And yet.
I knew I was just going through the motions, nodding and responding appropriately while part of my mind kept wandering back to someone else. To another woman. Shit. I really did live up to the playboy rep. Though, I didn’t really have a desire to sleep with the woman across from me, so maybe I was developing a new reputation.
“So,” Angelina said, taking a sip of her wine. “Tell me more about these wedding plans. The Rhodes Estate, was it?”
I refocused on our conversation. “Yes, it’s a beautiful venue. Classic elegance with modern amenities.”
“Impressive,” she nodded. “My friend got married there last year. They had to book it two years in advance. How did you manage to secure it on such short notice?”
“I have connections,” I replied vaguely. “And my wedding planner is quite resourceful.”
“Ah yes, the wedding planner.” Angelina smiled. “She must be quite talented to arrange everything so quickly. Have you settled on the cake flavor yet?”
“Cardamom-honey with rosewater buttercream,” I answered automatically, remembering the tasting with Anica.
Angelina raised an eyebrow. “That’s... specific. You seem quite invested in the details.”
“It’s my wedding,” I said with a shrug. “Might as well make sure it’s exactly what I want.”
“Of course.” She nodded. “What about the flowers? Please tell me you’re not doing basic roses.”
“Absolutely not,” I replied, slightly offended on Anica’s behalf. “We’re using a seasonal mix of native blooms with some architectural elements for visual interest.”
“Impressive,” Angelina said, studying me. “And the wedding favors? Please tell me you’ve thought beyond almonds.”
I hesitated. Anica and I hadn’t actually discussed wedding favors yet. “That’s... still being finalized.”
“And the first dance song? The dinner menu? The seating arrangement?” She pressed, her eyebrow arching slightly higher with each question.
“We’re working through the details systematically,” I replied, trying not to sound defensive. “My planner has a very thorough process.”
“Hmm.” Angelina took another sip of her wine. “It seems like there’s still quite a lot to arrange in a short time. You know, my friend Allison is an excellent wedding planner. She specializes in expedited timelines. Perhaps I should introduce you?”
Something in my chest tightened. “I’m very happy with my current planner, thank you.”
“I’m sure she’s lovely,” Angelina said with a dismissive wave. “But Allison has connections with all the top vendors. She could probably get you better deals, more exclusive options.”
“Anica Marcel is the best wedding planner in Manhattan,” I said, my voice sharper than intended. “She has impeccable taste, unparalleled organizational skills, and a work ethic that would put most CEOs to shame. She has connections with every worthwhile vendor in the tri-state area, and she’s personally saved dozens of couples from wedding disasters that would have sent lesser planners into early retirement.”
I took a breath, but apparently wasn’t done. “She organizes her emergency kits and can recite the contact information for every decent florist in Manhattan from memory. She can spot a poorly constructed cake from fifty paces and has a sixth sense for which bridesmaids will cause drama. She makes wedding magic happen with nothing but pure determination and possibly some kind of wedding planner superpower that mere mortals like me cannot comprehend.”
Angelina blinked, clearly surprised by my vehemence. “I... see.”
“And frankly,” I continued, unable to stop myself, “I don’t appreciate the implication that she’s anything less than exceptional at her job.”
A tense silence fell between us. I realized I’d overreacted spectacularly to what was probably an innocent suggestion. Angelina studied me for a long moment, then her expression softened.
“I apologize. I didn’t mean to insult your planner. I was just trying to be helpful.”
I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. “No, I’m sorry. That was an overreaction on my part. Anica—Ms. Marcel—has just been working extremely hard on this wedding, and I respect her.”
Angelina nodded, though something had shifted in her demeanor. “Of course. Let’s talk about something else, shall we? I read about your new AI initiative in Tech Quarterly. Very impressive.”
The conversation moved to safer ground, but something had changed. The easy flow was gone, replaced by a more cautious exchange. Angelina tried to salvage the evening, even subtly running her foot up my calf under the table in what I recognized as an attempt to reestablish our earlier connection.
A month and a half ago, I would have been intrigued. I checked my watch, wondering if the expo had generated as many bookings for Anica as she’d hoped.
When Angelina excused herself to the restroom, I pulled out my phone and texted Anica before I could think better of it.
