The Laws of Attraction (Love is a Destination Book 2) Read online

  It was the most Birdy had heard Katie complain, probably in her whole life. “I’ll be right over. We’ll figure it out.”

  Katie sounded so relieved. “Thank you.”

  Birdy hung up and got Georgie’s attention. Then drew a line across her neck.

  “Can you hang on one minute, please,” Georgie said to the person on the phone. “What’s the matter?”

  “We have a wedding crisis. Abort the mani/pedi plans. I need you to come with me.” Birdy went to the door.

  “Birdy, you need clothes first,” Georgie said.

  Birdy looked down. “Right.”

  ***

  “Feeling better?” Birdy asked Katie as she fell back on the bed.

  She, Birdy, Georgie had spent the better part of the day figuring out the flower situation. Turned out the wedding coordinator, Naomi, had delayed informing Katie about the issue until the last possible moment. Birdy thought waiting until just three days before the wedding was irresponsible, but what did she know?

  Naomi and her team wouldn’t be getting a lot of sleep until after Katie’s wedding. On top of all the florals for the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and the reception, they still had to make boutonnieres for the groomsmen, the groom, and the fathers; make corsages for the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride; and create a bouquet for the bride along with a tossing bouquet.

  Birdy didn’t envy them. In fact, she and Katie had offered to help, but Naomi wouldn’t hear of it. She wanted to create the perfect wedding for Katie and Max Legend.

  Crisis averted, Georgie headed out to take care of a few errands while Katie and Birdy headed back to the hotel. They turned on the TV, and were now passing a pint of strawberry ice cream back and forth between them. Josh sat in a chair off to the side, but every once in a while, he’d get up and move around the room for a different angle. Outsiders would probably think the whole scenario creepy, but most of the time she forgot he was there.

  “Much,” Katie said. “And actually, I think I’m going to like the peony flowers better than the roses. I had no idea they were so gorgeous.” The flowers Katie chose went beautifully the gardenias, magnolias, and ranunculus.

  “They are beautiful and they have such a light scent too, which is good. You don’t want to get a headache,” Birdy took a bite of ice cream.

  “Agreed.” Katie took another bite of ice cream. Rolled on her side to look at Birdy. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thanks for helping me handle the situation today.”

  Birdy hugged Katie. “Kiki, I’m here for you always.”

  “And I know you’re worried about how things are going to be when I get married, but they aren’t going to change much.”

  Birdy lay back, staring up at the ceiling. “Well, except you’ll be moving out of our brownstone and in with Max.”

  “True,” Katie set the ice cream container on the bedside table and tucked her arms behind her head.

  “But you’re excited to start this new chapter in your life, right?”

  “Really excited,” Katie said, looking at Birdy. “But I’m worried about you.”

  Birdy waved a hand at her nonsense. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. I’ll be fine.” It didn’t surprise her though that Katie had the same worry she had. It was a testament to the fact that they’d lived together over a decade.

  “Not true.”

  Birdy didn’t want her friend’s happiness to be marred by worry for her. “Look, Katie. It’ll definitely be adjustment, but I’m an adult. I can handle it. Please don’t worry.”

  Katie placed her hands on her stomach. “I’ll try not to, but I love you, and it’s my job as your best friend to worry.”

  Birdy wiped at the tears forming in her eyes. It would be hard without Katie in her life constantly, but she couldn’t have been more thrilled for her friend and this new chapter in her life. “Thanks.”

  “What are you going to do with yourself once your contract with the network is up?”

  “Good question,” Birdy said. She really didn’t know. When she tried to picture what the future would hold, she didn’t have any certainty. She had hope. That maybe she and Ares would keep dating and that maybe it would turn into more. If it hadn’t already. At the thought of him, she smiled.

  “What?” Katie asked.

  “Nothing.” Birdy shook her head.

  “Oh, it’s something. Or someone.” Katie pinched Birdy lightly on the arm.

  She yawned. It was time to go. “You know me too well.” She stood to leave. “See you tomorrow for breakfast?”

