On the Bench [Sequel to On the Couch]

Chapter Sixteen

Quick Note: Welcome back everyone. Trying to get this done and out there for you all. Also, when you see it and figure out what is going on, I used one of my own personal experiences and incorporated it in the chapter, except my reaction was the opposite. Hint: Pizza. < Whoever figures out what I mean first gets the next chapter dedication! Stacy's wedding dress or as close to what I described is the photo. This is going to be a short chapter as it has one sole purpose. Something you all been waiting for. And it has only happened in the last few chapters so chill out. hahaha. Enjoy.

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“So where are we going for your dress?” I asked.

Stacy and I were driving into the city for our fittings. I was surprised once we headed to the Golden Gate.

“I chose the dress shop your mother recommended,” Stacy said glancing at me sheepishly.

I groaned. “Did you invite my mom?”

“Yes, she is coming to the wedding and part of the wedding party. Don’t worry this isn’t her typical bohemian style,” Stacy grinned. “But first we are going to lunch. I told your mom to meet us there at three.”

I looked at the time on Stacy’s car stereo. An hour or so from now. I haven’t seen my mom since just before Evan’s arrest just over two months ago. I have talked to her on the phone and kept my parents informed of what has been going on though. I preferred my parents didn’t come to the trial. They respected that wish. Maybe seeing my mother would be a good thing right now.

My stomach grumbled. “At least I seem to be hungry.”

“I heard.”

My hand automatically flew out to slap Stacy’s arm playfully.

Letting my head fall back against the seat, I rolled down the window so I could smell the salty ocean air as Stacy raced across the bridge. Only a few minutes passed before I started to feel nauseated. That was weird. I rolled the window up again and turned on the air conditioning. A few minutes after that the nausea passed.

“What is it?” Stacy asked.

“I don’t know, just a wave of nausea from the ocean air.”

“It happens sometimes we are off the bridge now.”

“Where are we eating?” I asked putting the odd occurrence out of my mind.

“There is this great pizza place I thought we could try near the shop. They sell by the slice.”

“Sounds good.”

She turned, exiting the freeway and we drove into the Richmond District. Seems this was always the neighborhood we spent time in thanks to its proximity to the bridge. My eyes wondered as we descended further into the city in the direction of the pier.

“Don’t even think about it,” Stacy blurted out.

“I haven’t been back in the city since…”

“I know.”

I shook my head and paid attention to where we were going instead of reliving my abduction in my head.

We arrived at the small pizza parlor and sat down at the bar type seating. The displays with their ready-made pizzas and topping listings and specialty pizzas in front of us and we could see the chef’s cooking behind the oven and tossing the dough in the air. The restaurant smelled of fresh dough, basil and cheese, it made my mouth water uncontrollably.

“Everything smells amazing in here though,” I laughed at my bout of nausea while we were on the bridge.

“What are you the aroma police today?”