#treinan |▪︎threads ▪︎|

[clubsmarties]

A quick head nod confirmed he was not lying. "I'm officially back for good. Now that I know you're also here rest assured I'll be casually bumping into you on those pesky street corners." The corners of his mouth tipped up into a half smile. "I asked her not to. I didn't want to bring that type of attention back home. I wanted to get away from that." Fame and notoriety weren't something he wanted to follow him home. He had enough of that for the ten years away. While others reveled in it, he did not. Not after the ass kicking he took from that last bull ride. "To be honest with you, I just wanted to be home. I've traveled the world and hadn't found home in any of those places. Now, being here," his eyes locked with hers, "I'm home. Besides Marguerite wants the paparazzi to come along and I didn't so she's going off on her girls trip and I'm staying here. I actually work at the animal sanctuary now."

"Relieved actually." He knew that could be taken the wrong way but that didn't matter. "She hates Christmas. I just didn't want to fight with her on it. So we're each doing our thing. I'm spending it with Ma. Making all this food so I'm pretty sure she's inviting everyone." His eyes looked up as he sighed. "Hey, you could come if you aren't already attached to something else?"

"Pretty bad. A few broken bones and had to see a neurologist. There are small brief moments of time where I dissociate. But, hey, its not all bad. I'm here and get to breathe in that crisp air. Bonus points I get to see you again. I'm just glad to be home."

"Oh, is that right?" Rome smirked and kept himself from laughing. "I should have known that you are from the side of town that believes birthday boy gets the smaller half rather than the bigger half. My bad." Rome would have shared whatever she wanted without hesitation. "Was your grandmother not happy?" Rome didn't know why that was what he got from that statement but he wondered if anyone had given her a hard time. "Pride of the town," he chuckled as his eyes looked around. This little town being proud of something he had done. That was something. He reached the door to the bakery first and held out the door for her. Inside the ones waiting had wide smiles and asked them to sit. "So happy the happy couple is here. We'll be right back with the first plate. Would you or your fianceè want something to drink?" Rome answered not skipping a beat and didn't correct them. "Uh water?" He looked over at Juliet to see if she agreed.

Her surprise couldn't be hidden, eyes wide as he shared the changes in his life. Juliet had been curious why superstar bull rider, Rome Treinan, was back in his hometown for the wedding of the season. His fiancée did not seem like the type to vibe with this town, though she kept that bit to herself. "No way, you're actually back here? Full-time? I bet, I'm surprised she didn't put an announcement in the newspaper to mark your return." Juliet shrugged, though the relief in her features couldn't helped. "That is certainly an interesting way to live life," she commented, her laughter betraying her at an inopportune time. Laughing at her client's lifestyle was definitely not okay. "Okay, no honeymoon. Totally not adding to the pressure of making this the perfect wedding then. No time for vacation, why not? You used up all your time off?" Juliet was intrigued, no hiding that, but she did find it interesting that he laughed and called it a horrendous wedding. "No way! I heard that one was so exclusive, and expensive," she added after a moment of thought. "Not my style at all, though I was impressed that they didn't make the wedding dress look tacky, even with all the black."

Juliet shook her head at his smirk, a small smile forming. "Very special. Oh, must be a bummer to not have your wife for the first Christmas." Though, she didn't really understand why his partner wouldn't want to be by his side during the holidays. Especially when holidays were about family and loved ones. "At least you'll be home though and with family, that'll be nice. And, you know the town traditions are still around if you get bored."

"Woah woah, hold on. Stealing is just plain wrong. Could you blame me?" A completely amused eye roll followed, her smile showing the amusement she was feeling at the mention of the memory. "My slice was small! I thought the other one was to make up for it. Besides, you also said it was okay to share." The walk to the bakery was not long, but she was partly grateful for the walk. It gave them a chance to catch up - something she really hoped for when he resembled a stranger more than a friend. "I hope so, because the pay is..." she could only sigh, unable to think of her sad check. "Well, it's definitely something but the work is fun, for the most part. Thank you though, I'm glad someone's happy." Her grandmother was not too pleased when she had shared her news. "I did not mean to jinx you when I said that. Oh no, how bad were the injuries?" His question surprised her, gaze pulling back up to him. Did he doubt her? "Of course," absolutely no hesitation there. "It was a crazy dream, sure, but I also didn't doubt in your ability to navigate crazy. So, nope, not at all surprised you made it big. Pride of the town, really."

