Turning with my bowl of chili, my eyes widen and I gasp, because there’s no way this is real life. “Oh my god, it’s Andi!”
“Who’s Andi?” Zach asks, turning with me, his hand falling away. I want it back.
“She’s this absolutely incredible wedding coordinator here in town,” I whisper, tamping down my nerves and excitement. “She’s hiring at her company… and I’ve been considering putting in an application.”
“Go say hi,” Zach mutters, taking my chili bowl from me and giving me a shove. He lifts the spoon to his mouth, stealing a huge bite.
“No, she’s talking to Scarlett, I can’t interrupt,” I hiss, snatching back my chili bowl. “Hey! Go get your own!”
“So bossy,” Zach grumbles, but drops a kiss to my temple before heading off to grab a bowl from one of the other tables.
When he rejoins me, he leads us to a picnic table outside in the sunshine, and we sit, digging into our food. The cornbread is perfect, diced jalapeno giving it just the right amount of kick.
I’m working on building up the nerve to go say hello to Andi while she and her kids talk to Scarlett. The two women appear close in age, both late twenties or early thirties possibly, and their interaction is clearly that of close friends. When Chief approaches them, he pulls Andi in for a tight hug, the kind that only long-time familiarity can attain.
Zach stands, taking our empty bowls and walks over to one of the garbage bins nearby. By the time he returns, Andi’s kids are following Chief to the big truck outside, and Scarlett has wandered off to harass Joel.
Garnering my courage, I stand, smoothing my palms over my skirt and taking several steadying breaths. “I’ll be right back,” I say to Zach.
“Good luck,” he whispers, squeezing my hand once.
Walking over to Andi, I smile and wave. “Hi, Andi, you probably don’t remember me—”
“You’re Sienna’s sister, right?” she says, smiling broadly, shifting a cup of coffee into her other hand to take mine. Her dark hair is secured back into a claw clip at the back of her head, thick sweeping bangs hanging over her forehead. Rose gold glasses frame her dark, chocolate brown eyes, and her cheeks are dotted with freckles.
“Yes,” I laugh, nodding. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“I don’t usually get a Saturday morning off,” she says, laughing, gesturing to her casual attire. Light wash, wide leg jeans with strategic tears across the knees and a dusty blushcropped sweater cover her from neck to toes. “I’m not sure how I managed a Saturday in October with no weddings scheduled. Figured we’d come down and support a good cause today. And get some good food while we’re at it!”
“It’s a beautiful day for a morning off, and definitely a good cause to stop by. I’ve heard business is going really well for you. That’s so exciting. Sienna was telling me about a wedding she shot of yours a couple weeks ago. She said you were phenomenal.”
“Oh gosh, that’s so sweet,” she laughs. “I love working events with Sienna. She’s great at what she does.”
“She mentioned that you’re looking to expand your team.” Oh god, here goes nothing. I think I might have a heart attack. Or throw up. Not sure which, yet.
“Ohmygod, yes, I am!” she exclaims, setting her coffee down on a table next to us. She grabs both of my hands. “Sienna told me all about your event experience at Bliss. Please tell me you’ll apply.”
Laughing, I let out all the anxiety in my lungs in a long exhale. “I would love to.”
“Come by my office on Monday,” Andi says, smiling wide. She squeezes both of my hands once before releasing them when her two kids come running up, followed by Chief. “Talk soon!”
Walking over to Zach, I grin.
“Good?” he asks.
“I think I have an interview on Monday,” I laugh, still in shock. Holy shit.
He wraps one arm around my shoulders and squeezes tight. “That’s incredible!” He leans down to whisper in my ear, “You’re still in so much trouble for flirting with my boss though. I have a stop to make when I leave here, but I want you in my bed when I get home tonight, Louise.”
Thirty-Four
Zach
*Picture of a discreetly wrapped box sitting in the front passenger seat of the truck*
Your punishment has been procured.
Princess
