Page 5 of Defending A Promise
“Who’s got time to put something like that together?” Hudson looks around the table and none of us respond.
With all of us working at Hooplas on our time off, Hudson and Kane working at the fire station, Reid working as Chief Resident at the hospital, and Jax and I working at the police department – none of us have any time or knowledge to do something like this.
“What about hiring someone to do this?” Reid asks. “We have the funds and if the results of the last event are any indication, Hibiscus Harbor will show up in droves.”
“Hey, we can look into that company that did Ian’s engagement party. That was pretty nice,” Jax suggests.
They all nod in agreement and then Hudson looks at me. “Are you on board?”
“I wasn’t there. Had to work that night, so I have no idea about the party, but if you guys liked it and want to try hiring this out, let’s do it.”
“That’s right. You got stuck working that drug case,” Jax says.
I only nod.
“Okay, then. Let’s do it. I’ll reach out to Ian to find out who they hired. I don’t know of any event planners in Hibiscus Harbor since Sydney left, but maybe they used someone from down south. Either way, I’ll reach out and get their information and we can take it from there.”
“Great. Is the meeting adjourned? I’m still hungry.”
“You should probably get that checked out by a doctor,” Reid says.
“You’re a doctor.”
“I meant a psychiatrist.”
We all laugh as we file out of the conference room and into the bar and restaurant to a packed crowd for a Thursday night.
“Hey, man,” Ian Gallo, our silent partner in Hooplas, slaps me on my shoulder. “I hear you’re handling the security for Mia’s grand opening tomorrow night.”
“Yep. I’ll be there. Everything is all set, but I don’t anticipate any issues,” I tell him as I take a seat at the barstool next to him.
“I know, but I want to make sure that tomorrow is all about Mia and her shops and not me. I’m just the supportive fiancé.”
“Have you thought about being the supportive fiancé from the couch at home? That may be easier than dealing with the press.”
“Funny. If you had someone like Mia, you’d want to be with her around the clock, too.”
“That’s harsh, man. Harsh.”
Ian taps his beer bottle against mine, “Maybe someday, brother. Maybe someday.”
I drink to that, but don’t believe it. Being in my early thirties and still alone – I think the universe has spoken.
Declan Hayes is a solo act.
Chapter 3
Riley
Tonight seems to be a huge success just like Mia’s engagement party was a few weeks ago. I was originally worried when I had to move my business from Atlanta back home to Hibiscus Harbor. That I wouldn’t find clients, but so far that hasn’t been the case. Actually, I’ve been super busy and hopefully tonight will allow for some of these fancy people attending the grand opening to see that I can handle just about any of their party and event needs. Plus, Mia promises to encourage brides looking for a wedding planner to use me.
“Riley, I cannot thank you enough. This is fantastic.” Mia, my client and kickball teammate, pulls me into a hug while I stand in the back corner of Magical Moments making sure everything is going smoothly. An event planner should never be visible unless they are needed.
“Mia, I cannot thank you enough for hiring me to do this. It’s been so fun working with you the last few weeks. You’ve been one of the easiest clients I’ve ever worked with,” I laugh as I hug her back.
“What’s all the hugging about? Can I get in on it?” Ian, her new fiancé, asks as he approaches us.
“I was just telling Riley how grateful I am for her.” Mia says as she takes Ian’s hand. These two are so damn cute together. I never thought anyone could be that adorable until I met these two.