  “Yes, nine thirty sharp.” Katie tilted her head, giving her a sharp look.

  “What? I’ll be there at nine thirty.” Birdy paused. “Ish.”

  “It’s the ‘ish’ I’m worried about.”

  ***

  Katie walked back to her room lost in thought. She’d texted Ares that morning, letting him know she wouldn’t be able to hang out like they’d wanted. He’d replied right away, saying he understood. For a lawyer, he seemed pretty chill about things that didn’t go according to plan. It probably had to do with his military training. And she was glad because in her life, things were always changing.

  As she made her way down the hall, she noticed a gift bag stuffed with tissue paper sitting on the floor in front of her door. “Not again.” She glanced back at Josh. “Did Meredith do this?”

  He shrugged, but didn’t say anything.

  “Great.” She went over and picked up the bag. Underneath was a thick envelope. She picked that up too and took them both inside. First, she opened the envelope. Inside was a beautiful invitation to the bachelorette/bachelor party. Meredith had outdone herself. They were to meet in the lobby at three o’clock tomorrow afternoon. She set the invitation down on her dresser and turned to her cameraman. “Hey, Josh. I’m just going to go to bed. It’s late. You might as well go get some sleep.”

  “What’s in the bag?” he offered.

  She realized he wouldn’t leave until she revealed what was within. “Fine.” She pulled the paper out of the bag. Inside was a velvet box. Birdy’s heart pounded. What could it be? Who was it from? Her hand shook as she pulled out the box and opened it. Inside was a thin silver chain and attached to the end were three charms: a bit of sea glass, a starfish, and a pearl. She glanced at Josh. “If Meredith did this, I’ll never speak to her again.” She didn’t wait for him to respond, but picked up the little card tucked into the top of the box.

  In masculine handwriting were the words: Thinking of you. ~A.

  Birdy removed it from the box and went over to the mirror, holding it against her neck. “It’s beautiful,” she said, turning to face the camera. She knew if she didn’t, Josh would ask her to anyway. Tears formed on her lashes, but she wiped them away. Then cleared her throat. “K, that’s it. I’m turning in for the night.”

  “You aren’t going to go to his room?”

  “No, it’s after midnight.” She was going to text him though. Her next move would depend on what he said back.

  Josh sighed, took the camera from his shoulder and went to the door. “Night, Birdy.”

  “Night.”

  As the door closed, she grabbed her phone and texted Ares. You still awake?

  Kind of, he said.

  Okay, I’ll let you get back to sleep. Just wanted to thank you for my gift. I love it.

  Saw it in a store window and thought of you. I’m always thinking of you.

  Birdy smiled to herself. I’m always thinking of you too. It was true. She couldn’t stop herself.

  The laws of attraction lead us down interesting paths, don’t they?

  They do, she agreed, liking sleepy Ares and his thought-provoking texts.

  Well, good night. Sleep well.

  I will. You too.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Birdy shut her hotel room door and made her way over to the restaurant. It would be good to have something other than a cronut for breakfast. She’d texted Georgie as much, telling
her not to worry about waking her. It’d been weird not seeing Georgie’s face first thing, but Birdy had worked it out.

  When she arrived at DUO, she checked the time on her phone. Only five minutes after nine. She was pretty proud of herself.

  The wedding party had been seated outside near the pool. Beyond that lay a stunning view of the ocean. As the waitress showed her to the table, she checked out the surroundings. The decorations were magnificent and gave the feeling of luxuriousness without being pretentious.

  “Hey, Katie,” Birdy said, taking a seat next to Ares and across from Katie.

  Katie glanced at her watch. “You did good. I’m impressed.”

  “See, the ‘ish’ wasn’t too bad.”

  “Not bad at all.”

  Max and his brothers were deep in conversation about something to do with music. Marcy was seated on the other side of Birdy. She and Meredith were talking about the new summer line for a designer, but Birdy missed who.

  “Hi,” she said to Ares.

