22. Tessa
T he salty Gulf breeze teased loose strands of Tessa’s hair as she walked with purpose up the driveway of Garrett Fischer’s house.
Lacey’s pep talk, delivered with animated fervor before she left to run some final errands and triple-check things at the catering kitchen, had buoyed Tessa this morning. Jonah’s “get pumped” music had rocked the Summer House. Vivien had helped her pick the perfect outfit and Eli, bless his heart, had said a quiet prayer for her success.
If she had nothing else, she had these friends, and they had changed her life.
Today, if everything went well, it would change again—her business would be launched. She and Lacey had poured everything into planning this dinner party—their first big outing for Tessa Wylie Events.
And maybe, at the end of it when he wasn’t her client anymore, there could be someone special in her life.
She’d be lying to herself—something Tessa Wylie never did—if she didn’t admit she was pretty darn excited about seeing Garrett Fischer today. They’d texted a few times right after he left for Miami, but she hadn’t heard from him in several days.
But that didn’t worry her. He’d be here. What did her old boss at the Ritz always say? It isn’t the ten things you plan to go wrong, it’s the one you never dream of that will get you.
Not today, she thought as she reached the house. Nothing will go wrong.
Looking up, she took in the glorious beach house, loving the combination of gray shingles and pristine white trim set against the deep blue sky. Despite its grandeur, the place exuded a breezy elegance, its tall windows reflecting sunlight and seafoam. A house fit for a party meant to impress the guests—and the client.
Her kitten heels clicked confidently against the stone walkway as she approached the door, her mind racing through the final checklist. Chairs, flowers, music, catering—it was all on the way.
Garrett’s confidence in her had been infectious; his praise and trust had reminded her of who she used to be before the setbacks and heartbreaks had chipped away at her self-assurance.
She adjusted her tailored linen blazer, the one Vivien had insisted made her look “both bossy and approachable,” as she rang the doorbell but fished for the keys Garrett had given her in case he hadn’t come back from Miami yet.
The chime echoed as the door swung open, and Tessa froze at the sight of a woman she’d never seen before.
She was in her early fifties, but strikingly made up with sharp cheekbones, perfectly highlighted hair, and an expression so icy it could have frosted glass. She wore a tailored silk blouse and gold earrings that screamed Old Money.
“Can I help you?” the woman asked, her tone clipped, her manicured hand resting on the doorframe as if she were guarding the house.
Tessa blinked, the first real wisp of worry curling through her. “I’m Tessa Wylie.”
The woman’s eyes narrowed as she scanned Tessa from head to toe, her lips twitching into a faint, disdainful smile. “Are you from Fiona’s property management company or the housekeeping outfit? I can’t keep track of who he brings through this place.”
Tessa’s stomach knotted, a cold dread beginning to seep in. “I’m the event planner for today’s party. I’m here to set up, and the vendors will be arriving shortly,” she said.
“Oh, right. The planner. He might have mentioned you in passing.”
“I’ve been working with Mr. Fischer for several weeks to plan a dinner party,” she said carefully. “And you are…?”
She flicked a brow of surprise, like a celebrity expecting to be recognized. “I’m Caroline Fischer, Garrett’s wife.”
The words hit like a slap. Somehow, Tessa managed not to catch her breath. She couldn’t do anything about the blood that drained from her face, though, except pray that Mrs. Fischer didn’t notice.
Never, not once, not one single syllable he’d spoken indicated he was married. No “we” was mentioned, no partner alluded to, no single breath about a wife. Just lingering glances, carefully crafted compliments, and a flirtation that had felt…real.
He was a snake. And she was a fool.
Tessa angled her head and refused to be defeated. “Lovely to meet you, Mrs. Fischer.” She extended her hand and smiled. “I am certain you’re going to be delighted with what we have planned.”
“I’m not certain of that at all,” the woman said. “I’m sure Garrett mentioned that I’m very particular when it comes to parties.”
“Actually, he didn’t,” she said. “But he did give me carte blanche, so you don’t have to do anything but enjoy your guests. May I come in?”
