundred percentMississippi. Hi, I have a reservation for a room. The name is Kendall Everett. Shecould see a smirk lifting the corner of the hotel clerks mouth and she stamped down herannoyance."

The clerk typed her name into the computer confirming her reservation. When hedetermined she truly was a guest of the hotel he got her room card and handed it to her.The elevators are right down the hall. Youre going to go up to the fourth floor and it sabout half way down the hallway on your right. Room 456. She noticed he talked slowas if she were a simpleton who had never used an elevator before. She couldnt helpherself. The jerk was ripe for getting ribbed and his ignorance was the perfect reason."

She fixed her vibrant green eyes on him and played up her southern charm to almostcartoonish proportions. Well, golly gee! Thanks so much for helpin a poor country girllike me. I reckon Ill get going that way."

His stricken face gave her a nice flush of satisfaction and she turned around letting himgape at her back. She dragged her suitcase to the elevator and waited patiently for thedoor to open. The doors separated but no one was inside. She ascended the fourfloors and soon was in her room. She marveled at the tasteful decoration. Vases withflowers, a massive satin comforter and lots of pillows decorated her room. She steppedinto the bathroom and squealed with delight. A jetted tub was nestled inside and shewas itching to strip down and spend the evening enjoying the luxury. She promised


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herself that as soon as she could escape the rehearsal dinner she would pour herself abig glass of wine and indulge."

The rehearsal dinner started in thirty minutes so she sat in the chair by the window. Thesprawling panels of glass gave her a knockout view of Manhattan. She marveled at the

famous skyline. Scenes of romantic comedies like Sleepless In Seattle and Youve GotMail entered her mind. She was no Meg Ryan though. Even the surreal moment failed

to keep her mind from wandering to the old friend she would see soon."

Her cell phone began ringing and she giggled as New York, New York chirped from herbaggage. She unzipped the front pocket and answered laughter still dancing in hervoice. Hello, this is Kendall Everett from Everetts Nursery."

Hey Kendall! Have you seen Quincy yet?"

Her other best friends curiosity traveled like electricity through the distance between

New York and Mississippi. Helen Jennings was both an incurable optimist and ahopeless romantic and recently she was directing her over active fantasy life inKendalls direction."

Exasperated by her friends eager and well-meaning nosiness she sighed. Not yet!The rehearsal dinner starts in fifteen minutes."

Hes going to die when he sees you. You look so amazing."

Kendall paced across the room stealing a quick glance in the mirror. She didnt thinkshe looked amazing. In her mind she looked ridiculous. Like a tomboy playing dress

up. She wanted her broken in jeans and white tank top and would gladly trade the suitand shoes for both articles of clothing."

I dont even look like myself."

You might make him forget all about the city princess hes planning to get hitched to.He might follow you all the way back to Mississippi. Helens voice possessed amischievous tone and Kendall had no doubt Helen believed her nave delusions."

I highly doubt it."

Helen sighed and Kendall could swear she heard a wink and a nudge in her friend sfinal words before she ended the call."

Youve done a damn good job of pretending all there ever was between you andQuincy was friendship. I honestly think you and Quincy were the only two kids atLakeview High who didnt think youd end up together. You cant fight fate. Ill call youtonight!"


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The phone went silent and it was time to go downstairs.

"

She walked down the hallway and approached the double doors. Before entering shetook a deep breath. Puzzled by her sudden nerves she chastised herself with the

reminder it was just Quincy. Fancy setting and big city ways be damned."

She opened the doors."

The ballroom was filled with flowers and immaculate women floated between tablebuzzing like honeybees. Men were grouped for safety in the corners of the roomworking hard at doing nothing. Most men knew not to risk getting in the way of womenwho had wedding fever. She wished she could hang out with them and kick off theshoes making her feet scream uncle. Her eyes skimmed through the faces and shelooked for someone she recognized. She saw his mother but she couldnt bring herselfto approach yet. His mother, Henrietta Miller, would make a terrible fuss over her and

she didnt want all eyes on her.

"

Then she saw him."

