Fated Marks

“I swear Cal…” Will said for the hundredth time.

“It’s only a few hours.” I muttered as we were all piled into the Uber.

“It is unbelievable that your father who claims to love you so much would…” Mom started ranting.

“Mother we’re here.” I said as we got out of the car.

“Vera Wang? My, maybe there is hope for you yet.” She said

We all walked in and went to the reception.

“Hi…” I started.

“You must be Miss Gerard, congratulations on your engagement.” She said.

“Oh thank you.” I said.

“Miss Archibald and Miss Wang are waiting for you in the show room. If you’d follow me.” She said getting up.

We all followed her and I noticed that the entire store was empty.

“Callie.” Miss Archibald greeted.

“Miss Archibald, How are you?” I asked.

“Sweetheart please we’re family, just Anne is fine.” She said hugging me. Mother cleared her throat loudly.

“Anne, This is my mother…” I started before she took over.

“Allison Adler, it is so good to finally meet you.” Mom said offering her hand.

“You too, Nate mentioned you were in town.” Anne said.

“I figured Calliope could use all the help she could get planning this wedding.” Mom answered.

“Well they didn’t give us a lot of time did they?” Anne said chuckling slightly.

“We didn’t want to wait.” I said. “Oh this is my bridal party… well most of it. My Man of Honor Will.”

“Will nice to finally meet you, Nate talks about you all the time.” Anne answered.

“Good things I hope.” Nate said.

“And this is one of my best friends, Natasha.” I said.

“Nice to meet you.” Natasha said.

“And you too.” Anne said. “And who else is in your bridal party?”

“That would be my sister Rebekah.” I started.

“Adoptive sister.” Mom corrected.

“Blood isn’t everything.” I said giving her a look to not even think about going there right now. “She’s in London right now.”

“But she’s skyping in.” Will said turning his tablet to me.

“Cal!” Rebekah cheered.

“Beks!” I cheered. “Anne, my sister Rebekah, Beks this is Anne Archibald Nate’s mom.”

“Nice to meet you.” Rebekah greeted.

“You too dear.” I said.

“Sorry about that.” Vera said walking back into the room. “Oh you must be Callie.”

“Yes I am, Miss Wang thank you so much for doing this.” I said.

“It’s my pleasure.” She said. “Is this your bridal Party?”

“Yes, That’s Will my man of honor, Natasha and my sister Rebekah who’s skyping in from London.” I said.

“Hi.” She greeted. “Man of Honor, and two bridesmaids that’s a good size for a bridal party. Well Callie guess we should get started. Anne was telling me your wedding is in less than three months?”

“Yes I just graduated and started grad school and Nate’s about to graduate from law school we just decided that we wanted to face whatever comes next together as Husband and wife and that happened to be the only weekend we were both free. We figured why wait.” I said.

“That hardly leaves enough time to properly plan a wedding.” Mother scoffed.

“Well you have a bride and a groom the rest is just details.” Will said being the awesome supportive person he is.

“Young love.” Anne said laughing.

“Oh yes…” Mother said fake smiling.

“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for or any silhouette preferences?” She asked.

“I’m actually not sure. I know I want something simple, nothing too over the top.” I said.

“So beading’s okay but not too much maybe for some accents?” She said.

“Yes. Lace I like too but I definitely don’t want a big poofy ball gown.” I said.

“You did look good in your bridesmaid dress at my wedding.” Will said showing a picture on his phone.

“You wore a wedding dress to your best friend’s wedding?” Mother asked.

“He picked it out.” I said in my defense.

“Well it wasn’t like I was going to wear one I figured somebody should.” Will said.

“You looked beautiful dear. It suited you well and showed off your figure nicely.” Anne said kindly. I can see where Nate got it from.

“That means you can pull of any silhouette which does give you some options but not a lot. Normally you’re supposed to order your dress at least six months in advanced so you’d have to pick out something from we have here.” Vera said.