The woman looked past her as a large white truck with the Chair Affair logo pulled into the long driveway.
“Oh, the chairs are here,” Tessa said.
“They don’t come with the tables?” Caroline asked.
“Not the ones I wanted. Only one place in Florida has acrylic Chiavari chairs, which will be stunning on your?—”
“Acrylic?” She practically spat the word. “This isn’t a twenty-two-year-old’s wedding, you know.”
Tessa drew back at the tone and the comment. “They don’t block the view.”
“They’re cheap,” she volleyed back.
Tessa turned as a truck door slammed and a burly man came closer. “Ms. Wylie? I have fifty?—”
“Take them back,” Caroline called, just loud enough to stop the man in his tracks. “I hate them.”
“Oh, no, you don’t,” Tessa said quickly. “Otherwise, we won’t have chairs for the guests dining on your deck.”
The other woman’s green eyes narrowed. “Can’t you find chairs I like? You’re the event planner.”
“No, but I might be able to scare up chair covers, which will be lovely and I’m sure will make you very happy, Mrs. Fischer.” She turned to the delivery man. “Bring them around the side to the upper deck. Thank you.”
Caroline still stood in the doorway, distaste etched on her features as she stared at Tessa.
Tessa took one step closer, her pulse pounding. “Now, if you’ll let me in, your husband hired me to coordinate every detail of this party, which I intend to do without any trouble.”
Caroline’s laugh was chilly and fake as she gave Tessa a once-over. “Oh, yes, I’m sure Garrett hired you for your… skillset . But I’m his wife, and I’ll decide what stays and what goes. Get covers for the chairs.”
The insinuation stung, but Tessa won Round One because Caroline walked away and left the door open, presumably inviting entry to her home.
Tessa followed and caught sight of the woman rounding a massive flight of stairs, her voice echoing back as she called, “I changed the menu.”
Excuse me? Surely Tessa hadn’t heard that right.
“We’re serving filet mignon tonight,” Caroline declared. “It’s Garrett’s favorite.”
Tessa followed, anger rising again. “We’re serving lobster tails and scallops,” she said tightly. “The menu was chosen weeks ago, and the caterer is already preparing it.”
Caroline spun on her heel, trying to look innocent, but failing. “No, they aren’t. They couldn’t handle the filet order, so I canceled them.”
Tessa froze. “You… what ?”
“Honestly, I cringe at catering like that,” she said. “I’m stunned Garrett didn’t tell you to use a private chef. Maybe he assumed you wouldn’t know any, but they’re around. It’s late, but if you throw enough money at people…” She gave a humorless smile. “And, isn’t that what he hired you to do, Tessa?”
Tessa’s vision blurred and suddenly the term “seeing red” made sense. The caterer was canceled ? The chairs needed covers? She wanted filet? This was a disaster.
“I’ll be upstairs,” Caroline said, her foot on the first step before she turned. “Sorry about the kitchen. I had some friends over last night and we left a bit of a mess. You’ll have to clean it.”
She waltzed up the stairs, leaving Tessa fuming and…no, not broken. Could this witch break her that easily?
Yes , a small, hated voice inside her whispered.
It was the same voice that taunted her as a child when she couldn’t read or as a college student when it took her ten times as long as anyone else to complete an assignment. It was the voice that told her she was “beautiful but stupid” and if she couldn’t charm her way through a situation, she might as well give up.
Only one person could ever quiet that voice…and he was gone.
She walked into the kitchen and gasped at the mess, not quite able to take it in. Some friends? The place was littered with empty wine bottles, a half-eaten charcuterie board, dirty glasses, and an overflowing trash bin.
How would she ever?—
The sound of screeching tires broke through her spiral, making her rush to the door in time to see Lacey leap out of her car.
“Did you cancel the caterer?” Lacey demanded.
“No,” Tessa said, her voice cracking as she walked outside. She flicked her hand to get Lacey back in the car and climbed in the other side for privacy. “Caroline did,” she said as she slipped into the passenger seat.
“Who is?—”
“His wife.”