  He glanced over at her, his twinkling hazel eyes studying hers before moving down to her neck. “It looks good on you,” he said, returning his gaze to her eyes.

  “Thanks,” she said, touching the necklace reflexively. “It’s so beautiful.” This morning she’d chosen a scoop neck Midi dress with spaghetti straps. It hit just below her knee and the ombre coloring went from cream to blush to silver. She wore her silver flip-flops again because they felt the nicest on her blistered feet and actually matched.

  “Where’d you get that necklace?” Katie asked.

  “Um,” Birdy glanced sideways at Ares. “A friend gave it to me.”

  “Who?” Dean asked, his eyes going between her and Ares.

  She smirked. “Fine, Ares gave it to me.”

  “Ooooh,” Matt and August said together.

  “Let’s see it,” Meredith said.

  Birdy turned so that side of the table could see.

  “It’s lovely,” Marcy said.

  Two waitresses came over to get their orders. Birdy got a Belgian waffle with blueberries and whipped cream. Katie ordered the same thing, except with strawberries.

  “And for you, sir?” the waitress asked Ares.

  “I’ll have an omelet with wheat toast.”

  “So healthy,” Birdy said.

  “I’ve been slacking,” Ares admitted.

  “Me too. I haven’t done any yoga since I’ve been here.”

  He gave her an intrigued look. “You do yoga?”

  “Yes, but I’m not great at it.”

  “You’ll have to show me how sometime. I’ve always wanted to learn.”

  “Wait. What? I thought you could do everything.”

  His eyes shone with amusement and his voice projected not so much as a hint of modesty as he said, “I’m sure once I learn how to do yoga I’ll be amazing at it, I’ve just never tried.”

  Birdy giggled because even though he was joking, he was probably right. “I wouldn’t be surprised. You’re awesome at everything.”

  “I guess we’ll see.” He took a sip of water.

  “Did everyone get an invitation to the bachelor/bachelorette party tonight?” Birdy figured now was the best time to ask.

  “I did,” Katie said first. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

  “It’s such a great idea,” Max said.

  “Yeah, whose idea was it? Your producer’s?” August asked in mock sarcasm.

  Birdy stuck her tongue at him. “No, I came up with idea myself. Georgie helped. And Meredith put it together.”

  Katie reached over for Birdy’s hand. “You outdid yourself. It’s going to be such a fun adventure.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Birdy arrived in the lobby at three o’clock on the dot. Even though she was right on time, everyone else was already there. Sheesh!

  After breakfast she, Katie, and Marcy had gone to get manicures and pedicures while Georgie and Meredith took everyone’s overnight bags to the yacht. From the invitation, Birdy knew the adventure activities included a bowling alley and roller skating rink, followed by an Elvis-inspired diner. Then the group would end up at the yacht they’d been on earlier in the week. They would stay the night on the boat and be served a champagne breakfast before heading back to shore in the morning.

  “Still liking your nails?” Birdy asked Marcy.

  Marcy beamed. “Definitely. You?”

  “You know it.”

  “Hey, Marcy. Can I talk to you?” Dean called her over.

  “Coming, bro. Talk to you later, Birdy” she said, heading over to Dean.

  Ares appeared at her side. “You look beautiful.”

  She’d chosen dressy black shorts and a floral off-the-shoulder shirt for the occasion. Her hair was still in a high ponytail. “You don’t look too shabby yourself,” she said, admiring his tan slacks and the light green shirt that enhanced his biceps and brought out the green in his hazel eyes.

  “Thanks.” He walked with her to the large party bus they’d rented, which was basically an over-sized limousine and just as luxurious.

  In all, there were ten people riding inside. Meredith made sure Katie and Birdy sat next to each other with Ares on Birdy’s right and Max on Katie’s left so that Josh could easily get them in the shots. Marcy sat beside Dean with Georgie seated on his other side. August and Matt sat on the other side of Marcy. Someone turned on some music and the whole scene was cheerful.

  Birdy noticed Katie was quiet.

  “You okay, Kiki?” she whispered.

