LILAC Sisterhood 6: Enigma

Tonight’s the night of my brother’s wedding rehearsal dinner. I’m buzzing with excitement. I’ve always been a sucker for big parties and the chance to reconnect with everyone.

My twenties have been consumed by my business. I’ve built something I’m proud of. I have my own place, a thriving career, and enough money to live comfortably.

But, it’s come at the expense of my social life. The impact of my isolation hit me hard when my father passed away unexpectedly last year. I was left alone, trying to be strong for my family, but I needed support too.

Running a self-made business with no employees means I spend about 90 percent of my time alone. But tonight, with Kade and Sloan inviting a bunch of their friends to the dinner, I’m hopeful for new faces.

I feel like I’m about to step back into my element. I’m hoping that tonight, amidst the joy, I might find a chance to reconnect with the world.

One silver lining in the past year is that my baby sister, Rhea, has become my best friend again. It’s been a blessing. Even when I’m swamped, she understands.

I just mention packing orders, and she lets me go, no judgment. She gets me in a way I doubt anyone else could. And with Sloan joining the family, it feels like I’m gaining another sister.

Right now, I’m filled with hope for the future. It’s almost time for Rhea to come over and help me get ready, so I decide to take a quick shower. By the time I’m out, Rhea’s already ringing my doorbell.

I quickly throw on a robe and let her in. Seeing her amps up my excitement. “Hey, you!”

“Hi,” she laughs as I pull her into a hug.

“Come on, Ray, this is exciting.” I shake her a bit.

“It is. I’m just feeling a little rough. I went out with Calah last night,” she explains, dropping her bags on my sofa.

A pang of jealousy hits me. I wasn’t invited, but it’s not surprising. I’ve always declined invitations. Initially, it was because I was laser-focused on my business.

Then, it was because I was successful and didn’t have time. “Did you have fun?” I ask casually. “Want me to make you some tea?”

“I’ll make the tea.” She giggles. “You go start blow drying that mop.” She points at my wet hair.

We’ve always compared my hair to a mop, like our mother’s—thick and full. It absorbs water and takes forever to dry, leaving us with little time to style it.

“Okay, thanks, Ray.” I smile, heading into the bathroom.

By the time Rhea brings me tea, I’m in the middle of my blowout. She stands next to me, setting her own hair. Time seems to fly as we get ready.

Rhea contours my face, and I feel like a million bucks. Good thing, too, because the dress I’m planning to wear tonight requires a lot of confidence.

I’m usually in loungewear or sweats, but tonight, I’m embracing my curves. The little black dress I picked out is form-fitting, but it makes me feel sexy.

“Damn, Pri, that’s a hot dress.” Rhea fans her face when she sees me.

“Good! I’ve got to stand next to you. You look like a starlit.”

Her cheeks flush. “I don’t know about all that, but thank you.”

“Come on, we’ve got a party to get to.” I giggle, unable to contain my excitement.

Walking into the restaurant, I’m not feeling glamorous. I’m lugging a stack of boxes inside. One downside of owning a business is that people always want freebies.

I don’t mind making the centerpieces for my brother’s wedding, but these heels are tricky enough without having to navigate around boxes. I just hope I don’t trip.

I’m secretly hoping tonight will be like a reintroduction to the social scene. Maybe I’ll meet someone new here, or at the wedding. Maybe I’ll reenter the social world and magically meet a man right away.

Yeah, right, I know it’s not that easy. But a girl can hope.

“Pri, let me take some of those,” Rhea calls from behind me, trying to catch up.

I’m on a mission now, afraid that if I stop walking, I’ll start falling. “I got it. You just get the door.”

Rhea scurries in front of me and helps me inside. We make it to the event room without any slips or falls. I’m calling that a win.

“Hi, my babies,” I hear my mom calling from across the room.

In no time, she’s in front of us, smiling. “Oh, you both look so beautiful.” Her eyes are shining with unshed tears. “You should see your brother; he looks so handsome.”

Setting the boxes down, I see my mom practically glowing. It warms my heart to see her so happy. Watching her lose my father was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced.

She and I have always been close, but I’m sure Kade is her favorite now. He’s giving her this wedding and a grandbaby while I’m just here, making pots.

But I still have time to turn things around, and tonight could be the start. “And you, Mom, you look so pretty.” I hug her tightly; she smells like home, and it instantly comforts me.

The party doesn’t start for about thirty minutes, but I imagine people will start arriving soon. So, with the help of my mom and sister, we start setting up the table decor.

I’m engrossed in arranging place cards when I feel a hand on my shoulder. “Priya, this all looks so nice. Thank you so much.” Sloan’s voice quivers like she might cry.

She looks adorable and radiant in her white rehearsal dinner dress. I bet she’ll be even more stunning tomorrow.

“Don’t sweat it, girl. I’ve got your back,” I say, chuckling as I sling an arm around her and give her a squeeze.

Rhea slides in on Sloan’s other side, greeting her with a warm, “Hey lady, how are you holding up?”

Sloan pats her almost flat belly. “Considering everything, I’m doing pretty well.”

I can’t resist asking, “Are you nervous yet?”

“About tomorrow?” Sloan chuckles. “Not at all. I’ve got this under control.”

That’s when I spot my brother behind her, looking dapper in a well-tailored suit and tie. He’s never looked better.

“That’s reassuring,” he says, planting a kiss on her head. Ignoring Sloan, Kade wraps an arm around Rhea and me. “My sisters, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Kade! You clean up well!” Rhea exclaims.

Sloan beams at him. “He scrubs up nicely, doesn’t he?”

I can’t help but tease, “So, you’re marrying a fashion mogul, and suddenly you’re Mr. Fashionista?”

Kade looks taken aback, but only for a moment. I can see the mischievous glint in his eye and know a noogie is imminent.

I duck under his arm and make a beeline for another table. I spent nearly two hours on my hair. “The nerve of him!”