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“I think we both were too wrapped up in personal issues to see the way it was affecting our respective businesses.”
I wasn’t sure I wanted to be business partners with her either. She’d mentioned not getting involved if we were working together. That it might complicate our business dealings, and I had to agree with her.
I’d never done anything like this before. But then again, I hadn’t dated anyone like Gia. Someone who challenged me and encouraged me to be better. I wasn’t keen on the idea of a relationship being off-limits.
I was hopeful she’d come around, but first, we had a couple to meet. I stood and held out my hand to her. “Are you ready for this?”
She met my gaze. “I’m always ready.”
I chuckled as she stood and curled her hand around my elbow rather than my hand. “I’ve met my match with you.” That was the case in the bedroom, even if we hadn’t spent much time there yet. I refrained from saying what was on my mind. We needed to keep things professional, at least for the next few hours. “You should get the full experience next weekend. I’ll book you a day at the spa.”
Her posture softened. “You don’t have to do that.”
“You deserve the royal treatment.” She bought designer clothes and drove a luxury car, but how often did she take care of herself, her body, and her mind? Maybe she needed a man like me by her side who’d notice those things.
“You want me to like the resort.”
I swallowed over the lump in my throat and deflected the only way I knew how—through my business. “If you’ve experienced the resort firsthand, you’ll be better able to make recommendations to the bridal couples and their wedding party.”
She sobered. “Of course.”
It was only partially true. I wanted to treat her, but I didn’t think she’d appreciate that.
Gia squeezed my elbow. “Thank you for thinking of that.”
My heart squeezed at her show of appreciation. I wanted more of these kinds of interactions.
The couple was waiting outside my office, and they rose when we approached. “John, Emma. This is Gia Giovanni.”
“I thought you didn’t allow outside planners?” Emma asked.
“I wanted to make an exception if you’re interested. You can talk and see if Gia would be a good fit.” I hadn’t explained to them the purpose of the meeting before I called them in. I’d wanted to see their reaction.
“That would be amazing. Gia’s the wedding planner my friend, Lorraine, used for her wedding last year,” Emma said to John.
“Whatever you want is fine with me,” John said.
“Then come into my office. Let’s talk about the details.”
We settled in my office. I leaned on my desk while Gia sat across from John and Emma. Even though she wasn’t as familiar with my resort, she seemed to have a good understanding of the amenities. I wondered if she’d studied them. It’s what I would have done. Examined my competitor's business for weaknesses and flaws. It made me respect her even more.
I didn’t have to add much to the conversation. It was clear by Emma’s demeanor that she was delighted to be working with Gia. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t explored this angle before. I’d been shortsighted by excluding Gia from the resort.
If we only allowed a few brides to work with her, the highest-budget weddings, it would have an exclusive feel to it. I loved it. Her other wedding planners could handle the smaller weddings, and if Gia only offered herself up to the highest bidder, it would make her more valuable. I was positive she’d feel the same way.
They focused on the location of the ceremony and the reception. Those two things needed to be set for them to pick her dress, colors, and linens. Or at least that’s what Gia suggested. I rarely sat in on meetings with couples and Hannah.
I could have excused myself, but I felt invested in this arrangement, and I wanted to spend more time in Gia’s presence. I told myself it was purely business. I wanted to study how she operated. But it was more than that.
Gia was professional as she guided the couple to the most practical options for the ceremony, given the size of John and Emma’s guest list. Ceremonies on the water accommodated the smaller weddings. “There’s a gorgeous ballroom overlooking the water. I think it would be perfect for your guests. They want a view of the water without worrying about the weather or bugs. They want to be part of the experience without being in the thick of it. Does that make sense?”
“I think she’s right, Emma. Your mother won’t want to be so close to the water. She’ll complain about the sun on her skin and the bugs. We’ll be protected from the elements while still enjoying that million-dollar view,” John said.
“It’s less stressful for you since the ceremony can be held despite any weather developments. Although I’ve ordered blue skies and sun for your wedding,” Gia said with a smile.
I was impressed with Gia’s ability to direct and guide them in a certain direction. She knew the pitfalls and advantages of every possible scenario and seemingly knew what John, Emma, and their guests would want.
Gia was so skilled at it that I wasn’t sure they realized she was guiding them in various directions. I was positive it was her years of experience. She knew what to anticipate and how to avoid any problems.