[clubsmarties]

Making his feet move was impossible if Marguerite hadn't guided him down with her. This wasn't how he ever thought he'd see Juliet again nor how he'd have wanted it. But here he was in front of her, the woman that he had held a torch for but never got to tell her. Sitting across from her while Marguerite talked her ear off seemed like another cruel joke. As much as he tried to focus on the task at hand and how he should be more involved in this, he couldn't. Every time Juliet wrote something down or moved her hand in a way that captivated him, he began to think back and feel those rush of emotions again.

His fiancée's touch got him out of his head as he finally locked eyes with Jules. There was really no point in him speaking, clearly since the next thing he knew she was taking over. "No budget. Sky is the limit. I just want this to be elegant. The more elegant wedding you've ever seen and done. Whatever the cost. You'll get a hefty pay day if you do this right."

She sounded like one of those prissy rich girls and yet Rome couldn't begin to stop her. "As for florals, I hate daisies. Nothing with that awful color." That made Rome shake his head softly. In a way telling her that what they were looking for was nearly impossible. A phone call interrupted Marguerite and got up. "Please excuse me. Roman, honey, continue."

Rome scrunched his face as he nodded softly and watched her leave. Taking a beat to return to it's original place of staring at Jules. "I—" nope. There was nothing he could say that wouldn't be awkward. "There's a budget. I don't want to blow my entire life savings." He made sure to underscore the fact that he was also paying for the wedding and that he didn't want to spend that much on this. "It's," been nice to see you again? A long time? "Jules."

It's not that she wasn't shocked by the universe's latest joke. Rome standing here with his fiancée. For a second, she wondered if there was any chance, he was just accompanying the woman. But, watching the girl hold his arm like that, well - no doubt he was the lucky guy.

"Hi, please..uh, take a seat." Juliet nodded reluctantly, because right about now, she wished she was anyone but their wedding planner. "Yes I am your wedding planner. With Stella's direction too, I believe you've been corresponding with her. She apologizes for not being here."

Juliet had a job to do and a full display of what are you doing here would surely send them to the next wedding planner on the list. Something Juliet simply couldn't afford. So, okay - the smile faltered for a second, sure, but she forced herself to pay attention to the fiancée. Thankfully, his fiancée was quick to take rein of the meeting. "Of course, location. I have a few local options, indoor and outdoor. but traveling yes. Sure, I can travel if a destination wedding was more along the lines of what you envisioned." It was a meeting with a whole lot of nothing said, at least for Juliet's purposes. No matter how she tried to pull answers from them, she got nothing in return. The couple's vision and aesthetic? Money, glamour, make a statement. But, nothing basic. Occasionally, her gaze would betray her, looking up from her notes and would hesitantly, reach Rome. Just for a second before forcing herself back to focus. Right about now, Juliet would happily take a bridezilla over whatever this was. At least they knew what they wanted. It seemed futile to ask, but it was part of the process. She faced both of them, a tight smile drawn. "Is there a budget we should be mindful of? As I begin coordinating catering, florals, and other items."

[clubsmarties]

Rome felt like a fish out of water, literally. He didn't feel like this was all real. Every time he'd look at his fiancée he'd have this echo of doubt. Maybe this wasn't where he was supposed to go but nevertheless he was here and about to meet their wedding planner, someone Marguerite insisted on getting to make their wedding the most perfect.

As he was lead into the building he felt himself dissociate from reality. Something that occurred more often since his injury. He heard his fiancée talk and he tuned her out. At least he tried to until he heard two voices and one took him back to a better time. A time where he'd made it his mission to make that laugh come through.

As icy blues looked over at Juliet he let out a breath. Something Marguerite didn't even notice since she was too busy already throwing out the ideas. "Hi," Rome spoke trying to gather his spinning world. "You're our wedding planner?" The question was a double edge sword to the heart now hearing how this looked like. It was just as it looked like.

