Page 44 of Bedding The Best Man (Bedding the Bachelors)

And that had included Eric.

She’d never called him back. She hadn’t even listened to the message he’d left on her machine again. She’d erased it as soon as Gabe had left.

She’d decided she was through with half-measures.

He’d texted her that he was leaving her at the altar, for God’s sake. If he wanted to talk things out with her, he was going to have to do it in person.

And until that happened, she couldn’t deal with her feelings for Gabe.

With that in mind, the day after she’d kicked him out of her apartment, she’d sent Gabe a text message, even as she’d seen the irony in it.

I have a lot to think over right now, and it would be best if I focused on the event while I did. I understand if you want to back out—just let me know, so I can make other plans.

Her stomach had done a series of slow, painful flip-flops while she’d waited for his reply. When it came through, tears sprang to her eyes.

Work through my assistant. But I’m here if you need me, Brianne. Always.

It was so him—short, sweet, to the point. She’d gone forward, then, all systems at full speed.

She’d needed every ounce of concentration, too. Gabe’s idea to hire culinary students for the day had been a genius move. It had saved money while still giving her a massive pool of potential cooks to choose from. She’d met with the dean of the most prestigious culinary school in the city. She’d requested interviews with his most talented students—hinting at a substantial donation to the school in return for the favor. She’d never wanted to resort to a quid pro quo approach, but it was a matter of life or death for Lavish Events.

Then, piggybacking off the culinary students, Evie had interviewed music students and found several that she’d been thoroughly impressed with. They were going to show case the student as the best and brightest upcoming talents.

“I’ve got one better,” Brianne said, turning to Evie. They’d been brainstorming in Bri’s office until the wee hours, eating Chinese takeout and pacing the room, throwing ideas around.

“I’m all ears,” Evie replied, lying face-down across a sofa.

“What if we use music students, dance students, theatre students, film students. And the entire event can center around donating money to fund creative arts programs in Los Angeles schools?”

Evie sat up, her face glowing. “Yes! That’s it!”

They jumped up and down and danced around the room.

Brianne wasn’t sure how it happened, but suddenly she was crying. Sobbing with the grief that was ripping her apart.

“Oh sweetie,” Evie whispered and pulled Bri into her arms.

Bra held onto her friend and dropped her face on her shoulder. “I miss him, Evie. I miss both of them.”

“I know you do, sweetie. I know.” And even though Evie held her and rocked her and comforted her, she didn’t tell Brianne that everything was going to be okay.

Because Evie, bless her heart, was honest to a fault.

* * *

Three days before the big event, Brianne’s mom called. “Darling, word has it that Leland’s event is going to be world-class.”

“Mom, if I didn’t know any better, I would think you were on his side,” Brianne grumbled as she put together some of the favors she and Evie had come up with.

“I’m not! I’m trying to warn you. I went to the salon earlier, and there were all sorts of whisperings about his event. That’s all I’m trying to say. I want to make sure you win.”

“Thanks, Mom, but there’s little I can do now. I mean, we’re three days out. I can’t do much more than I’ve already done. The ball’s in the air.”

“I don’t know anything about sports, dear.”

Brianne rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Of course. I’m having fun with you. Is there anything you need help with, I mean absolutely anything at all?”

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