“We need to make sure that staff members have the special ‘Watch out for this man’ billfolds with Asher’s face in them,” I interrupted. “Best man or not, it’s a tradition at this point.”
“Okay…” She clicked on the next slide. “Anyway, I also contracted five executive chefs, a culinary artist, and a poissonnier who will handle all the seafood dishes while we’re there. The resort has agreed to let them have full access to the main kitchen.”
“I want to make sure that we won’t run into him at our next slate of Manhattan weddings.” I tapped my chin. “I’ve vented to our newest intern about this, but I don’t think she realizes how serious a problem he presents.”
“You’ve vented to all of us…” Madison groaned. “Can we focus on this wedding, please?”
“You think he’ll stay in Punta Cana for all three weeks?” I asked. “I can see him flying in for the big events, but leaving for the minor stuff in between since he’s not into the group stuff. That’s not really his personality, you know?”
Madison turned off the projector and hit the lights. Then she picked up her coffee and left the room.
Well, I didn’t actually realize she’d left the room until an hour later, but she didn’t return for the rest of the day.
—
A couple of weeks later
Thirteen
PRESENT DAY
KATIE
“Ihope you’ll choose Epilogues Forever for your special day.” I walked a newly engaged couple through our floral showroom. “I would love to make your day all it can be.”
“We were sold on your services years ago, Miss Elizabeth.” The bride-to-be shook my hand. “We can’t wait.”
“Agreed.” The groom smiled. “She has twenty Pinterest boards dedicated to your work.”
My heart swelled at the compliment. “Thank you very much. Let me show you to our guest relations manager so we can get the contract started.”
I led them through our mock ballroom, and as I ushered them inside an office, I spotted Michelle standing by the entrance.
“Michelle?” I walked over to her. “Am I supposed to be at a wedding party event right now?”
“No…” She shook her head. “Can you walk with me outside for a few minutes?”
“Sure.” I grabbed my purse and let her lead the way.
We walked half a block before she said a word, and before I could tell her that I needed to go back to work, she finally stopped.
“How many weddings are you working on right now?” she asked.
“Eight that are coming up, but we’ve got a queue of fifty over the next two years.”
“That’sinsane, Katie…”
“More like a dream come true,” I admitted. “Working a hundred hours a week on events like this isn’t really work at all.”
“Okay, well…Not to push,” she said, “but where are you on our wedding? Like, percentage-wise, how much has been done?”
“Sixty percent.”
“Already?” Her eyes widened. “How is that even possible?”
“We went full speed the first day you booked me, I guess.” I smiled. “Plus I want yours to be in my top five all time, so I work on it whenever I have free time.”
“Now I feel quite awful about that. Thank you.”
