“Can you please focus?” Cristina places her hands on my shoulders. “What I’m trying to say is, now it’s my turn to pump you up and tell you that you are the one who has true grace... Plus you don’t even have a troll roommate so there’s no way Ryan will ever fall out of love with you.”

I try to disguise my confusion, but I don’t do a good job.

Cristina shakes her head and rests her hands on her hips. “That inspirational speech made so much more sense in my mind. Just don’t sell yourself short, okay?”

I sigh and give her a hug. “Why didn’t you just say that in the first place?”

“I tried but I’m a numbers person. You’re the word weaver.”

“I know,” I say as we step back. “I love you, my numbers person.”

“Love you more, word weaver.”

We both look over and find Ryan and Jason still locked in an animated conversation.

“What do you think those two are talking about?”

“No idea.” I take in Ryan’s stoic face as he continues to listen to Jason before I turn my attention back to Cristina. “So, is there anything else I can do for tomorrow? Anything I can help you with?”

“Not really,” she says. “Just be at my apartment no later than 9:00 a.m. The hair and makeup people will be there and we’ll all take turns. I’ll have bagels and fruit and mimosas so don’t worry about having breakfast. Overall, I anticipate zero stress.”

“Zero stress, that’s what I like to hear. Do you mean it?”

“Absolutely not. One million percent, I’m going to be manic.”

Out of nowhere, Jason and Ryan appear back at our sides.

“Hey, hi everyone.” Jason is forcing a smile as he grabs Cristina’s hand. “Babe, we should go sit, I think. The food is getting cold.”

“What are you talking about? The food isn’t even out yet.” She looks around at the very foodless tables with not a waiter in sight, save for the ones serving champagne.

“I know it’s not out yet, but it’s coming.”

“What is the matter with you?” Cristina asks.

“I just need to sit down, honey. My feet hurt and I have to save my strength for tomorrow. Plus, I feel gassy.”

Everyone takes a step back.

“Okay, that was a bit of an overshare, babe. Let’s not forget that this is our rehearsal dinner.”

“I know it’s our rehearsal dinner but I’m feeling definite movement in my body, so I suggest we sit down before I accidentally fumigate this entire room.”

“Okay, okay,” Cristina mutters, “so thrilled to be marrying this pillar of class tomorrow.” She looks over apologetically at Ryan and me. “I guess we’re going to sit down. We’ll catch up again later.”