Page 71 of The Wedding Toast
“Not yet.Not properly, anyway.We’ve had a little chat, and I’ll admit that I’m rather taken with her, too.”
That made Ollie smile, and Alexandria surprised him by slapping his arm.
“What was that for?”
“Just in case you were judging me by my old standard.I wouldn’t have dismissed her just because she’s from a different background.”
“No, I know that.I just wondered… what do you like about her?”
She glanced over at Callie again.“She strikes me as a very intelligent, down-to-earth, and talented young lady.”
Ollie nodded.
“And of course, she’s rather beautiful as well,” she added.
Ollie shot her a sideways glance, and she lifted a shoulder.“Are her looks the only thing that drew your attention?”
He shook his head rapidly.Of course, when he’d first laid eyes on her at the airport, there’d been an instant attraction.Alexandria was right, she was beautiful – but not in the sense he normally went for.
“How long is she here for?”
“We haven’t decided yet.I’m flying her home in my Cirrus.But Trick and I are ferrying people back to the airport on Sunday and Monday.”
“So, are you hoping Callie might wait around until Tuesday?”
“I’d like to think she might, but she suggested I could take her first thing Sunday morning.”
Alexandria glanced over at her again.“That would never do – the bridesmaid should be here for the brunch the morning after.Perhaps I should ask if she’ll have the time to show me her work before she leaves.Alyssa has one of the mugs she made – Becca gifted it to her.It’s exquisite.I’d love to buy some.”
Ollie made a face.“From the way she tells it, all you need to do is go online to her Etsy store.”
He tried not to laugh at the horrified expression on Alexandria’s face.
“Then perhaps you should offer her some guidance,” she suggested.
He shrugged.“I would if I knew the first thing about ceramics or that kind of business.”
She gave him a stern look.“Think, Oliver.What she’ll need help with is branding.And before she can get that, she’ll need to understand her own worth and the worth of her work.I have the distinct impression you’d be able to help her with that.”
That made him smile.“It’s not often you’re wrong, but you’re right once more.”
She laughed.“Why, thank you.And look – here comes Reaves.”
Ollie had to laugh as she snagged Reaves’s arm as he walked by.
“Alexandria.”Reaves greeted her with a kiss to the cheek.
She made a face at Ollie.“Will you boys never learn?It’s Ria, please.”
He laughed.“You’re asking us to overcome a lifetime of training.You know it doesn’t happen that quickly.”
She huffed.“And I thought the two of you were such intelligent boys.”
Reaves laughed.“We are, Ria – I promise.How are you?”
“I’m wonderful, thank you.And you?”
“All’s well in my world.”
