Forever

2006 Like A Star

Throughout these years Cassie's friend group had stayed the same. Jodi, Sarah, and Busy sat around the table with James as they all met to talk about the wedding. There was only one unfamiliar face which he found out was Ashton's sister, Alyssa. She's a little older than the group and a mother of 2. "So far." She said during her introduction to James.

Even though he's now 28 it blows his mind that marriage and children are happening so frequently around him. More and more of his friends are getting married and starting a family and quite honestly, he couldn't see that happening to himself anytime soon. He's tried to. Like for the birth of his high school friend Derek's baby boy. He imagined himself in Derek's shoes. A whole other life to take care of that isn't your own. All of the pressure. He thought about how wild Derek was in high school and how much he had to change. James wasn't sure if he wanted to change that much yet.

Now, marriage. James had been to more weddings than he could count within the past few years and honestly they never did anything for him. In fact, they didn't seem like that big of a deal until Cassie wagged that ring on her finger. Suddenly, he began to think about everything that ring entailed. He hadn't even been able to ask her anything about her future plans. He's been spending a lot of time at the library looking up information about weddings. He recently read a book titled "What Next?". An informational book about what comes after a wedding. Family planning, relocating to better school districts, gaining more "adult" friends (meaning "married" friends).

Not to mention the legality of it all. How difficult it would be for her to ever just leave. He realized marriage is a big fucking deal.

"Next order of business, ladies." Jodi smiled before her eyes landed on the only man at the table. "And James. Location. Cassie, I know you're against a destination wedding but I have one word. Monaco." Jodi placed a pamphlet in front of Cassie. Cassie shook her head picking up the pamphlet, looking at the gorgeous ocean venue. Ashton didn't want a destination wedding because of all of his family. Cassie didn't really have an opinion, but this venue in Monaco looked breathtaking. She let out a sigh placing the pamphlet back in front of her.

"It would be enough of a hassle getting the whole party to L.A. We're staying local guys.". Cassie announced with a smile. "As for this meeting, I truly appreciate it but please don't stress out about this bridal party thing. Please. I have my planner. You guys don't have to lift a finger."

"Honey, this is more for us than it is for you. We want to be here with you through this." Busy told her.  James smiled at the group before him.

The meeting continued for another 30 minutes allowing all of them to move around their schedules and offer Cassie their opinions. Jodi and James were put in charge of planning the Bachelorette party and assisting Cassie with all things wedding related. They essentially agreed to be on call for Cassie up to her wedding day. The specific date for the wedding was still to be determined

"James, do you mind staying back for a second. We should talk about some top secret stuff without the bride." Jodi smirked over to Cassie. Cassie laughed before rolling her eyes.

"I hate surprises but I get the hint." She shrugs.

Jodi's expression changed as she looked him dead in the eye. "I see the way you look at her.". Jodi told him. 

"What do you mean?"

"The same way you looked at her years ago." She finished. She looked over to the spot Cassie was once standing making sure she had completely left the restaurant. He wasn't aware that he had been looking at Cassie any sort of way. Maybe his eyes were stuck on her a little too long. Perhaps he needs to be more careful about the way he acts around her.