Chapter 754 - Two days before wedding (J&J) (13)

The whole event hall was echoing with laugher and cheers while people shared their interesting moments related to Jeff and JoAnna.

Even Sarah spoke when microphone reached in front of her. Her story started how she always wanted a pet cat. When she was ten years old, Stella and Edward approved for her to get one. The day for her to pick up her cat was approaching, and then she saw JoAnna reading a book with detailed pictures of cat's anatomy. Knowing that JoAnna's favorite toy was a set of surgical knives and that she cuts open anything she gets her hands on from worms to frogs and birds… Sarah gave up on getting a cat. Forever.

JoAnna protested, saying that it was all a misunderstanding, and that she would never cut open a pet, but then Sophia brought up a mysterious disappearance of their pet turtle and JoAnna was not sure how to respond, earning another round of laughs from everyone.

"Ah! It's not that you are a genius surgeon…", Emma exclaimed. "…but you had an early start in training…"

Aiden shared few stories how silly Jeff was while trying to get JoAnna's contact information behind Sarah's back.

"So much for loyalty between brothers!", Jeff huffed at Aiden. "Even at my time of great need, you picked to side with Sarah and wouldn't give me anything! What kind of a brother are you?"

Steve half-complained how Jeff calls him in the middle of the night to secretly buy and re-stock ice cream in his freezer so that JoAnna never ends up craving for the one which is not available.

JoAnna apologized to Steve several times. "I really didn't know he is doing that."

Jill took the credit for everything: "If not for me, this wedding would not happen! And not just that, but they would not even meet!" Then she told how when Jeff was staying in the Franciscan Medical Center, he was in a room assigned to Jill, however her fiancé came for a visit, and JoAnna accepted to go and check on Jeff instead of Jill.

"Should you be bragging about skipping work in order to meet you loved one?", Emma teased Jill, and JoAnna joined in eagerly.

…

Before band resumed their play, JoAnna reminded everyone that tomorrow morning, restaurant on the fourth floor is reserved for them only. "There will be a brunch starting from 10:00 and it will end at noon. Even if you are not in the resort overnight, you are welcome to come and join."

Christopher and Jasper were at the table with snacks when JoAnna spoke about the brunch.

"Hmph… why is she acting like a hostess?", Jasper asked condescendingly. He still didn't get over the fact that JoAnna provided unsolicited advice about his advances toward Ellie.

"Why not?", Bridgette responded. "This is her resort, who would be a better hostess than Anna?"

Jasper didn't notice that Bridgette was next to him, and he was surprised to hear that this resort is JoAnna's.

Bridgette was pleased with herself. She is not going to allow anyone to talk badly about her Boss (and friend).

…

Ellie is sitting on the sofa and looking with admiration at Sarah and Aiden who are dancing. Their movements are in absolute sync and the chemistry between them is undeniable.

"They are totally in love.", Sophia said as she sat next to Ellie. "Want some?", she put in front of Ellie a plate filled with bite-sized snacks.

Ellie smiled as a response but didn't take any. Her gaze went back to Sarah and Aiden. "They are relationship goals."

Sophia laughed, entertained by Ellie's smitten expression. "What do you like about them?"

"Look how they are holding each other. When Sarah spins, her eyes are closed… she absolutely trusts that he will catch her… and when they lock their eyes, the temperature in the room is rising." Ellie sighed. "They are together since Christmas, inseparable, right? Ah, I can only hope to find someone who will look at me like that after so much time spent together. The passion between them can set this room on fire. I can't imagine how steamy they were when they started dating."

"Hmm…", Sophia thought about it. "For Thanksgiving she didn't mention him. And by Christmas they were a couple. But first few weeks was strictly platonic. Only holding hands and hugs, they didn't even kiss. Can you believe that? Sarah said that they spent their time as friends, getting to know one another and enjoy each other's company. But when they confirmed their feelings and crossed the kiss line, then it became steamy rather quickly. That is Sarah's side of the story. I'm sure that Aiden's would be a bit different… and it would include lots of cold showers.", Sophia laughed.

"I didn't know that…", Ellie admitted. "The idea of spending some time with a person without getting physical sounds wonderful. I found that all the guys I've met in last few years only want to get under my skirt. Ah, it's hard being a grownup! I miss the time when dating meant holding hands with someone and just… sitting in silence." Ellie paused before continuing: "And my mom nags while repeatedly asking me why I am single. How do I know which one is good enough if all of them are only after one thing? But I can't tell that to my mom, she would flip. My mom still believes that there are gentlemen out there… but it seems that Hill sisters picked up last three available gentlemen on Earth!" Ellie laughed while trying to ease up the atmosphere.  She saw that Sophia is looking at her with a concern in her eyes and clarified: "Don't get me wrong. I don't want to get married or look for a long term relationship. I believe that those happen if things click in place. But how can I even know if the things will click in place if he is offering me nothing more than one night of passion? I'm not interested in relationships which end before they began. Luckily, I am a strong and independent woman, and I don't need a man to provide for me."

"Yeah, I understand. If I didn't meet Felix, I would still be single… There is nothing wrong with being single, but when you meet your special someone, life gets better." Sophia got an idea: "I met Felix at work. What is your situation at work? Any good candidates?"

Ellie laughed bitterly. "I'm a fashion designer, remember? I don't believe that people should be victims of stereotyping, but it's a fact that three guys who are working in my studio are not interested in my gender."

"Ouch! That can't be good! Come and visit me at my work. I will take you to Felix's department. He works with engineers… Lots of guys to pick from and because they work long hours, most of them are single!" Sophia made an exaggerated expression which made Ellie laugh.

Sophia and Ellie chatted and laughed, unaware that Jasper is standing behind them and listening to their conversation from… almost the beginning. The idea of Ellie going to some place to pick a guy bothered him more than he wanted to admit. He forced himself to walk away and stop listening.