“Off the rack?” Mom scoffed indignantly.

“Well I think we came to the right place. I loved that dress and would love to get married in another one of your dresses. I’m sure we can find something.” I said.

“Then let’s go take a look around.” Vera said. “I love your boots by the way.”

“Oh thank you.” I said as we walked around we picked out a few dresses in different styles just to get a feel of what I liked and what style suited me better.

I slipped on the first dress that was a simple strapless A-line gown with tulle and a black ribbon bow.

The assistant zipped me up and adjusted it before I went out. I stood on the stand and looked in the mirror.

“I like simple, and the bow but I feel like I’m drowning in the dress.” I said turning around.

“No.” Mother answered.

“I don’t think black is very appropriate for a wedding.” Anne said politely.

“The dress is gorgeous but too simple.” Will said.

“The high waist hides your figure.” Natasha said shaking her head.

“I agree, you have an hourglass figure. An A-line with a lower waist would work better.” Vera said. “You could also try a mermaid.”

“You do have one picked out.” Will said smiling.

“Why’re you smiling like that?” I said getting suspicious.

“No reason.” Will said smirking.

“Uhuh.” I said stepping down. “I’ll be back.”

With that I returned to the dressing room where I got out of the dress and into the mermaid gown. As the zipper was moved up it got snugger and snugger until I was as straight as a rod.

“Well that’s tight.” I said.

“It is a mermaid gown.” The assistant said with a smile. “You have a great figure.”

“Thanks,” I said trying to take a step forward before tripping. “Woah!”

“Easy.” She said. “You need to lift up the skirt a bit.”

“If I bend down this dress is going to rip.” I said.

“Hold on I got you.” She said kneeling down to lift up the skirt for me to drag.

“Thank you.” I said grabbing it.

“You don’t like it do you?” She said.

“I like it, I just like breathing more.” I said making her laugh.

“Do you want to show them or just stay here and pick another one?” She said.

“I’ll show them just so they know I actually tried it on.” I said following her out. I tripped a few times and when we got back to the show room I nearly fell flat on my face.

“Calliope!” Mother yelled chastising me.

“Sorry it’s just really hard to move. The skirt’s a bit heavy.” I said straightening up.

“It shows off your figure really well.” Natasha said eying me up and down.

“It’s also cutting off my circulation.” I said.

“How about this one.” Vera said pulling out another dress of the rack. It was the same silhouette but the skirt was less poofy and the bodice was satin with a beaded embellishment at the waist.

“I love the beading here.” I said getting a closer look at it.

“It would look great on you.” Natasha said approvingly.

“It’s a classic, very traditional.” Anne said approvingly.

“It’s very…” Mom said grimacing. “Plain.”

“No it’s just the right amount of detailing…” Will started.

“What do you know about dresses?” Mom said giving him a look to shut up. “Calliope you only get married for the first time once. You can only pull off the princess look once and I for one will not allow you ruin your wedding wearing something so… simple. I will not stand for it.”

“But it’s amazing.” I said. “It’s

“Callie your mother may have a point it’s your wedding… hopefully the only one.” Anne said making Natasha and Will chuckle.

“Well mother does know best.” Mother said with a smirk.

“Know that I know what you like I have a few ideas.” Vera said smiling before leading me back towards some of the more poofy dresses.

The first dress reminded me of the mermaid dress but it was slightly more A-line.

“I like it…” I said but wasn’t too sure. “The lace detailing is a bit much for me.”

“You really liked that other dress didn’t you?” Vera asked.

“It had just the right amount of detailing. Simple and elegant. This one is good too. I like the lace applique and the beading but too much?” I said.

“It is a lot of detailing.” Vera said in agreement. “You don’t have to feel bad. I think I have an idea but I want you to try on this last one.”

“Okay.” I said agreeing. The next one was gorgeous. It didn’t have any of the lace or beading but the textured skirt more than made for it.

