“I’ll go out there and see what else she needs. You stay in here until you no longer want to punch her.”
“Or we can completely ignore the fact we have an event today. We should have checked the calendar before agreeing to this date.”
Yes, we should have. But Piper was so excited to have another booking I didn’t want to let her down. Now I may let her down because this event is becoming a nightmare.
“That was my bad.”
She waves me away. “I was in here when you said yes to the date. And since I’m the office manager, it’s on me. But if they take as long to remove their decorations as they are setting it up, we’ll have to open later than normal.”
“Oh, that won’t happen. They’ll be out of here at the time agreed upon.”
“How are you going to manage that?”
It’s a good question because I have no idea, and then it hits me. “I’ll tell her it’s going to be an insane amount more for every minute they are here past their time. I’m sure that’ll speed up their process.”
“Okay. Thank you, Parker. I know putting this on your plate has been an adjustment, but it looks like you know how to handle things.”
I shrug. “I’m just treating it the same way I would a marketing meeting. Money talks.”
“Smart.” She looks around the room then slumps in her chair. “How was your date last night?”
“It was good.” I’m not sure how much information to give her. “She’s actually at my house right now. I told her to stop by before she leaves.”
“Even more reason to get this baby shower over with.” She leans forward and moves the mouse on her desk to wake up the computer. “If she comes by after the shower is over, I can handle opening the front. The last thing I want to do is stand in the way of love.”
A few weeks ago, a comment like that would have terrified me, but today it doesn’t bug me as much as it used to. Not that I’m in love with Jasmin, not yet. But the feelings to grow into it are there.
“Thanks.” I move to the door. “I’m going to make sure that woman isn’t destroying our patio.”
“Have fun.” She waves and puts her attention to something on the screen. Hopefully whatever it is will calm her down. I’ve never seen a woman get under my sister’s skin like that.
The patio is an explosion of pink as I open the door. At least they have the balloons weighted down. The last thing I want to do is pick up balloons from around the property.
“We’re almost done setting up.” Nicole beams at me. “Did you get the wine selection list I sent over?”
“Yes. I’ll have everything ready to go before the baby shower begins.” I won’t say how concerned I am about the amount of wine she thinks they’ll go through in two hours. But she pre-purchased the bottles and can take what they don’t use home.
“Great. I’ll need to pick up Brooklyn before it starts.” She glances at the table she set up with various finger foods. “If guests get here before I’m back, will they be shown back here, or will they be inside.”
“I can bring them out here. It’s up to you.”
“Out here would be perfect. Thanks.”
She’s being perfectly polite to me. What the hell did she act like with my sister?
Nicole is gone for about thirty minutes. Wherever Brooklyn was, it wasn’t far. There are three guests here when they walk in, and they all squeal while hugging each other. Would it be rude if I put in ear plugs?
Finally, the shower is underway. My only task is making sure to deliver drinks since we don’t have any other employees and I refuse to let Nicole treat my sister like shit. It would have been better if Peter was here, but I know he had to work the festival. Pierce could have easily done it but he doesn’t feel the need to be public facing. Like it’s beneath him or something. It’s for the best, though. Nobody wants to buy wine from a grumpy guy.
I’m heading out to grab refills of wine for some of the ladies when I feel a hand run down my arm. What the hell? Nicole moves into my line of sight and she’s still touching me. This is inappropriate on all levels.
“I noticed you didn’t use my phone number. I figured you were playing hard to get.”
“Nicole, I’m not interested. I have a girlfriend.” She doesn’t need to know it’s fake.
Now her fingers are running down my chest and it takes everything in me not to grab her hand to force her away from me. I’m doing my best to remain professional.
“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” She actually winks at me. What in the hell is this woman thinking?
