Giving You Forever by Ashley Wilcox Page A

and that I’m worth fighting for. All I want to be is his priority. Yesterday I felt like I was on the back burner to the gym.
    After school, I have an appointment to look at wedding venues with Meg. Perfect. I have an appointment for a wedding that I’m not even sure is still on. How is that even possible? Is questioning that a stretch? Was it that big of a disagreement? I’m entirely lost. How did we even get in this position?

    – NOLAN –
    “I’ll be in touch.” I quickly slam the door shut behind my last applicant and pull my blackberry from my pocket. It’s time I call a meeting between Mike, Steve, and I to set up a plan of action for the next couple of weeks and what’s to come after we open.
    Having no contact with Alexa for the last twenty-four hours confirmed my plans; she comes first, and everything else comes after. Even though that’s how it’s always been, I need to implement it clearer–manage my time a little wiser. The gym is just a dream. Alexa is my life. She’s the reason to my being, the air to my lungs, the soul to my existence. I don’t want to spend another day of my life not waking up to her wrapped in my arms. It can’t happen and it won’t.

    – ALEXA –
    Pulling into Simple Elegance’s parking lot, my stomach twists and turns even more, making me feel like I’m going to be sick. I wish Nolan would just call, or text, and relieve some of the ache inside. Let me know that everything is okay and that this has just been a blip in our relationship, nothing more. I contemplate removing the bandaid, calling him myself, but he left first; he needed time away. He said he’d call me later and he didn’t. He’ll call when he is ready.
    I hope.
    Taking a deep breath and pulling my skirt down as I step outside my car, I tell myself that I just have to play pretend for a little while. Act like everything is just fine. That the wedding is still on, and that I’m anxiously looking forward to it.
    “Hi, Alexa!” Meg immediately greets me as I walk inside the door. Just like before, she’s standing behind the front desk, professionally dressed in a black linen suit.
    “Hi, Meg,” I politely respond, wearing the most convincing smile that I can manage to wear.
    She comes out from behind the desk, meeting me in front of it.
    “We have three different appointments set up. Do you want to drive together, or just follow me?”
    Knowing that it’s going to take an immense amount effort on my part to stay positive while searching wedding venues, I answer that it’d probably be best to drive separate as I have plans immediately after. Not that I do, per se, but I’m hoping to with Nolan.
    “Sounds good,” she smiles before starting for the exit with me following close behind.
    We start with a restaurant in Skaneateles with a beautiful view of the lake, but we both agree it’ll probably be just a bit too small for a guest list of a hundred. Then we continue onto a country club just outside of the city. It’s nice, but the layout isn’t appealing. The main room is shaped like an “L” and where the head table would be placed, we wouldn’t be able to see all of our guests. Last stop is at The Sheraton on the SU Hill. Being a Syracuse University student, I’ve driven by it plenty of times. It’s beautiful and has had some really important events held there. Never did I imagine that we’d be able to have our reception here on such short notice. From what I hear, they’re booked for weddings years in advance.
    Taking the parking spot right next to Meg’s sleek Audi, I meet her in back.
    “Wow, this place is even more gorgeous up close,” I tell her as we start walking towards the entrance.
    “Wait until you see the main ballroom–it’s stunning!” she beams excitedly.
    As soon as we walk in, we’re greeted by a very clean cut, slightly feminine, man. He and Meg share a friendly hug before she introduces him as David, the manager of hotel events for the Sheraton.
    “Very nice