As I’m sorting through my morning deliveries at the boutique, a courier delivers an envelope. I’m not expecting anything else today, so my curiosity is piqued. Inside the delivery package is a thick cream envelope with an expensive-looking embossed seal. It appears to be an invitation of some sort.Is it a wedding invitation from one of my brides?
As I break the seal and pull out the paper, it smells faintly of leather and parchment, a masculine vibe, not something wedding-related. Before reading the handwritten note, my eyes immediately go to the signature at the bottom, written in bold cursive strokes.Stone Anginelli.
A rush of anticipation pulses through me as I read the contents.
Dear Ms. Russell:
I’ve been thinking about what you said about the proposed Pelican Point project and the importance of community support. I’d like to partner with you on a charity fashion show to benefit andinvolve the citizens of Pelican Point, and showcase your business. Looking forward to further discussion.
My heart thumps loudly as I read the note over and over.Is this a sincere gesture or does he have an ulterior motive? Does he think he can win me over so I’ll give up my building and support his project?
I need to talk this through with people I trust. I pull out my cell.
“Jos, hey! I just received an interesting proposal from Stone Anginelli and I need some advice. Can you come by my shop this evening? I’ll order Chinese.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see if Emma’s available as well. Probably wouldn’t hurt to have an attorney’s input.”
“That’s a great idea. I appreciate it.”
“Just make sure Wok and Roll sends over plenty of duck sauce with their fabulous egg rolls.”
“You got it!”
Just before six p.m., Joselyn and Emma stroll in, arguing about what game they should play at their next weekly game night.
“Hey guys. Let’s eat in the lounge area where we’ll be comfortable.”
They follow me to the back where I put up a table for the food so we can serve ourselves. Jos holds up a bottle of wine. “This is one of our new blends. We get to try it first.”
“Mmm. It pays to have friends with access to a winery. Let me grab us some proper glasses.”
When I return from getting the wine glasses and bottle opener, Jos and Emma have unpacked the foodbags and set everything out buffet style. “Thanks for doing that.”
As Joselyn opens the wine, I ask, “By the way, when are you going to give me some design ideas for your dress?”
Emma pipes in. “And why haven’t you and my brother picked a wedding date?”
Joselyn doesn’t take offense, just lets out a giggle. “The wedding planner never has time to focus on her own wedding. We’re kinda like doctors and plumbers. Everyone else gets their work done first. I think we’ll just elope.”
Emma and I both groan. Ever the romantic, I protest. “You’ve got to be kidding. Your second chance with Brennen is worthy of a romance novel. And the winery is the perfect location. You both deserve the best wedding ever.”
“Whatever we do, it’ll be perfect, since I’m marrying my one true love. In all honesty, I’ve seriously thought about whisking Brennen away, just the two of us somewhere. He’s never had a real vacation, or time away from the winery. He deserves that.”
“When you decide, I’m standing by to create the dress of your dreams. Regardless of where or how you take your vows. And that brings me to the reason you’re here.” I hand over the letter I received earlier from Stone Anginelli.
Jos and Emma huddle together to read the note. I can still smell the enticing masculine scent on the paper, despite the spicy aroma of the Chinese food filling the air.
Emma lets out a low whistle. “Interesting. What do you think is behind this?”
Jos responds with a snort. “You know what they say…keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Partnering with him might be a good way to keep an eye on what he’s up to.”
I answer Emma’s question first. “I’m not sure what it means. I sent him an email, then I drove down to West Palm. I wanted him to see a face from Pelican Point and let him know that the Reilly building is not for sale.”
“How’d he take that?”
“Like a typical arrogant businessman. He thinks everyone can be bought.”
Meanwhile, Jos is fiddling with her phone, then turns it around, exposing the screen to me and Emma.