“What do you think?” Vera asked.

“I love the skirt.” I said.

“Not too poofy?” She asked with a smile.

“Just the right amount of poof.” I said.

“Do you miss the beading?” She asked.

“A little.” I said. “But this skirt… I love.”

“I thought so. Let’s go show everyone and then I’ll show you your perfect dress.” She said.

“I thought this was it?” I said following her out.

“Almost.” She said.

I walked in and stepped onto the stand.

“That’s quite a dress.” Mother sneered. “Is the skirt supposed to be tattered?”

“I like it, very romantic.” Anne said. “Very princess like.”

“It reminds me of the dress you wore to Will’s wedding.” Natasha said.

“But this is more bridal.” Will said. “Maybe a belt with some bing?”

“This isn’t actually the dress.” Vera said taking a tablet from her assistant. “You liked the organza textured skirt and the beading and lace applique from the other dress. I have a dress in my studio. It’s one I was going to use in my show but I already had something really similar to it so I cut it out.”

She handed me the tablet.

It had a similar skirt but a bit more cleaned up and lowered so it showed off the model’s figure. The bodice had a bit of lace applique and a bit of beading but not too much.

“This is perfect.” I said.

“Lemme see.” Will said coming over with Natasha.

“Yes.” They both cheered.

“It’s already made and the only is in my studio. It’ll need some minor adjustments but it’s yours if you want it.” Vera said.

“Yes.” I said. “I want it.”

“It is perfect.” Anne said.

“It’s very…you.” Mom answered with a smirk.

“I’ll take it.” I said.

“I guess we finally have a name for it, the Callie.” Vera said.

“The Calliope.” Mother corrected.

“Callie sounds better.” Will and Natasha said at the same time.

“Now let’s get you out of this dress and get your measurements.” Vera said.

“You should make it a few sizes smaller so you’ll be motivated to eat better.” Mother said.

“I happen to work out a lot and have a pretty high metabolism so don’t worry about that.” I said following Vera. “I’m really sorry about her…”

“It’s alright, she’s not the first momster I’ve had to deal with.” She said smiling. “I’m guessing you two aren’t close?”

“This is the first I’ve seen her in over two years.” I said.

“Ah.” She said understanding.

Once we were done, I handed the receptionist my credit card so she could charge me or the dress and alterations.

“Oh Callie you should have let me.” Anne said.

“No Anne you’ve already done more than enough, you booked the reception venue, the caterers, the music.” I said.

“Oh nonsense we’re family.” She said.

“Speaking of family I would love to get to meet the rest of your lovely family. The wedding should not be the only time we all meet.” Mother said.

“Of course not, there’s still the rehearsal dinner.” Will said trying to help.

“My family is rather spread out between here and Washington but a few of my friends and family members are going to be at the Stark foundation’s women empowerment and breast cancer research luncheon in a few weeks, I would love for you two to join us.” Anne said.

“I’d love too.” Mom answered immediately.

“Thank you for the invitation Anne but I’m actually working that day at the event.” I said.

“Oh really? Nate mentioned you worked at Stark industries. You’re an event planner?” She asked.

“Ironic considering you don’t even know how to plan a wedding.” Mother said chuckling a bit.

“I’m a lead programming consultant among other things.” I said.

“What are the other things?” Anne asked curiously.

“I’m also a grad student. I’m getting my Ph.D. in Computer Science.” I answered. “And when I’m neither of those things I fill in as a PA.”

“Well that sounds like an interesting job.” Anne said.

“I love it.” I said.

“Nate mentioned you were all going to see the reception venue?” Mom said.

“Oh of course, we’re meeting Serena and the florist there.” Anne said.

“Serena?” Mom asked confused.

“Wedding planner.” Anne said.

“Oh how marvelous I can’t wait to see what you’ve all put together so far.” Mother said.

“Oh no.” Will groaned.

“Hold it together.” Natasha whispered.  

