Page 14 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

"I hope you do. The company has suffered some financial losses with the hotel fire in Newport, and also the storm damage at our properties in Florida. Victor wants everyone to see this new resort as our emergence from those issues, the new crown jewel in our collection. And there's a lot of pressure on the marketing team coming from him and also from Bennett, who has suddenly decided to actually work and doesn't seem to understand that the rest of us have been working all along."

I heard the irritation in her voice, and I knew it bothered her to report to Bennett, who knew next to nothing about the business and was only a vice president because he was Victor's son. "Do you think Bennett's interest will continue after this week?"

"Yes. I think he wants to take over the company, but Victor doesn't have a lot of respect for Bennett, so there's friction. But there's also blood. I'm sure Bennett will get everything at some point. It is a family business we work for."

"That's true."

"We just have to make sure Bennett doesn't mess anything up. He seems to be focused on new media—influencers and travel vloggers, so that should be an area he can't do too much damage in. Anyway, we have to accommodate him, even if some of his ideas are stupid. Don't tell him I said that."

"I'm on your team. I've got your back."

"Thanks," she said with a smile. "I'm trying to have your back, too, Lauren, but this wedding has taken on a life of its own. While I know you would like to keep parts of it personal and intimate, there's a lot at stake. This is a huge investment for the company, and it has to work."

"I understand."

"Good. I'll see you later."

As soon as Megan left, the temperature in the room warmed, and the atmosphere turned more fun as Harper put on some music, and we started talking about hair and makeup. The bridesmaids went first, which was fine with me. It was fun watching their makeovers. Around noon, room service arrived with bottles of champagne, sparkling water, and iced tea, as well as a magnificent charcuterie platter, fresh fruit, and tea sandwiches.

Harper decided we needed to open at least one bottle of champagne to really get the party started and after filling our glasses, she said, "To you, Lauren. May today be the first of many fantastic and wonderful days ahead for you and Andrew. Jamie and I truly wish you only the best. You deserve that."

"Thank you," I said, seeing my friends for who I'd always thought they were before things had started to get muddled with wedding and marketing plans.

"Cheers," Jamie said as we clinked our glasses together.

"We'll be doing this for you soon," I told her.

She immediately shook her head. "Today is only about you, Lauren. I'll have my turn."

"And hopefully someday so will I," Harper said. "I think Andrew's groomsmen are kind of cute, especially Colin. Is he single?"

"As far as I know." I was reminded once again that I knew very little about anyone in Andrew's life.

"Interesting," Harper murmured, moving back into the makeup chair.

Once Harper and Jamie were done with hair and makeup, they were given manicures while my shoulder-length, dark-brown hair was swept up into soft tousled waves, strategically pulled back with sparkling embellished pins. My makeup turned me into someone I barely recognized, hiding the pesky freckles that often showed up on my nose, adding color to my lips, and the perfect shadow to my blue eyes, which were the one thing I'd inherited from my mother.

Shortly before two, the photographers arrived: Elisa Jacobs, an older woman with a lot of experience in wedding photography, her assistant, Tony Marino, who was also apparently her nephew, and a videographer, Owen Webb, who was in his thirties and came with more of a marketing-focused background.

Elisa directed the shoot, based on a list Megan had given her, starting with Harper and Jamie helping me get into my dress and adjusting my train and veil. I felt a little awkward changing in front of Tony and Owen, but they seemed completely dispassionate about anything except getting the right shots, and I didn't have time to care about modesty. Elisa never seemed particularly happy with my poses. I tried to be the best model I could be, but I was clearly falling short as they continued to shoot until my face was cramped from all the smiling.

Finally, after a stressful hour, we were done, and the team moved out of the suite and headed down to the villa to shoot Andrew and his groomsmen. Taylor and Carrie also disappeared, saying they'd be back to do touch-ups in an hour. Once it was just Harper, Jamie, and me, I slipped out of my dress so I could sit down without worrying about wrinkling my dress or spilling something on it. I put on the luxuriously soft hotel robe, feeling happy to have a few minutes before we had to do it all again.

"You're doing great," Jamie told me, giving me an encouraging smile, as she handed me another glass of champagne. "Maybe try to relax a little more. This is supposed to be fun."

"I'm trying," I muttered, taking a small sip of champagne. I'd lost count of how many glasses I'd started, and I didn't want to be drunk at my wedding, although maybe then I'd finally look relaxed.

"Have you heard from Andrew today?" Jamie asked.

"He texted me earlier to tell me he loves me, and he can't wait to be married." He'd also texted me with Allison's entrée choice, which I'd done nothing about since that whole fabrication had been a lie. I still felt stupid for having called her on the day of my wedding.

"Andrew is a good guy," Jamie said with a nod. "He always seems to know how you're feeling. When we've been out together, I've noticed how attentive he is. He's very aware of your mood, whether you're hot or cold, tired or happy, having no fun or too much fun."

"He takes good care of me. He knows I can be an introvert and a little shy, and he tries to make things easier."

"He almost seems too good to be true," Harper said.

"Don't start with the doubts," I warned, wagging my finger at her.

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