Kate
I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be working with Xander. Not because he’s a bad employee or anything. But because I can’t stop thinking about him. He occupies my thoughts at home, at work, and anytime I’m trying to keep him out of my mind. It never seems to work. Who is this woman I’m becoming?
“Are you ready for your appointment, Kate?” Kai calls from the office.
“Huh?” My focus is solely on Xander, who happens to be loading deliveries for this afternoon. I think we’re going out later tonight, but in the city so nobody catches on that we’re dating. It’s been a couple of weeks, and aside from Emily sniffing around, nobody else has mentioned anything.
“Your bridal appointment,” Kai is now in front of me at the workstation, “the ping should have gone off for you an hour ago. She’ll be here in fifteen minutes.”
Crap. I silenced the notification as soon as it went off. Glancing at the whiteboard, I notice it isn’t on there. That’s why I like the manual system. It’s in my face at all times, and I don’t have to have my phone on me.
“Sorry. I was trying to finish up this order.” My words are rushed and I don’t know that I’m actually fooling anyone.
He glances over at me and the direction my body is facing, then at the bouquet I’ve been working on for the past thirty minutes. Honestly, it shouldn’t be taking me this long, but I keep getting distracted. “If you say so,” he points to the office, “I already have her information pulled up on the computer. Go familiarize yourself with it. I’ll get Samantha to finish up this arrangement so it can go out the door.”
“You’ve got it.” I fight the urge to look over my shoulder toward Xander as I hurry down the hallway to the office. The last thing I need is for my brother to put the pieces together. I don’t think he’d be upset that we’re dating, but he won’t be a fan of the fact I’ve been lying to him about it.
He was right about having the information pulled up. But I can already tell based on the general interests this client will be a handful. I usually work with the wedding planner, but so many people are doing it themselves these days and that means I have to talk directly to the bride.
I glance over the information one more time and note that she doesn’t have a planner listed. Great. Reaching into the desk drawer, I pull out a notepad and set it on the desk in front of me. I’ll add it to her info card later. Writing it out by hand is the fastest way for me to get down information.
There’s a knock at the office door, and Kai is standing there with two women. “Kate this is Shelby, the bride and her wedding planner, Angela.”
Standing, I reach a hand out to both of them. “I’m Kate. It’s nice to meet you.” I’m also grateful she does have a planner. It means most of my contact with go through her. “Please, have a seat.” I motion to the chairs in front of the desk.
Ugh when we remodel, we need to add an area specifically for meetings. Being in this cramped office is embarrassing. Ideally, I would love something a little sleeker and that has fewer files and filing cabinets against all the walls.
“I heard your flower shop is handling the florals for Crooked Halo’s manager.” Shelby leans forward and barely refrains from blasting her hands together.
“Yes, we are,” I nod in answer, “but I can’t share any details per our contract.” That’s a lie, but it keeps people from asking personal questions. Tiffany and Spencer refused to sign anything. They basically told me to do what I wanted. It’s actually kind of annoying.
“I mean,” Shelby grins, “if they have faith in you to make their wedding beautiful, then so do I.”
“Do you have any idea what color schemes you want? Or what types of flowers?” These are the two questions I always start with. It gives me an idea of where to lead the brides.
“I think soft and romantic.” She stares into space. “Or, maybe even fun and flirty.” Great, she has no clue. “We haven’t really talked about it.”
Her wedding planner rolls her eyes. I feel the same way except I can’t actually do anything about it. “Let’s see what we can work through and go from there.”
Angela pulls out a binder and sets it on the desk. There aren’t a ton of notes on the pages, and I lose all hope this is going to be an easy wedding. It would have been nice if there was some sort of prep work, but it’s something I’ll have to work through. Angela glances at me and forces a smile. She likely hasn’t had an easy time of it either. “Let’s start from the beginning.”
It’s going to be such a long day. Thank God I have plans tonight to make it better.
“Rough day?” Xander asks as soon as he sees me walk out the door. He’s already walking my way from his car. I peek around to make sure everyone else left.
“How long have you been standing out here?” I don’t need him blowing our cover within the first couple of weeks.
He takes a step back and holds his hands up. “I left and came back once I figured everyone else was gone.”
“Oh,” my shoulders sag in relief. That’s good to know. “Sorry, it’s been…a day. I swear if my brother gives me another appointment with a bride who doesn’t know what she wants, I’m going to lose it.”
“I thought that was something most people dream about since they were little.” Ugh, men. “At least, that’s what they show in the movies.”
The wind whips around us, and I gather my hair in one hand to keep it from hitting me in the face. I’ll be happy when the weather is warmer and this stormy season goes away. “Not all kids do that. I didn’t.”
“Yeah, but you had a very different upbringing with your parents.” He wraps an arm around my waist and leads us to his car. “A lot of people have parents that make out in front of them.”
“No offense,” I slap his chest, “but I don’t think most people have parents like that. Yours are just ridiculously in love.”