“It’s not much and we’re still picking things out.” I said.

“Even more of a reason for me to join you all. If it weren’t for my great eye you would have chosen that drab dress.” She said.

“Well after eight weddings you would be the expert.” I said.

“I’ll call the Uber.” Will said.

“Oh nonsense we can take the limo.” Anne said.

“Limo?” Will said surprised.

“Of course, I’ll just call the driver.” Anne said.

“Limo?” Will said.

“Well we always knew Nate was well off.” I said.

“And so are you but you don’t move around in a limo.” Will said.

“You know I hate being waited on.” I said.

One very uncomfortable and awkward limo ride later we arrived at the plaza. I had to say it was an amazing venue. It wasn’t decorated yet but it didn’t look like it needed it.

“This is amazing.” I said looking around.

“It’ll look even better on your wedding day.” Someone said.

“Serena.” Anne cheered before going over to hug the tall blonde.

“Anne.” Serena said smiling.

“It’s so good to see you. How’s Lily?” Anne greeted.

“She’s really good. She’s visiting Eric in London.” She explained.

“Let me introduce you to Callie, my future daughter in law.” Anne said.

“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you.” Serena said. “Nate talks about you all the time.”

“I’d hope so. Thank you so much for doing this, I know there really isn’t a lot of time and we’re not making this easy for you.” I said.

“Oh don’t worry, I’ve done more with less.” She said confidently. “The hardest thing would probably be the dress.”

“Which we got already.” Mother said.

“This must be your mom.” Serena said smiling.

“Allison Adler.” Mom said smugly.

“She decided to help out with the wedding planning but as you can tell mother we have it handled.” I said.

“Oh Calliope, you can never have too much help.” Mother said.

“Actually we have almost everything planned out. You and Nate are picking out the food and cake tomorrow, the guestlist is already settled, tableware as well. You just need to pick out the flowers and centerpieces.” Serena said. “Do you have any thoughts on what flowers you want?”

“White roses.” Nate said coming in. “They’re Cal’s favorite.”

“Peonies are actually my favorite.” I corrected. “Hi babe.” I said giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“I could have sworn it was roses.” Nate said.

“Nope, Peonies, lilies or orchids but mostly peonies.” I said.

“Well May is peony season, but your wedding is a little early on so that may be hard to pull off.” Serena said.

“White roses are more traditional,” Anne said.

“And orchids.” Mother said. “They go very well together.”

“Isn’t that a bit too white?” I said.

“Well your bridesmaid’s hair is bright red how much more color could you possibly want? Speaking of you are going to dye your hair for the wedding? Perhaps something more natural?” Mother said.

Natasha shot mother a glare so menacing that if looks could kill she would have keeled over in a heartbeat.

“Mother Natasha is a natural red head and I happen to think she looks beautiful just the way she is.” I said glaring at her.

“Natural. Hmph.” She scoffed.

“Well the bridal party is going to be wearing champagne colored gowns so white would look better. Maybe some calla lillies as well.” Serena suggested.

“All white of course.” Anne said.

“With some tall vases and the flowers cascading down.” Mom added.

“Very elegant.” Anne said in agreement.

“Well I can see you all have it figured out.” I said.

“So roses, calla lilies and orchids. All in white.” Serena confirmed.

“Hey sweetie, I’m kinda tired I think we’re just gonna head home.” I said.

“But you just got here.” Nate said.

“Yeah but you know I think our moms have it handled. Tomorrow we get to do the fun stuff. You know try all the appetizers and cakes. Just the two of us.” I said giving him a pointed look.

“You know I missed you all day.” Nate said putting his arms around my waist.

“Did you?” I said playing hard to get.

“Yeah, maybe we should sneak away, get a room here for the night…” Nate said before my phone started ringing.

“Hmm. Hold that thought.” I said grabbing my phone. “It’s Tony.”

“Don’t answer it.” Nate said quickly.

