Georgie and I blink over at her as several seconds’ worth of silence drift by.
“Did you say feet?” I ask, and she’s quick to nod.
Georgie’s eyes light up with mischief despite her sugar high. “Ooh, Ben is into feet? I knew there was something kinky about my little brother.”
“Georgie!” Mom swats at her. “Not for that! For shoes! Custom-made shoes. After we get our measurements, we’ll be able to order a pair that fits us perfectly.”
“Custom shoes?” I ask. “Well, I guess that’s actually really thoughtful. And practical. And hopefully it will be comfortable, too.” It’s also weird, but I decide to leave that part out.
I really do like Ben. Georgie might be a hippy at heart, but Ben is a reputable businessman with a great sense of humor. And apparently, he has the need for prescription footwear.
“Ben says life’s too short for uncomfortable shoes,” Mom explains. “Plus, with all the wedding events this week, we’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking.”
“Speaking of standing and walking,” I turn to Georgie, “how are your bridal brigade duties coming along?”
Georgie perks up at the mention of her new venture. “It’s going swimmingly, Biz. I’ve already talked to our resident Bridezilla, and she’s letting me handle the final dress fitting coordination, the bridal party hair appointments, bouquet delivery logistics, wedding day timeline management, and I’m putting together what I call the Wedding Emergency Survival Kit.”
Mom’s mouth falls open.I can’t believe any bride would trust Georgie with all of those important details. That woman must have it out for her very own wedding.
“Dare I ask what’s in the emergency kit?” I cringe a little because I’m not sure I want to know.
“Just the essentials,” Georgie says with a touch of pride. “Tissues, bobby pins, safety pins, stain remover, breath mints, antacids, aspirin, smelling salts, a flask of whiskey, and a backup bouquet made entirely of silk flowers in case someone’s allergic to the real deal.”
Mom and I exchange glances. “That’s... actually pretty comprehensive,” Mom admits.
“I’m shocked,” I add. “You’re off to a legitimately great start, Georgie. Color me impressed. You might even have a full-fledged career after this.”
“Don’t sound so surprised,” Georgie sniffs. “I’ve been watching wedding shows for years. I practically have a PhD in bridal crisis management.”
She watches wedding shows the way other people watch sports,Mom muses to herself with a mixture of admiration and concern.Here’s hoping she’s not planning a touchdown with the best man during the vow exchange.
I nod her way because I, too, share this fear.
“You know,” Georgie says thoughtfully, “if I’m going to be a professional wedding planner, I should probably invest in some business cards. Maybe with a catchy slogan.Georgie’s Gorgeous Disasters: Making Memories One Mishap at a Time!OrWedding Warrior Georgie: I Survive so You Don’t Have to!OrGeorgie’s Guide to Glorious Chaos: Your Crisis Is My Coffee Break!”
Mom huffs a dull laugh. “That sounds about right.”
“How aboutGeorgie’s Wedding Services: Somehow Still in Business,” I tease.
“Hey! I resemble that remark,” she shoots back with a wink. “I’ll have you know I’m a natural at this. Charlotte said I have excellent organizational instincts.”
“Charlotte also thinks Spark & Spice is a legitimate dating app,” Mom points out.
“It worked for her,” Georgie points out.
“Temporarily,” I whisper. “The jury’s still out on whether it’s working long-term.”
Especially since the groom is not quite off my suspect list,I think, but don’t dare say it out loud. And if he didn’t kill Tessa, he still might kill Conrad.
Mom checks her watch. “Well, I’d better head off.”
“Speaking of heading off somewhere,” Georgie leans forward, “who, where, what, and why are our next moves? Who’s our next suspect? Please tell me it’s someone interesting. I need entertainment to distract me from my frosting-induced misery.”
I consider this for a moment, drumming my fingers on the counter while Fish bats at them playfully. “I’d really love to talk to Piers and Conrad one more time. I have so many more questions, and the cake tasting wasn’t exactly the right venue for a serious interrogation. And Conrad and Piers put on quite the show. They were really peacocking for Charlotte’s attention.”
“We need to corner them.” Mom nods sagely.
“CornerConrad?” Georgie’s eyebrows waggle, and I’m guessing she’s hungry for one more bite—of Conrad himself. “I volunteer astribute! I’ll corner him so hard he won’t know what hit him. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Although literally speaking wouldn’t be completely off the table.”
