Page 35 of Center Ice

“I’m going to run to the kitchen to see if the cake is something we want to show the family. I’ll meet you in the lobby in a bit.” I stood from my desk, and she waved as I walked out.

Since the families weren’t able to fly out sooner, I wanted to make them feel like they were included in part of the behind-the-scenes planning, and seeing the cake almost finished might just do the trick. It was an easy way to get them excited.

As I passed through the lobby, Mr. Hernandez stopped walking and stared at me. “Dani.”

I walked over to him, keeping my shoulders back and my head high. I refused to show him how his words had affected me. He was wearing one of his fancy suits that he thought made the resort look more successful. He was an average looking man, with some wrinkles and greying hair, but he carried himself like he ruled the world.

“I heard you had an extra wedding last night.” His jaw tightened. “I assume the bill will be paid in full before the guests check out.”

“Of course,” I confirmed. Wyatt already paid for the officiant’s fees, so there wasn’t anything else to bill.

“I wouldn’t want any of the other employees thinking they can give away free services.”

“Mr. Hernandez, I didn’t––“

“Don’t make me repeat myself. You’re walking on thin ice already.”

With a small shake of his head, he turned and went to the check-in desk. What was that really about? Was there something else I’d done he was stewing over?

I didn’t have time to worry about his mood swings.

When I got to the kitchen, I searched for Robbie and found him at his favorite workstation in a quiet corner away from the main cooking area.

“Hey,” I called out so I didn’t surprise him.

He grinned when he saw me. “Hi, Dani.”

“Is this for tomorrow’s wedding?” The two-tier cake he was working on was perfectly smooth and white.

“Yeah, I was just getting ready to start painting.” He held up a small spray gun that was attached to the airbrush machine.

“Have you made the coral piece yet?”

He put his tools down and led me to the next table. The intricate design was about eight inches long and looked like a crystal version of the real thing. “It’s beautiful!”

“Thanks. I think I’ve finally figured out the best technique to make them with melted sugar and ice.”

I shook my head. “I’m blown away. I can’t wait to see it all together.”

“I was thinking of making it a light gold color. What do you think?” He watched me.

“That would be perfect with the blues.” I grinned. “Would you mind if I brought the families by later to see the progress? They haven’t been a part of the planning at all.”

“For you? I guess I can allow that.” He winked.

“You’re the best. Thank you.”

I really wanted to stay here and hide with him for the rest of the day. Watching him work would be a lot better than walking on eggshells around the office waiting for Mr. Hernandez to snap again.

But there were people waiting for me. I had a job to do, and everything else could wait until that was done. With that, I straightened my shoulders and headed to the lobby.

“Thanks, I’ll see you later.” I patted his back, and he smiled before focusing back on the sugar.

Maggie was already in the lobby with a couple I immediately recognized as Colby’s parents. Her mom looked so much like her, but with golden-brown hair cut in a bob. Her dad had silver hair and laugh lines around his eyes that also reminded me of his daughter.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wells, it’s so nice to meet you.” I walked up and offered my hand.

Mrs. Wells hesitated, looking down at my hand like it offended her. “A pleasure.” She touched the tips of my fingers in the weakest handshake I ever experienced.