Lacey’s mouth formed a perfect ‘o’. “His… what ?”
“His spouse. His better half. His beloved Missus. You know, the one he never mentioned to me.”
“Well, who cares? We have problems to solve, Tessa Wylie, and we are not going to let anyone ruin this party.”
Tessa nodded, tears burning her eyes. “It might be too late.”
“No!” Lacey’s eyes narrowed with determination. “We’re not giving up. This is our first big event, Tessa. We’ve worked too hard to let this ruin us. We can fix it.”
“How?” Tessa asked. “We’re out of time, out of resources, and completely screwed. Oh, and the kitchen looks like a frat house on a Sunday morning. And, Lacey, we need a private chef!”
“We have a private chef,” she said. “His name is Jonah. And a staff—Eli and Vivien. And me and you and…” She grabbed Tessa’s arm. “You can do this, you know. I don’t know where you get the idea you’re not capable and smart and fabulous. I want to be you when I grow up.”
Tessa blinked. “Really?”
“But first I have to grow up and that means a good job, which I have as the second-in-command at Tessa Wylie Events. So get it together, boss! We will show Garrett and Caroline what we’re made of, and they will fold in the face of our greatness!”
She sounded so much like Artie Wylie, Tessa could have cried. It was like he’d been reincarnated as a twenty-four-year-old angel with a big heart and bigger ideas. And he’d come back to do what Artie always did—encourage and delight her.
Tessa took Lacey’s hand and squeezed it, so overcome with emotion, she couldn’t talk.
“Am I right?”
“So right,” Tessa agreed. “You go get the team. Tell Jonah it’s his job to find filet mignon for fifty. Grab a ton of seafood, too, in case we need it, or he can make an appetizer. The theme is seaside—serving filet is just dumb. The tables are in the garage, so I’ll get the chair crew to bring them up. If she hasn’t canceled the florist, they should be here soon.”
“That’s what I’m talking about. Oh, look.” She pointed to the rearview mirror. “Florist is here!”
Sighing with relief, Tessa reached for the door handle. “Go tell the crew we’re doing a dinner and…and…and I love you, Lacey.”
Lacey leaned over and planted a kiss on Tessa’s cheek. “If I didn’t have the world’s most awesome mom, I’d want you to be mine.”
She sucked in a soft breath, expecting the words to stab at an old wound. Instead, they were like a balm. All she could do was smile. And get to work.
Tessa stepped into the gourmet kitchen, her nerves barely contained under what she hoped was a polished exterior. The late afternoon sun bathed the space in a golden light, the Viking stove alive with sizzles and steam, promising perfection.
Outwardly, everything glimmered with effortless elegance, but inwardly, her thoughts churned—would Garrett even show up?
The Guptas and their three adorable daughters were here, the girls happily ensconced in the upstairs media room. Caroline took over the hostess duties with surprising ease, chatting with Sai and Priya as if they’d met before.
Where was the host? Would he miss his own birthday party? Was that why Caroline showed up unannounced?
She couldn’t worry about that now, not with her crack team of dear friends—an architect, a designer, an aspiring student chef, and, of course, her young protégée—working in choreographed syncopation, like seasoned party professionals.
The scent of Jonah’s Brazilian shrimp appetizer sautéed in cast-iron skillets filled the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of freshly baked bread cooling on the counter, and the salt-infused breeze wafting in through open windows.
Vivien stood at the sprawling marble-topped island, a white apron covering the black T-shirt and pants they’d all agreed to wear, dicing herbs under Jonah’s watchful eye.
Eli had turned a café-style eat-in area into a working bar, shaking a cocktail mixer with an assuredness that matched his easy smile. Lacey flitted around the room, arranging hors d’oeuvres on sleek silver trays with the precision of a jeweler setting gemstones.
Beyond the bustling kitchen, the Gulf provided the perfect backdrop to the outdoor party, a stunning azure today, dotted with frothy waves and the occasional gull swooping overhead.
Music floated in from outdoor speakers, the soft, jazzy playlist that Jonah and Lacey had put together setting the perfect tone for an elegant evening ahead.
