Page 38 of The Sexy Part
Hailey returns with the champagne, a towel to open it cleanly, and a plastic corsage box. I remember she was careful not to spill a drop when she opened the champagne for us.
“Hailey, I haven’t received the final invoice from you yet for my wedding, but I was wondering if I could pay it down with every paycheck? You wouldn’t have to pay me until my debt was cleared.”
She smiles kindly. “We’ll work something out.”
“Okay.” I’m not sure what that means.
She checks the time, pinches her cheeks, and rises gracefully from her chair. “I’ll be up front to greet them. You stay here and prepare yourself mentally. Whatever the bride wants, she gets.”
I nod.
She walks briskly to the front of Ludbury House. A few moments later, a chime rings out. I can hear voices, but not what they’re saying.
Hailey appears, all bright smiles, and gestures the bride-to-be, Alexis, and her fiancé, Lenny, in. I’m not one to make snap judgments, but if I were, I’d say this bride is thrilled to plan her wedding, and he just went along to please her. He looks uncomfortable.
“Have a seat,” Hailey says, gesturing to the two chairs across from me. “Alexis, Lenny, this is my assistant, Rowan.”
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I say.
They barely acknowledge me with a slight nod.
Hailey smiles brightly. “I’m so glad to meet you both in person after our emails and call. This is for you, Alexis.” She hands her a small pink rose corsage.
“Thank you. How darling!” Alexis pins the corsage to her blouse.
“I’m on my lunch break, so let’s move this along,” Lenny says.
“Of course,” Hailey says smoothly. “Rowan, get them started on the cake selection. That always helps lend itself to theme. Champagne, anyone?”
“Sure,” Alexis says.
Lenny nods.
I open the binder to the cake section and turn it toward them. Hailey pops the champagne and pours, setting the glasses in front of the happy couple.
Alexis pushes the binder away. “I already know exactly what I want. An outdoor ceremony and reception here in June.”
Hailey makes notes on a small notepad. “We’ve done many of those. A beautiful option.”
Alexis continues enthusiastically, “Ludbury House will be my second ceremony. I’m also having a ceremony for my family at the Episcopalian church in my hometown of Greenport. I want a horse-drawn carriage to take me from the church ceremony to the—”
Lenny rolls his eyes. “I told you that’s not practical. Greenport is too far from Clover Park.”
“That’s what I want.”
“That’s quite a long ride,” Hailey says diplomatically. “It would likely take more than an hour by horse and carriage.”
My mind checks out while they argue. I had romantic ideas when I planned my wedding too. I was so excited. Baby’s breath with pink roses, silk streamers, a gown out of a fairy tale. All for nothing. Love is an illusion. My throat closes with emotion, and I look away, hoping no one notices the tears stinging my eyes.
Alexis frowns and waves her hand in front of my face. “Hell-oo! Could you do your job and show me the flower options? Geez, I thought this place was supposed to be all about the happy couple.”
I blink a few times. “Sorry. I, uh…” I look down at the binder, and it swims before my eyes.
Hailey jumps in and turns to the flower section of the binder. “June is a wonderful time for flowers. We can get anything you want.”
They launch into a discussion of flower arrangements while I try to focus. The reminder of my own wedding planning is too fresh. Sweat dots my upper lip. I’m suddenly unbearably hot, a ringing sounding in my ears. Oh shit, am I going to pass out? I need to get out of here, but I can’t let Hailey down.
Hailey’s hand lands on my arm. “Could you bring me a glass of water? Get yourself one too.”
