Page 20 of Wedding Season
“Don’t be dramatic. When we get down to it, I’m doing you a favor.”
“This doesn’t feel like a favor, and Mariella is not going to be a part of my life.” He gave the older woman a pointed look. “A part of the life of anyone at the company. There are things you don’t know that I’m dealing with that involve Mariella. Complications.”
“Like her making your assistant cry and puking in the lobby?”
“In a manner of speaking.”
Luann lifted the donut halfway to her mouth then dropped it on the plate again. “Damn carbs,” she muttered. “You could probably eat these sugar bombs all day long and still have those washboard abs that I’d like to see more of.”
Alex suppressed a groan. But Luann wasn’t finished. “Once your hormones start going haywire, that’s the end of bread and pastries and pasta and cake and most everything else that’s worth eating. If my trainer tries to hand me one more protein shake or kale salad I’m going to shove them up his perfect backside.”
“This is what I’m talking about.” Alex rubbed two fingers against his temples. “Somehow we went from talking about the business to a scene with Mariella to your trainer’s butt.”
“It’s such a good butt,” she said on a sigh.
“Will you stay focused?”
“Focus isn’t part of my creative process,” Luann told him.
“Can you pretend?”
“I used to be more into role-playing but that’s not my deal anymore either. I had some great costumes back in the day. My favorite was the milkmaid—”
“Are you doing this on purpose?”
She gave him a subtle smile. “A little. I talked to Mariella about the position before the scene at the office. I don’t know why she was puking but if you think she’s drinking again, that’s another issue.”
“I don’t think she’s drinking. That business in the lobby had nothing to do with you.”
“But something is going on?”
So much. Alex wanted to confide in Luann. In someone. He wanted the responsibility of being privy to Mariella’s connection with Heather taken off his shoulders. He wanted to give it to someone who might know how to handle the whole situation with grace and insight.
As Luann continued to stare at him with a look of abject curiosity, he knew he couldn’t tell her. Not that he thought she’d specifically try to hurt Mariella with the information or do anything malicious, but she was a loose cannon. And although Alex was well aware he didn’t owe Mariella anything, he wasn’t going to share this piece of information without her consent. He went as far as to tell himself he was doing it for Heather’s benefit and certainly that played a part but not the biggest part.
“I’ve got it under control,” he lied, fairly confident Luann knew he wasn’t telling the truth. But she didn’t call him out on it. He appreciated that.
“At least consider Mariella.”
“I’d rather you consider finding a way to make this work. We just got things up and running. The new collection debuts in a few weeks.”
“Which is exactly why I want to bring her on now. Introduce her as the face of the rebrand.”
“Mariella is never going to be the face of my company,” Alex said with unequivocal conviction.
“Our company,” Luann reminded him. “Yes, you’re technically my boss but we’re also partners. That was the agreement. You wouldn’t have to offer her the same autonomy I demanded. You’d be in charge of her, Alex. That must appeal to you on some level.” She picked up the last bite of donut and popped it into her mouth as she stood and picked up her chai. “Consider it. Mariella is the right thing to do for everyone.”
He never thought he’d entertain the wordsrightandMariella Jacobin the same sentence. Even more so when seeing her under the cover of night had felt far too enjoyable.
“Not for me, Luann.” He stood and cleared the plate, waving to Mary Ellen as he walked out.
He’d come to Magnolia to simplify his life. What a fool he’d been to think that living in the same town as Mariella would be simple. But he wasn’t leaving so maybe the only choice was to make sure she did.
MARIELLASTOODWITHJasmin in front of the cash register the following Saturday morning. “You have such a way with babies,” the young mom said as she watched her daughter offer Mariella a gummy grin.
Mariella bounced the tiny girl in her arms and smiled down into the baby’s cherubic face. “Do you hear your mommy talking nonsense? I’ve never had a way with a baby in my life. It just so happens that you are such a sweet baby.”
“I’m sorry about bringing her here.” Jasmin checked her watch for what felt like the millionth time in the past half hour. “The new babysitter I hired should be here any minute. I never guessed how difficult it would be to find reliable child care.”
