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I sat gingerly, afraid my weight would break it.
“We’re so glad you could make it.”
“I have to be honest. I’m not sure why I’m here.” I didn’t meet directly with the couples they worked with. Gia was the perfect liaison between the couples’ desires and my rental company.
Between Gia and her best friend, Harper, they kept the place organized and running smoothly. I rarely had an issue with their business because Gia rarely allowed brides to make last-minute changes. Either she refused or she was able to work her magic and convince the bride that her original choice was good. Either way, I appreciated the smooth relationship we had.
“I consider you a part of our little family,” Gia said as she sat at her desk which was merely a top with fancy legs. It allowed for very little storage, but then everything was probably on her computer or the tablets that she and the other women always carried with them.
“I realize you don’t meet directly with the couples, but your company is vital to our business. I want to make sure you’re happy and that our relationship continues to thrive.”
“I don’t see why it wouldn’t.”
Payton came in and whispered something into Gia’s ear.
Abby leaned over and said, “I think she’s worried that you work for Silas Sharpe.”
I tipped my head to the side.
“You know he owns Chesapeake Resort? He’s our biggest competition.”
Before I could respond, Gia said, “Sorry about the interruption. The good news is that business has been expanding at a rapid pace, and we needed to hire not one, but two new wedding planners to cover everything. You’ve met Ireland, but I wanted to introduce you to our newest wedding planner, Aria Hope.”
At Gia’s urging, Aria stood, a folder of some sort clutched in her arms. “Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself, Aria?”
“Well, I’m coming here with a background in interior design. It was just something I was good at, but I’m passionate about weddings, making the happiest day come alive for couples. I have so many ideas, and I’m excited to collaborate with everyone here.”
“Aria’s a true romantic, and I thought she’d be a great match for our brides. Her ideas are new and fresh, so if you’re stuck on something, you can ask her for help.”
The other women leaned over to congratulate her and welcome her to the business. I held back since I didn’t have many interactions with the planners, other than Gia. But maybe that would change with their business increasing.
When everyone was seated again, Gia continued. “We’re continually expanding our business and hope to be the premier wedding planning service in the area. Each person in this room is integral to this business, not just the planners.”
Looking around the room, I recognized Sophie from Sophie’s Sweets; Abby, the photographer; Lily, the florist; and me and Everly. Gia was the owner, then there was Harper, her best friend and manager, and then the two new wedding planners, Aria and Ireland. My guess was that Gia wanted me to feel more invested in the business so that I was loyal to her and not to other wedding venues. But the reality was, I was open to other opportunities, even though I’d promised I’d always prioritize her business.
At one point, Gia approached me and offered to pay above and beyond my listed prices so that her business came first. I had no problem with that. But then, she was my biggest customer. I wasn’t sure that would always be the case. Especially if she was worried about other venues competing for my supplies. If that happened, I’d hire employees and expand the supplies I rented. Expansion was risky, but it was the best-case scenario, though I understood why she was worried. More wedding business for me meant more competition for her.
“I want us to be a family. I want you to feel supported. If there’s anything I can do to help you in your business, please feel free to come to me. That includes you, Harrison. You’re just as big a part of this as anyone else.”
I leaned my elbows on my thighs, looking around the room to say, “I’m very happy with our ongoing relationship. I don’t have any issues.”
“I’m glad to hear that. If you wouldn’t mind staying after, I have something I wanted to talk to you about.”
That had me wondering what it could be. She wouldn’t invite me to a business meeting and then cut me loose. The thought left me cold because Gia was my largest and most reliable client. Other customers might only need a tent for a one-time event; it was the businesses that hired me repeatedly that kept me afloat. Especially during the slow months.
She went over a few upcoming weddings, and I checked my phone calendar to make sure I had the same events on my schedule. When she adjourned the meeting, I stood, nodding at the other women as they walked out.
Everly was the last to walk out. She touched my arm and mouthed,“Good luck,”before she was gone too.
“Thank you for coming, Harrison. I really appreciate it.” Gia gestured for me to sit in one of the two chairs in front of her desk. When I sat, she moved around the desk to lean against it. “I called you in here today to make sure things are good on your end.”
“I have no complaints.”
Gia reached behind herself to grab her ever-present tablet. “Harper created a new scheduling system for the vendors. If you sync your system with it, we won’t need to exchange emails and acceptances; the events will automatically be emailed to you, and if you accept them, they’ll go on your calendar, and if you don’t, we’ll reach out to our backup vendor.”
“You know I always take your events. If, for some reason, my calendar started filling up, I’ll hire employees and increase my inventory.” I would have expected Gia to relax at my words, but it only seemed to make her tenser.
“I pay a premium so that our events take priority.”
