Storytime: Loving Lana, Chapter 11

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Loving Lana, Chapter 11

“I guess this is it,” Lana mused as she watched the sun come up on Saturday morning. The sky was bright and clear, promising a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding. She hadn’t gotten much sleep, and was on her third cup of coffee already. It was going to be a long, nerve-wracking day.

After a quick shower, she quickly put on the new lingerie that Sara had insisted she buy the other night. Sliding a simple bone-colored silk sheath over her head, she added a wide lace belt and the matching tailored lace jacket over the top. It was elegant and formal, and the soft texture against her skin made Lana feel just the slightest bit naughty. Sara had also insisted on new heels with scalloped edges to match the dress, and as she turned in front of the mirror, Lana had to admit they were perfect. The doorbell rang, and she took a deep breath before going to let Sara in.

“Good morning!” Sara’s cheerful greeting rang annoyingly in Lana’s ear. Probably just nerves, she thought as she forced a smile for her friend. “You’re breathtaking, Lana!”

“Thank you.” Lana glanced down self-consciously, smoothing her hands down her dress. “I need to get some jewelry, and then I’ll be ready” she said, touching her neck lightly.

“I’ve got it covered,” Sara said, holding out a large square velvety box. “Something old and borrowed.” She opened the top to reveal a lovely pearl necklace with an emerald cut ruby pendant in the center, with earrings to match. “They were my great grandmother’s,” Sara said, motioning for Lana to turn around. She sat the box on the counter, and removed the necklace. “I think they’ll be perfect,” she said, clasping the necklace at Lana’s nape.

“I don’t know what to say.” Lana took the earrings Sara held out, and hooked them in her ears. “They’re gorgeous – are you sure you it’s okay for me to wear them? They must be worth a fortune.”

“Don’t be silly – of course it’s okay,” Sara replied. “They’re made for occasions like this.” She reached into her purse and handed one more item to Lana. “And here’s something blue, since I couldn’t talk you into blue lingerie.” Lana laughed as she took the navy garter.

“Do people actually wear these anymore?” she asked, stepping into the band and securing it high on one thigh. She held one side of her skirt up, modeling the lacy accessory for her friend.

“Only to weddings,” Sara replied, laughing. “Now, where’s your hat?” She checked her watch. “We need to get moving if we want to beat the…uh…traffic.”

Lana put on the Kennedy-style pillbox hat they’d chosen, and secured it to her hair with pins, adjusting the half-veil over her eyes in the hall mirror. She applied lipstick, a wine color to contrast with the monochrome outfit, then dropped it in her bag. Satisfied with her appearance, she stepped towards the door.

“What traffic?” she asked. “It should be pretty quiet downtown on a Saturday, don’t you think?” She locked the door behind them, turning back to see a nervous expression on Sara’s face.

“The Wesley’s are a popular family in town – surely some of the press will have caught wind of the event…” her voice trailed off as Lana’s frown deepened.

“How would they have found out,” she asked as they walked to Sara’s car. “I know Brad wanted to keep this quiet for a while.” She looked over at Sara after they were seated. “You didn’t leak this, did you Sara?”

Sara shrugged, starting the engine. “I may have told a few people,” she said lightly. “Would it be so bad if there were a few pictures taken?” She pulled away from the curb. “You have to admit that an article on Lana Anderson, of Martin Interiors marrying rich-catch Brad Wesley could be good for business.”

Lana closed her eyes, her head dropping back against the seat only to pop upright again. “Ow!” she said, as a hatpin poked into her skull. She rubbed her head carefully, regretting the hat. She scowled at Sara.

“You know that Brad will be livid when he finds out,” she said. “He may cancel the wedding altogether.”
“He can’t,” Sara said blithely. “It would be a breach of contract. And there’s nothing in the document that stipulated no press,” she finished, clearly pleased with herself.

Lana shook her head, blinking back tears. As nervous as she was, she never imagined Sara would do something like this. It was going to be a nightmare, and there was nothing she or Brad could do to stop it.

“I suppose it didn’t occur to you that maybe I wouldn’t appreciate a wedding day filled with reporters and cameras?” Lana asked. Her cell phone rang, and she grabbed it from her purse. Brad’s number showed on the caller ID.

“Hello?” she said, trying to steady her voice.

“Change of plans.” Brad said crisply.

This is the first draft of a novel I'm working on. Comments always welcome.