Page 134 of Bridesmaid Undercover
“Deal,” I say.
We turn to Maggie who is smiling brightly. “This makes my planning heart so happy.”
“Mine too,” Haisley says and then glances at the time on her phone. “Okay, I have to bolt, Jude is waiting for me. Thanks for the meeting, ladies, and, Everly, if you need anything for the party, let me know.”
“I will. Thanks,” I say and then we hug before she takes off. Both Maggie and I move back to the conference table and sit back down. “What time is it?” I ask.
“Almost time for our next meeting.”
“Is it weird that I’m nervous?” I ask Maggie.
She shakes her head. “No, because I’m nervous too.”
“Why are you nervous? You’re the one who hired this girl.”
“I know.” Maggie chuckles. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t be nervous. I was nervous when I hired you. I wanted to look put-together, like I knew what I was doing.”
“Well, for the record, on my first day you were very well put-together. I was so intimidated that I went back to my place that night and brainstormed all the ways I could be organized for you and how I could help you improve your process.”
“Ah, so some intimidation is what created the amazing system we have now?”
“Yup,” I say.
She smirks. “Well, then, guess I should lay down the hammer with this new girl, right?”
“I mean, equal parts intimidation and sweet would be best,” I say. “So, make sure she knows that when you ask for a list of all the catering companies in the area that make fresh, soft pretzels, you get it by the end of the day—but then afterward, you will take her to go try one.”
“Yes.” Maggie slowly nods her head. “The perfect combination.”
“Exactly. Now, what’s her name again? Because I think I’ve blacked out.”
Maggie laughs. “Her name is Scarlett Marshal. She went to school at Brentwood University in Chicago, is older than the both of us, but I think she has way more experience, which gives her the upper hand. She’s been working in events within the sports field for a few years and moved here with her husband because he was traded.”
“Traded?” I chuckle. “You make it sound like he’s a playing card.”
“I mean, he probably is on some sort of card. Her husband is Hutton Marshal.”
I feel my brows crease in question. “Why is that name familiar?”
“Because all of San Francisco was roaring in happiness when he was traded to the San Francisco Fog Horns as their new starting wide receiver.”
“Wait.” I grip Maggie’s arm. “Are you saying our new employee’s husband is a professional football player…meaning…?”
“Meaning, we’re opening up the possibilities of growing even more, with the chance to expand with the team and their charitable events.”
“Holy shit, Maggie.”
“I know.” She gives me a giddy smile. “It was one of the reasons I hired her—she comes from that event sector, has great contacts, and is already forging a relationship with the new team. She’s also very smart and has a great personality.”
And this is why Maggie is an amazing businesswoman, because she doesn’t just look at what she needs in the present, but she also looks at what is needed in the future. With the Hoppers’ support, using us for various events within the company, and this new hire bringing in a whole other side of commercial, charitable, and sporting events, Maggie could expand the company into one of the biggest in the Bay Area if she does it right.
“Well, I’m excited to meet her. And also, this is totally unprofessional, but…have you seen Hutton Marshal?”
Maggie glances over my shoulder at the front door and then leans in. “The man is made of steel, and I’ve never stared at a man drinking milk the way I stared at that picture he did for that Got Milk campaign.”
“Yes,” I nearly yell. “The milk picture. Oh my God, so good.”
“And don’t tell Brody that,” she says sternly. “He’ll get a complex, especially since he hasn’t been able to work out lately. He’s very sensitive about his figure at the moment.”