He was talking with a couple of other guys on the far side of the room. He ran a handthrough his wavy strawberry blonde hair. His eyes crinkled when he laughed and hissmile was broad and undemanding. He had on black dress pants and a crisp whitedress shirt. Unlike most of the men present his tie was already hanging loose aroundhis neck and his jacket was slung haphazardly over his shoulder. She smiled watchinghim."

She struggled to actually begin moving towards him. She felt like an intruder in thisposh setting. Like she had been starring in some movie about a girl growing up in thecountry chasing fireflies who stumbled off her set and ended up in a completely differentfilm. Yet, she knew the leading man so well. She knew his favorite songs, who he losthis virginity to and how he was terrified of spiders. She found herself wondering if thefuture Mrs. Miller knew any of those things."

She wondered if he would even recognize her if he turned in her direction. It had beenthree years and when they went to lunch she wasnt really the picture of style. At thetime, her jeans were baggy and she excelled at erasing any curves she possessed. Hershirt was only slightly more flattering. Her hair had been a mass of wild curls and she

remembered the time well. It was the first time she ever felt self-conscious with him.He was dressed like had a business meeting to attend and she appeared as if she juststepped off a construction site."

Which wasnt all that far from the truth."


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A voice, cool and patronizing, addressed her. Can I help you? She whirled aroundfacing the person who delivered the pointed question. She could feel the older woman seyes assessing her. Kendall met her eyes and the verdict of disapproval was clear."

Yes, Im here for the wedding. Quincy is a friend of mine. We grew up together."

Oh. Well, as you can see, hes right over there. The women tugged on her powderblue jacket and raised her chin."

Thanks!"

She hurried away from the cool gaze of the women and towards the group of menhuddled together. She tentatively called his name and waited for him to turn around.Her hands were ice cold. She knew that if she held them out her hand would quake justa little. He would notice and she didnt have an explanation."

Quincy?"

He didnt turn. The room was noisy and the guys surrounding him were probably thenosiest of all those in the room. One man seemed very satisfied with himself while therest guffawed at the punch line he just delivered. She was close enough now to hearthe timbre of Quincys laugh and the familiar sound bolstered her courage."

Quincy Miller. She said his name louder and his head whipped in her direction. Hestudied her for a moment and horror clenched her heart. His face remained blank. Hiseyes lingered on the details of her polished finish. When he met her eyes recognitionexploded across his handsome features. He whooped so loudly the bustle of the room

went into shocked silent. She seriously doubted anyone in this circle heard a countrifiedwhoop in their lives."

He moved like lightening. One minute he was standing a few feet away and the next hewas lifting her off the floor and clutching her tightly."

Kendall Ann Everett! You made it! He set her back down on shaky legs and it tookevery ounce of concentration not to wobble on the towering heels. He pushed her backand exclaimed Let me get a look at you. I didnt even recognize you!

**********************************"

Henrietta Miller heard a whoop of excitement and knew immediately the soundbelonged to her son. She finished arranging the flowers and adjusted her full figure soshe could see the action unfolding across the room. She saw Quincy with his armsaround a pretty brunette and one of her big brown eyes lifted watchfully. When hefinally let go of the slender girl getting all his attention she recognized the sweet face.All the make-up couldnt hide the shine in Kendall Everetts eyes."


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Henrietta was careful not to smile too big or be too obvious in her pleasure. She prayedthe girl would show up and now she could only hope her son saw what she had alwaysknown. That girl was meant to be with him and he was a fool for her. She rememberedhim moping around the house when she had a relationship with the McClain s son.Henrietta saw the sadness in his eyes when she drove him to Ft. Bragg. His eyes were

glued to the rear view mirror until Kendall faded out of sight."

Her eyes crossed over to Mary Beckford. Mary was wrong for him in pretty much everyway. Her blonde hair was arranged with immaculate care and perfection. Her make-upflawless and her pink dress stunning, she was the picture of a princess. Kendall, on theother hand, already had a few curls springing loose from her French braid and Henriettacould see her shifting on her feet clearly yearning to kick off those deathtraps on herfeet. Quincys appearance mirrored Kendalls perfectly with his lazy smile and forsakentie and jacket."