“It’s probably important.” I said answering making Nate groan. “Hello?”

“Cal,” Bruce said sounding relieved.

“Bruce? Everything okay?” I asked.

“Uh I think Tony might need us… both of us.” He said.

“Is he okay?” I asked before I heard yelling and something breaking in the background. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“I…” I started.

“We’re planning our wedding.” Nate said frustrated.

“I picked out a dress and our moms took over. I haven’t had a bit of input since we got here.” I said.

“That’s not the point.” Nate said frustrated. “Whenever we’re doing something and Tony calls even if it’s just because he can’t find a screwdriver you drop everything to go check on him.”

“It’s my job.” I said.

“Really? Last time he called with an emergency you ended up partying in Aruba.” Nate said.

“It was a last minute thing. He was blocked and I was freaking out over my final grades he was trying to get Bruce and I to relax and stop stressing.” I said. “I never say anything when Chuck calls you out of the blue for a lost weekend.”

“That happens once or twice a year. Tony calls you constantly, even in the middle of the night.” Nate said.

“He’s an insomniac and he gets his best ideas in the middle of the night.” I said.

“It’s not just him, it’s everyone else too.” Nate said. “Will, Thor… Clint!”

“Nate, I have responsibilities and people who count on me, you included. I’m not needed here but he does and Tony didn’t call, Bruce did. He only calls when it’s a real emergency so I’m going. I’ll see you at home.” I said.

“I think I’ll be at my place tonight. I need to study.” Nate said.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then.” I said walking out.

“Wait for us.” Will said running after me with Natasha.

“Everything okay?” Natasha asked.

“Everything’s fine, something came up at work.” I said.

“I thought you said Tony gave you the weekend off?” Will said.

“He did but Bruce called and there’s something going on.” I said. “Besides even if it doesn’t end up being an emergency at least we’re away from there.”

“Are you sure she’s your mom?” Natasha asked.

“That’s what it says on my birth certificate.” I said. “Okay here’s my stop.”

“Good luck.” Will said.

“Please I can handle the dragon lady, whatever’s going on up there will be nothing compared to that.” I said getting out of the cab and running inside.

I swiped my card and headed into the elevator.

“Jarvis take me up to whatever floor Tony and Bruce are on.” I said.

“I’m not sure that would be wise ma’am.” Jarvis answered.

“Jarvis, I just spent the entire day with my mother, whatever harpy is throwing a tantrum in Tony’s penthouse is nothing compared to…” I said as the elevator dinged and the doors opened.

“You self absorbed egotistical bastard!” Someone shouted before a bottle of scotch crashed on the floor next to my feet.

“WAH!!” I jumped up.

“Cal!” Bruce said leading me away to Tony’s kitchen.

“What the hell’s going on?” I asked.

“Pep can you just stop for one…” Tony shouted before there was another crash.

“Oh no.” I said.

“Pepper came home early and Tony had a guest over.” Bruce said.

“Guessing this guest was naked and in her bed when she walked in?” I asked.

“No Tony, I trusted you and I am such an idiot because I used to be her!” Pepper shouted as she walked in. ‘And you, you lied to my face! You’ve been covering up all of his…”

“Pepper leave her out of it, she was just doing as I told her to do which is what I pay her for.” Tony said.

“Are you sleeping with him?!” She shouted.

‘No.” Tony and I said at the same time.

“Pepper I can completely assure you…” Pepper started.

“Shut UP!” She shouted. “We’re done, you’ll be hearing from my lawyer!” She said storming out.

“You called her?” Tony asked Bruce.

“You said call damage control, that’s Cal.” Bruce said.

“What the hell happened? Pepper wasn’t supposed to be back from that hostile takeover in Frankfurt until Wednesday.” I said.

“She got an anonymous tip that I was going to be having company over.” Tony said.

“Jarvis bring up the message Pepper got.” I said taking out my phone.

