Page 54 of To Have and to Scold

All kinds of meaning I don’t want to give it.

“That’s only because there isn’t space for all those cars to park. The striping crew is supposed to finish the parking spots in the new lot across the street tonight, but obviously, right now, the whole lot is blocked off. Taking one car is the only way.”

“He could have made you drive since your car is smaller than his truck.”

“How do you know he has a truck? I never said anything about that.”

Which is commendable, really, because I love his truck. It’s black, oversized, and tough. I can’t help but think that a guy who can drive it must be competent in all areas of his life. Makes total sense, right?

“He’s a construction manager, Dallas. Of course he has a pick-up truck. He probably has two.”

I change the subject. “When are you coming to see me?”

“You said you’d be back before I could even book the trip. Those were your exact words,” Kaia says.

“I probably did say that, but no, you should still come. It’s worth it to see the beach, at least.”

“That sounds lovely. But you do know we’re entering the busy season in this business, right? Or have you forgotten, with all the time you’re spending around a certain construction manager?”

“Kaia! I’m here to do my job. And to do the most bang-up job I can so I can get back to stressing about weddings with you. Don’t you want me to come back?”

“I will literally die if you don’t. GiGi, the new planner Shoshana assigned me to, is difficult.”

Every time I think of new wedding planners at Amore, I’m territorial. New planners being hired to take my place doesn’t fit intoThe Plan.

“See? Then why are you trying to tempt me to fall for Beck?”

“Tempt you? Honey, you’ve already fallen,” Kaia says. “No, I’m merely encouraging you to allow yourself to have a fun summer with a gorgeous, successful man before you come back here. And to enjoy the Willow Cove weddings, which have to be a little easier than weddings in Atlanta, right?”

“I think so. Time will tell. The first one’s in a week.”

“Do you need to go so you can finish getting ready for your date?”

“It’s not! It’s a work thing,” I insist. I’m not about to tell her I don’t remember the last time I spent this much attention to detail on my hair.

“What are you wearing?”

I bite my lip. She’s going to know I care what I look like when I tell her what I have on. “Oh, I threw on my jade-green dress,” I say flippantly. “It was really the only suitable thing that was clean.”

Do I have laundry coming out of my ears right now? Yes. Is that why I’m wearing my jade-green dress? No, it is not.

I’m wearing it because I want to make a good impression on Mayor Dobbs and the others. And jade green is my best color. Color-wise, this choice is all about Mayor Dobbs. But cut-wise? The way it accentuates my “assets”? That is about Beck. Hundred percent.

Okay, so I want him to like how I look in it. Is there anything wrong with that, on an intrinsic level?

“Oooh. He’s going to go bananas over you in that dress.” Kaia’s knowing tone is getting to be a little much right now.

She video calls me and I reluctantly answer it. I guess it would be a good idea to get a second opinion on how I look. The mayor’s satisfaction with the Willow Wood project is vital toThe Plan, and I know Beck feels if the renovation is a success, that will only help the cause on his YMCA proposal.

“Gorgeous, Dallas. You look as smooth as a baby’s bum.”

“Thanks? I guess? I wanted to try to remember the old me. Atlanta me. Put together and polished Atlanta me.” I spent so much time in the manicurist’s chair there. There’s only one nail salon in Willow Cove, and I didn’t have time to make it over there. I guess my home job will have to do. “Besides, I’m trying to look professional and competent, too.”

“Dal, you do. What shoes are you wearing?”

I show her my light beige pumps.

“Those have the shortest heels I’ve ever seen you in.”

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