Page 1 of Beards and Broken Hearts

CHAPTER ONE

“Needs more mustard,” my sister says after licking her pointer finger.

“Ew, Holly,” I say, slapping her finger away from my deviled egg mix.

“These for someone special?” She asks.

“Sort of. Maddison Leigh gave me a lead on a new engagement, and I’m hoping that if I meet the bride before she’s had a chance to shop around?—”

“You can swoop in and make her a one-of-a-kind Daphne Wedding dress.”

“That’s the plan,” I reply, topping my mixture with a dash of paprika.

“Well, if she knows what’s good for her, she’ll beg you for a dress. I hoped it was for someone a bit more special…say a man.”

I snort a laugh at her ridiculous accusation. “Definitely not.”

“But why? Daphne, it’s been a long time. You’re allowed to date again.”

She has always been good at pushing my buttons, so her words jab at old wounds, making me defensive. “I’m happily single. You don’t need a man to be happy, Hol.”

“I just think it would be healthy if you weren’t still waiting for him.”

Grinding my teeth, I turn from the sink and glare at my sister.

“I’m not waiting for anyone. I moved, for crying out loud.”

“Then why would it be so bad to go out with someone? You don’t have to fall in love, but give a guy a chance. That’s all I’m saying.”

I hear a knock on the door just as I take a deep breath to calm down. Saved by the bell, Hol. Saved by the bell.

“Look, I know you mean well, but please worry about your own love life. That’s Maddison Leigh. Can you answer the door and drop this pointless conversation?”

My sweet sister’s face drops along, her eyes downcast as she nods, standing. “Yeah. I’ll take a tray to the car.”

I should have said that differently. That’s always my problem with sensitive subjects, I’m too brash.

As an apology churns in my mind, I turn back to finish cleaning. I hear my bestie’s cheerful voice when Holly answers the door. Who wouldn’t be cheerful getting the D from a very attractive Golf pro every day? I’m so happy for Madison Leigh, and as harsh as my words to Holly were, I really do hope she stops serial dating long enough to find Mr. Right. As for me, I’m perfectly content being alone. Dating has been nothing but a disappointment so far. I’ve resigned myself to single-dome, and I’m damn happy about it.

My ex set the bar too high and crushed whatever gentleness I had left, so it’s better this way for everyone. Building my brand is what’s important. I don’t have time to invest in anyone new anyway.

“Hey, you,” Maddison Leigh says, bouncing into my kitchen. “These look great. You all set?”

“Hello, sunshine. I’m ready if you are.”

Grabbing the remaining trays of beautifully decorated deviled eggs, I hand one over to her and sling my bag of samples over my shoulder, ready to meet the bride.

We find Holly already in shotgun and I shoot her an apologetic look that she returns with a sad smirk. Part of me hates that she’s so used to my brashness, but mostly, I’m grateful she forgives me.

“Okay, Holly, find us somethin’ good to listen to. Let’s go crash this potluck and book us some business,” Maddison Leigh announces as she backs out of my driveway.

“Thought you’d never ask,” my sister replies, syncing her phone to the car’s audio and scrolling until she finds the perfect song to hype us all up.

Don’t stop believing blares through the car. The classic from Journey gives me nostalgia, reminding me of the many times our mom played this song as we drove off to whichever band camp Holly was signed up for. Music is something they always had in common. Dad and I usually hummed offbeat while watching them have the best time.

When we park under a beautiful Magnolia tree, I feel lighter and ready to make this bride my new client.

Everyone must have gotten the same memo to be early because the party is in full swing when we step out onto the cobblestone path. The backyard is already bustling with people, and light jazz music plays in the background. A long red and white checkered table is set up with a long paper tablecloth and covered in mouthwatering crawfish, corn on the cob, little potatoes, and sausages. A station to the right has large containers of sweet tea, lemonade, and a cooler of Budweiser filled to the rim with ice.

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