Page 7 of Bridesmaid By Chance
“Taking notes,” I say, holding up my pen and notebook.
“Can I get a copy of those when you’re done?” she jokes.
I offer a wink. “Of course.”
“Is that Sheridan?” Everly says as she walks out into the main space of the store.
Everly is Hardy’s girlfriend, and she’s so freaking gorgeous. Long, black hair that’s always tied up in a tight bun when she’s at work, the prettiest bone structure I’ve ever seen, and extremely luscious lips. Plus, the girl knows how to organize better than anyone I’ve ever met. She’sactually helped me out on a few occasions, giving me tips and tricks on how to keep Hudson organized. She’s been a real help.
“Oh, hey,” Everly says, spotting us. “Sorry, I thought you were Sheridan.”
“Sheridan who?” Hudson says, growing stiff next to me.
“Sheridan Soon-to-Be-Wimbach,” Everly says. “Do you know her?”
Wait, isn’t that Archie’s fiancée?
“Yes, I have a meeting with her fiancé after this about a possible merger. Why are you meeting with her?”
“She had some questions,” Everly answers. “I told her we were pretty booked up, though, and I wasn’t sure if we would be able to help.”
Hudson is about to respond when the door opens behind us and a woman with bright-red hair and a face full of cute freckles steps in.
“Hudson?” she says as a gentleman steps in behind her. “What are you doing here?”
“I have a meeting with Maggie.” He shakes both of their hands. “Looks like we had the same idea, a meeting before a meeting.”
It’s so fascinating to me, watching Hudson turn it on when he’s around potential business partners. He morphs into a completely different person. He’s animated, smooth, and funny. He listens intently to the person talking to him, making direct eye contact. He’s invested and charming.
I like this side of him even more, even though I don’t mind the grump either. Because let’s face it, the grump is sexy too.
Archie—a very tall man with dark-framed glasses, fluffy blond hair, and lanky limbs—takes Hudson by the hand. “Always being efficient. You know, I read that you’ve had a hand in creating Magical Moments by Maggie; that’s why we’re here actually.” Ooof, what a rich English accent. Yummy.
Hudson shakes his head. “I didn’t create anything. Maggie is the mastermind behind the business. I just saw how brilliant she wasand invested. She has taken the reins and created something truly special.”
I catch the smile that passes over Maggie’s lips, because who doesn’t like a compliment like that? I know I would.
“Well, we are impressed,” Archie says.
“And in desperate need of help,” Sheridan adds.
“Why don’t we all take a seat at the conference table,” Maggie says. “And we can discuss. Unless you don’t want to discuss in front of Hudson.”
“No, I think it might be good to have all hands on deck,” Sheridan says as we move toward the conference table.
“Let me grab everyone drinks,” I say as I set my notebook down. “Is water good?”
“We also have some sparkling waters and juice,” Maggie adds.
“Water is good,” Sheridan and Archie answer.
Because I’ve been here before, I make my way to the kitchen and help myself to the fridge, where I pull out a few waters in aluminum cans and set them down on a tray. I then find a basket of snacks that I figure the ladies bring out for guests, so I set that on the tray as well and add some napkins. Then, for good measure, I pick up a milk glass bud vase with a pink flower sticking out of it and put it on the tray as well.
Satisfied, I make my way toward the conference table, where Sheridan’s explaining her wedding.
“So yeah, she just called to say that she broke her leg and can’t be part of the wedding. And of course, I don’t have anyone to fill in.”
I set the tray down and pass out waters. I finish by setting one down in front of Hudson, who whispers a thank you, before I take a seat next to him and open up my notebook to take notes.
