Joey mentally prepared for the dance she needed to carefully orchestrate to appease Juliette’s mother, Irene, while keeping Juliette not only sane but happy. She rushed over and gave Juliette a tight hug. “Hey, honey, how are you holding up?”
“I love my mom, but I swear if she tries to cram one more frilly white ball gown down my throat, I’m going to cut her.”
The crazed look in Juliette’s wide eyes made Joey hold up her hands. “Whoa. No stabbing anyone and leaving her body among the bridal gowns. Did you tell her what you wanted?”
“I attempted to. I doubt she even heard me over her banshee-like screeching before she ran for the froufrou dresses that make me want to crawl out of my skin,” she huffed.
“Juliette.”
“God, hide me!” Juliette curled a fist around Joey’s long-sleeved shirt.
Joey pattered her hand. “Hey, we’re going to get through this. Hil and Evonne will be here any minute. That’s four against one.”
“Don’t underestimate the power of a determined Southern mother.” Juliette turned. “Over here. Mother, look who I found.”
The fake smile pasted on Juliette’s face looked painful.
Joey mentally urged the others to get here faster. “Hi, Ms. Irene.”
“Joey.” Irene embraced her. “Thank goodness you’re here. Has she told you what she wanted to wear? A pink wedding dress, can you imagine?”
“I don’t know if I can see it…beautiful, romantic, whimsical and unique. That’s perfect for Jul, if you ask me.” Joey wrapped an arm around Irene’s shoulder and gestured with her hand. “Imagine this: the woods transformed to a mystical and slightly vintage wonderland. An homage to her namesake, and its creator, William Shakespeare.”
“Oh.” Irene placed a hand over her heart. “That sounds beautiful.”
“And it will be if we stay true to Jul’s vision.”
“I never imagined it like that. You have a way with words.” Irene released a blissful sigh. “I’ll go grab the room attendant and tell her we’ve had a change of plans.” Irene patted Joey’s hand and jogged off.
“Bless you, miracle worker.” Juliette bowed at the waist repeatedly.
Joey giggled. “I just know how to paint a pretty picture. You got to sell them the dream, Juliette.”
“You sure you don’t moonlight as a con artist in your spare time?”
Joey huffed. “I’m an artist. It’s my job to take what people see in their head and bring it to life. Give me some credit for sincerity.”
“That was actually deep, Joey,” Juliette said.
“Yeah, don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my rep,” Joey said with a wink.
“Your what? Please.” Juliette rolled her eyes.
Joey laughed. “Got you smiling,” Joey said.
“Yes you did.” Juliette glanced at something over Joey’s shoulder. She turned and smiled as Evonne and Hil waved and hurried over.
“Sorry, we car-pooled, and there was an accident,” Hil said as she moved to hug Juliette.
“It’s okay. Joey did the impossible and managed to tame my mother.”
Evonne snorted. “How?” she asked.
“My charm.” Joey said, batting her eyelashes.
“No really, how?” Hil repeated, giving her the side-eye.
They all laughed.