Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
I m concerned, Alex said as they disconnected another call with Rochelle and Rohaan on the first of July.
Mary s heart rate kicked up, and she knit her fingers together on his polished conference table to hide their tremble. Had she forgotten something? Did she seem off her game? She d practically run here from Twyla and Teagan s dress fitting, but Alex didn t know that. She was holding it together and doing an excellent job on the Richardson wedding with less than a month to go…right?
Concerned? she squeaked. He wasn t going to bring up razzle-dazzle again, was he?
About you. Are you getting enough sleep?
She forced a chuckle and waved her hand. Who needs sleep?
He didn t smile. Most humans do. Are you getting help at the shop?
Rafe and Michael are working just as hard as I am. Harder even, given her split attention lately. She d expanded into wedding planning to lessen the load on her brothers, but all she d done so far was hire Evie to free up her own time to work on weddings.
I m not asking about their work. A trained monkey could polish a car and vacuum out sequins.
Heat rose in her chest. That s not all?—
Sorry. He took a breath. I just meant that you re the one who does all the customer service and bookkeeping and taxes. I don t know when you have time to work at the shop at all with your new responsibilities for this wedding.
I have time. I d never abandon my brothers or our family business. Or tell him how much other work she d taken on.
I know. And that s what I m saying. I have a team of accountants here. I could temporarily assign one of them to your business. Or I could lend you one of my front desk clerks. One of them lives right around the corner from your shop. She d be thrilled to cut her commute.
That s sweet of you. But I ve already hired a part-timer for the front desk. She was not about to tell Alex who it was. He d march right over to the shop and try to fire her. Again. And now that we ve made all the decisions on Rochelle s wedding, we re in a bit of a lull until we get closer to the big day.
His concerned expression turned calculating. A lull, huh?
Don t tell me you need help with another wedding. I plan to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet. And sleep. Tears prickled behind her eyes at the mere thought of eight straight hours of sleep.
What if I have an idea that fits right in with your plans for peace, quiet, and sleep?
You re not firing me, are you?
Firing you? Absolutely not. I m kidnapping you. Have a weekend bag packed and ready to go at noon on Friday.
Her pulse kicked up at the idea of being kidnapped by Alex Villa. But she had responsibilities. Weekends, especially July 4th, are the busiest times at the shop. We ve got two weddings and three bachelorette parties.
Your new assistant can t handle it?
I wouldn t ask her to. Not with the way she and Michael circled each other like a pair of lions protecting their turf.
Then we ll go during the week. Go home and pack your bag. I ll pick you up at three.
Three today? I couldn t possibly.
You said you had a lull, and weekdays were your least busy time. He leaned back in his chair, a portrait of smug victory.
It s unfair to use my own words against me, you know, she grumbled.
Did you miss it when I said I was kidnapping you? There s nothing fair about this. I ll use every underhanded weapon in my arsenal to get you the rest you need. His brown eyes sparkled with wicked intent.
Mary inhaled sharply, then let out a shuddering breath. She could imagine doing a lot of things with Alex. None of them involved rest.
What should I pack?
Would you prefer mountains or beach?
I don t know. I ve never been to the beach.
His mouth dropped open. What? Never?
We weren t much of a vacationing family. It s hard when you run a small business.
That changes today. Pack a swimsuit.
* * *
Alex s three o clock deadline didn t leave her much time, but Mary stopped at the shop anyway.
Hi, Evie, she said as she walked in. Her new assistant had her back to the door as she pounded a nail into the wall with a little more force than necessary. Is everything all right?
Evie s smile was strained. All good. Just rearranging this display. She hefted a huge framed photo of a happy bridal couple toasting each other in the back of a limousine.
Mary scurried to help lift one side. Why didn t you ask one of the boys to help you?
Doing it myself is easier than asking your grumpy brother to help.
Mary knew exactly which brother was the grumpy one. He said even fewer words than usual to their newest employee. She stepped back to admire the picture. Nice work. It really adds weight and atmosphere to the display. But next time, wait for me. Or ask Rafe to help.
He s not here. Said he had something to take care of.
That was weird. Dependable Rafe never took personal time or even sick days. But speaking of slacking Forzas…
Will you be okay if I take a few days off? I ll be back by Saturday morning, and our weekend person is scheduled to cover us Friday night.
Sure. Going somewhere fun?
I think so. You ve got my number, right, in case anything comes up?
Of course. She pointed at the laminated yellow sheet Mary had stuck to the desk. But I ll be fine. After working at La Villa, this gig is a piece of cake. And speaking of cake, I know I said I needed a break from the bridezillas, but I d be happy to help with your planning business too. If you need anything.
Thank you. Mary hadn t yet figured out why Alex had fired Evie. She displayed a strong work ethic. Although she could be prickly at times, especially around Michael, she was professional and courteous even with the most challenging customers. I ll let you know if anything comes up.
She stepped through the door to the shop, where Prince s I Wanna Be Your Lover blasted through the speaker. When she turned down the volume, Michael stilled his polishing rag. He looked up, and when he saw it was her, relief broke across his face.
What s wrong? she asked, stepping closer. Do you need me?
No. He resumed polishing Nick Cage. She knew for a fact they didn t need the stretch SUV until Friday night. Just glad it wasn t Evie coming in to change something else. Did you see she fucked with your display?
She improved it, Michael. Not all change is bad, you know.
He circled his rag faster.
Will it be a problem if I don t come in for a few days? she asked.
Nah. It s not too busy this week. Low season for tourists. You working on wedding stuff?
Not exactly. I m taking a short trip. If it s okay with you and Rafe.
He stopped and looked up. A trip? You never go away. Not even to your college reunion. Or that retreat with your women business owners group.
I know. But I could use a little rest. It s been a lot lately, you know? Her voice wavered, and she cleared her throat.
I m glad you re having a little you time. We ll be fine. Rafe and I have got it.
And Evie. Don t forget Evie.
He scuffed his steel-toed boot on the floor and grumbled, Can t forget Evie.
She looked back to check the door was shut and stepped closer. What s your deal with her, anyway?
Deal? There s no deal. If having her here means you ll take time off, I m all for it.
Okay, then, if you re sure you ll be okay.
Positive. He folded his rag to buff the fender.
I ll be back by Saturday.
He didn t bother to respond, which meant he was done with the conversation. She circled the car and bent to kiss his scruffy cheek. Bye. Be good.
He grunted, and although she knew they d all be fine without her, guilt dragged behind her like the train on Princess Diana s wedding gown.