“I need to fix this,” I said, standing up so abruptly that my drink sloshed over the edge of the glass.
“And how exactly do you plan to do that? You just spent the last ten minutes insisting love doesn’t exist, and now you want to, what, convince her you’re worth another shot?” Kris asked.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “But I have to try.”
I grabbed my phone and dialed Anica’s number, but it went straight to voicemail. I tried again. Nothing. Undeterred, I tried the office line for her office.
“Knot Your Average Wedding, this is Devonna speaking. How may I assist you today?” The crisp, professional voice of Anica’s assistant filled the line.
“Devonna, it’s Callan. I need to speak with Anica.”
There was a brief pause. “I’m sorry, Mr. Burkhardt, but Ms. Marcel isn’t in the office and is unavailable at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?”
“Cut the crap, Devonna. I know she’s avoiding my calls. Is she there? Put her on the phone.”
“She’s not. Would you like to leave a message?” Devonna replied, her tone cooling several degrees.
I blinked, taken aback by the sudden steel in her voice. “When will she be available?”
“Her schedule is fully booked for the rest of today,” Devonna informed me, and I could hear her typing on her computer. “And tomorrow. And, in fact, for the foreseeable future. If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans, I’d be happy to assist you, or I can connect you with Ms. Landry.”
“I don’t want to talk to Mari, I want to talk to Anica.”
“I understand, Mr. Burkhardt, but that won’t be possible right now. Ms. Marcel has instructed me to handle allcommunications regarding your wedding. If you have questions or concerns about the arrangements, I’m fully briefed on your file.”
“This isn’t about the wedding,” I said, running a hand through my hair as I tried to keep my growing temper at bay. “This is personal.”
“I’m aware and up to date on the situation. I’ll relay the message that you called. Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
I was being managed, and I knew it.
“No,” I said finally. “Just... tell her I called. Please.”
“I’ll be sure to do that, Mr. Burkhardt. Have a pleasant day.”
The line went dead, and I stared at the wall for far too long after she’d hung up.
“Well? Did you just get shut down by an assistant?” Kris asked, sounding impressed.
“She’s a good gatekeeper,” I muttered. “I’m starting to see why Anica hired her.”
“So what now?” Morgan asked.
“Now...” I sighed, pocketing my phone. “Now I need to talk to my grandmother.”
“Bringing out the big guns,” Chance nodded approvingly. “Smart move.”
“She’s the only person I know who’s more stubborn than Anica,” I explained. “And she seemed to like her. Maybe she can... I don’t know, help me figure out how to fix this.”
“Or at least tell you what an idiot you’re being,” Kris suggested helpfully.
“She’ll definitely do that. It’s her favorite hobby.”
“Do you want us to clear out?” Morgan asked, gesturing to the mess we’d made of my living room in the short time they’d been there.
I considered it, then shook my head. “No. Stay. Finish the waffles. I need to do this alone.”
“Good luck,” Chance called as I headed for the door. “And Cal? For what it’s worth, I think she’s worth fighting for.”