Henrietta didnt want to meddle in her grown sons business. She took pride in the fact

she let her kids make their own decisions. Yet, she couldnt help herself when fate gave

her a chance to push things in a certain direction. Fate only takes one so far and thengood old fashioned meddling did the rest. She talked Kendall s aunt into giving her thetime off. She talked Kendall into buying the ticket. Kendalls sister, also on teamKendall and Quincy, gave her some tips on how to be a fashion model instead of awomen who made a living digging in the dirt. The final touch was Helen who was flightybut had a mile wide romantic streak. Helen also happened to work in Henriettas store.Maybe she meddled just a touch. Yet she knew if she was wrong about things all themeddling in the world wouldnt change things."

She wasnt wrong though."

Mary was on the move crossing the floor with not only purpose, but smoke in her paleblue eyes. Henrietta new people and she new the look in the girls eyes. She waswound up tight as a tick. She also was a possessive, manipulative woman. She knewshe was going to try to make everything snap in line. The wise mother also knew that inthe whole time she had seen her boy with Mary she never inspired a whoop. More likea polite smile and a peck on the cheek."

Henriettas lips tugged into a grin despite her best efforts. This week was going to bevery interesting she thought. Very interesting indeed.

**************"

Quincy heard his full name being shouted and he couldn t avoid turning his head. Herecognized the voice but he didnt immediately recognize the woman calling out to him.The woman was beautiful but clearly seemed awkward and out of place in theenvironment. Her suit was snug and sexy as hell. Her hair was pulled in a simple buttasteful braid of some sort. She had long legs, a nice pinched waist and full, invitingbreasts.


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"

Then he looked into those big green eyes and recognition flooded him like a torrentialrain. He felt as if he had been sucker punched. All the air whooshed from his lungs andhe found himself suspended in time. Despite the classy clothes and the restrained hairshe moved through him like a summer breeze."

Kendall."

He didnt expect her to come. He just couldnt see her leaving Mississippi and comingout to New York City. She had the nursery to tend to and he knew her life was full andbusy back home. She loved the small town life and she wasnt just a resident of thestate. The land ran through her blood just as strongly as it ran through his. He certainlydidnt expect the image in front of him. Her face was free of the freckles he loved somuch and while he knew make-up magic erased them he couldn t tell by looking. Herlips were tinted a warm brown color with red undertones and her emerald eyes wereenhanced in ways he never saw in the past. Was she wearing mascara?"

The whoop escaped his lips and he didnt think to tame his exuberant welcome for hisold friend. He didnt mean to sweep her up that way either. Yet, he crossed the smallspace between them and grabbed her as if he were in tenth grade again. Heremembered that year she had just returned from spending the summer in Georgia withher grandmother. Ten years was a lot longer than three months. As he pulled her in forthe hug he could feel a slight tremble in her body. This baffled him. But as he began toobserve all the faces staring at them he realized this was an intimidating scene for her."

He turned to her and said. I didnt think you would come. After you went to Atlantayou said nothing would get you in the big city again."

Her eyes, bright and warm, found his and he felt something shift inside him. She said,Well.I guess youre an exception. Then she punched him playfully in the shoulder."

The crowd parted and Mary Lynn Beckford made her presence known. She slippedthrough the bodies staring at the happy reunion and arrived without so much as awarning. Quincy felt the icy daggers shooting from her eyes and inwardly he winced.He loved Mary but sometimes she could be so damn possessive. Her lips, frosted pinkand shaped into an artificial pout, parted and she sliced with her words. The slasheswere directed at Kendall."

Well, you must be Kendall. Nice to finally meet you."


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Chapter 2

Nice to meet you too, Kendall replied, pasting a fake smile onto her face.

" Arent you just the cutest thing? Mary Lynn commented, pressing her nailsharder into Quincys arm. You talk just like Quincy. Though I think Ive been able toshake a little bit of the south out of his voice.

" Kendall smiled. She liked Quincys accent. It sounded like home. He soundedlike home. She didnt like Mary Lynn. She didnt know Mary Lynn, but she was certainshe didnt like her. The woman was insulting her fianc the very week of their wedding.How much more awful would she get once they were married?

