“Thanks,” I said, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.
Will leaned in, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “Red is your color.”
Meredith grabbed her phone and snapped a photo of the four of us. It was the first time Will and I were in a photo. No secrets. The real deal.
Even looped his arm through Meredith’s, “Shall we?”
I nodded, slipping my hand into Will’s as we headed out the door.
I felt like everything was exactly where it was supposed to be.
When we pulled up to the restaurant, the glow of the lights from the windows spilled out onto the street, illuminating the gathering crowd of well-dressed guests. Lori had done a fantastic job organizing the evening, and the sight of people waiting to step inside filled me with pride and nerves all at once.
Will got out first, moving quickly to my side of the car. He opened the door for me, offering his hand.
“Ready for this?” he asked as I stepped out, his voice low and steady.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I said, taking a deep breath.
Will’s hand rested lightly on the small of my back as he led me toward the entrance. His touch was reassuring, grounding me in the moment. Behind us, Evan offered his arm to Meredith, and she took it with a playful roll of her eyes.
When we stepped inside, the transformation of Pier and Table took my breath away. The soft glow of the chandeliers bathed the room in warm light, and the tables sparkled with crystal glasses and polished silverware. Servers moved gracefully between the guests, offering trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. The space was alive with energy, the buzz of conversation and laughter filling the air.
“Looks incredible,” Will said, leaning closer to me.
“Thanks,” I said, my voice in awe of the space around us.
Lori appeared like a whirlwind, clipboard still in hand, her sharp eyes scanning the room. “Natalie!” she called, stopping in front of us. “Everything’s running smoothly so far. The first seating is almost ready, and Jasper says the kitchen is on schedule.”
“Perfect,” I said, feeling a wave of relief.
“Now,” she said with a sly smile, “I have someone I want you to meet.”
Without hesitation, I nodded and followed her as she led me toward a tall, distinguished man in his early fifties, wearing a perfectly tailored suit. His salt-and-pepper hair and confident demeanor immediately gave him an air of importance.
“Alan,” Lori said, her voice warm but professional, “this is Natalie Bradford, the creative genius behind Pier and Table’s design.”
Alan turned toward me with an easy smile, extending his hand. “Natalie, it’s a pleasure. This space is stunning, one of the most impressive restaurant designs I’ve seen in years.
“Thank you,” I said, shaking his hand. “That means a lot.”
“I’ve been in the design industry for over two decades,” Alan said, his tone genuinely complimentary, “and I can tell when someone has a gift for creating not just a space, but an experience. You’ve nailed it here.”
“That’s very kind of you to say,” I replied, feeling both flattered and slightly overwhelmed.
“Kind, but true,” Lori interjected. “I told you Natalie was someone to watch.”
Alan laughed. “You weren’t exaggerating.” He turned back to me. “If you’re open to it, I’d love to talk more sometime. I have a few projects in the pipeline that could benefit from your touch.”
My heart skipped at his words, but I kept my tone measured. “I’d love that. Thank you.”
Alan handed me a sleek business card. “Let’s connect soon. And enjoy your night—you’ve earned it.”
As Alan and Lori moved on, Will reappeared at my side. “Is that who I think it is?”
“Alan Moore,” I said, holding up the card. “Apparently, he’s a big deal in the design world.”
Will raised an eyebrow. “Yes, he is. And he’s someone who knows talent when he sees it.”
