"Is that a compliment?" Piper asked, suddenly very aware of how close they were sitting.
Their eyes met, and something in his gaze made her breath catch.
"Definitely," he replied, his fingers lightly brushing against hers again. "I enjoy knowing where I stand with someone."
"And where do you stand with me?" The words slipped out before she could stop them.
"I'm standing right here." Zach's smile turned thoughtful.
Babushka returned with dessert before Piper could respond. The stark white confection trembled slightly as she set it down, and, holy crap, Piper drew in a sharp breath. That dessert one-hundred thousand percent was shaped like a penis.
"Eat," Babushka commanded, slicing off the tip. "Then ve talk more about vedding, yes?"
CHAPTER 8
41 DAYS UNTIL ANNA & DRAKE'S WEDDING
PIPER
"As you can see from the projections, we're expecting at least a twenty percent increase in attendance this year." Piper clicked to the next slide, suppressing a yawn that threatened to escape thanks to the late night before. "Your annual symposium has grown steadily each year and, with the addition of the new eco-burial panel, we expect even stronger numbers."
The conference room hummed with quiet approval from the twelve funeral directors seated around the polished mahogany table.
Piper had arranged them strategically to keep the more traditional directors separated from the more contemporary "green burial" advocates. She hadn't been entirely certain what to do with Mr. Thornhill—Mortimer. On the fly, she put him with the green burial group hoping to minimize pre-conference friction until they'd established more camaraderie.
Her head throbbed dully, a souvenir from Babushka's homemade vodka that had materialized from her purse after dessert last night.
What had started as a simple toast had evolved into a three-hour Russian cultural immersion, complete with toasts to Piper's 'strong legs.'
Piper refilled her water glass, willing it to be coffee instead.
"Moving on to accommodations," Piper continued, surreptitiously massaging her temple when she turned to point at the screen. "This hotel should be able to reserve our full block of rooms, including the premium corner suites for board members."
The Falcon was the perfect venue for both the D.I.C.K. symposium and potentially Anna's wedding. It was upscale but not ostentatious, centrally located, easy to work with, and featured that coveted rooftop terrace with the panoramic mountain views.
"Will we have exclusive access to the rooftop for our welcome reception?" Ms. Wilder, the association's treasurer, asked.
"Absolutely," Piper confirmed. "From seven to ten on the first night. The space will be transformed with green uplighting to match your new branding, and I've been thinking we could set up telescopes for stargazing. I like to think it'll be a subtle nod to your industry's connection to the eternal.
Eek. That earned appreciative murmurs around the table.
The little dopamine hit and internal squee Piper experienced was like a nice internal pat on the back.
This was why Piper excelled at corporate events. She understood the delicate balance between acknowledging the funeral industry's somber purpose while creating experiences that didn't feel morbid.
They broke for a quick recess. She stayed in the room while the others all stretched their legs and chatted.
Her phone vibrated in her pocket.
She discreetly checked it under the table.
Zach: Headed your way soon
Piper: Yup! See u @ 3
Zach: I'll bring you a coffee. That vodka is no joke
Despite her headache, Piper felt her lips twitch. She liked him. Really liked him.