" I bet you could tell me all sorts of stories about this fianc of mine. You two goway back, right? Mary Lynn asked, with her perfect smile surrounded by perfect pinklips that encompassed perfectly white teeth. Kendall wondered if her hair always lookedperfect too. Surely if she were caught in the rain. Or maybe a windstorm

" Quincy said you were a childhood friend, but by the way he talked about you, Iwas expecting a tomboy, Mary Lynn added, piling on insult to injury.

" Well, I do enjoy a good roll in the dirt, Kendall replied, just to throw Mary Lynnoff a bit, But I clean up pretty good too.

" Quincy grinned. Kendall could tell that he was as annoyed as his fiancesignorant comments as she was. So why was he marrying her? She would have to askhim later. Surely, there were deep things in the girl that stood before her. Deepemotions and feelings so sweet and thoughtful that she could keep Quincy happy forthe rest of her life. At least Kendall hoped so. All she wanted for her best friend was forhim to be happy.

" Henrietta approached the group of three and threw a beefy arm around Kendall.Kendall, darling, how have you been? She gave her a side hug and took a step back.Would you look at yourself? You look lovely! Quincy, doesnt she look lovely?

" Kendall couldnt be sure but she thought she noticed Henrietta Miller giving MaryLynn a slight bump with her hip. As if she wanted her as far away from her son aspossible.

" I was just telling her that I hardly recognized her myself, Quincy said, gazing ather once again with appreciation.


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" And I was just trying to get her to tell me childhood stories about our Quincyhere, Mary Lynn chimed in, quickly realizing she was being left out of the conversation.

" I cant believe how grown up you are, Henrietta beamed, as if Mary Lynn hadnot spoken at all. How long has it been?

" Ten years, Kendall and Quincy said at the same time and then laughed.

" I guess we still do that, Quincy stated.

" Do what? Mary Lynn asked.

" Say the same thing at the same time, Henrietta answered, finally turning toinclude Mary Lynn. They used to do that all the time. It was like they had the samemind or something. She grinned at Kendall with an added twinkle in her eye.

"What is she up to this time? Kendall wondered. Kendall remembered Henrietta

from her childhood days. She had never known a sweeter woman. Mrs. Miller woulddo anything for anyone and she had proven it time and again. When the neighbor downthe street broke his leg in a car accident, it was Henrietta Miller who had cut his grass.When the neighbor up the street had a problem pregnancy, it was Henrietta Miller whohad cooked and delivered all of her food to ensure that she didn t have to get out of bed.Henrietta Miller always found the good in everyone. But if Kendall wasnt mistaken, shehad a chip on her shoulder when it came to Mary Lynn. She would have to subtly askabout that later as well.

" Well, Mary Lynn, Henrietta breathed, as if she were saying a bad word. I

suppose you and I better go check onwell, there are things we need to check on.

" Kendall smiled. Smooth Mrs. Miller. Very smooth. She may as well have saidthat she wanted to leave Kendall and Quincy alone to catch up. That woman wasdefinitely up to something.

" Mary Lynn nodded and allowed herself to be led away by her mother-in-law tobed, her pink dress swishing perfectly around her knees.

" Whats with them? Kendall asked, knowing that with Quincy, she didnt have toresort to subtitles.

" Oh, you know my mom, he replied with a nonchalant shake of his head.

" Yes, I do and she loves everyone. What does she have against Mary Lynn?

" Its that obvious, is it?

" Kendall tilted her head and raised her eyebrows in agreement.


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" Okay, Kendall, she thought, now youre thinking crazy thoughts. What kind offriend stands around at her best friends rehearsal and analyzes the way he says hername? As if it even matters?

" Henrietta Miller left Mary Lynn at the water cooler to talk to the caterer about theentrees and appetizers. She took her cell phone into the hall and placed her call. Itwasnt that long ago that these new fangled cell phones had completely boggled hermind. When she was growing up, her family hadnt even had a phone at all and noweveryone carried one at all times, in their pockets or purses. Henrietta had finallylearned to use one herself, after much poking and prodding from Quincy.