"I've got a lot of ideas. Can we start with location? You do travel right?" she started as she let go of Rome's arm and left him dumbfounded by seeing Juliet again. Now he was background again as he stared at her remembering her as he left her.

@clubsmarties // I suppose we've never heard of control !

Starting a completely new career was still a good idea, it's what she reminded herself each time she was running around shadowing the iconic wedding planner, Stella Warby. Shadowing came with that vague promise that eventually, she'd be ready to be the main point of contact for her own wedding. That was what kept Juliet going - the idea that she'd finally break through in the industry as she had dreamed. It'd make all this work worth it.

Now, this one wasn't entirely her own. Stella was kind enough to remind her. It was a very important client, potential to be a huge wedding and good publicity for them. The only thing was Stella's vacation clashed right with this couple's timeline, and cancelling her vacation was a no-go. So, that's why Juliet sat in her office waiting for them to arrive. This would be hers to manage and plan, just as long as she occasionally checked in with Stella. Nerves were a given. Probably, because she sat in her boss's office, but she was ready. Days of research into possible venues, and themes, even if the ideas were...limiting. The door swung open, and she willed her best smile forward before standing up to greet the happy couple. Securing this client was top priority. Her hand stretched out, her breath hitched in her throat when she met a gaze she had left behind long ago.

"Hi," she finally breathed out, shaking the girl's hand. "I..welcome in, thank you again for meeting us. We know you have many planner options available, but we hope our ideas are to your liking." Gesturing to the seats on her left, she walked around the desk to take her own seat. Perhaps, intentionally avoiding the past smacking her in the face. It was not something she could spend time thinking about. "At least, for a starting point. I'm sure that your vision will come to life as we work together," too hopeful, or positive? Maybe so.

[clubsmarties]

"That's an understatement," he laughed seeing as he could do so now. "But it was mostly for her, she's a bit of a celebrity. Well, her parents are and they're extremely paranoid too. When she found out I was coming home they thought it was the perfect opportunity to lay low." As he said that he started to shake his head. Publicity was a tricky thing and an image rebranding was eye roll worthy. "I don't know if small town life is really for her." Rome wished he could say what this marriage was really about but he couldn't. At least not yet and would forever wonder how he ever got roped into this debacle. "My favorite parts of the day were your fun facts." The idea of seeing Juliet at the ranch made his smile widen. "I'd really like that. Come by any time. Usually I'm there every day. Except for today, obviously." he pointed out with a chuckle.

"Oh, come on. I really want to hear about it. That list of bad decisions is already intriguing." Rome teased, thinking of the silliest things she could have gotten into. "Indulge me please." Baby blue hues looked in her direction trying to work their magic to get her to comply. Something about hearing Juliet being single made him relieved. Not that this was something he could pursue but for now he was relieved to hear. "Trust me sometimes I'd love to be out of this mess. It's not all that's cracked up to be." His eyebrows quirked as he let that sink in. "Road trip for two? I'm game but you gotta let me pick the music."

He had a giddy grin hearing she missed him. "The papers didn't give me justice. They always got my ears wrong." A little playful grin shot her way as he laughed. "I hated the interviews honestly. They were never focused on the actual sport but on the features. Who was the latest conquest. Sex sold apparently." His fingers made air quotes as he sighed.

"Why don't you believe me? I'm serious. If I had the choice, this would be our cake testing." The way his heart thumped out of its socket everytime his eyes caught sight of her beautiful shimmering eyes was unlike any other feeling. "No, more like to make sure she looks good after her scandal rocked the palace. Publicist suggested to show her vulnerable side. What would be more vulnerable than a wife and a happy go lucky rich girl turned small town household normie. We don't match personality wise. Physical is all the camera needs to sell it."

"I'd never forget something so deeply personal about you." he whispered as he scooted his hand over to take a bite and chuckled at her love show for the chocolate cake with buttercream. One bite in and he hummed. He licked his lips and nodded in agreement. "How does that taste so good?"

