Page 56 of Storm in a D Cup

A horrible, terrible sensation burned its way up through my insides. Of course not. Julian was already married to me. Unless…

‘When is it scheduled for?’

‘As soon as the groom can get his divorce. I have a little over eighteen months to plan everything. Can you imagine creating a masterpiece in such a short time?’

‘And you have absolutely no idea who it is?’

‘Apparently a retired sports star. But her assistant says she’s been going to Italy very often. So you tell me.’

‘But why would she not want you to know who he is? That’s ridiculous!’ Please ignore the squeak in my voice, it’s only sheer panic.

‘What can I tell you? He hasn’t actually told his wife yet and doesn’t want the world to know before she does.’

Is heserious? How in a million years could he do this to me? ‘How… noble of him.’

‘It’s a mad world, Sunshine.’

‘So you’re planning everything without actually knowing anything? Where is it going to be, the wedding?’

‘In Boston, where his family lives. Isn’t this crazy?’

I could have told Paul my suspicions, but of course I’d be totally wrong. Julian would never do that to me. Preposterous. Unheard of.

So then who was the guy, and why didn’t Genie Stacie want me in particular to know?

‘Erica? You still there?’

Barely. I had actually sunk onto a chair next to the window (I have a laundry room with a view) and was absently staring out at the fields and the cypress-lined drive up to the house. It looked perfect. From the outside, it was all perfect. Inside, things never really were as they seemed.

I thought and thought and thought, trying to understand. ‘Paul, any idea why she chose you, no offense?’

‘Gee, thanks, none taken. Julian sent her my number. Remind me to thank him when this is all over.’

And you remind me to kill him when it is.OK, this was getting too close for comfort.

‘Will do,’ I said. ‘Keep me posted?’

‘Uh, OK, just as long as you remember your promise.’

It was really looking like someone else had forgotten theirs.

‘I will.’

‘OK. Take care, Sunshine. Oh, I almost forgot. Have Julian’s measurements changed? He’s looking a little slimmer, lately.’

‘Julian’s m-measurements…? What do you need those for?’

‘Oh, didn’t I tell you? He’s invited.’

And there you have it. ‘Just… him?’

‘What can I tell you?’

‘Everything you know.’

‘But that’s just it. I don’t know anything. Gotta go, Sunshine.’

‘Bye…’ I croaked before I hung up.