“Cal, just leave it.” Tony said.

“The message’s origin number belongs to Christine Everhart.” Jarvis answered.

“Christine Everhart?” I said before glaring at Tony. “Please tell me you weren’t stupid enough to invite her back after the last time.”

“I may have ran into her at an even last night.” Tony said.

“What event?” I said knowing he knew I had his calendar memorized.

“Uh… minor pre launch dinner slash exclusive interview…” Tony said.

“Tony!!!” I shouted.

“I was bored!” He said.

“And now you’re going to be divorced!” I shouted before taking a deep breath in and counting back from ten. Panicking isn’t going to get us anywhere right now.

“Cal I’m sorry I…” He started.

“Shut up.” I said.

“I…” He started.

“EH!” I said pointing a finger at him to shush him. “You’re going to get on your phone and call your attorney to start looking through your prenup and hope it’s as iron clad as you said it was because with all the evidence and witness testimony you could lose everything. I’m going to call PR and make sure none of this sees the light of day until we figure out what’s going to happen.”

“I am sorry.” Tony said.

“For what? Screwing the woman who I literally tackled to make sure Pepper wouldn’t find out you screwed during your anniversary dinner, which ended with me getting arrested and sent to court mandated therapy or getting caught?” I asked and he stayed quiet. “Thought so.”

“I’ll call the lawyers.” Tony said.

“Good.” I said.

“Thanks for doing that.” Bruce said.

“Well last time you hulked out you made an intern cry.” I said.

“I’m sorry I dragged you into this.” Bruce said.

“Don’t be it’s my job and you kind of saved me a bit.” I said.

“Wedding planning not going well?” Bruce said.

“My mom and Nate’s mom took over and decided everything which is good but a bit annoying. Then I got into it with Nate, just seems like it’s happening a lot lately.” I said.

“It happens sometimes. Betty and I bickered all the time when we planned our wedding.” Bruce said.

“It’s probably the stress but… sometimes I feel like He doesn’t even know me.” I said.

“What do you mean?” Bruce asked.

“It’s probably nothing but we were picking out flowers for the arrangements and when our wedding planner asked what flowers I wanted he said roses my favorite.” I said.

“I thought your favorite flowers were peonies? That’s the only pink thing you do like.” Bruce said.

“They are.” I said.

“He probably just forgot. You know I wouldn’t remember my own anniversary unless you reminded me.” Bruce said.

“Yeah maybe.” I said emailing PR and setting up a meeting for tomorrow in the morning.

“So I have to go.” Bruce said.

“Date night.” I said.

“Yeah, it’s long over due. Do you think you can handle…” Bruce asked.

“I got it covered.” I said.

“Don’t yell at him too much.” Bruce said.

“I think I’m done yelling.” I said. “And I think he’s been yelled at enough for one day.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow and thanks again.” Bruce said.

“Just doing my job.” I said before answering a few more calls. Once I was done I walked over to the bar and looked at what had survived Pepper’s rage. Tony’s ten thousand dollar bottle of scotch had been tipped over but it was still half full.

“You’re still here?” Tony said coming out of his room.

“Yeah, we have a meeting with PR first thing in the morning. Pepper left, took the jet back to LA.” I said.

“Right. Bruce?” Tony asked.

“Date night.” I said.

“Are you going to yell at me again?” Tony asked.

“No I’m off the clock and I think you’ve had enough of that for one day.” I said grabbing two glasses and what was left of Tony’s scotch before going to sit with him on his couch. I put the glasses down and poured us each a drink.

“I thought you didn’t drink scotch.” Tony said.

“I just spent the entire day with my mother, I’m going to need something stronger than beer or wine.” I said.

“I didn’t think Bruce would call you. We agreed you needed the weekend.” Tony said.

“Not the reason I wish you’d have called me but I am glad you got me out of there when you did.” I said.

“No luck finding a dress?” Tony asked.