“Keep the parsley rough,” Jonah said to Vivien, who nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. “It’s garnish, not confetti.”
“Got it,” Vivien replied, her tone tinged with determination.
“Tessa!” Eli called, holding up a frosted glass filled with a frothy sage-colored liquid. “Come taste the signature cocktail.”
She crossed the kitchen, accepting the drink.
“You said wine only with one specialty drink,” he said. “What do you think of this one?”
She inhaled a bright, fresh scent, definitely strong enough to carry a punch. She sipped and closed her eyes with a moan at the mix of flavors. “This is… fantastic,” she said, taking another sip. “What’s in it?”
“It’s a twist on our favorite gin and tonic, with some muddled cucumber and a splash of elderflower liqueur,” Eli said. “What should I call it?”
She closed her eyes and took another sip, ancient memories rising to the surface. “A Bonfire.”
He chuckled. “Perfect.”
“So are you,” she said, beaming up at him. “Thank you, Eli, and thank you for…forgiving and forgetting. I feel your grace.”
His jaw loosened at the words, and a bit of color left his face. “So you do remember.”
“What I’d like to forget is the way I behaved.” She added a tight smile. “You definitely deserve better. At least, a better Wylie girl.”
He sighed. “I don’t deserve…”
She put a hand on his arm. “She’ll be back. You’ll see. We just have to?—”
“Tessa.”
She spun around at the man’s voice, spotting Garrett standing in the middle of the kitchen.
For a moment, she just looked at him, taking in the expression of…what? Regret? Guilt? Shame? Whatever it was, she wanted him to wallow in it.
“You made it,” she said simply.
“And you made it…happen.” He gestured toward the bustling kitchen. “Somehow, despite everything, you’re making me look good.”
“As I was hired to do.”
He eyed her, clearly uncertain where to go next. “Can I talk to you privately?” he asked.
She opened her mouth to say she was too busy, but decided not to give him the satisfaction.
“Of course.” With a quick glance at Eli, she walked toward Garrett, who led her to a small, water-facing balcony off the kitchen.
“Tessa,” he said on a sigh. “I’m so?—”
“Late,” she interjected. “But no worries. Your wife was here.”
He winced. “And I, uh, understand she made some last-minute changes. She fired the caterer? And changed the menu?”
She lifted a shoulder. “All in a day’s work for me.”
He cocked his head, searching her face—no doubt expecting some reaction. Fury? Jealousy? Disappointment? Honestly, he wasn’t worth the effort for any of those—not when she had a party to coordinate.
“I should have told you,” he finally said.
“You think?”
“I might have given you the impression that I was…”
“Single? In the market for more than a party planner? It’s fine, Garrett,” she said, already lighter just by letting him off the hook. He wasn’t worth anything more. “I admit, I gave it a passing thought myself. Like, maybe, you were different. But turns out it’s not even worth a passing thought.”
She waited a beat to relish the look of true self-loathing she saw. But that was enough. She had work to do, a party to hold, and a business to build.
“Everything’s fine,” she added quickly. “We’ve recovered nicely, as you can see, and you will still have a memorable and flawless event.”
“I owe you an apology.”
“Nope, but my fee has tripled, so you’ll owe me that. And now, why don’t you meet your chef, and he can go over the new menu with you? But don’t make any changes, please.”
Without waiting for his response, she breezed back inside and he followed her to the cooktop.
“Chef Jonah Lawson, this is Garrett Fischer. Chef, tell him your revised menu.”
Jonah nodded, wiped his palm on his apron, and shook Garrett’s hand. “Hello, Mr. Fischer. We’re starting with Brazilian shrimp,” he said. “It’s a signature dish of mine inspired by a woman named Ivette, who cleans…up on the cooking contest circuit.”
Tessa bit her lip, knowing full well the recipe came from the lady who mopped Kate’s lab.
“Excellent,” Garrett said, looking impressed. “And the entrée?”