" What if you got hurt? he had said. Or what if you need help? If you have a cellphone you can make a call in an emergency?

"Henrietta had shaken her head. I

ve gotten by just fine without them for the last

65 years, I think Ill manage.

" Im sure you will, Quincy had replied. But can you get one for me? Justconsider it a favor. You dont even have to use it. You dont even have to turn it on.Just keep it with you and I will feel so much better about you running around withoutme.

" Henrietta had smiled lovingly at her son. It was nice that he was concernedabout her. She loved him with all her heart and the truth of the matter was that therewas nothing she wouldnt do for him. Even carry a cell phone.

" For the first few months, Henrietta had carried the small cell phone in herhandbag, unused and in the off position. After awhile, she felt as if it was a waste tohave such a device right by her hip at all times and never use it. She began makingsmall calls here and there to test it out. First, she called her doctor to confirm herappointment change. Then, she called the bakery to place an order for the weddingshower a few months back, which she grudgingly agreed to host. Before long, Henriettahad become a pro. She could now dial without even looking at the phone and she hadeven received a text message or two, though she had no idea how to reply.

" Henrietta was always careful with her phone. She didnt really want people to

see her using it. It was part of her old-fashioned charm. She didnt understand whypeople used their phones in the middle of the street, in line at the coffee shop, and evenin the restroom. It was so rude. No one had any sense of politeness these days.Henrietta may enjoy her phone, but she was never going to sink to their level.

" She also did not like admitting it when she was wrong. That was probably partlywhy she never wanted Quincy to see her using the phone, though he knew she did. Hecalled her on it every now and then and since she answered, he knew she had it on and


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close by. But just because he knew she used it on occasion did not mean that Henriettahad to admit it and openly use it in front of him. She may have been polite about hercell phone usage, but she was also stubborn about it.

" Max? she asked in whispered voice as she looked up and down the hall. Are

we all set for later this week?

" She paused as she heard his words of affirmation on the other line.

" No, no, dont do anything yet. We have out plan and were going to stick to it.Theres no need to move things up at this point. In fact, an interesting addition justwalked in a few minutes ago. I want to see how things play out on this end. Itspossible we wont even have to follow through.

" Henrietta paused again as Max spoke.

"I

ll let you know when I know more. I want to give this newdevelopment a few

days before we work on our timeline further, okay?

" Max spoke again as Henrietta spotted Mary Lynn exiting the room into thehallway.

" Okay Max, she said in a hushed voice as she turned toward the corner. Welltalk soon. She snapped the phone shut and threw it into her handbag, grabbing out atube of lipstick and a small mirror.

" Hey Henrietta, Mary Lynn said, approaching her from behind. Or should I just

call you mom? she asked, a look of expectation in her eyes.

" Mrs. Miller will do just fine, Henrietta said icily as she stared into her little handmirror and pretended to reapply her lipstick.

" Oh, okay, Mary Lynn said, the hurt apparent in her voice. I was just going toask if you had the number for the bakery. The caterer wanted to coordinate the spacefor the cake.

" Henrietta took her time with her lipstick and then twisted the knob, replacing itinto the tube. She snapped the cap on and placed it and the mirror back into her purse.

She dug around awhile and finally brought her hand back out with the bakery callingcard between her fingers. Here you go, she said briskly, dismissing Mary Lynn withoutgiving her so much as a glance.

" Mary Lynn walked away from Henrietta Miller with more questions than answers.What had she ever done to that woman? It was obvious she had a bad taste in hermouth when it came to Mary Lynn. Mary Lynn straightened her skirt. She had to dosomething. She had to fix this relationship or Quincy was going to have to step in. She


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simply couldnt live with that woman if she was going to be treated this way. Sheshouldnt have to.

" Henrietta had never been overly friendly, but she had seemed to accept MaryLynn when the first met. It was only recently, once they began planning the wedding in

earnest, that the tides had officially turned. Mary Lynn would give her one more chanceand they she would go to Quincy. She knew it was a risk. He was a mamas boythrough and through. But if she was going to marry him, he simply had to make achoice. It was Mary Lynn or his mother. And he better choose her, if he knew what wasgood for him. Who wouldnt choose her? She wore a size 2, had her hair and nailsdone every week and kept her body toned. Mrs. Miller couldnt have been moreopposite in appearance or character. No, there really was no choice. OF that much shewas certain.

