Page 94 of Five Days to Be Mine

Mom is going to love this and freak out. I text Arthur, telling him again that I want to be here for the reveal. I feel a smidge of guilt that I haven't talked to mom and I am going to fix that tonight.

Once I'm driving, my brain can’t turn off, because mom and Bryan, even though they knew each other for years in passing, they only dated a week before Bryan ended it with a proposal.

If my mom can have happiness, why can’t I fully dive in with Evan? Why can't I fully trust that he means everything he says?

I don’t know.

I want to and I don't think there’s an actual reason that’s preventing me.

At the studio, we work the rest of the morning, setting the space up.

“This is stunning, Mara,” Jenny says.

I look at my friends. They all look as tired as I do, but they are smiling and happy and it feels good to have people who believe in me.

My phone rings, Wendy Sevenson’s number flashes. I smile as I accept the call.

“Hi Wendy.”

“Mara, happy I got you. I need something for this weekend. My sister went and got engaged! I’m throwing a party and need something spectacular.”

Valentine’s weekend isn’t exactly a lull.

I want to be with Evan and I know Alex and Marc will be busy with work.

Nerves swirl through me. I bite my lip. “Great timing. I’m actually in my studio. What theme are you thinking of? I have to tell you, it’s super short notice, though.”

I talk to Wendy for a few minutes, getting all the details and the size of the pieces she wants, one arch frame, something “magical” and one tabletop sculpture.

“We got our first job, guys,” I tell my friends as Jenny and I stride into the studio.

They let out whoops and cheers and I can’t help but smile so hugely my face hurts. Jenny immediately calls the supplier and Marc and Alex huddle over my iPad as I start sketching out a rough design.

I am lost in my work, wondering about colours, waiting to hear back on what our supplier has, thinking of the flowers that I want, trying to figure out the pieces.

“Something magical, like a unicorn?” Alex says.

“I don’t want to be that literal.” I start thinking of a shooting star design and I'm almost done sketching it out when Evan calls me.

“Are you on your way?” His voice is deep and sexy and it makes my stomach clench.

I check the time and yikes. “Yes.”

He chuckles. “Lost track of time, did you?”

“Maybe,” I admit.

I gather my things and ask Alex to lock up and wave to my team as I stride out the doors.

***

My stomach flutters, walking through the doors of the Hugo Hotel.

The lobby is all dark wood and crystal chandeliers and golden touches.

Evan said he’d meet me in the café - figuring correctly I'd want coffee and we’d go from there. I smile at the barista I recognize and make my way to the counter and stop in my tracks.

I see Evan’s back, his wavy dark hair hits the collar of his shirt and in front of him is a tall thin woman with gorgeous red hair is wearing a mini striped dress.

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