He isn’t wrong. Lily Chambers is Jade’s best friend, and getting to know her over these past few months while planning this trip has been eye-opening.
“Well, Jade picked her as her maid of honor, and you rightfully picked me as your best man, so I think whatever we have planned is actually on you.” The elevator stops, and I walk out onto my floor, smiling at the reception staff here and making my way to my office.
“How the hell did you work that out?”
“You could have picked Deacon or Noah for this, but you picked me, your best friend and party planner extraordinaire. So relax and let me work my magic.”
“Relaxing is the last thing you have planned for this trip.” He groans.
“You worry too much. I’ll fill you in tonight on what you’ll need to bring.”
“Fine, but seriously, Leo, if you've planned something ridiculous like handcuffing me to an Elvis impersonator all weekend, I will shave your head.”
“You wouldn't dare. My luscious locks are sacred.” I gasp, running my fingers through my soft waves.
“I’ll see you later.” He laughs as he hangs up, and I place my phone back in my pocket. I miss working with him since he left to run his nonprofit, but he’s been so much more relaxed and happy. That could also have something to do with the tiny blonde who walked into his office all those months ago andflipped his whole world upside down. But either way, I’m happy for him. I’ve been best friends with Hunter my whole life. His dad is friends with my dad, and as an only child, I clung onto him like the brother I always wanted. I followed him to London to be his CFO when his dad handed over the reins—fitting since my dad was his dad’s CFO. History was repeating itself, but then Hunter decided he wanted to give back and set up Bright Lights, a nonprofit for underprivileged children who don’t have the opportunities at their fingertips like we did. So he stepped down as CEO, and Ria, his big sister, stepped into his shoes.
Ria is strong, determined, an absolute demon in the boardroom, and has the respect of everyone she leads. She is every bit her father’s daughter.
Grace is bouncing out of Ria’s office when I reach the executive suites. “Morning, Sunshine.” My tone is cheery as I place Grace’s coffee on her desk.
“Morning, Chuckles. White-chocolate mocha with vanilla syrup?” She nods at the to-go cup.
“For the life of me, I don’t get how you can drink that cup of sugar. It’s practically diabetes in a cup.”
“You know I love to live life on the edge.” She takes a big sip, closing her eyes in delight. “Heaven.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
Opening her eyes, she throws me a devilish grin. “The best way to live, don't you think?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely. Now, is the boss in?”
“Indeed she is, and I need to sort out a date. I can see it now—Ria’s love life is about to change for the better.”
“Huh?”
Ria’s starting to date again? She swore off all men since that dick Ezra screwed her over.
“I’ll let her tell you. Now shoo, I need to start my day.” She waves me off, and holding up my hands and coffee tray in surrender, I back away from her desk and into Ria’s office.
“Morning Ri Ri.” I place her chai latte on her desk as she rolls her eyes at my use of the nickname I gave her years ago.
“I told you to stop calling me that. I’m your boss; it’s not very professional.”
“I only do it in private,” I say, sitting on her navy couch, spreading my arms along the back.
“You’re infuriating.” She sighs, rubbing her temples. “But thank you for the coffee.”
“Of course. Now what’s this Grace tells me about a date?”
“Oh for God’s sake, it’s not a date. Grace has it in her head that I’ve had my meet-cute.”
“What the fuck is a meet-cute?”
“It’s when the two main characters in a book meet for the first time.”
“Um, okaay…”
