Page 31 of The Jellybean Dilemma

“Thank you so much.” I waited as she disappeared into the back, though it was an effort not to drum my fingers on the counter.

Greg stood to the side. It was clear he was with me, but not close enough that anyone would direct their questions to him.

A gorgeous lady with rich, dark skin and sharp eyes strode from the back, her heels echoing off the tile. “Ms. Elgin, my name is Simone. What can I help you with today?”

I explained our dilemma with the storm and the wedding. I assured her that price was not an object, and I’d be happy to upgrade rooms if necessary, even paying in advance.

“No trouble at all, Ms. Elgin. In fact, we’ve had several cancellations due to the weather, so you’re doing us a favor. I’ll see to it personally all the guests under your reservation get upgraded and have a later check out. If any of them need an extra night, please tell them to let us know right away. And to see me if they have any questions or concerns.”

I smiled gratefully. “Oh, thank you so much, Simone. That is more than generous. It’s nice working with an understanding and capable woman like yourself.”

She stood taller under my praise. “I hope you will consider us for your future stays, Miss Elgin.”

“Greg,” I said, glancing at him for confirmation. “The wedding itself is here as well, right?”

He nodded.

Once more I faced Simone, leaning in. “I know it’s New Year’s Eve, but I do hope you’re working the event?”

“Oh!” Simone’s hand went to her chest, a broad grin on her face. “Yes, I am. I’ve been working with our event coordinator, Desiree, to make sure everything is in order. And Erin. I was expecting to see her today.”

“Sadly, Erin is stuck in Minneapolis for the time being, so I’m helping out. This is Greg, the bride’s brother, and I’m his girlfriend.” It took a lot to get the g word out smoothly, but I managed. Though Greg’s lips twitched with amusement, and all I wanted to do was jab an elbow in his side.

But that would ruin my image, so I refrained.

“Here’s my card.” I dug two out. “One for you, and one for Desiree. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything between now and the wedding.” We shook hands, and I left, excited to check another box off my list.

Greg and I climbed back into the freezing car, wishing I had some sort of protection between my bare legs and the icy leather seats. As soon as Greg started the engine, I pressed the button for the heated seats, grateful when the warmth began seeping through.

“Do you always get what you want?”

My head snapped toward him, not quite sure how to take his question. Because obviously I didn’t always get what I wanted—one exception sat next to me.

“In a business deal like that,” he clarified. “I saw the change in you, the way you walked up to the front desk. It was like you already knew you’d won.”

Oh, that old trick. “That’s just a tool of the trade,” I said, waving him off. “I’ve been doing this for a while. Long enough that I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Confidence is key. You also need to know what you want and what you’ll settle for. Always have a bottom line. Start by being kind.”

He stared at me for a long moment, curiosity and admiration in his assessing gaze. “You amaze me, Rhonda. I’m so glad you came on this trip with me.”

Warmth spread through me as we pulled out of the parking lot. I was glad Greg had brought me on this trip, too. This new shift in our relationship was exciting but he was still my friend. Still the one I could depend on. It was like having a new accessory with an already perfect outfit.

My mind drifted back, wondering what would have happened if the night of the gala had gone differently. If the last two years would have brought us closer together. The memory of popped into my mind, me in the back of the limo, how I’d locked eyes with Greg and—

“Penny for your thoughts?”

My cheeks gave me away almost instantly, and I ducked my head.

Greg chuckled, low and deep. “I’d say those thoughts are worth more than a penny.”

Yeah, that night cost me two years without my friend and chauffeur. Not to mention I wasted my time on that asshole Kevin. I rubbed a couple of fingers against my temple, but I couldn’t think of how to respond. So I opted not to say anything.

He cleared his throat, taking the hint. “What’s next on the list?”

Back in safe territory, thank goodness. I pulled out my phone, finding my text from Erin. “Okay, cake—check. Hotel—check. Plus, an extra check for meeting staff and getting my card to their event coordinator.” I shot him a self-satisfied grin before I continued.

“Decorations and goodie bags are the next stop. That’s for the shower, bachelorette party and wedding.” Most of the decorations for the wedding were at Greg’s parents’ house, but this order contained a few last-minute things. “Then we have to swing by Raymond’s since they’re catering the shower, rehearsal dinner and the wedding.”

He flipped on his turn signal and nodded. “Good. We can grab lunch too. I’m starving.”

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