Page 39 of The Sexy Part
I nod and walk quickly from the room, relieved not to embarrass myself by passing out. I pull my hair up and pull my shirt away from my body with my other hand, trying to cool off.
Once I get to the kitchen, I run my wrists under cold water and use a wet paper towel to pat the back of my neck and my forehead. I pour two glasses of water and guzzle one down. I need to get back. Hailey will think I’m the world’s worst assistant if I can’t even get through a client consultation. It’s only the basis of her entire business.
I return, setting Hailey’s water down for her and slipping into my seat.
Hailey checks in with me with her sharp mom vision. “Thanks.” She turns to Alexis. “What else have you dreamed of for your special day?”
“A big poufy princess gown with a long train, a large wedding party, and at the end we’ll release butterflies in the air.”
Lenny bursts out laughing. “Butterflies. Really? And how much is that going to cost? They’re flying around outside for free already. I say keep it simple and cheap.”
“Would you like to have a cocktail hour before the meal?” Hailey asks, turning the page in the binder.
Lenny grimaces. “I love ya, babe, but I’ve got better things to do. Keep it on budget, or we’re doing this in Vegas like I wanted to in the first place.” He gets up and leaves.
Alexis bursts into tears. My heart lurches. I so feel for her. She’s all in; he’s not. Next thing you know, you’re jilted on your wedding day. Nausea rises in my throat. I look to the ceiling, desperately trying to get myself under control.
Hailey speaks in a soothing tone to Alexis. “Every couple has a bumpy road in the beginning. A wedding can feel very high stakes. I’m here to make it easier for you. Let’s get back to the flowers for outdoors. I personally think the roses on the trellis we have would look amazing in wedding pictures, but there are other options.”
Alexis looks at the binder and then looks at me. “Your assistant looks sick. I hope it’s not contagious.”
I focus on breathing, hoping the nausea will pass.
Hailey turns to me. “Rowan, go ahead to my office and lie down for a bit. I’ll be in to check on you later.”
I get up and leave, wondering what in the world I’m doing here. And why did I sign up for full time?
* * *
Since there’s no sofa in Hailey’s office, I sit in the cushioned office chair and rest my head in my hands, closing my eyes and taking slow, deep breaths. I so don’t want to disappoint Hailey by not being available to help. I have to keep an emotional distance between me and the happy brides who come in here. Hailey’s running a business here.
An hour later, Hailey walks in and shuts the door behind her. “How’re you doing?”
I smile. “Fine. Just needed a breather.”
“Look, Rowan, if you need to sit this next one out—”
“I’m fine. I want to help.”
“I’m not sure if that’s the best idea.”
“I want to keep busy. It’s good for me.”
“Okay, we’ll try again, but if you need another breather, just get up and go. I’ll understand.”
I nod.
The chime rings. She turns toward the door. “They’re early. Ready?”
“Ready.”
I hurry back to the table in the ballroom while Hailey walks to the front door to let them in.
Our next couple is a pair I swear could be brother and sister. Tom and Tara have matching auburn hair, blue eyes, both tall and thin with high cheekbones and full lips. They finish each other’s sentences. It’s so bizarre I’m speechless.
“Whatever you want, pookie-bear,” Tom says.
“Teddy bear, I want what you want,” Tara says.