" Kendall situated herself near the bar and began to survey the room. She

watched as Henrietta left with a secretive look on her face. She saw Mary Lynn leave afew minutes later and then return with a shocked look on her face. Yes, there wasdefinitely something going on there. Kendall was surprised that her next thought was ofQuincy. She was curious about Mary Lynn and Henriettas relationship. But more thananything else, she just didnt want Quincy to be caught in the crossfire. He deservedbetter than that. He deserved better than Mary Lynn. Whoa, Kendall stopped herself,where had that last thought come from?


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Chapter 3

Kendall cleared her mind and surveyed the room. Minutes later, Henrietta returned, thesecretive look still on her face. She looked pleased, somehow. As if she were up to

something. Kendall knew Henrietta and her penchant for mischief. She only hoped thatwhatever she had up her sleeve was some sort of fancy surprise for the happy couple." Why am I wishing them well when Mary Lynn is so obviously not right for Quincy?She thought. Kendall shook her head, chastising herself immediately after the thoughtcrossed her mind. Why wouldnt she wish them well? Quincy was her best friend andshe didnt want anything or anyone to hurt him. Especially not his own mother. Shewould make it a point to pull Henrietta aside later and see if she could find out what shewas up to." Kendall sipped her drink and watched as Mary Lynn regained her composure.She wondered what had happened in the hallway and began putting two and twotogether. As she realized that Henrietta and Mary Lynn had been missing for the same

brief moments, she remembered the way Henrietta treated her daughter in law to bewhen they were talking in a group. There was definitely something going on there." Before she could take herself any farther down that path, she felt someone leanup against the bar beside her." Alone at least, Quincy said, close to her ear." Kendall shivered. You mean I get to spend time with the ever popular groom?she teased as she turned to face her friend." I wouldnt have it any other way, he said, giving her a meaningful look that toldher she still meant the world to him. This thing is going to be wrapping up pretty soon,he said, with relief in his voice. What do you say we meet up for some dessert?" Dessert? Kendall exclaimed with mock surprise. What if you dont fit in your

gown on the big day?" Quincy chuckled. You never change, do you? he said with joy." Didnt know I was supposed to, Kendall returned with mock hurt in her voice." If you ever do, Id never speak to you again, Quincy responded. Meet me in anhour. Theres a coffee shop on the corner. Its open late. They have the best cookiesIve ever had in my life." Better than mine? Kendall asked." Quincy chuckled again, If theyre edible, theyre better than yours. With that, hemoved back across the room to stand beside his fianc." Kendall watched as he strolled across the room. Since when did he walk withsuch confidence? She let her mind take her back to the day they made cookies

together. It had been a disaster. She had told Quincy she knew what she was doing.After all, they had the recipe. It wasnt rocket science. And they were both dying fromcravings for a home made chocolate chip cookie." But having the recipe hadnt been enough. Kendall had told Quincy to just sitback and watch. And despite how badly he wanted his cookies, he had let her put intablespoons of salt instead of teaspoons and he watched as she dumped in way toomuch flour. The cookies might have even been okay had they not gotten into a fightwith the little flour that was left over and allowed them to sit in the over way too long.


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" Kendall tried to remember what had stopped themthe smell of burning, or hermother entering the room and screaming at the sight of her ruined kitchen. They hadspent the rest of the evening cleaning flour from every crevice of the kitchen. Andattempting to scrap the rock hard cookies from the tray. And they had laugheduncontrollably every second of the way."

Kendall smiled as she stared off into the distance. It had been too long sinceshed spent quality time like that with Quincy. People grew up, she supposed. Theymoved on. There wasnt much she could do about that. But, she vowed, she had thisweek. She was going to enjoy her time with her friend and make some more cherishedmemories to carry her through the next ten years. She didnt anticipate getting to seehim much more often once Mary Lynn was a permanent fixture in his life." As if thinking of her made her magically appear, Mary Lynn appeared at hershoulder, as perfect as ever. Not even a smudge of lipstick out of place despite the factthat she had a drink in her hand." I cant believe Ive finally met the famous Kendall, she drawled in her syrupyaccented voice."

