Page 33 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

“Is that rhetorical?” He shot her an annoyed look.

Natalie located the photo and handed him her phone. He pinched and zoomed, studying every aspect with a critical eye.

“I’ll upload it to our shared file. The boutonniere inspo pic is already in there.”

Noah’s face lit. “This is gorgeous. I had my doubts when you said eucalyptus, but the texture? Stunning.”

Relief washed over her. “Right? People will remember these arrangements.”

“And the best part? You get massive impact without a massive price tag,” he said, sliding her phone back.

“Exactly. We’ll have smaller ones, too—for display on the beignet bar and the cocktail bar.”

Noah stopped chewing. “Did you just say beignet bar?”

Natalie threw up jazz hands. “Surprise! We’re having an outdoor cooking station. Custom bags: BeignYAY for Foster’s 70th! The venue’s never tried it but they’re obsessed with the idea.”

Noah smiled. “That’s the best pun ever.”

“Thank you. Perfect party favors. A little sweet treat for the road.”

“Wait—I thought you were having German chocolate cake from that one bakery?”

“We are. I wouldn’t deprive anyone of Beverly’s. Imagine his cake rolling in on a cart, all seventy candles blazing. I’ve never had a client want to do that, but since I’m the client …”

“I love it. It’s gonna be like something out of a movie.”

“I’m trying to keep it elegant and not a circus.” Natalie scratched her head with the tip of her pencil. “The line, as you know, is razor thin.”

“Girl, you’re making that line your bitch.”

Natalie snorted. “Yeah, well, that line is expensive. If I don’t land an investor, I’m screwed. I’ve never gambled like this before.”

“It’ll happen. Barring some freak-of-nature disaster⁠—”

She reached across the table and clutched his wrist. “Don’t even say it. No jinxes.”

“Okay, okay. Jeez. Relax.” He shook his hand free. “How’s Kate’s part of the weekend? The family dinner?”

“As far as I know, fine. She never tells me anything until the last minute. Drives me insane,” she said through gritted teeth.

“She’ll come through. And the showcase is basically done. Website. Brochures. Invitations going out in six weeks.”

She shook her head. “Not everything. Still no word from Nashville Now. I’ve sent two emails. Crickets.”

“Try another publication.”

Natalie jotted down a note. “I just wish …”

“What?”

“I wish we had one big guest. Someone with real star power.”

Noah tilted his head. “Imagine if Taylor Swift showed up. She’d overshadow everything. People would remember her, not your work.”

Natalie took a bite of her croissant. He’s right. If Taylor Swift showed up, I’d forget my own name.

“The guest list is already full of your dad’s wealthy friends,” he added. “They’ll actually pay attention to your business. A celebrity would pop in for a photo and leave.”