Page 133 of Bridesmaid Undercover
“And that doesn’t tell you something?” Maple shakes her head and then stands. “You’re a smart man, Hardy. I know you’re going to figure this out. But you’re the one who has to come to the conclusion of what you want—no one else.”
I stand as well, feeling unsettled.
I tug on my neck. “So I’m guessing me asking you out is a no?” I smile, to let her know I’m joking.
She pats my chest. “That would be a big no, but thank you for thinking of me.”
I sigh. “I’m sorry, Maple.”
“Don’t be sorry?—”
“No, I’m sorry for the past, how things ended. I need you to know it wasn’t you, and it had everything to do with my dad…with me.”
“I know,” she says quietly. “It wasn’t meant to be, and I’m seeing that. But I will say this. If we’d stayed together, I doubt I would have gone to Peru, and that was an experience I would have been so disappointed to have missed. So, it all worked out in the long run. Maybe you needed me coming back to San Francisco to make you realize you’re ready to commit. If Everly is that person, then I truly hope it works out. From what I saw the other night, you two could very well be perfect for each other.” She winks and then takes off, leaving me in the Leaping Lemur Café with so many questions.
So many thoughts.
And all of them are focused on one person…Everly.
Chapter Eighteen
EVERLY
“I am so beyond impressed,” Haisley says as she takes in the storefront. “This is incredible.”
“Thank you,” Maggie says. “Jude did such an amazing job on the renovation, and we are so grateful for him.”
Haisley smiles at the mention of her husband’s name. “He’s pretty amazing, isn’t he?”
God, look at the adoration in her expression. To love someone that much, I wonder what that’s like.
“He is,” Maggie says. “We’re grateful for him and your brothers. They have truly helped elevate the business.”
“You elevated it,” Haisley says. “They were just there holding the ladder for you.” She winks and then turns toward me. “So, are we good for the bach party?”
I nod. “Yes, we’re all set. I stopped by the place earlier today and ran through details with the rental company. They were able to set up the clear cover for the pool, which they said we could easily offer as a rental anytime a party might need it. I’ve cleared noise ordinances, so as long as everything is wrapped up byeleven—since it’s a weekend—we should be good. Catering is all set, and I was able to speak to them about future engagements. I told them if this goes well then we’ll consider a partnership with them. They also said they provide private chefs for weekends, so that could be part of the Bridesmaid for Hire package we offer. And the space truly is special, Haisley—I’m so excited.”
She smiles brightly. “Thank you. And yes, I’d love to team up with a caterer, but this trial run is exactly what we need. Working out all the kinks with Hardy’s friend is the perfect way to do it. I’m glad you thought of this.”
“Me too. And once we nail down the details, figure out what worked and what didn’t work, then moving forward we can talk packages and other options. Then we can move onto promotions and opening it up to the public, possibly lease the new house…”
“Such a good idea,” Haisley says. “And the new house will be done in a month or so, at least that’s what Jude told me last night. He really wanted to make sure your storefront and some of the pop-up shops were complete first before bringing his entire crew into my house. But now that we are going to be all hands on deck, we should be ready soon.”
“And what’s the theme of this new one?” Maggie asks. “You haven’t revealed it yet.”
Haisley smiles. “Well, I was going back and forth for a bit but settled on what I think will probably be the best and most sought-after theme…Barbie.”
I gasp and grip her hand. “Oh my God, Haisley.”
She smiles brightly. “I know. I’m really excited about this one. Picking out all of the décor and furnishings has been a lot of fun.”
“My mind is going a mile a minute,” I say. “Think of all the fun bachelorette party weekends we can throw. I’m thinking some sort of life-size Barbie box girls can stand in and take pictures in the backyard, white sunglasses, Barbie shoes dividedby color in jars, maybe a try-on closet, and pool parties with giant flamingo blowups.”
Haisley’s eyes light up. “Oh my gosh, yes. And pink towels with their names.”
“So cute. Ugh, I love it. It will be perfect. I can’t wait to see the space.”
“You will be the first to see it when it’s done, and then we can start putting together packages.”