"Small towns do have their charm, I can see that." She shrugged before her attention turned back to Rome. "Oh, the whole package with the personal security thing. Makes sense though, I'm sure you had your fair share of crazy fangirls." A laugh escaped her, shaking her head. "Sounds about right, only you would befriend your security detail." Given enough time, Juliet was sure that Rome could befriend anyone in the world. "Well, they do say home can be a place or a person. Maybe, homesickness is subsiding with your girl. New sights always sounds fun. I would love to travel the world. Hey! I always saved you the best fun facts." Her smile was warm, thoroughly enjoying how she spoke about his mom. That was always sweet to hear. "I wouldn't doubt it. Can't blame her for being a proud mama though." Juliet heard the weight of his words, and she was inclined to believe that he was telling the truth about being back, and being home. "Well, I’m sure they love you. Especially if they offered you a job, that's amazing! It means I know where to find you too now, just for a quick visit."

Juliet shook her head, realizing now that bringing up that St. Patricks thing was a road to embarrassment. "There is a story there, with just a funny list of bad decisions," she admitted with a chuckle. He wasn’t serious about wanting to hear it, right? Or maybe. She was curious too, about all the stories he had collected while away. “Okay, maybe I’ll tell you some other time. Oh, now I see the real reason I got an invite. You’re going to put me on kitchen duty.” Her words were laced with amusement, finding her smile would not budge. Rome popping back up was a surprise she didn’t expect, but his eagerness to bring her into his life? That was even more unexpected. “I’ll have to ask her, but I’m sure she’ll be happy to. She is always looking for someone to chat with, spends hours at the grocery store. Three?” Why would they need…oh, right. Delayed, but Juliet caught on to the question. “No, just two plates. Haven’t been as lucky as you in the romance department,” she commented with a small nudge. “That’s good, I’m glad you’re looking out for yourself. That sounds like a longish trip. I’m sure you don’t need it, but if you ever need a ride, well I’m around. That’s terrible, I’m sorry to hear. You’re right though, the important thing is you’re alive and okay. Leaving her alone is not an option, oh she’d riot.”

Juliet's smile tugged on her lips, shaking her head at his comment. When had he ever said no? It was meant to be a teasing question, Juliet knew that, but part of her thought back to being friends in school. How she had, sort of, asked him to not go so far away. Silently pleading that he didn't leave. But, she didn't bring it up. "No getting mad, please remember that if something goes wrong while I plan your wedding." She turned to look at him, her brown eyes shining with a gleam as she processed his words. Juliet shouldn't be reading too much into it, or reading it at all. "I've missed you too, it was weird to just not have you around anymore. Well, we did have you around. The articles and the interviews, but it was not the same." Juliet's smile returned as he thanked her, knowing it was not necessary. This is what she loved doing, the company was a bonus. "No, come on. Are you kidding me? And, leave you with all the fun? No way." Juliet's face was warm, burning with a flush she couldn't help. "Stop it," lightly patting his arm. "Now you're just messing with me." It was the kind of thing she didn't want to dwell on, marrying her as a dream, no. Not when she had been hopelessly in love with him for the longest time. Redirecting the conversation back to his fiancee was the reality check Juliet needed. "Really? That's surprising. Most brides love all of this, a little too much, to be honest." The amount of times they came in with their thick binders and ready to take over her job was endearing. Or so she told herself. "Okay, true on the carbs thing, I guess. Everyone one does freak out about fitting in their dress. For show, you mean with the big wedding request?"

Juliet watched as the attendant brought out a tray with a variety of samples. German chocolate, carrot, red velvet, confetti, and everything in between. "I did request all the samples, in case you guys didn't have an idea. Very few couples know the flavor they want from the get go. Every single one? We better leave this place with a decision then." Her grin widened, fairly shocked that he still remembered that. "There's no way you remember that, but yes, coconut love never dies." With the tray in front of them, she reached for the first sample - a slice of chocolate cake with buttercream. Taking the first bite, she hummed happily. "Oh my god, this one is delicious. You've gotta try it. Here," she pushed the plate towards him, still reveling in the sweet buttercream.

