My Big Fat Fake Honeymoon - Lauren Landish Page 0,138

Wildeman’s clients.

I have never traded on the weight of my last name, and in this, I don’t need to. I have the power and draw of SweetPea Boutique, and that’s enough.

“Hmmph, very well. We’ll be happy to get someone else to do the flowers then.” Meredith’s smile is predatory, victorious at having triumphed over me. To Sadie, Meredith softens. “I did warn you, dear, but there are so many much more talented florists. Let’s go, Sadie.”

Meredith stands but Sadie doesn’t move.

“Uh, no. I want Abi to do my flowers. It’s what I’ve wanted ever since I saw Claire Johnson’s bouquet. It’s what everyone wants.” Sadie looks confused as hell at how her fun flower selection appointment has gone so awry.

I sit back quietly. Sadie seems nice, but this is her wedding. I’ll do the bouquet or not, but either way, I’m not working with Meredith.

“Yes, Claire’s bouquet was lovely, I suppose. And another designer can certainly recreate it if you’d like.”

When that doesn’t sway Sadie, Meredith decides to play hardball. “We have a contract, dear. Perhaps we should follow up with your mother to see about this.” Meredith plays the mom card, and I swear there is steam coming out of Sadie’s ears.

“No need. It’s my name on the contract, and if I recall, there’s a buyout option. Here.” Sadie pulls out her checkbook, writes a check with three zeroes, signs it her damn self, and hands it to Meredith. “Your services are no longer needed, I’m afraid. I’ll be sure to tell my friends.”

Meredith is shocked. So much so that even her eyebrows lift and her forehead wrinkles. “Well . . . I . . . good day, then.”

She might be wrong as hell with her little power play, but I’d be willing to bet she cashes that check at the bank as soon as she leaves.

She strides for the door, looking back once, and our eyes meet.

Game. Set. Match. Bitch.

And I did it with grace, boundaries, and integrity I can be proud of. No bail money or alibi needed.

I don’t know what Meredith has against me, because it’s obviously me and not flowers in general. But the truth is, it doesn’t matter. She made me out to be something in her head, and nothing I did or didn’t do was ever going to change that. It’s not that I’m taking my ball and huffily going home but rather that there are infinite playgrounds and we can just . . . not play together.

Though if given the chance, I’d throw a mean dodgeball at her without a second thought.

“Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.”

Sadie laughs as Meredith pushes the door open a little too hard.

Shit, that was out loud, and I was doing so well! I guess you can take the girl out of the crazy but not the crazy out of the girl.

“Looks like I need a new wedding planner. Got any suggestions?” Sadie says.

“Actually, I do. Courtney had an excellent one whom I’ve seen in action first hand. And Claire was actually working with another planner before Meredith took over to cover her maternity leave. I can give you both of their names and information. I’m happy to work with either, or anyone else you’d like to use if you find someone else is a better fit.”

Sadie smiles. “Sounds good. Okay, so let’s look at flowers! Do you want to see my Pinterest board?”

“Absolutely,” I tell her happily. “Let’s look at wedding bouquets first.”

Chapter 29

Lorenzo

“I need the olive oil. Who’s got my EVOO?” I shout down the line.

I’ve got a lot to do before tonight’s event, and of everything I’ve ever done, tonight has to be perfect.

“With all respect, Chef . . . get out,” Belinda says.

I look over sharply to find her holding my bottle of oil with a look of challenge in her icy blue eyes. She’s an excellent chef with a strong work ethic, a precise palette, and a long history of working with some of the best.

And now she works for me. Usually.

“Get out?” I laugh as I grab olive oil from her station and let her keep the one in her hand. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got too much to do.”

Belinda steps in front of me with one strong hand held up. “Lorenzo, we’ve got this. We’ve been talking about this for weeks, designing the menu, and trying out new recipes. Let me do this so you can at least go home and take