Page 68 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

I video call Stephanie because I really want to see her face. It rings only once before she answers.

Her loose hair waves gently in the wind and she wears a shell necklace. She beams at me immediately, seemingly full of joy and happiness, as if everything in her world is perfect.

“Hey, what a coincidence. I was just thinking of you,” she says. Behind her, I can see white sand and the deep blue sea. Honestly, I could use a trip there myself.

“You’ve gotten quite a tan,” I start, then admit, “I should fly down there for a weekend and lie on the beach.”

“Great idea! Come on over. If you leave now, you’ll be here in about eleven hours.” She sounds genuinely excited, which makes me laugh—but also confirms Marc’s worry. Something’s off.

“I can’t intrude on your honeymoon,” I reply. “But maybe in a few weeks.”

“Will you take me with you?” she asks. For a moment, I’m speechless. She’s unusually clingy with me.

“You and Marc are both welcome to join,” I say, and she seems petrified for a split second. “I mean, if you want to bring your husband, of course.”

“Uh, yes. Of course.”

"Is everything okay between you two? You should be on cloud nine right now," I ask her directly. This way I don't even have to pretend I don't know anything. "You know you can always talk to me, right?"

Stephanie hesitates, then admits, “The flight was long, I’m exhausted, and Marc constantly wants sex. I just wanted to relax here, enjoy myself. It’s… strange. I don’t know.” She looks sad. Then, almost pleading: “I wish you were here with me instead of him.”

She shouldn’t be saying things like that.

“Don’t you trust him anymore? London’s friend Vanessa really didn’t have anything with him.”

“Yeah, I know. The guy’s name is Dominic. She showed me everything—chats, pictures, all sorts of stuff. I believe her.” But her expression tells a completely different story.

“What’s really going on?” I press.

“I’m just exhausted. The last week was hard. So much has happened, and the weeks before drained me too. I thought I’d recharge and relax here, but instead, we’re bickering about everything.” She pauses significantly before confessing, “You and I have never argued, Lex. You always get me. You sense when something’s wrong immediately. It’s like we have this very special connection.”

“Yes, like family. Like brother and sister,” I cheer her up, which once again leaves Stephanie looking rattled.

Doesn't she like the analogy?

“Yeah. Right. Like brother and sister. The coolest siblings in the world.” She lowers her gaze, and suddenly I think I understand what’s going on in her head.

“You’ll have that with Marc too, eventually. He loves you more than anything, I know he does. Give it time—time for him, for yourself, and for the two of you together. Stay at the beach a while longer, soak up the sun, then go back to him. Talk itout. Communication is everything in a relationship. Especially a marriage.”

“Mmh. Yeah, you’re right.” She looks at me sadly. “I should talk to him. I owe him that.”

“You can do this.”

“Thanks, Lex. It means so much to me that you’re always there for me, that you care.”

“Of course. It’s an honor. I’ll take care of a few errands now. Just let me know if anything comes up, okay?"

“I will.” She smiles at me, then hangs up. Maybe they really did rush into this marriage.

Me:A little tip from me: enjoy the time, give Stephanie her space. The last few weeks have drained her mentally. She needs room. Don’t argue over the little things.

Marc: But she's the one arguing? I was just in the kitchen, she came in and boom, she snaps at me. I hadn't even said anything yet. Her nerves seem really frayed.

Me: She's coming to you now. Hold her tight. Talk to each other. Things will get better.

Marc: From your lips to God’s ears.

I fix myself some breakfast—eggs, yogurt, and some nuts. After last night, I need all the energy I can get.