“It’s my job to know everything happening in the wedding world,” she said with a dismissive wave. “And when the son of two high-profile planners will compete on the same wedding with one of Manhattan’s best? That’s the drama my readers live for.”
I forced a smile. “I hope the focus remains on the quality of our work rather than any perceived rivalry.”
“Of course, of course,” Eleanor agreed, though her eyes said otherwise. “Speaking of quality work, I glimpsed your venue mock-ups at the Royal Gardens yesterday. I was there for another shoot.”
I stiffened. I hadn’t realized Eleanor was at the venue at the same time. Hopefully, she’d seen the boards before Mari had ruined them with her damn coffee.
“Oh?” I kept my voice neutral.
“That constellation projection mapping idea for the garden space? Brilliant. It’s the kind of innovative thinking we feature in Modern Wedding.” She leaned closer, the scent of her expensive perfume mingling with gin. “Between us, I’m gathering ideas for a spread on emerging trends for a future issue. I’d love to highlight that concept asan example of where wedding design is heading along with potentially other innovative ideas you’ve come up with.”
My mind raced. The constellation idea wasn’t mine. It was Mari’s.
“That’s very flattering. It would be an amazing opportunity, to be sure.”
“I’d need some exclusive renderings, of course. And an interview or two about your design philosophy.” Eleanor tapped her glass thoughtfully. “It would be quite a feature. ‘Hudson Gable: Redefining Wedding Design.’ Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”
It did. It had exactly the ring that would make my parents finally take notice. I could get the family name in Modern Wedding. My father wouldn’t be able to dismiss my “little experiment” anymore.
I knew I should’ve corrected her. I should’ve explained that the idea came from my rival.
“I’d be honored,” I said instead. “When would you need the materials?”
“We can discuss details later. Wouldn’t want to ruin a delightful party with the boring bits, would we? I want this to be perfect. I’m willing to wait.”
“Wonderful! That sounds excellent. Thank you, Mrs. Trolio.”
“Oh, don’t thank me. Your expertise got you here. This is exciting, Mr. Gable. I have a feeling you’re going to make quite an impact on Chicago.”
As she moved on to greet other guests, I stood frozen, drink halfway to my lips.
What had I just done?
Shit. I didn’t want to take credit for Mari’s half-baked storybook nonsense. I had half a mind to chase down Eleanor to fix the error.
Scanning the room, I searched for Eleanor again when my phone vibrated in my pocket. Groaning, I glared at my father’s face.
For a moment, I considered letting it go to voicemail. But twenty-nine years of conditioning won out.
“Father,” I answered, stepping into a quieter corner of the ballroom.
“Hudson. Your mother tells me you’re attending the Chicago gala tonight.”
No greeting, no pleasantries. Typical.
“Yes, I am.”
“Good. Eleanor Trolio will be there. Make sure you introduce yourself.”
“I already spoke with Eleanor. She’s considering featuring one of my design concepts in Modern Wedding.” I couldn’t help but brag.
The line went silent for a moment. Then, something I’d never heard before: a note of approval in my father’s voice.
“Is that so? Which concept?”
“A constellation projection mapping for the Kussikov-Martin wedding. It transforms the venue’s garden space to reflect the night sky from when they met.”
Another pause. “That’s... innovative.”
