Page 28 of Some Kinda Romance

“Even the best laid plans fail, honey.”

I groaned. “Okay, I’m done talking about this. You can’t be putting that kind of thing out into the universe. It’s downright irresponsible.”

She cocked her head as she smiled innocently. “You don’t believe that things happen simply because someone has put them out into the universe. What makes this different?”

“Simply covering all my bases,” I responded easily, changing the subject to talk about my brothers for the rest of the way to Serenity’s offices.

Since we couldn’t find parking nearby, I drove right up to the door and handed my keys over to the valet before taking my mother’s arm. As we climbed into the elevator, I glanced at her. “Behave yourself once we get in there. No talking about the rumors or your hopes that they’re not, in fact, rumors.”

She rolled her eyes at me. “I’m not five, darling. Also, this is my wedding planner we’re talking about. Which is what we’re here for, planning my wedding. Think about someone else for a change, would you?”

A bark of laughter escaped me and she winked, composing herself just as the doors slid open in front of us. God, I love this woman.

My mother was one of the only people I could banter with that way. One of the only people who understood me inside and out and could make me laugh no matter how bad a mood I was in. If that meant I really was a mama’s boy, I was one hundred percent okay with it.

Especially because I knew her just as well in return, and she rarely showed certain parts of herself to anyone else. A put-together lady in public but a fun-loving, laughter-filled mother to five boys in private. If she’d survived raising us, there was nothing she couldn’t do and still have a smile on her face at the end of the day.

When we walked into Serenity’s office, however, I immediately knew something was wrong. She barely looked at me, acting like nothing had ever happened between us—let alone that we’d nearly torn each other’s clothes off right here in this very office just a couple nights ago.

Instead, she seemed nervous right off the bat, her eyes a little too bright and her hands clasped too tightly in front of her. Once we were seated, she came right out with it. “I have some bad news.”

Mom blinked at her. “What is it?”

“There’s a problem with the band I mentioned to you last time. As we discussed, I sent an availability request, but they’ve since scheduled another show for the day of your wedding. We just didn’t get to them in time. I’m so sorry.”

Annoyance rose from deep within my soul. “How did this happen? An availability request isn’t the same as a booking. Surely, you should know that. If one wants a band for a specific date, you book them and you pay the same day. Done and dusted. It’s not that hard.”

She lifted her chin, those blue eyes filled with genuine remorse, but remorse wouldn’t get my mother the band she wanted. “I wasn’t aware that they had another show that day. We’ve barely discussed this, which is why I simply sent an inquiry about their availability rather than booking and paying for a band we hadn’t decided upon just yet. I am, however, extremely sorry about the oversight. I should’ve kept a closer eye on their calendar, but I’ve compiled a list of multiple other bands to pick from.”

I opened my mouth to let her know what a fucking rookie mistake she’d made and just how unacceptable that kind of slip-up was with a wedding like this, but my mom beat me to it. Smiling at Serenity, she gave her head a slight shake.

“It’s not a problem at all, my dear. We didn’t have our hearts set on that band and you’re right. We really hadn’t made the decision yet. I’m sure we’ll find another fantastic band on your list and we’ll simply book them instead. You’re doing a great job, sweetheart. Don’t worry about this.”

Serenity’s chest rose and fell on a deep breath, and a relieved, thankful smile spread across her lips. “Thank you for understanding. Shall we look over the list, then?”

“Let’s,” Mom agreed.

Serenity passed us each a piece of paper, then played different video clips for us on her laptop. Once Mom had decided on a couple options for bands she quite liked, we settled a few more things before the meeting came to an end.

All the while, I stewed silently once again about having someone so green planning this day. This might’ve been the first oversight, but it wouldn’t be the last.

When Mom got up to leave, I turned to look at her. “Could we have a minute?”

“Of course, honey. I’ll meet you outside. I wanted to chat to Julie about a few things anyway.” After hugging Serenity goodbye and smirking at me, she left, shutting the door firmly behind her.

My head shook. I hoped like hell that she didn’t think I was about to make a move on her wedding planner, but that smirk had told me that she knew what I wanted to talk to her about either way. With her now outside, though, I didn’t mince my words or waste any time.

“I would appreciate it if we could clear up these ridiculous rumors about us,” I said curtly. “I don’t want Ethan to get the wrong idea. He’s a true professional and I respect him. There’s also my mother’s wedding to consider and I’d really prefer if she could remain the center of attention.”

Which was only right considering that the physical attraction between Serenity and me meant nothing. The press had gotten it wrong, and the longer we left it without setting them straight, the worse it would be.

“I’ll take care of it,” she said, looking me right in the eye. Her tone was as curt as my own.

She’d definitely been shorter with me today, but I didn’t push to find out why. Instead, I simply nodded and strode to the door. “Thank you, Serenity. We’ll be in touch.”

Without looking at her again, I left, tracked down my mother, and ignored the looks she kept giving me until we were back in my car. Groaning, I finally glanced at her. “What?”

“What did you want to talk to her about?” she asked excitedly. “Did you ask her out? Are you going on a date?”