Page 101 of Fauxmance

Sarcasm was thick in her voice as she added, "Oh well, that's not strange at all."

"You're actually going to have tea with the #1 wedding planner in the south after school?" Amanda said.

"Yep," I said.

"What aboutThe Little Spoon?"

"That's what I was trying to tell her," I replied. "I may have to cut our tea short, but I'm still going to try and do both."

Ruby whistled under her breath. "Good luck with that. I'm thinking Connie may not be used to having to compromise."

"Hayden's offer did sound kind of ominous," Amanda added.

"Guys," I laughed, "it's tea with his grandmother. I'll be fine."

They didn't look convinced, and to be honest, neither was I.

This would be my first one-on-one sit-down with Constance Davenport. And it would be just the two of us. It was a good thing I'd taken all of those etiquette lessons, or I'd be even more nervous.

Tea with the queen of wedding planning.

How was this my life?

CHAPTER 19

Constance Davenport's residence looked like something out of a magazine. Pictures of it could probably be found listed inGeorgia Homes You Have To See To Believe. There was a large, well-kept lawn with flourishing plants everywhere. Whoever her gardener was, they were very talented. Colorful flowers were offset by green bushes and topiaries that lined the long stone path leading to the porch. I walked up the steps carefully, stopping at the door. There was a bronze knocker, but just as I was reaching for it, the door opened.

"Magnolia Mills?" the butler said.

"Yes, that's me," I said back.

"Mrs. Davenport is waiting for you in the sitting room. Please follow me."

He closed the door after I entered, and my eyes immediately took in the surroundings. It was…big. That was my first impression. The place also felt more like a museum than a house, but what did I know?

As I followed her butler to the sitting room, my eyes went straight to Constance. She'd worn a flowy skirt and matching silk shirt for tea. As she rose from her chair with an elegance that couldn't be taught, I looked down at myself and bit my lip. I'd picked out my nicest blouse and favorite dark-wash jeans in preparation for today. And yet, I felt underdressed.

"Magnolia, I'm glad you came," she said.

"Thank you for inviting me." I looked around the room. There was more warmth here than in the entrance. Natural light filtered in through large windows, making it feel bright and welcoming. "You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Davenport."

"The very best money can buy." She nodded to her butler. "Thank you for showing her in, Auggie."

"You're welcome, Ma'am," he said. "Do you need anything?"

"No, we're all set."

He gave us a slight bow and then left the room.

"Sit, sit," she said to me, and we both settled into chairs around a small round table. "There. Now, we can chat and have a nice tea. Do you have a favorite?"

"Earl Grey, but whatever you have will be fine."

"That's mine as well."

"Hmm."

"But perhaps you already knew that."

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