Page 5 of Flushing His Pipe
Betty gazes at me kindly. "So, Naomi. Violet tells me you've been staying at the studio space while the boys finish up the building. I imagine that's quite loud."
I smile and shrug. "I'm an early riser. It hasn't bothered me."And the frequent pop-ins from Jameson certainly sweeten the deal.
Betty eyes me shrewdly, as if I said that last part out loud. I like Betty. She is the unofficial mayor of Duhring Park. No children of her own, but she's taken on the entire town as her family. And Betty also happens to know everything that's going on with everyone, so unless I want to scare Jameson away forever, I decide to keep my enormous infatuation with my gruff and sexy construction worker a secret.
"And you're going to be in charge of bridal experiences. Is this correct?" Betty takes a sip of her coffee.
I nod enthusiastically.
"Naomi has so much experience in service and hospitality. The brides are going to love her," Violet gushes.
I'm flattered by my friend's enthusiasm. I spent my twenties bouncing from job to job. Now, I realize I was gathering the skills I needed for this moment in time.
Betty smiles at me and nods. "Make sure you sync up with Aubrey. She and Max are getting married at Violet and Brooke's place this fall."
"Oh, yes. We talked at the pedicure night. We're still working on the menu of experiences, but she seemed open to being a guinea pig."
"What kinds of things are you offering?" Piper asks.
I lean forward, excited to talk about the different options I'm looking into. "Violet and I are still pinning down the details. We're starting with the basics like yoga, massage, and spa treatments for the morning, and coordinating all that with makeup and hair for the bridal party. We're offering special matching pajamas and robes, and a brunch station with a coffee bar."
Piper's eyes light up. "I'm in Aubrey's wedding party this fall. I love all of this."
"When will you offer the bridal services?" Betty asks.
"I have my first appointment tomorrow with a couple getting married in July." I look at Violet. "We'll have to come up with a few suggestions for the grooms too."
"Yes, I have a list. They always want to do something active in the morning, like golf, and axe throwing was popular for a while. One groom had me hire a video game truck, and the guys played for hours before getting ready. Their prep isn’t as intense, so I'll coordinate that part. I'm so sorry I can't be there tomorrow." Violet shakes her head. "Daisy has a birthday party, and Brooks has to finish a piece by the weekend."
"No worries." I wave her off.
"Is this couple going to be easy?" Piper asks.
Violet wiggles her hand back and forth with uncertainty. "We'll see. They're both from Festival Valley, which means they’ll be open to spending money. They said everything out there has been done before, and they want something new and fresh, something their guests have never seen before." Violet bites her lip and looks at me. "I think they're driving Melody crazy with flowers already."
"The bride wants to be special. I'll make sure she's wowed by the options," I assure Violet.
Violet grimaces. "Honestly, I'm a little concerned. She's been sending me videos of that scene fromCrazy Rich Asianswhere the bride walks down in a stream of water that slowly fills the aisle. I'm worried the guests will need umbrellas."
"Well, you have insurance, don't you, dear?" Betty asks.
Violet snorts out a laugh, then quickly covers her mouth. My heart soars. I'm thrilled to see my friend so happy.
When we were roommates, Violet was as shy as could be. Not around her friends, but around anybody else, especially men. She almost lost out on her chance with Brooks because of it. They met on a dating website and talked for a long time, but she had no intention of meeting him until I meddled.
When she found out what I'd done, I thought she'd never forgive me, but I have a good sense for people. I read some of Brooks’ messages, and I knew they were destined. He’s a good egg.
It's the same feeling I get from Jameson. Just the thought of the way his muscles felt under my hands today has me clenching my thighs together. The dull throb between my legs hasn't stopped since our interaction this morning.
Shaking my head, I refocus on the conversation, only to find the ladies looking at me expectantly. "Sorry. Were you talking to me?"
"How long are you staying in the studio space?" Betty repeats.
Her question prompts more images of the dreamy man who preoccupies all my thoughts. "Jameson stopped by this morning, and it sounds like they're almost done." I glance at Violet. "Piper and Violet helped me look at a few apartments this afternoon."
"Did you find anything?” Betty asks. “I've lived here a long time. I can help if you need it."
"Thanks, Betty.” I smile gratefully. “They were all at the top of my budget, maybe pushing over if I’m being honest. I have my dog, Fred, so I have limited options for places that will allow him."
