Page 20 of You Fall First
“Everybody quiet!” Lewis insists. “Food is very important.”
“Agreed, Dad,” Landry says. “And this news is good, so you’re going to want to hear.”
“I’m all ears.”
“According to the event director at Botanical Gardens, their usual caterers at the venue have been getting some pretty mixed reviews on their wedding banquets.”
Maggie cringes. “Why is that good news?”
“Because the Gardens contracted with a new company that’s apparently amazing. And since this is a last-minute switch, they offered us a steep discount on an equivalent menu.”
“I like the sound of a steep discount,” Lewis beams.
“I thought you would,” Landry says.
“Who are these amazing new caterers?” Kendal asks.
“It’s a company called The Gilded Dish.”
Jo’s fork crashes on her plate again.
Everyone turns to stare at her.
“Are you okay, Jojo?” Maggie asks. “Do you need some sun tea?”
“No, thank you,” she chokes, shaking her head.
Lewis frowns. “What’s wrong?”
“The Gilded Dish,” she manages.
“The new caterers?” He shrugs. “What about them?”
“That’s—” Her voice catches. “That’s … Oliver’s company.”
There are simultaneous gasps around the table.
Landry’s face falls. “Oh, no, Jo. Seriously?” She glances at Brock, at her parents, at Kendal. Me.
Jo nods, swallows, blinks. “Seriously.”
“Well, your venue can’t just change caterers on you like that without permission,” Kendal insists. “Tell them you’d rather use the original company.”
Maggie pulls a face. “The one with the bad reviews?”
“The one that costs more?” Lewis grunts.
“I’m so sorry, Jo,” Landry groans. “I don’t think we can make any changes at this point. The wedding’s literally next weekend.”
Jo waves her hands. “No, no, of course not. And you shouldn’t have to pay more for worse food.”
I blow out a breath. “Who is Oliver?”
“Jo’s ex,” Dex says in a low growl.
“If there were any other solution …” Landry fumbles with her napkin. “I feel terrible, though.”
“We don’t have to … let’s not … please, can we …” Jo stammers. “I’ll be fine.”
