Page 41 of Bride Games

41

Paige

P aige could hardly concentrate all day while awaiting Emma’s response about televising her wedding—her big community relations story to get back in her boss’s good graces. Emma had sent an ecstatic text that morning saying she and Eli were on board but they needed the principal’s approval. Frowning, Paige hoped the principal wouldn’t throw water on the entire idea. She needed happy news more than she ever had in her life; at least it felt that way.

Glancing at the clock every hour on the hour, Paige attempted to make the day go faster by chatting with the meteorologist, Stan the Man about his sports predictions, and eventually asked her assistant to schedule a few rah-rah staff meetings for the following day. Proud of the way she had risen above the bizarre, scary texts, the fact Zach was traveling with the effervescent Marie Fallon, and the dreadful social media attacks—if only as a stiff upper lip front—Paige thought she had adeptly steered the focus off her and toward bettering ATV 10, namely staying number one in the rankings. She knew that alone would also keep her in a positive light where Mr. Hales was concerned.

Paige forced herself to avoid social media for her own mental health. But at times like this when she was nervous, she hovered over the X app to see if she was still trending in the worst possible way. Swallowing, she took a deep breath, stared at the screen, but forced herself to put her cellphone away. I need a break from the hateful games people are playing with my career.

As she stepped out of her office to get a coffee refill, she heard her phone ring and rushed back to her desk. “Paige Daniels.”

“Good news, Paige. I think we’re on! Dr. Ryder, the principal, thought televising our wedding was a brilliant idea and would give Appledale Elementary some great publicity. She thought the students, faculty, and parents would be excited.” Paige grinned as her best friend talked a mile a minute, only interjecting, “I’m thrilled, Em. You have no idea how excited I am.”

Emma continued. “Us too. Dr. Ryder’s going to send a blanket email and ask anyone to come forward if they have any objections. She’ll also take care of getting permission slips.” Pausing, Emma added, “She said she thinks the students will work even harder on decorations now since their wedding projects will be on TV.”

Paige grinned more than she had all week. “Oh, my God. I promise we won’t get in the way. This is so great. Thank you so much. By the way, I’ll make sure the station covers the video for the wedding, so that will save you guys several thousand dollars.”

“Really?”

Nodding, although Emma couldn’t see her, she said, “Really. This will be such a wonderful feel-good story. I think the whole world needs that. I know I do. Let’s get together soon.”

After they hung up, Paige sat at her desk forgetting about her desire for more coffee. She couldn’t wait to tell Mr. Hales about her exclusive community story idea. I can’t wait until he gets back from his cruise.

EMMA

Emma called Eli the minute she and Paige hung up. “Guess what? Paige said the station will provide a video of our wedding for free. That’ll save us a ton of money.”

“Why didn’t she say that to begin with? That’s very generous of Paige.”

“She’s the best. I can’t wait to tell Lucy. Let’s go out and celebrate.”

Emma and Eli sat across from a fidgety Lucy. “What’s wrong, hon?”

“I don’t like this restaurant.”

Emma stared at her daughter. “Why? Their food’s delicious.”

Lucy crossed her arms. “Do they have mac ‘n cheeze or chicken fingers?” She gave her mom her best pouty look.

Reaching for the kid’s menu, Emma scanned the items. “How about a grilled cheese and sweet potato fries. You like both of those.”

“O-tay.” Lucy slurped her lemonade, promptly knocking it over but the lid saved the day.

Emma and Eli exchanged glances. “We have something exciting to tell you.”

Lucy clapped her hands. “Are you going to have a baby? Am I going to be a big sister?”

“Lucy! Where did that come from?” Emma felt her face flush. “No, that’s not it.” Emma snuck a glance at Eli who was grinning like a kid who discovered a dollar on the sidewalk. She cleared her throat. “Do you want to tell Luce or should I?”

“I’m enjoying this conversation. Go ahead, babe. You’re handling this like a pro.”

Emma set her menu aside. “Lucy, you know we’re getting married at the school which is a little unusual, so?—”

“’usual?”

“Unique. Anyway, my best friend Paige wants her station to cover our wedding. You’ll be on television. We’ll all be on television.”

Lucy’s eyes widened. “Even Grace?”

“Yes, since she’s a flower girl too.”

Bouncing in her chair, Lucy said, “Does my teacher know? Can I tell—” Lucy reached for the apron of a nearby server. “Guess what? We’re going to be on tele?—”

“Hold on, Luce.” Emma smiled at the confused server and waited until she had her daughter’s attention. “I’m glad you’re excited, but this is kind of a secret.”

“A sec-wet? I thought you didn’t like too many sec-wets, Mommy.”

“I know that must be confusing, Luce.” Emma stared at Eli. “You’re probably better trained at this than me.” After he shrugged, Emma continued. “Okay, it’s not exactly a secret because the teachers and parents of students will know. But we can’t tell anyone else until our wedding day.”

“Why?”

Knowing full well her six-year-old wouldn’t understand an exclusive television scoop, Emma said, “Because Mommy said so.”

With a slow clap, Eli said, “Well done. Can we order now?”