Page 57 of Bridesmaid for Hire
“Yes, because they’re good ones to know. Although, Hudson more than Hardy because Hardy is more involved with the farming side of Hopper Industries, whereas Hudson is more involved with the commercial side—meaning hotels.”
“Is this what you’ve been doing for the last twenty-four hours? Research?”
“In fact, yes,” she answers. “I wrote up a three-page information sheet about the Hoppers, but I didn’t want to send it to you because you’re not supposed to be working, but I also want to send it to you so you can understand more about the family and use it to your advantage.”
“Send it. I might need it. We’re headed to afamily fungames thing today. I had a dress fitting yesterday, so we are moving along, but I’m also semi-irritated because Haisley doesn’t really need me for anything. We are a few days from the wedding, and she just keeps saying the resort wedding planner has it covered, so how am I supposed to show her what an asset I am if I’m not provided the opportunity?”
“Do you want me to drum up some drama so you can fix it? I don’t mind making a few phone calls.”
I chuckle. “I like your thinking, but we don’t want to be tied to any wedding drama, even if our name is taken out of it. I just need to capitalize on smaller opportunities. Let’s start thinking of things that I can do to help her out. Maybe send little gifts to her room that a bridesmaid would send. Have a cute robe made for her that saysMrs. Galloway. Maybe some slippers. Let’s get a hanger for her dress that saysMrs. Gallowaytoo. We’ll need them expressed here. And then I don’t know what she’s doing for a bachelorette party, but can you look into the hotel and see what we could possibly do, have a backup plan if nothing is in the works?”
“On it. This is perfect. I have a friend who’s started making beautiful bamboo ring holders. That would be perfect for the theme of the wedding. It’s small but makes for a beautiful picture. I’ll have their names and the wedding date wood-burned into it.”
“That’s so cute. Yes, send that. If you can try to get everything made today and shipped out tomorrow, I’d be grateful. Pull all the strings.”
“Not a problem. I know Francy down at the shop would appreciate the work. I’ll get everything ready and then I’ll send you pictures for approval. Look out for those.”
“Thank you, Everly. You’re the best.”
“I try.”
“By the way, how did the date go the other night?”
She scoffs. “Pathetic. Did you know there isn’t one good man out there?”
“There might be a few, but they’re hard to find.”
“Very hard,” she says. “This guy showed up to our date wearing two different shoes. A red low-top Vans and a New Balance 608, which was his dad’s shoe. When I asked him about his unique choice in footwear, he said it wasn’t for style, but that it was because he was lazy and couldn’t find either pair. So, he just went with what he could find in the shoe basket. Yeah, too lazy to look for a matching set of shoes. I mean…if he’s too lazy to find a shoe, how can I be sure he won’t be too lazy in bed to find all the pleasure points?”
“You can’t.” I shake my head. “Red flag.”
“Exactly.” She sighs. “I might just give up.”
“I think you just need to find someone older than you. Someone with more maturity. Maybe someone in their thirties.”
“Sounds appealing. Maybe someone who has a lot of money in their bank account with piercing blue eyes? You know, now that I think about it, you are hanging out with Hudson and Hardy Hopper. Maybe just flash them my picture and see what they think.”
“Don’t tempt me, you know I will.”
“Gah, you’re right, I take it back. Don’t show them. I don’t want them laughing at the sight of me.”
“Stop it,” I say. “They would never. They’d think,look at that beautiful lady looking for a man who knows how to find matching shoes.”
“Ah yes, every girl’s fairy tale, becoming a woman who demands matching shoes.”
I let out a low laugh. “Better than stank face.”
“Everything is better than stank face…everything.”
“You’re quiet,” Brody says as we walk—stupidly—hand in hand toward the beach where the Hoppers have set up what I can only imagine will be some sort of field day.
“Did you want me talking your ear off?” I ask him.
“Not really, but that’s the magic of our mornings. You talk a lot, I fight with you, and then we each try to pretend we’re not annoyed with each other.”
“Not in the mood,” I say as we near a large tent that’s been set up as well as some games scattered over the beach. Oh boy. I can only imagine what they have planned, especially now that a whiteboard is coming into view as well.
Brody stops the both of us and tugs me to the side, clearing the path for some of the guests coming to join the festivities.
