Chloe looks at me. I nod. Why not?
“Sure,” Chloe says.
We end up in a corner of the lobby, sitting in leather chairs arranged around a coffee table. Jennifer pulls out her tablet, opens a recording app, and launches into questions. I settle in, ready to face the usual onslaught I’ve come to expect during interviews—anything to get me off-kilter, reveal something I didn’t want to share. But today, I’m not being asked anything. Jennifer seems focused entirely on Chloe.
Which feels weird, but I’m not complaining.
“So tell me about your business. How did you get started in event planning?”
Chloe sets down her coffee cup. Takes a breath. And starts talking.
And I watch her transform.
Gone is the nervous, self-deprecating woman who apologizes for taking up space. Instead, she’s confident. Passionate. Talking about how she started planning events for her family, Maya’s engagement party, the bridal-cation, how she learned to see what people really wanted versus what they thought they should want, how every event tells a story about the people at the center of it.
“The best weddings aren’t about perfection,” she says, gesturing with her hands in that animated way she has when she’s excited. “They’re about authenticity. About creating moments that feel true to the couple, not just true to Pinterest boards and wedding magazines.” She pauses, then grins. “No offense.”
Jennifer laughs. “None taken. That’s a refreshing perspective.”
“I think people get so caught up in the performance of weddings—the Instagram photos, the perfect details—that they forget to enjoy the day. To be present with each other and their loved ones.” Chloe leans forward. “My job isn’t to create magazine-perfect events. It’s to create events where people feel seen and celebrated for who they really are.”
She’s glowing. Animated. Completely in her element, even if she doesn’t know it.
And I’m falling for her all over again.
“That’s beautiful,” Jennifer says, typing notes. “And Brody, you must be so proud of her work.”
I look at Chloe. She’s watching me, curious what I’ll say.
“I am,” I say. And mean it. “She’s incredible at what she does. She sees people—really sees them—and creates experiences that bring out the best in everyone. She did that for Maya’s events. She did that for—” I stop before I can say it, me. “She’s very talented.”
Chloe’s cheeks flush pink.
Jennifer is eating this up. “You two are adorable. Can I get a photo? For the article?”
“Oh, um—” Chloe looks uncertain.
“Sure,” I say. Standing. Offering Chloe my hand.
We stand together in front of the massive fireplace while Jennifer frames the shot on her phone.
“Perfect. Now smile—not too posed, just natural.”
I look at Chloe. She looks at me. And we smile. And for the first time, I’m not showing off my media-perfect smile. Jennifer’s getting the real me.
“Can I get one, for us?” Chloe says and hands her phone to Jennifer.
“Sure.” Jennifer takes the photo. “Got it. Let me just check—” She looks at the screen. Frowns slightly.
“Everything okay?” Chloe asks.
“Oh, yes. You two look great.” Jennifer hands back the phone. “Beautiful shot.”
But there was something in that frown. Something that makes my instincts prickle.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity,” Chloe says, and pockets the phone.
“My pleasure. I’ll send you a copy of the article when it comes out.” Jennifer gathers her things, smiling again. “Enjoy the wedding weekend!”
