“We’re going to need more than one person.” This is the problem with major growth in a short amount of time. We don’t have the resources without running ourselves ragged.
“I know. There are a few more applications I need to sift through and run by Pierce. I just have to make sure they are competent because they’ll be dealing with him while we’re working at the festival.” She eyes me for a second. “You are still working it, right? I know you have the baby shower to run not long after it, but I definitely need you there.”
“Yes. I lost track of the days.” I glance towards the door. “Can you believe people are getting party buses to drive them around to look at flowers? It’s wild to me.”
“They aren’t jaded by all the traffic they create for our town. It’s good for business, but exhausting.”
“Truer words have never been spoken.” I remember when I used to like the festival. Granted, I was a kid and mostly wanted to ride all the attractions they brought into town. As I got older and had to drive in the stop and go traffic, my views definitely changed.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out, wondering if it’s Jasmin. I hope I didn’t scare her with my idea.
It’s a text from Paula.
Paula: The couple getting married at the winery is here. So is her sister.
I think for a moment, trying to remember if I told Paula about Jasmin. I think I did, but honestly, everything has been a blur.
Parker: Let me know what they pick out.
Paula: I think they’re going to Out of the Ashes when we’re done here. But I’ll send you pics.
Parker: Thanks.
I take a quick peek at the time on my phone. Maybe I’ll take my lunch now. We’ve slowed down, and there isn’t much left to do for the baby shower booking. Besides Peter, Pierce and Phillip are here if my sister needs more help. And…I could eat. All I had was a piece of toast before I walked out of the house this morning.
“You mind if I go ahead and take my lunch?” I ask Piper.
She’s staring at me like I’ve affronted her. “You better not be leaving for a booty call. Don’t think I didn’t notice you checking your phone.”
Damn, it’s great to know she thinks so highly of me. She’s always been my closest sibling, but since she and Beau became serious, she’s been a little more than judgmental about my single lifestyle. It’s getting under my skin more than it used to. It’s like they see me as the joke of the family, and I don’t like it. She never gave any of our other brothers this much crap.
“I’m not.” This isn’t a lie. Jasmine isn’t a booty call. I only want to manifest a chance meeting since she’s in town. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to meet the groom since he wasn’t at the initial meeting. “Food is calling me. I’ll bring you something to eat.”
“Fine. But I want you to show me the details for the next event when you get back. I have a feeling that one lady is going to be a problem.”
“You think?” Sarcasm drips from the words. “She tried to hit on me when they were here. I’m at the point of asking Phillip if he’ll be here to deal with them because this woman will not leave me alone.”
“Yikes.” My sister shakes her head. “If it comes down to it, I’ll run interference. I have zero problem telling her where she can shove it.”
I wrap my arms around her in a hug and lift her off the floor. “This is why I love you.”
“Put me down.” She pokes me in the side and I do as I’m told. I really hate when she does that. “Where are you going?”
“Out of the Ashes.”
“Cool. I’ll send you my order.”
I give her a salute and hurry out the door. The last thing I want is for her to find something else for me to do and make me miss seeing Jasmine.
The seats at the counter are full when I walk into the bar. I guess they’re getting slammed the way we were. At least they have the staff to handle it.
Delilah is behind the stand as I make my way up. “You’re by yourself today?”
“Yeah. I needed a break from everyone else.” I peer over her shoulder to see if I can spot Jasmin and her sister.
“Do you want a booth or a table? I think we have one or two of each open.”
Finally, I see her. As luck would have it, there’s a high-top table not too far from where she’s sitting. “Can I get that one over there?”
