The Wedding Planner

I could hear their hushed conversation coming from down the hallway, only picking out a few words most of them being about me of course. Oh man i blew it, there is no way she is still going to be interested in hiring me and she has every reason not to. I glanced down at my simple black dress which was partially dry by now. Luckily the champagne was clear, leaving no stains on their furniture hopefully. I don't know how i would afford to repay them if there are any damages, that chair was most likely more than i had in my bank account anyway. I've isolated myself in this over-decorated bathroom for far too long but it still wasn't enough time to take everything in. "Just be professional, this is all about business Rachel, don't include your personal life" i continued to tell myself before i gained enough confidence to go back out to face reality.

It was awfully quiet, the only sound coming from the soft clicking of my low heels against their polished tile. I turned the corner to where i remember the sitting room was located and sure enough there they were sitting patiently for me on the white leather sofa across from my seat. Allyson held a warm, tender smile on her face while Harry's continued to remain blank, almost emotionless but full of thought.

What did i expect? This was the first time I've seen this, now grown handsome man, in over four years. I felt slightly stupid and embarrassed with myself that i actually thought he would speak to me after all this time but lets face it, this isn't a fairytale. We were strangers now, have been ever since four years ago when everything fell apart between us. I shook away the unpleasant memories before taking a seat back in the chair i was previously occupying.

"Once again i am so sorry, i don't know where that came from, it was truly unprofessional but i will surely pay for any damages" i insisted as i place my tablet onto my lap once again, never breaking eye contact with Allyson, her warm, nonjudgmental brown eyes being my only possible distraction from her gorgeous fiancé.

"Oh don't be silly, unexpected things happen like that you know? Plus there is no damage so that wont be necessary. How about we put that little episode aside shall we? I want to formally introduce my fiancé, Harry Styles." Allyson cheered as she waved her hands happily towards Harry and myself, introducing me to him as well as if it was necessary. We both knew each other very well.

It took me by surprised when Harry held his hand out over the glass table, the only barrier between us. I hesitated for a second, glancing between his rather large hands and emerald eyes. I noticed the way his eyes stared intensely into my blue orbs, almost pleading me not to say anything about our passed. As if i would do such a thing, my job is to strictly plan ladies dream weddings, not break them. So this is really happening?

"Nice to meet you Mr. Styles, its a pleasure working with you" I replied coolly, reaching my own shaking hand meeting his, holding a professional firm handshake before removing my hand all too quickly. This was a nightmare, only this would be happening to me right now. I tried focusing my attention on Allyson who began describing her dream wedding. She went on and on about not being able to decide if she wants her wedding in Paris or Italy. I was truly blown away by how much money they were willing to spend for their wedding.

This was usually my favorite part of the entire wedding planning process. You got to know and understand the future bride. For example, Allyson's favorite colors are teal and coral which will most likely be her wedding colors. She wants to have an overseas wedding, preferably an outdoor venue. I couldn't help but fall in love with the young lady that was Allyson Walsh as she spoke lovingly about her dreams and aspirations. If we were in different situations i could see a potential friendship arise between us but i know that would be merely impossible because of certain circumstances.

That was when i realized Harry hasn't spoken a word, only merely nodding his head in agreement with Allyson every once in a while. I bit my tongue as i was lost in the image of Harry and Allyson, they were truly a beautiful couple, probably the most attractive couple i have ever seen. Both coming from wealthy families i assume, they literally looked like two perfectly matched puzzle pieces. Pushing aside all my internal and might i add, unnecessary hate for this sweet girl so full of life and happiness, i couldn't be happier with Harry's choice of future wife. Their loving glances between one another was enough to nearly cause me to gag in both jealousy and adoration.

This consultation seemed to drag on for hours, i was already on my fourth page of notes and it felt like it wasn't going to end any time soon. Normally i was my casual cheery self but i was all fake smiles today. I could tell this was going to be my hardest wedding to plan yet for various reasons but i was low key pretty excited. After all this would be my first time leaving the states as i will have to travel to her venue location of choice for information and set up on the wedding date. I decided to push Harry out of the image, imagining him not as the groom would definitely make my job easier.

After a bit more conversation mainly between Allyson and I, we agreed to meet in a week or so to discuss possible missed points and details. I began packing up my tablet into my briefcase and that was when Harry finally spoke up, the first time speaking directly to me.

"Can i have a business card? You know in case i want to talk about my own suggestions?" he asked, fidgeting with his hands, a nervous habit I've come to learn many years ago.