[clubsmarties]

"Not this guy," he pointed to himself. "Can't take the boy out of the small town." No matter how hard it got beaten out of him. "No, fame never took me for a spin. I don't like it. We had personal security following us, I think the fact that I befriended him was the only good thing about having one." Diego was actually one of his favorite people and was glad he was able to keep in touch with him. "I don't chase fame as some people do. For the most part it was fun. I liked seeing new sights and people but the homesick feeling never went away truly. I went to Spain and when I was walking around town I kept thinking how you would enjoy it. You'd have some random fact about what you read about said place." he chuckled, smile firmly placed on his features. " I sent ma a bunch of postcards which I am pretty sure she has plastered on the fridge and walls." The way she would still make his heart skip a beat with one look would never get old. When she dropped her gaze he kept his on her, blue eyes roamed over her features, she hardly changed just got older. "I am home." Whether that was about the actual place or about seeing her again he wasn't really sure about. "That is me," he laughed. "I figured if I was bothering them with coming every other week for therapy then the least I could do was help out. Turned out I actually enjoyed it that they gave me the job."

"I feel like there's a story there on St. Patrick day. I am all ears," his amusement couldn't be hidden if he tried. Hearing stories of her life after he left was something he desperately wanted to know. "You're not just anyone. She would love to see you I'll bet. You can also help her make that fruitcake she is always going on about. You can bring your grandma. I am sure ma would want to gossip with someone other than me. So, should I tell her to bring out two more plates? Three..." If she was attached to someone else which now made him feel a little sick. A giant oxymoron if he knew one since he was the one who was engaged. "I am. My primary care doc is actually in Lafayette so not too far away. Can travel so not a big deal. I mean the head injury kind of messed with my coordination so couldn't really get on a bull to do those fancy tricks. I am just glad I am alive. Cant imagine leaving ma alone with her own thoughts. Then she'd really regret not having a second one."

Rome couldn't help but laugh, thinking she was silly. "You and your ideas. When have I ever said no. Can't be too mad today, we are getting cake after all. No complaints here." He watched the server leave them for a second and sighed. "It is really good to see you. I have missed you. Thanks for doing this, you really could have just not come. I actually don't mind their assumption. Being married to you had always been a dream." though as quick as he said he shook his head at the talk of his fiancee. "Marge wouldn't really be into this, you know. Too many carbs. She's doing this for show. It's all for show. I've actually no idea what cake flavor I am in the mood for. Let's try every single one. Are you still a fan of coconut?"

"That's amazing that you're back for good. Most people are on the opposite end, finding any way to run as far away from here as possible. Well, I never really left." Except for the few years after college. "So, she did try to put the ad on the paper, that's really funny. Really? I mean, you did spend quite some time away. I figured it had grown on you. But, honestly fair enough, fame and this town don't really get along either." This place was too small for any of those big dreams anyway. "Was it fun, at least, traveling the world?" Juliet met his gaze, feeling the world stop for just a second. No, she couldn't go down this road again. "Yes, you are home," she agreed, but shortly after, she looked away, shying away from the intensity of his eyes. "What? That's amazing! I was wondering who was helping tun that spot now, it is in need of lots of love."

Relieved? Okay, now Juliet was puzzled. The wedding planner in her was curious what the story was there. Relief at his new wife being away on holiday wasn't really screaming lost in love, but knowing Rome, well she figured there had to be more. Perhaps, some kind of inside joke between them. Rome wouldn't marry without love. Without context, Juliet wouldn't be the one to make some inappropriate comment. "Everyone has that one holiday, I can't do St. Patrick's Day after college. Still, hating Christmas must be rough." Although the idea that Marguerite wouldn't be with him for the holidays was sad, Juliet felt the corners of her lips turn upwards upon hearing his plans. "Your plans sound just like mine then." At home with her grandma, perhaps the latest son of one of her friends that she swore was a good match. "Don't think I'm attached to much these days. Your ma is letting you invite anyone to your celebration though?"

"Oh, Rome. Sounds like you endured a lot, and still are. So, you're still getting the care you need, now that you're back here? Right? Can't neglect that. Oh, I made bonus points category? Lucky me. Well, for what it's worth, I'm glad you're back too."