“Per Mrs. Fischer’s request, we have Wagyu filet mignon with a red wine reduction, roasted fingerling potatoes, and grilled asparagus. For dessert, a citrus panna cotta with a raspberry coulis. Although your wife has asked for cupcakes and candles.”
Tessa shrugged. “I know you don’t want singing, so take it up with her.”
He laughed. “I will. But, wow. This is so impressive.”
“I also heard Mr. Gupta’s daughters are dining upstairs,” Jonah added, throwing a look at Tessa. “I took the liberty of whipping up some Wicked -themed green ketchup dip to go with kid-friendly chicken fingers and fries.”
Garrett’s face lit up. “That’s… incredible. Thank you.”
“We aim to please,” Jonah said, turning back to his work.
Tessa introduced Garrett to the others, who were all perfectly professional and warm, earning her client’s palpable amazement.
“I don’t know how you pulled this off, Tessa.”
“I believe the expression is ‘a little help from my friends.’”
“I am so grateful,” he said. “If I can do anything for you?—”
“You can get out and have fun and impress Sai Gupta so he joins your board. That was the real point of this party, right? Oh, and happy birthday.”
He looked hard at her, a little longing in his eyes. “I think I lost sight of the purpose of the party,” he admitted.
“Maybe you lost sight of a lot of things,” she said softly. “But I didn’t, so…” She flicked him away. “Let me get to it.”
He left the kitchen and, in a matter of seconds, Tessa actually forgot all about him. Which made him…like every other man she’d ever met.
A few hours later, dinner was served without a hitch. From the side of the deck, Tessa watched the guests gathered at large round tables—and uncovered acrylic chairs because she won that battle, too.
The partygoers all looked good in the soft light from glowing wall sconces. The air was alive with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the distant splash of the surf.
As her gaze moved over the tables, she paused at the one where Garrett and Caroline chatted with Sai and Priya Gupta, and three other couples. Immediately, she noticed the Guptas hadn’t touched a bite of food.
Of course they didn’t eat beef. She’d suspected that could be the case.
She whizzed into the kitchen. “Jonah! I need two seafood plates, stat!”
He leapt into high gear, pulling out gorgeous mahi that he’d had in reserve for just a moment like this, tossing them into a hot pan.
“Let me dress these up,” he said, pulling out a glass bowl of his delicious mango salsa. “I’ll add some heat to bring this alive.” While the fish cooked, he chopped some additional jalapeno, folded it in, dressed the dishes, and handed her two plates that looked like art.
“Bless you,” she whispered, scooping them up. “Follow me, Lacey, and gracefully sneak their plates away. I’ll manage the excuses.”
The two of them were barely noticed at the table when they switched out the entrées before the others had eaten much.
Priya looked up with a question in her eyes and Tessa met Caroline’s sharp gaze from two seats away.
“Entirely my fault, Mrs. Gupta,” Tessa said. “Your host and hostess did specifically ask that you get the mahi in mango salsa.” She gave a warm smile to Caroline. “So thoughtful of you, Mrs. Fischer.”
Sai’s face lit up, and Priya’s gratitude was clear.
“Thank you,” Sai said to Caroline. “It’s the little things that mean a lot.”
“Like the movie and dinner for my girls,” Priya chimed in. “I was worried they’d be bored to death at this event and last time I checked, they don’t want to leave.”
Caroline’s brows lifted, her eyes silently expressing thanks to Tessa.
After that, it was smooth sailing—unless she counted the look of pained discomfort on Garrett’s face when Caroline insisted the entire party sing “Happy Birthday” and Garrett blew out a candle on a cupcake.
By the end of the evening, the guests were mingling with coffee or cocktails, the sound of laughter, music, and conversation filling the air.
As Tessa came down from checking on the sleeping girls upstairs, Garrett was waiting at the bottom of the steps.
“Tessa,” he said, looking up at her. “I can’t thank you enough. This was… beyond anything I could have hoped for. Sai Gupta’s agreed to join the board. You saved the day.”
“That’s what you hired me for,” she said with an easy smile.
His expression softened as she reached the last step. “Please, I just have to say…I know I should have told you about Caroline.”
