Page 144 of Fauxmance

"Well aren't you sassy."

I shrugged.

"I think I like it," Constance said. "You're still coming to tea next week?"

"Of course! As if I'd pass up the chance to chat with you and drink Earl Grey."

She gave me a pleased nod. "Good, then we can talk more about that internship."

I bit my lip. "I've told you already, Constance. It's a wonderful offer, too good to be true really. Anyone interested in wedding planning would kill for the chance to work under you. But…"

"But?" she echoed.

I took a deep breath before continuing. "I don't want special treatment because of Hayden," I said. "I've given it a lot of thought, and I'd like to be interviewed just like anyone else."

She blinked and then began to chuckle.

"Oh, my dear," she said between laughs. "What do you think we've been doing? I've been interviewing you since the moment we met—though granted that was to make sure you'd be right for my grandson."

My mouth opened, but no words escaped.

She laughed some more, seeming truly tickled, before regaining her composure.

"If you insist on a formal interview, Magnolia, that can be arranged," she said.

I nodded, feeling a bit better. "Thank you. I'd appreciate it."

"Done. But between you and me," she said, "you've got it in the bag. I look out for the people I care about."

Constance walked away to talk to someone, and I was still standing there as a familiar hand wrapped around my waist from behind.

"Finally," Hayden said.

As he placed a kiss against my temple, I shivered.

"I missed you."

I'd missed him, too.

"You saw me before the show," I said.

"Too long," he mumbled, turning me around in his arms until we were face to face. "How are you, Maggie?"

"Let's see. My boyfriend and his band just blew the roof off this place, and I'm still trying to recover from the amazingness. You?"

"Never better."

I took in the bright expression on his face, the smile in his eyes, and knew that he was telling the truth.

"You are such a red lobster," I said which made him grin.

"Why, thank you, girlfriend."

"Seriously, what am I supposed to do when you're on tour? Everyone in your orbit is going to feel it, your Hayden-esque loveliness."

"My what?" he said on a laugh.

"You'll have so many fans," I went on. "Rockstars apparently get a lot of girls and guys. They're all going to want a piece of you."

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