The Wedding People
Chapter 18
by testsuphomeAdminIn the morning, Lila visits Phoebe on her way to the flower vendor, mentioning a power outage that has affected the flowers. Without delving into thoughts about the blending of their families, she requests Phoebe take Gary for errands due to his back injury from surfing. Lila, humorously referring to herself in the third person, dismisses concerns about Gary’s condition and expresses intent to keep him busy. Although she can manage the situation, Phoebe secretly dreads spending the day with Gary, especially as she is supposed to be moving on from him.
As they set off, Phoebe feels a mix of anxiety and excitement about public speaking later that day. Gary and Phoebe exchange banter, revealing their mutual discomfort with aging and body pains, turning what could be complaints into a relatable conversation. Their humorous exchange provides them with a sense of camaraderie and light-heartedness before the grim realities of the day ahead set in.
After picking up preordered liquor at a store, Phoebe receives a text from Geoffrey, the mansion keeper, regarding a caretaker position at Newcombe Mansion. Intrigued, Phoebe decides to meet Geoffrey after dropping Gary off. Upon arriving at the mansion, they are greeted by a southern gentleman named Geoffrey, who explains the caretaking position’s requirements. Phoebe is eager to discuss her research on historical buildings, revealing a passion she rekindles during her interview.
Exploring the mansion together, Phoebe and Gary encounter the lavish interiors, prompting philosophical discussions about happiness and art collection. Gary admits his feeling of happiness is present at that moment, and this honesty deepens their connection. As their day progresses, Phoebe grapples with her feelings toward Gary, realizing her heart aches at the thought of him marrying someone else.
They proceed through their errands, stopping by to see Gary’s tailor. Here, Phoebe encounters her mixed feelings again, questioning if she could move forward from her teaching career to a new life in Rhode Island, while wrestling with her unresolved feelings for Gary. Their shared moments seem to blur the lines of friendship, hinting at a deeper connection that complicates her thoughts.
At the barber, Gary reveals a vulnerability about missing teaching and connects with Phoebe through confessions of pretense in their professions. This mutual understanding brings them closer, but the reminder of his impending marriage looms, as does Phoebe’s loyalty to Lila.
As they return to the hotel, the atmosphere shifts, charged with unspoken feelings and powerful emotions. Lila’s unexpected appearance triggers Phoebe’s fears, intensifying the realization that while they have shared a meaningful day, the reality of Gary’s wedding is fast approaching, and with it, the need for Phoebe to prepare for her role as maid of honor while grappling with her unacknowledged feelings.
0 Comments