Like the coffee shop, Garden Terrace had become a favorite place to eat.
The appetizers had arrived, but Roni hadn’t touched her food. She was too busy entertaining them with the events of her day.
“Guys, this day was one funky day all the way through. I expected it to be smooth. I was just getting the final things together. I needed to pick up the dress, check the flower arrangements one more time, and make sure the cake was exactly what they promised.”
“Everyone I encountered seemed to know all too well that Bridezilla was what they were going to be facing. So I thought I’d have a little fun and go in with a bit of a rawr.”
“Oh no, Roni, that wasn’t nice. Especially since you can just be yourself and that monster will show itself.”
“What? Lilly, how dare you! Are you the Bridezilla maid of honor?”
Justin laughed but didn’t say a word. He knew better.
Lilly laughed, holding up a hand as she finished her bite of salad.
“Hold on now. I just meant, you know how you have always said people misunderstand your assertive ways, your in-charge ways, as being bitchy. Soooo…”
Roni interrupted. “I know, bestie. I’m just giving you the hard time I was giving everyone today. But you’re right. It didn’t need to be a façade for long. The flowers weren’t quite right, but we figured it out. The cake needed my input on a few final touches, too. And my dress, well, it was perfect, but she told me it was going to cost extra for the veil. I was furious. We’d agreed it was part of the package. It took some convincing, but I brought my receipt. It was clear.”
“Anyway, enough about me…”
Justin interrupted. “Darling, it is never enough about you.”
“You do have a good point. Please remember that, honey bunches of handsomeness.”
They laughed.
Roni leaned back. “Really, though, quit stalling. I want to know about the writing and what you two talked about. Don’t leave anything out…”
“Listen, Roni, her attitude alone has shown so much growth. You’d be so proud of your girl.”
“Yeah, but…”
“Lilly, what is it?” Roni asked.
“Oh, well, he did give me positive feedback, but he also said my work still needs less explaining and more showing. I get what he’s saying, but I’m kinda clueless about how to not only recognize it, but fix it.”
Justin spoke up. “That’s some of the work she’s going to have to do on her own. Lilly, why don’t you show Roni the sentence we talked about and tell her where we left it?”
Lilly turned the laptop toward Roni.
“Okay, here is the sentence. Now the moment seemed even more vivid than the picture.“
Roni cocked her head. “Okay, so what’s wrong with that? I guess I need to read the entire piece.”
“Well, of course you will, but for now, let me try and explain. I don’t need a fancier sentence. I need the reader to better understand what I actually meant. I want the reader to feel how alive the photograph seemed. I’d already expressed that you could almost hear the women laughing, but I need more to make that clear without explaining it.”
Lilly looked at Justin. “Thanks to him, I understand the problem better. I’m just still not sure exactly how to fix it.”
She paused.
“But what Justin said earlier is true. I am excited to learn. To be more patient.”
Roni giggled.
“What’s funny, my lifelong pal?”
“Well, dear Lilly, I know patience is not your strong suit. So yes, this will be a challenge. But girl, I have never met anyone in my life as determined as you. Some would say stubborn.”
Lilly smirked.
“Seriously. I’m not surprised you turned your attitude around, and I won’t be surprised when you become one hell of a writer. Your superpower is your tenacity. You don’t give up on yourself, no matter what.”
“Justin, I know you mentioned the possibility of an internship, but honestly, I don’t think I’m ready. Not yet. I am ready to go back to Greg and the writing club, though. I mean, I still need to make a few adjustments to my piece…”
Justin nodded. “In fact, I agree. Your piece only needs small adjustments. I believe you’re ready to face Greg. And even if he says no, that’s okay. I know that’s not your ideal outcome, but a closed door only means you have more work to do.”
Lilly smiled. “And more patience to practice.”
Justin grinned. “Look at you.”
“Greg was clear. He advised me to write why I would be a good fit, but I didn’t do that.”
“I agree, Lilly. You didn’t.” Justin smiled. “But I think you did something better. You decided to show him.”
All three sat in silence, which Lilly knew was hard for Roni.
Just before it became awkward, Lilly took a deep breath.
“You know, you’re so right. I’ll just add a cover page saying something like this…”
She paused, thinking.
“I was prepared to tell you why I would be a good fit. Instead, I’m going to show you.”
Roni reached across the table. “Lilly, I was already the happiest woman alive, but now you’ve given me a little extra joy.”
A few days later, Lilly sat alone at the airport, her laptop bag tucked beside her.
She smiled as she thought about the wedding. It had been beautiful. So completely Roni.
As long as I live, I’ll never forget the look on her face as she gave me one last hug before getting into that decorated newlywed car.
I’ll miss her so much, but I’ll see her soon. She promised to come see me in a couple of months. *I love her so much. And that husband of hers has sure grown on me, too.
The announcement came over the intercom. Lilly’s flight was boarding.
Just after the seatbelt sign went off, Lilly opened her beloved laptop.
She grinned, ready to take on that one line. Maybe more.
She started reading her piece from the beginning.
To be continued.
One more bit to go…
Sending warmth and kindness.
