AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ethan held his beer to his lips. “I just hope you know what you’re doing with Abby.”
“I don’t have plans to do anything.”
“Just don’t hurt her. She’s Brooke’s sister. She’s active with the Shops on Main group and is working with Gia at her wedding planning business, Happily Ever Afters. She’s embedded in this community, and everyone wants her to be happy.”
“I won’t get involved with her.” The promise didn’t sit right in my stomach. When I thought of Abby, it made me feel like anything was possible. But to ignore the connection we had that night felt wrong. Even if it was what everyone wanted.
Ethan gave me a dubious look.
He’d hooked up with Savannah when he came back to town. He’d bought a building to open his hardware shop, and she was his struggling tenant. A single mom with a son. He couldn’t resist her, and I wondered if I’d be stronger. Could I stay away from Abby?
I just needed to tell myself it would be a disaster to get involved when her son was on my team. It would be awkward and uncomfortable if it didn’t work out. I wanted the team to be a family. It wouldn’t be if I got involved with her.
“It’s best if I stay away from her.” I took a long pull of my beer and kept my eyes averted from Ethan. It was the truth, even though it felt wrong.
Seven
ABBY
As part of our business plan to offer packages, we met with the couples in Gia’s office to explain our offerings. It was a sales meeting, which wasn’t something I was particularly used to. We needed to convince the couples that we were their best option. Our target clients were those who were overwhelmed with planning a wedding but wanted a few select options that encompassed everything they would need.
A few brides seemed to crave the one-on-one attention they’d get with a wedding planner at their beck and call. But those weren’t our target customer. Gia still took on a few of those clients, but she saw our more streamlined approach as a more sustainable business model.
Once the couple chose Gia’s services, then we faded into the background and only contacted them when they needed to make a decision on our particular specialty.
It was an amazing business opportunity for me. I had a rudimentary website, but I stayed afloat on word-of-mouth referrals. I hoped the partnership with Gia would expand my business, creating a more reliable income.
The couple we were meeting with today—Tasha and Zac—didn’t seem to know what they wanted.
“Why can’t I get married at Chesapeake Resort?” Tasha asked.
“You can, but we don’t offer wedding packages there,” Gia said patiently.
“Why not?” Zac asked as if he’d give his bride whatever she wanted.
“That particular resort employs its own wedding planner. It won’t allow outside planners to get involved.” Gia kept her voice even.
Tasha huffed. “If I want you as my planner, the venue should accommodate that.”
Gia stood from her desk chair and moved around the desk to lean against it. It was her way of being more approachable to the clients. “Unfortunately, I don’t have any control over that. It’s their policy.”
If a bride was set on Chesapeake Resort as her venue, we had to bow out.
“You’re welcome to schedule a meeting with them to discuss the possibilities,” Gia said, her voice saccharine sweet.
She was skilled at knowing when to push and when to back off.
Tasha needed to make her decision, and until she did, there wasn’t anything we could do.
“I’ll give you a few minutes to discuss your options.” Gia gestured for us to step outside. Lily and Sophie headed to the break area Gia kept stocked with drinks and snacks. I sat in one of the plush chairs in the reception area, pretending to scroll my phone. I knew Gia would go back in to talk to the couple by herself. It was her way of signaling to the client that they needed to decide before we moved forward.
She’d been burned in the past, helping plan weddings for couples who ended up moving over to resorts with planners on site. She was very careful not to get into a situation like that again.
I’d had difficulty focusing because my mind kept drifting back to the fact that Nick lived in Annapolis.
Watching the practice, I figured out that Brody was his. He was small but skilled at his position as catcher. If Nick had plans for Hunter to be one of the main pitchers, he’d be working closely with Brody. I wondered if it would mean extra practices outside the regularly scheduled ones. If it meant more time with Nick.
My skin tingled at the thought. I shouldn’t even be thinking about Nick as anything other than a coach. There couldn’t be a future there. First, because I never intended for there to be one. It was supposed to be one night, and then I’d never have to see him again. Second, because he was my son’s coach. Crossing that line wouldn’t be stupid.