  “Yes. Suddenly it’s just really real. In two more days, I’ll be Mrs. Maxwell Legend.”

  “You still want that, don’t you?” Birdy studied her face, searching for doubt, but didn’t see any.

  “I do, yes. But there are these panicky butterflies dancing around in my stomach.” She glanced at Max. Birdy followed her gaze. Poor Max looked like he was going to be sick. “I’m not the only one feeling them.”

  Birdy laughed, patting Max on the leg. “Do you need a paper bag?”

  He flinched, then smiled, looking at Katie. “Are you feeling it too?”

  “Nervous? Yes, love. I am, but it’s mostly anticipation.” Katie took Max’s hand and squeezed.

  “Are you sure you want to be married to me and all of my baggage,” Max asked, his features serious.

  “I’ve never been surer of anything.” She wrapped her other arm around his, pulling him toward her.

  They touched foreheads and then Max kissed the top of Katie’s head followed by her lips. “Good. Because I can’t think of anything better in the world than tying myself to you.”

  Birdy glanced at Ares. He gave her a secret smile and her heart jumped. She quickly looked away. “Hey, Marcy. Do you like to bowl?” she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

  Marcy shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never been bowling.”

  “Get out of town,” Dean said, surprised.

  “Who hasn’t bowled before?” Birdy asked the group.

  Marcy, Max, and Georgie also raised their hands.

  “Wow, I’m surprised. Katie and I used to bowl at least once a month while we were in law school. Whenever we needed a break from studying.”

  Katie nodded. “Yeah, but sometimes we would still study while bowling. Remember Torts month?”

  Birdy laughed. “How could I forget? Every time one of us got a gutter ball, we had to list a Tort and its Prima Facie cases.”

  “Needless to say, we got pretty good at bowling,” Katie said, laughing with Birdy.

  “I think we’re in trouble, guys,” Ares said, looking at the group.

  “I’m not too bad,” August piped in. “And Matt is better than me. I think we can take the women.”

  “I’m glad you said that,” Meredith said to August. “Along with the activities, there are pieces of paper that need to be found at each location. At the bowling alley, there are three for the guys and three for the girls. The roller rink also has three each. And the diner
has four. Each paper contains pieces of marriage advice. When you find one, don’t show anyone else what it says because we are going to play a game and share them with Max and Katie when we get to the yacht.”

  “Let me see if I understand,” Matt said. “The pieces of paper don’t lead us to the next thing we’re doing and we aren’t racing. They contain advice and we’re supposed to keep them secret?”

  “Pretty much,” Meredith said, smiling.

  “We don’t read them or talk about them when we get them?” Dean asked, a look of confusion on his face.

  “Nope. Just hang onto them until later when we play the game.”

  “All right. Cool,” Dean said. “I rock at games.”

  Georgie giggled, batting her eyelashes at Dean. Birdy again thought there might be something happening between them, but she wasn’t sure. Dean was a flirt.

  Inside the bowling alley Meredith had reserved two lanes at the end, and she’d partitioned off the area with thigh high pillars topped with bouquets made out of the wedding flowers. Underneath the scoreboards hung a banner that said: Let the Adventure Begin! It was cute and fun, but not over the top.

  They got their shoes and chose their lanes.

  “This is beautiful,” Katie said, sliding on her bowling shoes.

  “It really is,” Birdy agreed, hugging Meredith. “I can’t believe you went to all this trouble.” Birdy carefully removed her ankle boots and put on the shoes. Her toes were still a little tender, but they needed to toughen up if she was going to wear the shoes she’d purchased to go with her bridesmaid dress.

  Meredith waved the compliments away. “It was my pleasure. In another life, I planned weddings.”

  “Well, you definitely haven’t lost your touch,” Marcy said, tying the laces on her shoes.

  While the ladies selected their bowling balls, the guys put in names. Birdy noticed the name Ares listed for her was Bird. Katie was Kiki, Meredith was Mer, Georgie was Geo, and Marcy was Cee.