Page 14 of Bridesmaid for Hire
“They’re regular people,” I say. But this feels anything but regular.
I’d do pretty much anything at this point to get on Reginald’s good side. Forming a partnership with him would be life-changing for me. Itwould skyrocket my business, I’d be able to hire more people, and create a name for Magical Moments by Maggie. I could start a business that runs from coast to coast…the possibilities are endless.
“Why are you quiet right now?” Everly asks.
“Just thinking,” I say.
“Maggie, seriously, don’t go out of your way to do anything. Remember…you need to relax.”
“I know and I will. Don’t worry about me,” I say just as Makani positions an older couple two lounges over from me. I would guess mid-forties, but they still have that young glow about them. The lady is wearing a one-piece bathing suit with cutouts on the side, and the man, who I’m assuming is her husband, given the rings on their fingers, is in a lime green pair of booty shorts. Daring, but I like it. I offer them a friendly smile.
“Iamworried,” Everly says. “Remember, the reason you’re on vacation is because you’ve been far too stressed, and you need a breather. Relax and Speedo. Relax and Speedo. Repeat that to yourself over and over again.”
“Yes, I know,” I say with a heavy sigh. This is what happens when you hire a proficient assistant, she cares about your well-being. But…we’re talking Reginald Hopper here. Soooo…what Everly doesn’t know, won’t hurt her, right? “I’m already relaxing with a plate of fruit. Vacation mode has been activated.”
“Her dad won’t let it happen,” I hear the wife next to me say, almost loud enough for the entire pool to be involved in the conversation. “He likes everything even, everything to look right. They’re going to have to find someone to fill in.”
“The circumstances are different though,” the husband says. “This is a wedding.”
“Hello, you there?” Everly asks.
I don’t reply as I lean in closer to the couple, eavesdropping.
“But it’s aHopperwedding. There are standards. Honestly, I feel bad for H. Not having your best friend at your wedding sucks. I guess we’ll find out at the welcome party tonight what they’re going to do.”
“What time is that again?” the husband asks.
“Six at the Lanai Bar.”
“Maggie?”
“Hold on,” I mutter.
“Do I have to dress up?” the guy asks. Such a guy question. I’m not even part of the event and I can smell the fanciness from here.Of course you’re going to have to dress up, man.
“This entire week is going to require you to dress up, and that’s why I packed for you.” Yup, the woman holding up the man like always.
“What’s going on, Maggie?”
Turning away from the couple, I say, “I think I just found out my way in.”
“Your way into what?” Everly asks.
I smile. “Into Reginald Hopper’s good graces.”
CHAPTER THREE
BRODY
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST IS ITHUMID HERE.
I stare at the white linen suit I purchased as one of several outfits for the weekend. Jaleesa took me shopping once I agreed to go to the wedding as her representative. I’m still not sure why they want someone from work there when it’s a close family event, but Jaleesa reassured me they like to create a unified closeness. They’re determined to show employees that they aren’t a bunch of harsh nobility up ensconced in their penthouses and looking to fuck with everyone’s lives.
Still feels weird, but whatever.
I’m here after an eleven-hour flight from San Francisco, followed by a boat ride, where I threw up into the azure blue water. I found out something about myself today—boat rides make me extremely nauseated. Like keeled over the side, hanging on to the boat for dear life as I said goodbye to the two protein bars, bag of pretzels, and mandarin orange I scarfed down on the plane.
And then after dropping my bag off at the bellhop, I just so happened to run into freaking Maggie Mitchell.
