“While many brides right now have been asking for more minimalist bouquets, with your wedding, we go over the top but not trashy,” I explained, showing her the sketch. “We’ll do tall, thin crystal vases with layers of flowering vines, crystals, and orchids. The guests should feel as if they have walked into Queen Victoria’s botany pavilion.”
“Yes!” Tatiana clapped in excitement.
I could feel the tension of my fellow wedding planners release somewhat. There was always the hope with every particular overbearing bride that at some point along the way, they fell in love with your design proposal, and they became somewhat easier or at least more pleasant to work with.
“The theme is abundance,” I continued. “But to make sure you shine, we should do an antique brass instead of gold leaf to provide that old-world royalty vibe.”
“Love it!” Tatiana trilled as I showed her more of my sketches and inspiration images.
“For the runners at the head table, we’ll do big brass candlesticks and antique silver mirrors. Instead of the typical fairy café lights, we’ll hang big brass lanterns to make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.”
“I want to arrive by carriage,” she insisted, “like Princess Diana.”
“I am totally going to encourage a horse theme,” I joked.
Tatiana preened. “My stepson is big into horses. You should see him ride.” She licked her lips. “He’s very inspiring.”
“Maybe he can give rides at the party,” I suggested with a wink.
“That would be a lovely party favor,” Tatiana said coyly.
“Sounds like we made some progress today,” Ivy said happily. “Over the next few weeks, we will work on mock-ups for the décor.”
And I’m going to take a shower then eat the rest of the snacks on the table.
Tatiana grabbed her bag, took two steps to the elevator, then turned back to me.
“Amy, can we chat for just a sec?”
I followed her to the elevator lobby.
“I need a favor from you,” she said, lowering her voice.
“I’m here to serve you in all your wedding needs.”
“This isn’t exactly a wedding need,” she said thoughtfully, “but it could be, I suppose. I need you to be a character witness for me.”
“For, like, a job?” I asked uncertainly.
“I told you about my stepsons, right?” she said. “One of them is a grown man.” She fanned herself. “The other is just a little boy. He’s been away from his dad for years. There was a nasty bit of business with the boy’s mother. Anyway, we are trying to bring him back home. Unfortunately, things could get ugly, and we might have to go to court. I need someone to vouch that I’m a good person and would be an excellent mom. I want us all to be a big, happy family.”
“Don’t you think your friends would make a better choice?” I suggested. “They’ve known you longer.”
“Those cows?” Tatiana scoffed. “The one who was supposed to be my maid of honor refused to start the exercise regime I created for her. Then she complained on the group chat, and now everyone hates me. I don’t trust them to write me a glowing review.”
“I don’t know,” I said uncertainly. “I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea. I’d basically have to lie on an official court document. I volunteer in the family court. I can’t be arrested for lying.”
“It’s not a lie,” Tatiana said. “Just embellish the facts. People like you. You’re a good person. You volunteer at the children’s hospital. You take that fat little pony down to the courthouse to be an emotional support animal. You make people happy! You’re a wholesome country girl who takes care of her grandfather and started her own small-town business, employing working-class people, and brought jobs to a depressed rural community. The courts are going to eat that up.”
“I just don’t know what to say.”
Tatiana pressed her hands together. “Listen, Amy, I need that boy. You should hear my sister go on and on about how I’m going to be a terrible mother and I’m a homewrecker. She’s going to trash me on the internet. Shit, there are rumors going around that my fiancé is making the university look bad because he fell in love with a student. And yes, we are in love. People are saying he’s neglecting his family. I need everything to be perfect for the wedding, and that includes me being a perfect stepmom. I want to have a whole narrative on my Instagram about how I rescued this poor little motherless boy and gave him a happy family. I need this. People are talking shit about me, and I need to shut them up.”
I twisted the hem of my shirt. “I’m pretty busy.”
Tatiana held up a hand. “I know, and I will make it worth your while. I can get you an apartment.”
I froze. “You mean at the new development?”