I didnt know I was famous, Kendall replied, pasting a smile onto her face.

" Well, according to Quincy you are, she waved her hand at Kendall as ifdismissing servant. He cant talk enough about the time yall spent together growingup. I swear, if I have to hear that story about that time you all went to the pool and youwent down the slide and lost your top" He told you about that? Kendall asked in mock embarrassment. They hadbeen young. She had hardly had anything up top to speak about. She had pretty muchforgotten the moment altogether. But she was amused that Quincy remembered. Andthat he apparently told his bride to be the story repeatedly." Oh, honey, he tells me everything, Mary Lynn said with pride." Kendall wondered if that was really true. She wondered if he told her about the

time Quincy dared her to kiss himjust to see what it was like." But instead of asking what she really wanted to know, Kendall just nodded." You and I have just got to get to know one another, Mary Lynn gushed, placingher hand on Kendalls wrist as if they were long lost friends." Im sure youre really busy this weekwith the wedding and all, Kendall said,attempting to give Mary Lynn an out." Oh, everything is going along just fine. Besides, any friend of Quincys is afriend of mine. Mary Lynn looked across the room and found Quincy. He met her eyesand raised his glass to her. She took her own fingers from her glass and gave him atiny wave as well. Quincy looked at Kendall and winked. Kendall stuck out her tongue." Do you have any plans for brunch tomorrow? Mary Lynn asked, turning her

attention back to Kendall." Kendall wasnt sure shed EVER had plans for brunch. She wasnt really surewhat the point of brunch was in the first place. Was it just so people could sleep in andeat breakfast later? Or was it so people could have just one meal instead of two?" Nope, no plans. Im here for the wedding. Anything else is up in the air at thispoint." Perfect, Mary Lynn said as if it were all settled. Meet me at the hotelrestaurant at 8. She sashayed across the room without another word.


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" 8? Kendall thought. Who eats brunch at 8? She was pretty sure brunch wassupposed to be more of a mid-morning thing. Like 10, maybe 11. But 8? Wasnt that

just plain breakfast?" Kendall was still pondering the thought when she saw Henrietta rush by, cellphone in hand. Kendall was caught by how strange it looked. The older woman

seemed uncomfortable with the phone. As if it would bite her if she held onto it tootightly. Kendall took her leave from the bar and followed Henrietta back into the hall.She was furiously punching away at the phone by the time Kendall caught up to her." Henrietta! she called." Henrietta turned, startled to hear her name. Oh, hello Kendall, dear! she saidwith pure joy in her voice. You startled me, I didnt hear you coming!" Have an important call to make? Kendall asked, hinting that she knew Henriettawas up to something." Oh, this, Henrietta said. Do you know Quincy forces me to carry thiscontraption? she asked, waving the phone at Kendall. Says he wants me to have it incase of emergency. What does he think I am? Old and about to have a heart attack or

something? Does he think Id be able to give him a call if I did? She shook her head.

She was pretty sure she had successfully changed the subject." But Kendall called her bluff. If it s just for emergencies, why do you have it out,Henrietta?" Henrietta looked from Kendall to the phone and back to Kendall again. Okay,you got me, but no more questions. I dont want you involved." What are you talking about? Does this have to do with Quincy? With thewedding?" I said no more questions, she hissed. Ill take care of everything. I dont wantyou to worry about a thing. Just keep doing what youre doing." Kendall tilted her head. What am I doing?"

With my son! Henrietta urged, as if Kendall should know what she was talkingabout. Keep doing what youre doing with my son. Ill take care of her" Okay Kendall said with confusion in her voice. She was about to ask whatHenrietta meant by her comments when the doors burst open beside them. Quincy andone of the groomsmen appeared." Here are the ladies of the hour, the groomsman said, throwing his arm aroundKendall. She was pretty sure Mary Lynn should be the lady of the hour, but she didntcorrect him." How rude, no one has even thought to introduce us, he slurred. Im Adam,Quincys very best friend." Actually Quincy corrected, Adam is Mary Lynns brother. And Adam, this is

Kendall. My very best friend." Adam turned slightly so he could check out the side of Kendalls face. Well,what do you know? he drawled. The famous Kendall." Had everyone heard of her?" Mary Lynn had told me all about you." Mary Lynn? Kendall asked, trying to extract her hair from beneath Adams arm.But we only just met.