“No I found the perfect dress just my mom being her usual self. Also looks like you’re getting your wish, Nate’s mom invited her to come with her to the breast cancer luncheon.” I said taking another sip. “She took over the planning which is great since it’s one less thing I have to worry about.”

“Then why are you making that face?” Tony asked.

“You ever feel like Pepper doesn’t really know you?” I asked.

“Well I’ve been cheating on her for… since we got married and she didn’t know…wait I’m pretty sure she always suspected something I just confirmed it when she walked in on me….” he started.

“No details please.” I said.

“Right. She used to know me better than I knew myself sometimes. Then the miscarriage happened and the IVF failed and we drifted.” Tony said. “What’s going on? Trouble in paradise already?”

“We may have had a fight or started to. We just can’t agree on anything lately and he got mad that I had to come into work and he said I always put everyone before him.” I said.

“He sounds really needy.” Tony said.

“That’s what I thought too and if Nate needed me I would drop everything in a heartbeat but that’s not the point.” I said.

“Are you having doubts?” He asked.

“No it’s more like… I’m wondering if this is what marriage is going to be like.” I said. “Did you have doubts before your wedding?”

“Not really. The day of I started thinking that I wasn’t good enough for pepper and turns out I was right.” Tony said.

“Don’t do that.” I said.

“Like you weren’t thinking it.” Tony said.

“Am I annoyed you didn’t listen to me and you decided to screw the one person I warned you about many times? Yes. Do I think you royally screwed the pooch? Oh hell yeah.” I said.

“You really know how to make a guy feel great Cal.” Tony said.

“Tony I’ve seen you at your best and at your worst so I know that behind this cocky arrogant facade there’s a great man with a good heart. We’re human, we make mistakes, it happens.” I said leaning back on the couch.

“You really think that?” He said leaning back as he looked at me. His forehead was about an inch away from mine. I could see the tears in his eyes he was trying to hold back.

“I wouldn’t lie to you.” I said reaching for his hand and giving a reassuring squeeze.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I knew what to do when my parents died. I knew what to do when I became CEO. I knew what to do when I was kidnapped and held hostage in Afghanistan but I’m at a loss here.” Tony said.

“I guess you can start by figuring out if you want to try and stay married or if you want to call it.” I said.

“I think Pepper already made up her mind.” Tony said. “We should have called it a long time ago.”

“I’m going to need long lunch tomorrow.” I said.

“Wedding stuff?” Tony asked.

“The prenup.” I said.

“You’re getting a prenup?” Tony asked.

“My mom’s around and I want Nate to know that I’m marrying him for him not his money.” I said. “Also if we end up splitting up I just want a clean cut divorce, no mediation or court battles just each of us leaving with what we came in with and everything else down the middle.”

“You’re not even married and you’re already thinking about a divorce?” Tony said.

“I hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” I said. “I’ve never believed in soulmates or one true loves, hell I gave up on marriage as a whole a long time ago.”

“Then why are you marrying Nate?” Tony asked.

“Because it just seems like the right thing to do. He’s the perfect guy.” I said.

“But is he perfect for you?” Tony asked shifting a bit so he was closer to me. “If you have to think about it then he isn’t s perfect as you thing.”

“Then who is?” I asked.

“I think your perfect guy’s probably closer than you think just need to open up to the possibility.” Tony said with a smirk as he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. He stared at me for a minute.

“I should go…” I said clearing my throat.

“Yeah, you have a fiancé to make up with.” Tony said moving his hand away. I was actually kind of disappointed when he did.

“He’s actually staying at his place tonight.” I said. “Which is better, don’t feel like fighting.”

“Cal?” Tony said.

“Yeah?” I answered.

He hesitated for a second. “Have Happy drive you, it’s late.” He said.

“Sure. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” I said hugging him. He tensed for a second before hugging back.

“Thanks.” He said.

“That’s what are friends for.” I answered before leaving.