Page 200 of Bridesmaid for Hire
I didn’t think much about this meeting because frankly, I’m not sure what I’m going to do about the whole Haisley situation. This is just something to check off the list before I go back to agonizing over my decision.
“They said they’d meet us over by the planter in the back,” Everly says. “You go first since you’re the face of this operation.” She pushes me forward and I adjust my blouse before leading the way.
“When we get there, take their order and grab us all drinks,” I say over my shoulder.
“Of course.”
We move past the barista station, to the right, through an archway, turn right—I come to a dead halt. Everly bumps into my back with anooof.
“What’s going on?” she asks.
I feel my nerves spike. Jude, Hudson, and Hardy are all sitting at a table near the planter.
“Uh…did they mention a name?” I ask.
“What?” Everly asks, confused, just as all three men stand from the table. “Holy mother of God,” Everly whispers to me. “Is that…are those…?”
“Yup,” I say.
“Muscles,” she whispers. I can practically see the drool hanging out of her mouth.
“Pull it together,” I whisper back as Hudson steps up to us.
“Maggie, it’s good to see you.” His smile reads friendly, but this feels anything but friendly. It feels like I’m about to be ambushed.
But because I’m a professional, I say, “It’s so good to see you, Hudson, how was your trip back?”
“Eventful,” he says and then gestures to the table. “We’re your three o’clock. Why don’t you have a seat?”
“Oh, uh…sure.”
“Hi, I’m Everly,” Everly says, practically shoving me out of the way. “I’m Maggie’s assistant. She has said nothing but amazing things about you.”
“Well, the feeling is mutual,” Hudson says.
And then Everly races by me and walks straight up to Hardy. “You must be Hardy, I’m Everly. Can I just say, the almond commercials you do are so freaking funny.”
“Oh, you’ve seen those?” Hardy asks.
“Yes, every single one of them. They’re amazing.”
“Thanks.” Hardy smiles brightly at the fangirl before him. “Hear that, Hud, she likes the commercials.”
“That makes one person,” Hudson mutters as we join them at the table. To my horror, Everly takes Hudson’s chair, so she’s seated between the two of them. I’ve never seen the girl beam with so much excitement. Like a kid in a candy store, but instead of licking lollipops, she’s gearing up to lick chests…or I guess, human lollipops, if we want to be crude about it.
“And you must be Jude,” Everly says, holding out her hand. “I’m Everly. Congrats on your recent nuptials. Maggie told me all about it and I can only imagine how dreamy it was.”
Jude shakes her hand. “Thank you. Easily the best day of my life. No contest.”
And that is why Jude is so “dreamy.”
Everly places her hand on her chest in awe. “That is so sweet.” She glances around the table and realizes that no one has coffee. “Oh my goodness, what can I get everyone to drink?” She pulls out her phone and opens her notes app.
“Oh, we’re good,” Hardy says. “You don’t need to get us anything.”
“Are you sure?” I ask. I’ve realized by now this is probably not a wedding or event job, but I still want to offer. I’m truly confused. I’d thought Hudson and Hardy were nothing like their dad, but they do have that same charisma. Charm for days, perhaps ready to devour you just liketheir dad does. I read them so wrong.Jude’s presence is throwing me. Surely he cannot be in on this takeover.Surely, I didn’t misjudge him as well. Then again, I didn’t read Brody. My radar is way off.
“We’re sure,” Hudson says as his eyes connect with mine. “Can I assume that I’m free to talk in front of Everly?”
