Page 100 of Bridesmaid Undercover
Did I scour San Francisco for a pink suit that would fit me? Of course I did.
And I’ll be honest, I never really thought an ankle pant would look good on me, but here I am, looking stylish as fuck. Very well might change up the suit pants to these. I have nice fucking ankles.
I spin in place and then flash open the sides of my jacket like Michael Jackson. “I did, and I look amazing.”
Everly laughs and nods. “You do.”
“Glad you can admit it,” I say as I take in the venue space that has been completely transformed. Once a blank space with white walls, it’s now decked out in rented plants ranging in size, pom-pom garlands, and bamboo backdrops. To the right, just as you walk in is a white bar with two kissing flamingos on top of thecounter and a placard listing drinks propped up against it, one being a signature cocktail for the bride and groom.
The courtyard in the back has been transformed with a combination of couches, chairs, high-tops, and tables, all mixed in together to create a more lounge feel than a banquet. Pinned along the courtyard’s brick walls are the endless number of string pom-poms I worked on the night before, way more than what I was able to finish, paper fans in a range of khaki colors, and more rented plants.
The venue looks nothing like it did the other day and everything like a jungle that came to life overnight. The only thing missing is actual real flamingos.
Consider me impressed. Very, very impressed.
“Wow, Plum. You did all of this?”
“With help, of course,” she says, her hands clutched in front of her as she takes in her brilliant work.
I glance at her. “You’re not even breaking a sweat.”
“Well, I worked on it this morning and then changed after. Can’t be hauling around centerpieces in a dress.”
“Well, it looks amazing in here,” I say. “I thought you were going to need my help.”
“I know, but then I took charge, and once I got going, I just wanted to finish. I do have some things in the back, like favors that need to be put together, but that shouldn’t take too long.”
“Show me the way,” I say.
“Maple is already back there helping,” Everly says as a caution.
“She is?” I ask. “Did she help you decorate?”
“No,” Everly says with a shake of her head. “She just got here, and I put her to work.” She leans in close, the smell of her sweet perfume floating between us. “In case you were worried that you looked like a slouch arriving after her.”
“I wasn’t thinking slouch, more like dick in the pink suit.”
“And here I thought you liked your suit.”
“I do,” I say as we head toward the back. “But not when it seems like I show up late and everyone else is putting in the work.”
“Good thing you showed up right on time then,” Everly says as we cross over into the courtyard.
I pause at the doorway and take in the decorated space. It’s incredible.
The brick walls are covered in vines that extend all the way up the sides of the buildings, giving the space the appearance that we’re in the middle of the jungle. The white couches and tabletops brighten up the darker space while the garland, pom-poms, and table runners add to the theme but don’t overtake it either. It’s truly an impressive combination of a themed party while working within the elements provided.
“This looks phenomenal,” I say to Everly. “I mean, truly incredible.”
“Thank you,” she says, a light blush creeping up on her cheeks. “I’m very happy with how it turned out.”
“So am I,” Maple says from where she’s seated at a table, stuffing some bags. “I’m so grateful for you.”
“Just doing my job,” Everly says and then brings her hands together. “I’m going to check on the catering and make sure the bar is set and ready to go. Maple, think you can show Hardy what to do with the favors?”
“Of course,” Maple says.
Everly presses her hand to my shoulder, winks, and then walks away.