"Yes, that is right," she doubled-down with an amused grin. "Well, I saw it more as a situation of the guest getting the bigger slice. Don't worry about it, I'll make it up to the birthday boy today." Wedding cake sampling was not exactly the same as a birthday party, but cake options could prove to be fun. Juliet hummed a yes, before shrugging in an attempt to keep the positive energy going. "Well, she didn't jump up in excitement." Though, Juliet would attribute that to her old age. "Overall though, yeah not too pleased. She hates the impractical, so she just didn't understand why I left a stable job to pursue this crazy thing." Her glance reached him momentarily, then back at the sidewalk. "It's true, you know - that you're the pride of the town." Juliet gave him a smile as they stepped inside the bakery. It smelled wonderful in there, and Juliet was quick to take a seat in the area they requested. However, she felt her shoulders tense when they mistook them as the couple. A first in her wedding planning adventures, but she supposed not too weird since she had originally set this up for him and his fiancée. "Water, yes that's okay."

While they stepped away to get their glasses of water and the first round of tasting, she turned to Rome. Moments after, they brought a tray out with five different cake slices and the glasses of water. "So, cake. What are you guys thinking of, any particular flavors or some that are absolutely not allowed?"

[clubsmarties]

"Just moved back actually. I have a new job. As you can imagine my mom is the happiest clam in the world to have me back and not on a bull somewhere across the country." Rome was quick to shake his head. "I don't want to hide you. Never have, Jules. She wouldn't care," and that was the honest truth. Whatever didn't revolve around her she didn't care about. "Whatever doesn't bring her publicity she doesn't care for it. Life of a trust fund baby." Now that Marguerite wasn't in the room, Rome's real personality came out. He seemed less tense and more playful. Just like Juliet had met him. "Nah. No honeymoon actually. She decided it wasn't worth it." No big loss there he thought. "I actually don't have time to take a vacation." Rome laughed finding amusement in her statement. "Yeah, she was actually a bridesmaid. Horrendous wedding. Glad I didn't go."

Rome smirked. "Christmas is special and I think you know that pretty well. But no this one was just because she wanted to spend the last bit of December in St. Tropez drinking and having a good time. It was just the time most suitable for her schedule." Christmas was his favorite time of year mostly because he got to snowboard and hang around the town reveling in the holiday spirit. Nothing compared to Christmas in Derfield."

He followed after her and chuckled. "Right, how could I forget you like to steal cakes. I still haven't forgotten about the time at my birthday where you thought my cake plate was also yours." he teased just wanting to see her roll her eyes. She'd say it was because he told her it was okay they could share. Setting his hands in his pockets he easily kept up pace with her. "But future you is gonna thank past you for taking that leap of faith. Jumping is the scariest part. I'm happy for you. I'm proud too." A chuckle escaped him as he nodded. "You did always say I was gonna break something. Turns out you were right. I've retired now." Though he looked normal he still had quite a few hard injuries that kept him up at night. "Did you really believe I was gonna make it?"

She felt goosebumps form on her skin, hearing her name fall from his lips. "Really has been, I didn't realize that you were back in the area." Juliet couldn't pinpoint why the atmosphere was so awkward. She knew why she felt that way, but why him? Was the lost friendship really so terrible to cause all this? "Wouldn't judge you if you did want to hide it. She doesn't seem like the type to have hometown ties," not a bad thing, of course. Juliet just didn't think she'd be so understanding of it. "Oh?" That piqued her interest, motioning to make another note on the pad. "Delayed honeymoon then? It is becoming more common nowadays. Couples forfeit honeymoons and want to put their money towards home or just decide to do that vacation later in the year." Not that money seemed like an object here. No pastels, that was a new one and it made her laugh just a bit. How unprofessional. "She's the first to not be in the pastels area, but okay. Licorice black, you know there was a wedding some time ago. Reality tv star, with a black wedding dress. Her guests were in white. Definitely made a statement."

Holiday weddings, that was so sweet, but she didn't get a chance to write it down. The sadness in his tone drew her gaze back up instead. It must be rough to be separated from his wife so quickly after getting married, but that was not her place to comment. "I see, not a lot of time left then. The holidays are important to you guys, then?" We could lean into that, the winter theme or Christmas if that's more your tune." Now, she was beginning to feel like she was inundating him with wedding questions - still semi-ignoring the elephant in the room: broken friendship. Juliet glanced up at Marguerite and only smiled, "of course, I'll provide updates. Safe travels."

