“That’s what interested her.” Not my designs. Mari’s. I ran a hand over my forehead.
“Your mother would like to speak with you.”
Before I could respond, my mother’s voice came on the line. “Hudson, darling. We just heard from Deborah Voto. She’s planning her daughter’s wedding for next spring, and she specifically asked if you’d be available to consult.”
Deborah Voto was Chicago old money, the type of client my parents had built their reputation serving. For her to request me by name was unprecedented.
“She mentioned seeing that dreadful video of you and that woman at the expo,” my mother continued. “I assured her it was the woman’s fault, and that she attacked you. I think it convinced her to consider you, so don’t screw it up.”
It hadn’t been entirely Mari’s fault, but I didn’t correct her. “I’d be happy to meet with her.” I cleared my throat.
“Wonderful. I told her you’d call to set up a consultation.” My mother’s voice softened. “It seems your Chicago expansion is gaining traction, Hudson. Your father and I are... pleased.”
Pleased. It was more than I’d heard in eight years of running my company.
“Thank you, Mother.”
After we hung up, I stood motionless, the phone still clutched in my hand. My parents were pleased with me. Because of an idea that wasn’t mine.
I drained my drink, welcoming the burn down my throat. One small deception. That’s all it was. Not that it mattered. She was my competition after all. Maybe I could incorporate some of her other ideas into the wedding when I won our little competition and give her credit for those.
I was still standing there, empty glass in hand, when a familiar voice cut through my thoughts.
“Fancy seeing you here, asshole.”
Mari. Of course.
I turned. She stood a few feet away with a glass of champagne in her hand and a gleam in her eye. She looked different from how she did at the office; more polished, her blonde waves tamed into an elegant updo, her usual casual clothes replaced by a fitted black dress that hugged curves I was trying very hard not to remember in intimate detail.
“Ms. Landry,” I said, my voice carefully neutral. “I didn’t realize you’d be attending.”
“Clearly.” She took a sip of champagne, her eyes never leaving mine. “Miss me?”
“It’s been less than three hours since we were both at the office.”
“And yet you look like you’ve swallowed something unpleasant. Bad scotch?”
“Bad company,” I replied, unable to help myself.
She pressed a hand to her chest in mock offense. “And here I thought we were making such progress in our professional relationship.”
“Is there something you need, Ms. Landry? Or are you just here to annoy me?”
“Both. Penelope called. There’s an issue with the venue timeline that needs our immediate attention.”
Lia and Manny had decided on the Royal Gardens for their venue after we’d toured six other places. I didn’t blame them. It was a gorgeous place to get married.
“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”
“No, it can’t.” She checked her watch. “She’s waiting for us at the Royal Gardens now. Something about a double-booking for the setup day.”
I frowned. “But we need a full day just for installation.”
“For once, we agree on something.” She gestured toward the exit. “After you, Mr. Dildo.”
Wrinkling my nose, I stepped towards her as if I was going to exit, but I paused next to her and bent down until my mouth was next to her ear. “You fucking wish.”
I walked out without another word, a grin on my lips.
