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“Before we make a final decision, I’d like to tour the possible locations again.”
“Absolutely. Do you have time to do that now?”
John looked at his phone. “I have a work meeting, but we drove separately. Can you take Emma?”
“You should see it at some point, but I can take Emma today,” Gia said.
I found it interesting that she wanted the groom present. She wouldn’t let him check out of the process.
“Emma can take pictures for me.”
Gia frowned, and I knew she didn’t like that John was blowing off the decision-making process. Most grooms said the bride could have whatever she wanted, but Gia seemed to prefer when both the bride and groom were involved.
“I can go with you,” I said as Emma walked with John to his car.
“You don’t have to. I’m used to handling this on my own,” Gia said as she gathered her things.
“I’d like to be involved with this wedding. It’s an experiment to see if this could work, and I’d like to be involved.”
Her cheeks flushed as Emma returned. “Are we ready?”
“Absolutely,” Gia said as she led the way out of the room and in the direction of the ballroom with the water view. It was the most expensive space to book. It was also the largest.
Emma stood in the middle of the room, taking it in before moving toward the window. It was where I was always drawn whenever I was here. It was the space I’d fallen in love with when I toured the building.
I knew this resort was money, and I made an offer on the spot. But there was something about watching Gia talk about the space that was enlightening.
“We can hold the ceremony by the windows, hanging flowers from the ceiling to give it a more intimate feel, and during cocktail hour, we’ll transform it for the reception. We’ll have live musicians, a band or a string quartet, whatever you and John would prefer.”
“I love this. I thought I’d want to be outside, but you’re right, the guests will be more comfortable here.”
Gia smiled. “It has an extravagant feel to it.”
“I have to agree,” Emma said as she executed a small circle in the center of the room.
When Gia walked Emma to her car, I went to my office, giving them time to themselves. I wasn’t sure Emma would want me hovering over every meeting. I just thought it was important to show that the owner was present. Plus, I’d wanted to see Gia in action.
I sat at my desk, intending to answer messages and return phone calls, but my mind was on Gia. On whether I’d made a mistake the last few years in excluding her from the weddings here. I’d thought for sure I was creating an exclusive experience, but Gia was a dream at her job. If the brides wanted her, I should probably stop fighting them and her.
Gia breezed in. “I thought that went well.”
I stood. “You’re impressive. It was interesting how you guided her in the direction you wanted.”
“The bride and groom usually have only been through this once. I’ve done it a hundred times. I know what to avoid. What the couple’s guests will want and what will work best for them. Some couples prefer the outdoor wedding, but I suspected John and Emma’s guests wouldn’t. Now she can choose the wedding gown she wants, not one that will work for the outdoors.”
“How often will you need to meet with them?” I wanted to know how often to expect her on-site.
“We’ll talk over the phone and have Zoom calls, but I prefer to meet in person. It allows me to get to know the bride and groom better and anticipate their needs.”
“I’ll want to know your schedule.”
Gia nodded. “I’ll have Harper enter the information and share it with you. I’d better get back. I have a drive to get home.”
“You should stay. Enjoy the suite I reserved for you.” I’d given her one of the one-bedroom suites with a view of the water. I didn’t mind reserving it for her for the next few months. I knew she’d enjoy it, and I wanted to entice her to stay.
“I can’t tonight. I have plans.”
I wanted to ask what they were, but it wasn’t my place. We weren’t dating, but my mind ran wild with possibilities. Was she seeing someone else?