She shook her head, catching a glimpse of his eyes and her soft smile tugged on her lips. Thinking back to old times she caved into those puppy eyes. Guess it was no different now. "Oh no, come on. Are you kidding? This is my bread and butter, getting paid to go see cakes. Best job ever." Juliet was quick to wave him off, standing up from the seat and grabbing her bag. "It's only a smidge weird, but honestly just the shock of seeing you again, which will go away soon. Besides, hate to break it to you - I'd have to take the wedding regardless. My boss is ecstatic, she's already picturing wedding of the year." With her trusty notepad tucked away in her bag, she held the door for him as they stepped out. "Thank you, you too, really. I almost didn't do it, starting from scratch is scary. But, the career was draining me way too quickly. Nothing good about it. So, looks like only one of us made the right career choice. Well, except for your risk-taking tendencies, but I could never talk you out of those."

[clubsmarties]

"Jules," the name slipped out like a silent prayer against the wind. "It has been way too long." A semi pained chuckle escaped him. "Commitment. Yeah, thanks." It took everything in him not to get up and take her in his arms. Like they used to. "Oh, yeah. I wouldn't hide you or the fact that we were friends." Ouch, how that hurt even though it was the truth. He had chosen to leave their hometown and for that he didn't think a simple im sorry would suffice. "I don't think we'll have a honeymoon." Not a big loss there. He would need to go back to the animal sanctuary soon so he wasn't going to spend much time with his fiancée not that she cared really. It just seemed like she wanted the big party and publicity and not in it for love. "She hates the pastels. Purple, blue, red, pinks. Any color that you'd think is light she hates. Her favorite color is licorice black."

"December twenty third. She wanted it to be near Christmas. Before her Turks and Caicos girls trip." Even as he said that, there was an exasperated sadness there. Not because she wasn't going to be around but because of the circus this wedding was turning out to be. "I'm—" Marguerite came back and smiled as she held the phone in her hand and sighed. "I have to go. Could you guys go see the cakes? I can't do it today. I'm so sorry Juliet. I am needed elsewhere. But you guys take it. I'll tag in later. Call you later babe." She threw him an air kiss and left.

Rome threw an apologetic smile Jules way and sighed. "I'm sorry about that. You don't have to come with me to see cake decor. I know you're already having your plate full with your notes. You don't even have to take the wedding. If it is too weird for you." But as he said that he couldn't help but give her puppy eyes. He could go on his own but now he wanted a chance to talk to her uninterrupted. Without the wedding talk. "You look really good, Jules. I can't believe you made your dream come true."

"No budget, okay I got it," a bit of a nervous laugh escaped her because if there was one thing she had learned in her time here, it was that no budget only meant more problems. It meant, there were no excuses as to why things shouldn't match every single thing they want. Every now and then, when Juliet did dare to peer up at him, it was also to gain some of his perspective. She knew weddings were often times driven by the bride, but lately there was a wave of grooms who wanted to be more involved in the process. Yet, the opportunity to hear his thoughts did not arrive.

Juliet was quick to write in her notepad, but found herself circling the phrase awful color followed by a question mark. She looked up at Marguerite standing up, silently urging her to stay instead. Please don't leave me here. To no avail. Instead, Juliet smiled and offered the room next door for the phone call. More privacy. It took an extra moment to bring her attention back to him, sitting across from her. Thankfully, he spoke up first and there it was. Groom opinions, Juliet knew they existed! "So, there is a budget. That's perfectly fine, I think once I get the hang of what you're both looking for, we can make it amazing without...all the life savings. Gotta save some for the honeymoon, right? Okay, and question for you - do you know what awful color she was talking about earlier?"

It could be said that Juliet was basically speeding through the questions and pending items, but staring at him was just giving her the world's worst stomach ache. Juliet just needed to get through this meeting, and chances were, she'd only be seeing Marguerite from now until the wedding. That seemed to ease some of her anxiousness. No need to deal with the past, if the past wouldn't really be around for long. "Rome," finally acknowledging the fact that they were not strangers. "Long time, no see. You look good. Commitment suits you," she offered with a smile. Perhaps, the only genuine smile Juliet had today. "Sorry about earlier, I wasn't expecting you and honestly, wasn't too sure if you wanted her to know we were friends." Were was important to note. "So, um when's the wedding? She didn't mention, but just for us to have an idea of timeline."