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“We’ll get them done. One step at a time,” Harley assures me.
“Thanks, I really appreciate it. There’s no way I’d be able to do all of this on my own.”
“You know I don’t mind. Plus, you’ve been working so hard with all the calls for new events, it’s a wonder you’ve had any time to sleep at all. Oh! Did I tell you that one of the guests this weekend is some kind of fashion designer and she offered to provide us with bridesmaid dresses?”
“What? No! Who is it?”
“Maxine Delacour. Her dresses are beautiful. I can’t believe all the opportunities coming our way. It’s wild.”
“I know. It’s a little overwhelming, you know?”
Harley nods. “It’s a lot. How are you feeling about being Jackson’s date to the charity event?”
“I’m nervous, obviously. And excited. I’m a little worried about perception, though.”
Harley pauses her flower petal curling. “How do you mean?”
“I’ve met all of these amazing people, and it’s been wonderful, but I worry it’s going to start to look like nepotism. Or worse, that people are going to think I’m only with him because of all the strings he can pull for me.” Maybe that’s one of the reasons Selene seemed so … standoffish with me.
“Anyone who knows you, knows that you would never do that.”
“I know, it’s just … I’m surrounded by all of these unbelievably wealthy people and we’re … average. And there’s nothing wrong with average. It’s an adjustment, that’s all.”
“I get it. But Jackson is very down to earth, at least from what I’ve seen, and if anyone can handle this, it’s you.”
As if he can sense us talking about him, my phone buzzes and his name appears on the screen. I answer and put him on speaker phone.
“I’m sorry I’m calling so late. Meetings went long today.”
“No apology necessary,” I tell him. “But you should know you’re on speaker phone and that Harley is in the room with me.”
“Hello, Harley,” Jackson says.
“Hey. Your timing couldn’t be more perfect. I need a bathroom break.” Harley waggles her brows and jumps to her feet, practically skipping her way down the hall.
“We’re alone now,” I tell him.
“I wish. I miss you. I can’t wait until Wednesday. How was your day?”
“It was busy but good. We booked two more events this afternoon from guests who attended the charity dinner, which is exciting, and now I’m catching up on Etsy orders. How about you?”
“That’s great news about the bookings, although I’m not surprised. I’ve had a lot of calls from the guests telling me how much they love Spark House, so I expect those will continue. Are you very behind on the Etsy orders?”
“A little, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. And Harley is giving me a hand, so we’ll get it done.”
“Have you brought up hiring people to Avery again?”
I sigh. “Yeah. When I did, Avery accused me of trying to blow off work because we’re dating now. It didn’t go over well.”
“Hmm, well eventually, that will have to change if you keep growing, won’t it?”
“You know that. I know that. Harley knows that. Avery does not know that.”
Jackson makes a noise, but doesn’t comment otherwise. “Anyway, I know Aylin has already been in touch, but I wanted to talk to you about your attire for the charity event. I have a few designer friends who would love the opportunity to outfit you. Would you be interested?”
“Um, sure?”
“Unless you already have a dress.”
“I don’t have a dress yet.”
“Great. I’ll send you an email with links to their exclusive websites. Once you’ve narrowed it down to your top three choices, let me know, that way I can coordinate with you.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
“Wonderful. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Don’t stay up too late.”
“I won’t.”
I end the call, and Harley appears in the doorway, smirking. “That takes care of dress shopping, doesn’t it?”
“We can look at them together.” I yawn so long and hard that tears form in the corners of my eyes. “But maybe we should look tomorrow.” I rub my eyes, blinking several times as exhaustion sweeps over me.
“Seems like a solid plan.”
I know better than to try to keep going when I’m this tired. I’m bound to make mistakes and then I’ll have to redo things. No point in doing something twice.
* * *
I spend the next two days working double time, juggling conference calls, organizing dates for new events, setting up for our event this weekend, and trying to stay on top of my Etsy orders.
On Wednesday morning I go into work extra early to get a handle on emails and make sure everything is ready for the event on Friday night. By eight thirty I’m fighting to keep my eyes open, having stayed up until midnight. I decide to close my eyes for a few minutes and am startled awake by Harley.
