Page 53 of Dubious Match
“Perfect,” Brice says. “Send us in a direction to run and we’ll make it happen. Who is your contact here?”
“Aster Pheris,” I say. “She’s supposed to be meeting me at the entrance.”
There’s a wrought iron gate as you enter the botanical gardens that saysLet Nature Be Your Teacherthat’s wideopen and since today is free admission day, we walk right inside. There’s not many people today due to the cooler weather, which makes it the perfect time to map out the gardens.
A woman with a long flowy green dress and coat over it is waiting just inside for us at a bench, and she stands as she sees us. Her black hair is up in a severe bun, and she pushes up her glasses as she smiles.
“Hollis?” she asks.
“Yes, Aster? Hi! Thank you so much for accommodating me today,” I say with a smile.
I’m exhausted, but determined to not let my face say that I’m anything less than grateful.
“Yes, we are just so excited for your event,” she says. “The gardens are full of winter flowers. I think it’ll be perfect for you.”
My fingers are crossed that it’ll only lightly snow if at all. I can never tell what the Minnesota weather will be like.
Aster shows us around the gardens and I pull out my checklist. Malcolm easily takes it from me with a firm look, making me realize that I can’t both suck down life saving coffee and use my list. I have to choose.
“Okay,” I growl under my breath. “There’s this beautiful space here surrounded by flowers and lots of pavers. Aster, is this somewhere we could have tables at? I know we need to be careful of the grass.”
Looking around, Aster nods. “We have several areas like this fairly close together, Hollis. This would be wonderful for it. We also do weddings in an area with grass that shouldn’t be too bothered by tents being placed and tables.”
For the next hour, she shows us around her wonderland of flowers as I point and murmur instructions to Malcolm. It’s honestly so beautiful and romantic, and he makes notes as we walk. Halfway through he makes a sound under his breath andflips the sheet over to quickly draw out the different areas Aster is showing us.
The notes are detailed and neat, and by the end, he hands it back to me.
“The gate will make it easy to manage the flow of people,” Felix mentions as Aster leaves to go back to work. I made sure I thanked her profusely for her help, to which she replied that it was her pleasure. “We can also have Remy handing out bags a few paces from there, set up at a table if possible with instructions on where they’ll all go.”
“Is the event filled yet?” Brice asks.
“It is,” I nod. “I just finished on Friday. We are all set to start making a seating arrangement. Though, while not everyone will be seated since it’ll be free range chatting, I do have available seats since I know not everyone can stand for long periods of time.”
“Do you think she plans to kick us out anytime soon?” he asks mischievously.
“Ah, no. They’re open until five today. Why?” I ask curiously.
“Let’s knock out where everyone is going to be shuffled to,” he says. “There’s a pavilion over there and benches. Did you bring more paper and a list of people attending?”
Wow. I really need to stop underestimating them. The fact that he’s not only suggesting to help but also taking point, is really fucking sexy.
“I have a sketch book with me,” I say. “I was going to sit later and draw to see if it helps my stress levels, but yes, I have both of those things.”
“Okay, let’s do it, and make sure you have time to destress,” Brice says. “Malcolm or Remy, can you get Hollis some water please? I swear, if you drink any more coffee I’m going to take you over my goddamned knee.”
Remy snickers as he walks away and my jaw drops open. I mean…is that something I’d be into?
“You’re going to draw flies, baby,” Malcolm murmurs. My teeth click together as I quickly shut my mouth, and he smirks at me. “Speaking of water, I’m betting you haven’t eaten yet, have you?”
Thinking back, I shake my head. “I went by Brewed Awakenings for my coffee and Lars made me take a muffin with me. I managed a few bites, which is sad because the man bakes so well,” I sigh.
“I’m jealous of a muffin,” Malcolm grumbles. “I’m going to bring you food.”
I inhale to tell him I’m fine, but a hard swat on my ass makes me gasp. Malcolm grins as he leaves, and I turn to face Brice.
“I warned you,” he grunts. “Move it, Baby Girl.”
Sticking my tongue out because I have no other words, I walk to the covered pavilion to get to work. I’ve never felt so immature in my life, but fuck that hurt. I also don’t know that I disliked it because I feel tingly inside and dare I say it, hungry for more?