Are you freaking kidding me? This must be joke right? "He isn't asking for your number dumbass!" a little voice spoke in my mind reminding me that this was strictly business. I turned around in my seat, digging into my purse for one of my hot pink business cards. Deep down i am a girly girl okay? Even though i wont admit it.


I stood from my seat, handing him one of my glossy pink business cards, noticing him follow my actions. He must have grown at least a foot since the last time i saw him, his thin built body towering over me even with our small distance. I couldn't help how my breathe hitched as his fingertips brushed against mine as he retrieved what he wanted, mouthing a thank you.

I didn't say much after that, not knowing exactly what to say. All i knew is that i wanted to go home and tell Louis about my crazy day at work. I start off saying my goodbyes first, hugging Allyson and promising her i will see her soon and simply waved goodbye to Harry as i walked out their grand entrance, heading back to my less glamorous life.

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"Okay so let me get this right, you are trying to tell me you saw Harry Styles? As in our friend Harry... as in your ex-boyfriend Harry?" Louis shrieked from the his seat, running a hand through my messy blonde hair. We were in my living room, I was laying down across my much less fancy sofa, my head resting on Louis lap as he massaged my scalp.

"Yes Tommo, what other Harry Styles do we know? Can you believe this? I went from planning our dream wedding with this guy all throughout Uni to having to plan his wedding with another girl" I whined, tears flowing down my face uncontrollably. Every single emotion that was building up during that damn consultation was finally coming out. I brought the bottle of cheap wine back up to my lips, the sweet liquor seething my broken heart. I could hear Louis showering me with words of sympathy but i wasn't listening.

Harry Styles was the first love of my life, we literally dated for three years at NYU but things didn't work out after a certain incident. It wasn't even my fault, why couldn't he just talk to me when he saw me today? Oh yeah maybe because he's engaged with a beautiful rich girl and doesn't give a shit about you Rachel, duh.

"Rachel i know you are not listening to a word im saying but please don't bring yourself down. I know you, who gives a fuck about Harry fucking Styles his loss really" Louis said in a gentle, low tone as he continued to play with my hair. He always played with my hair whenever i was in stressful situations, it was soothing. He removed the bottle from my hand before i had a chance to bring it back to my mouth. I already had half the bottle down and it was only twelve.

"That's the thing Lou, he didn't lose anything. His fiancé, Allyson, she's so beautiful, so full of life, so compassionate. He actually won so much by letting me go. And what about me? Im about to be twenty six years old with no boyfriend, living on my own, making other people happy when i cant even make myself happy" I cried, turning my face to face the opposite way. I always struggled with letting people see me cry, i never liked showing weakness but here i was crying my eyes out on Lou's lap.

"Hey now, look at me" Louis' tone went from soft to demanding in a matter of seconds which caused me to sit up onto his lap. I wiped my drenched face with the sleeves of my cupcake pajamas. Allyson probably wears something cute to sleep while i still wear cupcake pjs. Why am i comparing myself to her every chance i get?

"Rachel you are too good for Harry, especially after what he did to you. Why are you crying over a piece of shit? And don't you ever compare yourself to her again, you are the most beautiful girl i know, both inside and out. You put others before yourself which is good but can be bad as well. You need to start putting yourself into consideration, i don't think you give yourself enough credit." Louis spoke, affirmatively yet gentle enough to ease some pain.

Louis was right, Harry wasn't a good guy. Everyone sees him as a perfect human being but he is far from it. Hes not evil or anything, he can be a sweet guy but he really hurt me. Maybe going through with their wedding planning can help me get over him once and for all, maybe after seeing him at the front of the aisle waiting for Allyson i can finally close our book and burn it to flames.

"I just need a boyfriend" I said honestly, not meaning it to be a joke but caused Louis to go into a fit of laughter.
"You don't need a boyfriend as long as you have me. If i see you cry one more tear over Harry i will literally go to his fancy house and beat the shit out of him got it?" he warned, which was very strange coming from him since he was good friends with Harry back when we were all in Uni. I wonder what broke their friendship?

"Can we just watch a movie now? Im done crying i promise" I say as i scoot over to take a seat next to Louis instead of staying on his lap. We are very comfortable around each other but i just needed my space for right now. He agreed that it was about time to watch the pile of movies we rented only a hour ago. I honestly don't think we will go through more than two but here goes our night.

Notes