“Wow,” Lola said. “I was wrong, you actually have had a really interesting life!”
Elly laughed. “Not compared to you! Let’s see, a childhood television star, the past face of L’Oreal, an Oscar nomination, marrying a hotel heir … yeah, I would say that you best me in the ‘interesting’ category.”
Lola grinned. She actually looked happy. “This is the best day I’ve had in a while. Everything has been so crazy lately, what with BlissBride wedding planning, and when I’m not here, I’m filming Sea Terror 3. I feel like my whole life is getting in and out of limos, calling my PR rep, or swimming away from an invisible CGI shark in a tiny bikini.”
“That’s funny,” deadpanned Elly, “that’s exactly what my days are like too.” They laughed.
The afternoon went quickly, talking about life and flowers. Elly enjoyed her pecan pie, and Lola allowed herself a tiny bite. “Ooohhh….” She gave a moan. “I forgot how good sugar is.”
Elly looked at her watch. “I hate to cut this short, but I have a couple of consultations later today, and then I’m heading over to the new shop after that. It’s opening right after your wedding.”
“How fun, what is its name?”
“It’s very chic—Store B. What do you think?”
Lola tucked her hair back behind her ear. “I really, really like that.”
Elly gave a groan. “It’s not my favorite thing right now. We have a fountain in the store that has koi fish in it.”
“Fish…. Elly, what if we have fish bowls up front at the ceremony?” There it was again, the taste level.
Elly erred on the side of honesty. “That might be a nightmare. What if one of the fish dies during the vows?”
Lola grinned. “Okay.”
They slowly stood. “Do I pay the waiter?” asked Elly.
Lola laughed. “I haven’t paid for anything in years!!”
Reality was not where Lola lived, Elly noted, but at least it hadn’t made her pretentious. “Well, let me leave him a tip.” Elly placed a twenty on the table.
“That’s nice of you.” Lola sighed. “You’re so nice. I really like you.”
Elly really liked her too.
Together, they walked down the stairs, Elly holding Lola’s arm as she tottered on her huge heels. With each step, Elly pondered how to possibly change Lola’s flower desires. How could she fix this pending disaster without further damaging Lola’s fragile state? How could she get Lola to prefer the highbrow flowers that this wedding called for? “I have an assignment for you,” she said, with a smile.
Lola slipped on her enormous sunglasses, which made her look like a praying mantis drag queen—stick thin, huge eyes, funky dress. “Okay. I’ll do it. Homework sounds kinda fun.”
“I would look up some of the most recent celebrity weddings, and see what flowers catch your eye. You know, for the reception.”
Lola gave a squeal. “Oh, like what kind of flowers to make navy and hot pink? That sounds fun. I’ll do it.”
“Great.” Clutching the papers in her hand, Elly gave Lola a half hug. “I had a really nice time today. I’m so glad you are my celebrity. And if it’s okay with you, I’ll say a little prayer for you to reach your sober goal by the wedding.”
“Thank you, Elly.” Lola’s mouth formed into a sad but sincere smile. She didn’t really believe that was possible. It broke Elly’s heart. Her limo pulled up in front, and she climbed in.
Elly walked to her car, noticing with despair that she had left the windows rolled up. Son of a…. She opened up all the doors, the thick heat pouring out in visible waves. Sweating commenced as she leaned against the trunk, looking over the notes she had taken during the consult: “Navy-blue flowers, silver hookah stands, Chihuahua statues.” With a droll smile, she leaned her head against the door. It was burning hot. She leapt back. Elly looked toward the sky with an exaggerated sigh. Sure, she had scored the wedding of the year, but she had also managed to score a wedding that would make her the laughing stock of the entire wedding industry if she went with Lola’s vision. This wedding would be seen by millions of people, probably around the world, and would be featured in magazines galore. The reality was that if she couldn’t fix this, this dream wedding could be her great undoing.
Chapter Fifteen
“I’m not going.” Dennis sat in front of his computer screen, with his arms crossed in front of him. “There is nothing you can say that can make me go.”
Elly paced in front of his doorway, trying to be polite. Her brown kitten sandals clicked against the hard wood. “It would really mean a lot to me.”
“No.” Dennis turned back to the computer. “Besides, I have to finish this quest.”
“Dennis. You have been in front of that computer for a month. You haven’t left the chair. Please, just come with us. You might like it.”
Dennis looked over at Elly as if she had suggested root canals were a great time. “Uh, I doubt it. I hate church.”