“Yes, you should have,” she said, her tone light but pointed.
“Can I make it up to you?”
“Oh, yes, you most certainly can.”
A glimmer of hope lit his eyes. Hope she was about to dash. “Name it,” he said.
She crossed her arms and studied him, deciding just how far she’d take this. Far.
“A five-star review, quotes for my website, and at least five local references for more business. Big ones with fat budgets.”
Garrett laughed, nodding. “Done.”
“And a glowing letter of recommendation for Chef Jonah,” she said, knowing Kate’s letter would probably get him into the program he wanted, but this certainly couldn’t hurt.
“It will glow like the sun,” he promised her. “Anything else?”
Oh, yes. There certainly was. “My friend, Vivien? She is an interior designer launching a new business in Destin.”
“Yes?”
Just then, Caroline came around the corner. “There you are,” she said to Tessa. “I was looking for you in the kitchen. And you’re here, chatting it up with my husband.”
“Not chatting,” he assured her. “But lining up recommendations. Tessa was just mentioning that her friend Vivien is an interior designer opening her business here in town.”
“Vivien who helped serve dinner?” Caroline asked.
“Vivien Lawson is a gifted designer,” Tessa said. “She’s staging the house where I’m staying and it’s simply stunning. Do you know anyone who might?—”
“Yes,” Caroline interjected, her gaze direct and far kinder than when they’d met. “As a matter of fact, Fiona Buckman is here. She runs the property management firm that handles this house and many just like it. She just mentioned that she’s got several high-end rentals that need complete remodels, as well as a house she just moved into in Indian Bayou. Why don’t I introduce her to Vivien right now?”
Tessa beamed at her. “You won’t be sorry, Mrs. Fischer.”
“First of all, it’s Caroline. And second, I admit I wasn’t sure about you at first.”
“That’s fine,” Tessa said, and meant it. This had gone too well to hold grudges.
“Honestly, after watching you tonight, I realize I had nothing to worry about,” Caroline said. “You made it all look effortless, which I know it isn’t.”
Tessa accepted the compliment with a tip of her head. “Thank you.”
“Let me go make that introduction. I hope Vivien has no issues with strong, opinionated women.”
“She was raised by one,” Tessa said. “She can handle anything.”
“And would you leave some cards, Tessa? Several people have asked me who planned the event, and I’m happy to give you a referral.” Caroline stepped away and Garrett turned to Tessa.
“You, Tessa Wylie,” he said, “are a complete surprise.”
“Surprise? You didn’t expect party perfection?”
“I didn’t expect you to be smart, classy, and full of poise,” he said, his voice carrying a note of something she couldn’t quite place—admiration, yes, but maybe a tinge of regret. “I certainly didn’t expect all that from a beautiful woman I found lurking under my boardwalk.”
She laughed at the memory. “Did you know I was there?”
“I saw you disappear,” he told her. “I wanted to find you, so I walked down while I was on the phone. I had no idea you’d save my behind on a party, which you absolutely did.”
“Happy I could help,” she said. “And thank you for the kind words. They remind me of my father.”
He made a face. “Your father? Not what I was going for.”
“Trust me, it’s a compliment. He was a great man.”
“He raised a great daughter,” he said, adding a warm smile.
For the first time in longer than she cared to admit, Tessa felt like she wasn’t defined by her looks, her weaknesses, or her past missteps. She’d broken her pattern, found strength in herself, and couldn’t help hoping she could finally create the kind of future her father always said she deserved.
“Oh, Garrett, I have one more request, actually.” She felt a smile pull at her cheeks as she regarded the wealthy man standing in front of her.
“Anything.”
Tessa arched a brow, straightening her back. “I want the boat.”
Garrett laughed softly, drawing back with obvious surprise at her boldness. But perhaps more surprising than that was his response. “It’s yours.”
She gasped, not expecting that.
“I was thinking about selling it,” he said. “And honestly? I owe you. What will you call it?”
She knew instantly what to name that boat. “ Good Time Girl. ”