Author's note: This is for the
750 Word Project 2023
. I gotta say, it was a switch from my usual 20,000-word behemoths. Psychologically, it's fantastic to just write a slice of life instead of having to plan out a massive plot and re-read a thousand times to eliminate inconsistencies... and then still find inconsistencies after it's published.
"Thanks for letting me hide out in here," Zana huffed, arranging the crinoline and lace of her elaborate white dress as she threw herself into the back of Gareth's limo. He'd spent a year watching her; a year taking in her brilliance and beauty while he shuttled her from place to place, all to lead up to this day when she'd walk down the aisle toward another man.
"Your leg, Zana," he swiveled around from the driver's seat, concern in his voice.
"The accident was a full 14 months ago, Gare," she brushed him off while trying not to sit on her bustle. "I could probably drive this thing myself if I didn't like having you around so much."
"Your future mother-in-law would have my ass," he grinned. "But since you're in here instead of—hey, why
are
you here? Isn't there some kind of bridal waiting room?"
"The dressing room?" Zana threw herself back onto the seat after she finally found a comfortable position. "You mean sit up there with Bill's mother and sisters criticising my hair, dress, and general upbringing? Sounds thrilling." She paused.
"Tell me you have a joint on you."
Gareth burst out laughing but it wasn't lost on him that this was the kind of thing she often said that had made him fall in love with her over the last 12 months. Of course, she was going to marry Bill Windermere, the scion of his old-money family that ran one racket or another. Gareth never bothered to figure out what, exactly, the man did for work.
