Page 217 of Just for the Plot

What the fuck did I just do?

And how much is this going to hurt me?

CHAPTER 40

BOWER

“Okay, we can go withthe blue toile,” I say, taking a napkin off one of the place settings I worked meticulously hard on putting together. “Or we can go with the red hand-painted flower with autumn accents.”

Adalade stands back, observing each place setting, taking her time to study every angle. And yes, this is what my life is, agonizing on what place setting to pick for a dinner party.

“The blue toile is very much me,” she says, running her finger over the patterned plate. “But the red floral is unexpected, and if you pair it with that olive-green table runner, stunning earthy florals with some soft set candles, I truly believe it will be a night for the ages.”

“I agree,” I say. And just as reassurance, I add, “I feel if you were to have this dinner party in the winter or the summer, the blue would have been stunning, but the red is calling out to me for this time of the year.”

“Yes, it’s quite fabulous.” She picks up one of the plates and takes a look at the back. “Williams-Sonoma. Oh, I never would have guessed.”

“Is that okay?” I ask, worried that it’s not fancy enough china for her.

“Of course, just a surprise that such a beautiful design would come from a mass-produced store. I thought you said it was hand-painted.”

Oh shit.

“The original design was,” I say as she looks up at me, eyeing me with that “I don’t believe you” look, but she drops it.

“Very well. Please order a setting for twelve. I’d like to have them by the end of the day so we can do a few test runs ahead of the event.”

“Not a problem,” I say, writing it down.

“Has the chef given you the menu ideas yet?”

“He said by tonight. He’s just perfecting it to make sure it reflects your final decision on the plating. He wasn’t sure if he should go more traditional or spring for the autumn harvest feel.”

“Ah, I see. I’d request to see both, but I’m inclined to lean into autumn harvest.”

“I think he is too,” I say. “I heard something about butternut squash, so I’m pretty sure he has something wonderful up his sleeve.”

“I should hope so.” She yawns. “Oh, I feel like I might need to take a little nap. Do you mind finishing up here?”

“Not at all,” I say.

“Right, then. Once you clean up, you can be on your way. Thank you, Bower.”

“Of course. I’ll make sure to check with Chef that your dinner is delivered on time along with the menu options so you can look over them while you eat.”

“Lovely.” She offers me a kind smile and then takes off for her bedroom.

Thank God she likes the red because that was what I was attempting to lean her into since I thought it was the better option as well.

Since she’s taking a nap, I pop my headphones on and go to my music just as my phone starts to ring.

Gabby.

Ugh, I’ve been avoiding her, which I know I can’t do for long, so I answer, promising myself to keep it light and airy.

“Hey, Gabby. How are you?”

“Oh my God, Bower, did you know Bennett is dating someone?”