13. Sutton #2
“My guess is he will. He owns the second-largest hotel chain in the US. Maybe it’s even the largest at this point. I don’t know. He’s never been one to turn down acquiring more hotels, no matter how he has to get them.”
“Wait.” Madison sets her napkin on the table. “You said you want to screw him over, right?”
“I do.”
She grins. “I know just the person.”
“Oh?” I tilt my head, studying her.
“Does the name Cunningham mean anything to you?”
“Of course. They’ve been a thorn in my father’s side for who knows how long.” The Cunninghams own Cunning Hotels, my father’s biggest competitor. I remember him ranting and raving about how much he hated them.
Madison rubs her hands together. “Well, I happen to know Anders Cunningham, and I’m sure he’d be more than interested in taking the hotels off your hands. That is, if you want to sell them.”
What? I guess it really is a small world. “How?”
“His wife, Caroline, does the marketing for my business. I’ve met them a few times when they’ve come down with her twin brother and his wife.
Caroline’s sister-in-law is a huge Storm fan, so I’ve hooked them up multiple times.
They’re the sweetest people. You’d never know Anders was a billionaire, nor that he was a CFO. He’s so laid back and down to earth.”
My mouth falls open. “Do you think you could arrange an introduction?”
“Sure can.” Madison grabs her phone and types on it before tucking it back into her purse. “I’ll let you know when I hear back from Caroline.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Always happy to help.”
“Now that’s settled. So, we have the cake sorted and catering,” Becca says, retrieving a small notebook from her purse.
I can’t help but laugh. “What?” She lifts one shoulder in a half shrug.
“I’m trying to keep us organized. You have appointments at a few dress shops.
Holt promised me he’d organize the guys’ suits.
” She looks around the table. “Flowers. We need flowers and music.”
“I know it’s last minute, but will you all be in the wedding?” I glance around at my friends. “It’s probably ridiculous to have so many bridesmaids, but it’d mean the world to me.”
“We’d be honored,” Hadley says, and the rest of the women agree.
“I’m going to ask Ansley too, when she gets back.
” The team left for a five-day road trip this morning.
“And my friend Holly.” Holly and I met a few years ago at the team’s family day.
Her boyfriend, Jax, works for the Storm’s marketing department.
We bonded over our shared love of reality TV.
She’s been traveling through Europe with Jax the past few weeks, and we haven’t had a chance to talk.
“This is going to be so much fun. I got you on photographs,” Hadley says.
“But how are you going to be in the pictures?” Becca asks.
“We don’t need photos. Fake, remember,” I say.
“I met a wedding photographer at one of the networking events I went to a few months back. I’ve gotten coffee and talked business with her. I’m sure she’d be willing to help you out,” Hadley says.
“I have something else to tell you.” Everyone’s attention is on me.
“I’m pregnant. It’s not, Sebastian’s not …
” Becca reaches over and puts her hand on mine, squeezing.
I shake my head, turning to address Aubrey and Madison.
“They know.” I point to Hadley and Becca.
“So I figured I should tell you. I still have to tell Ansley.” And Holly.
That’s a conversation I’m anxious about.
She and Jax have been trying to have a baby for over a year, and here I am, pregnant after a one-night stand.
“Congratulations,” Aubrey says.
“Welcome to the Mom’s Club. I’m sure the guys will be thrilled with another Storm baby,” Madison says.
“It’s not the same.”
“Of course it is. Plus, you’re marrying Sebastian.” I sigh. Madison laughs. “I know, fake and all. But you never know.”
“We’re planning a bachelorette party for you too,” Hadley says, breaking the silence.
“You guys have already done too much,” I protest.
“Would you rather we call it a girls’ night?” Becca suggests.
“We can do it at my place,” Madison offers. “The guys can go off and have a guys’ night. We’ll watch movies and eat junk food. Gossip. Come on, it’ll be fun.”
It does sound like fun. It’s not like we’re going out to a club and partying until the wee hours of the morning. I could do with a night in with my friends. “Alright, I’m in. Just let me know when.”
“I’m so excited,” Hadley says.
“Me too,” Becca agrees.
I smile at my friends as we finish eating our lunch.
“That was fun,” Becca says, hooking her arm through mine as we head toward her car so we can go back to the arena, twenty minutes later. “You okay?”
“I think so.” I blow out a breath. “A little overwhelmed.”
“I’m here if you want to talk about anything …”
“Thanks.”
I don’t know what I’d do without her and the rest of my friends, without this team that is more like a family to me.
I am so lucky to have them. I don’t know why I ever thought I’d be alone and have no support.
Probably because I was in shock and spiraling.
I have all these amazing people who love and support me.