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“Sorry.” I wince, realizing not eating seems unappreciative of the meal. “I think I’m more tired than hungry at this point.”
“No worries.” She waves off my apology. “The best thing about Chinese food is how good it tastes as leftovers.”
“Hey, Soph, I’ve got an open lunch tomorrow,” Griffin addresses me. “If you’re free, do you want to come by my office? We can grab sandwiches at the deli down the street.”
I nod. “Yeah, that should work. I’ll check with Johnathan in the morning, and let you know.”
“Cool.”
I watch Griffin inhale his food and try to take a few bites of my own. Emma and Griffin fall into easy conversation about their days and what they have planned for the weekend. Griffin has a work event Friday evening and he invites me to tag along with them. I know I should take advantage of a free weekend while I still have them. Part of being a wedding planner is not only planning the wedding, but being in attendance on the actual wedding day. With most couples getting married on weekends, I know I won’t have much of a social life once wedding season gets underway.
Work should be my focus right now, so I push thoughts of Hunter’s flowers and note away and attempt to dig into my dinner, knowing full well that while I’m telling my brain to forget about his tall, broad-shouldered frame and skilled mouth, I won’t be in control of my dreams tonight.
* * *
“Good morning,” I give a quick knock to Johnathan’s open office door with my free hand. The other is holding Johnathan’s favorite drink, an iced caramel oat milk latte, from the coffee shop on the corner and a paper bag.
When he mentioned his go-to coffee drink yesterday morning, I tucked away the information for future use. After yesterday’s lunch with my false accusations and unprofessional behavior, the future is here.
Johnathan had said things were okay on the ride back to the office, but I think we were both in shock. After a restless night’s sleep, I needed to make sure we’re good.
I also brought him a few blueberry scones that Griffin made on Sunday. They’re some of his best work.
“Come on in.” He motions me toward his guest chair. “I just need a minute to finish up an email.”
“Of course, take your time.”
I take a seat, then glance around his office. There’s a horizontal bookcase with planners and color-coded binders lined up neatly on a shelf. On top, a framed picture of him and another man. Johnathan’s arms are wrapped around the other man’s neck and he’s giving him a kiss on the cheek. It must be his husband. They make an attractive couple. Beside the picture frame, there are multiple awards and plaques.
I lean closer to read the inscription on the rectangular shaped glass award fromLux Magazine.
Best Personalized Wedding Planner 2022 presented to Johnathan Murray.
A minute later, he finishes and turns his attention to me.
“Okay. What’s up?”
“Best Personalized Wedding Planner byLux Magazine.” I point at the award. “That’s impressive.”
“I pride myself on making every wedding be completely tailored to the couple. There are planners who will use ideas over and over because of trends or because it’s easy to replicate an element, but I like to start with a blank slate every time.”
“Speaking of blank slates.” I present him with the iced latte and bag of scones. “I’m still completely mortified about yesterday.”
“Is that a guilt-driven iced latte?”
I laugh. “It’s an apology on a budget.”
He lifts the straw to his lips and sucks.
“Divine,” he says, his eyes rolling to the back of his head. “And what are these?”
“My brother’s specialty. Blueberry scones.”
He pulls one from the bag and takes a bite. His eyes close and a moan of satisfaction escapes his lips.
“This is the best blueberry scone I’ve ever had.”
I smile at his delight. “I think there’s an entire stick of butter in each one.”
