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1
IRIS
“It’s a crime to celebrate a day like today all by yourself,” Cal, my best friend and boss’s brother, interrupts me. Despite the rumpled state of his suit and dirty blond hair, he steals the attention of multiple waitresses who pass by our table.
I lock my phone and muster up a smile. “I’m not the one getting married.”
His eyes flicker over my face. “No, but you’re the puppet master who accomplished the impossible.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
“Now I know something is wrong with you. Are you…sad Declan is getting married?” His voice drops lower than usual.
A laugh bursts out of me. “What?No.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
My head hangs, and a few spiral curls fall in front of my eyes. I run a hand down my dress to smooth out a few nonexistent wrinkles. The cheery lavender fabric stands out against my brown skin, making me seem far happier than I feel. “I just got an email telling me I didn’t get the job.”
“Shit. I’m sorry to hear that. I know how hard you worked on the interview presentation.”
After the months I spent working on a presentation for the Kane Company’s Human Resources department, they rejected my job transfer. It stings more than it should. While I wasn’t exactly shooting for the stars with an entry-level HR position, I had a good idea with a promising future. One that could benefit countless dyslexics stuck in a corporate rut. My plan could take the company to the next level, if only they’d give me a chance.
You can try again next time.
My smile wobbles. “I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
“That’s some bullshit if you ask me.”
I laugh. “It’s true. At least Declan never found out. Could you imagine if I told him and then I didn’t even get the job? He would’ve never let me live it down.”
“He does tend to gloat.”
“Hence the party.” I point at the ginormous balloon arch with a massive grin.
Cal raises a brow at the flickering neonShe Said Yessign. “Understated. He’ll love it.”
I bat my lashes with faux sweetness. “I simply planned a party like he asked me to. He should have specified what kind of event he wanted.”
“Remind me to never piss you off.”
“I have a whole plan for the day that happens.”
Cal fake shudders. “Where is the wife-to-be?”
“Declan wanted to meet with her before the announcement.”
His eyes widen. “Why the hell would you let him do that?”
“Umm…because he hasn’t met her yet?”
“Exactly! That’s why it’s a terrible idea!” Cal runs his hands through his thick waves.
“You think he’s going to make her change her mind?”
“Knowing my brother, it wouldn’t take much convincing.”
“She signed a contract. It’s a done deal.”