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" Adam nodded. She says Quincy talks about you all the time. Dont worry, MissKendall. Ill take your mind off ole Quincy here. Adam swayed a bit." Okay, partys over, Quincy said, wrenching Adams arm from around Kendalland placing it around his own shoulders instead. You two can get to know each otherlater. Right now, its time for bed."

Kendall watched as Quincy half walked, half dragged Adam away. Henriettashook her head. I was pretty sure he was having more drinks than everyone else atthat party combined, she said, still clutching the cell phone." Henrietta, Kendall began, about to get her back to the original topic." The doors burst open once more and this time Mary Lynn appeared. Have youall seen Quincy? she asked." He just headed that way with your brother, Kendall pointed. The two men werestill visible in the distance." Poor Adam, Kendall said. He just doesnt know when to stop." Ill say, Henrietta mumbled. And hes not the only one. She gave Mary Lynn alook and Kendall knew she just had to get to the bottom of this story. For Quincys

sake, if not to satisfy her own curiosity." Henrietta, Kendall said, we need to discuss a few wedding details, can youcome with me? She grabbed the older womans arm and dragged her down the hall,hands waving with the details she was likely going over." Kendall shook her head. She would have to corner Henrietta another time. Onthat note, she was pretty sure the party had broken up. She decided her best bet wasto move on to the coffee shop and wait for Quincy. Once he delivered Adam to hisroom, he would likely follow shortly." Kendall left the building and walked the half a block to the corner shop. It wasgetting late, but the coffee shop window boasted Always open, and she was glad topush the door open and breath in the coffee smells. Kendall wasnt a big coffee drinker

herself, but she loved the smell of the stuff. And the cookies that lay beneath the glasswindow on front of the counter looked amazing. Kendall bent down to get a closer look.She couldnt decide what to order so she got a full dozen. She figured whatever theydidnt eat tonight, she could savor throughout the week." She chose a cozy couch in the back of the shop so she and Quincy could finallyhave some privacy and really talk. They had a lot of catching up to do. She wanted tohear more about Mary Lynn. In reality, Mary Lynn was the last thing she wanted to talkabout, but she knew the wedding was the reason why she was here and she needed toknow more about her best friends bride to be. After all, he had picked Mary Lynn to behis wife for a reason." Kendall had just finished off the first colossal cookie and had picked up a second

when she heard Quincy approach." Thanks for waiting, he said with sarcasm as Kendall froze the cookie halfway toher mouth." She took a huge bite. Any time, she said, want some?" Quincy sank into the couch beside her. You better believe it. What a day." Yeah, Kendall nodded. Something tells me theres more to this story. Whatwas up with that Adam guy?


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" I know, right? Hes a real piece of work. And the rest of Mary Lynns family issowell, theyre just so perfect." Perfect, Kendall repeated. Yeah, that s exactly what I thought every time Ispoke to Mary Lynn. But Kendall paused, is she perfect for you? The words wereout of her mouth before she could stop them. She couldnt believe she had put it so

bluntly." Quincy took a bite from an oatmeal raisin cookie. Kendall didnt know why hehad chosen that cookie over all of the other delectable options. He chewed slowly,torturing her as she waited for his answer." You know, Kendall, he said, you always had a way of asking the most bluntquestions, he said, looking at her intently. There was never any way of gettinganything past you. And Ive already pointed out that you never change." Kendall looked over her most recent cookie and met Quincy s eyes. It was atthat point that all of her feelings rushed to the surface. She didnt want this wedding tohappen. Quincy was her best friend, but her sore feelings against Mary Lynn werentdue to anything Mary Lynn had done. They were because of how she felt for Quincy.

wedding interrupted

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