Page 52 of The Sweet Part
She runs upstairs.
“I’ll send you digital proofs tonight,” Rafael says. “You can pick your favorites. I’ll do some editing and send you the finals.”
“Thanks so much.”
“I’ll take pictures of the house first, and then I’d like to get some of you on the front porch.”
“Absolutely.” He starts with the living room, and I dash upstairs to change into something nicer than a baggy sweater and leggings. It was so sweet of Mason to do this for me.
What does it mean?
* * *
The next morning, a young brunette woman shows up at my door, holding a binder. Another guest I remember from the wedding. She’s engaged to Cooper Campbell, Mason’s cousin.
She smiles and holds out her hand. “Hi, I’m Rowan Sanders. We met briefly at Shayla and Owen’s wedding. I’m a partner in Love Junkies, the premier wedding planning service in town.”
“Yes, I remember you. You and Cooper looked so happy together on the dance floor.”
She smiles. “We’re very happy. Anyway, I’m here to help you with marketing and social media campaigns for the inn. It’s my specialty at Love Junkies, and I used to run my own ad agency.” She holds up her binder. “I’ve got lots of ideas, but of course I’d love to hear yours too.”
I’m floored. First Rafael takes professional photos, and now a marketing expert is here to help me with the overwhelming task of getting the word out for the inn.
I step back. “Please come in. I’m so happy to have someone to bounce ideas off of, and I’d love to hear yours. What’s your rate?”
She waves that away. “All taken care of.”
“By Mason?”
“It’s what our family does. We help each other out. You’re important to Mason, so that means you’re in.”
“But I’m not family. Mason and I aren’t even together anymore.”
She pats my arm. “Mmm-hmm. It was weird for me at first too. You’ll get used to it.”
Is this Mason making a grand gesture?
Rowan looks at me expectantly, and I snap into action. “I’ll give you the tour, and then we can get to work at the kitchen table.” Fortunately, Sophie’s out for Sunday brunch with my parents. They’re back from Bermuda.
“Sounds like a plan!” She sets her binder down on the coffee table and pulls her phone from her purse. “I’ll take notes as I go.”
As I take her on the tour, she stops frequently, taking in the view from various windows and sitting on furniture as she dictates into her phone. She’s very thorough.
All I can think is that if Mason keeps sending people to help me, it must mean he’s serious about me. And that means maybe, just maybe, I can take a risk and let him in. WWMD? Grandmom Maggie was all about taking risks in life. She always said you can hide under your bed, but then the bed could collapse on you.
But it’s not just a risk for me. There’s Sophie too. If I’m careful to protect Sophie from high expectations, maybe this could work.
* * *
After Rowan leaves, my head’s spinning. I had no idea social media could have such complex ways of spreading word of mouth. We worked out a budget for advertising, and she said she’ll be sure to recommend the inn to her wedding clients. I agreed to recommend Love Junkies to any engaged couples who stay here, so it’s a win-win.
I have to thank Mason for all his help. My parents took Sophie to the movies after brunch, so I’ve still got a couple of hours before she gets home. I grab my coat and purse and head out the door.
A short while later, I arrive at his house and ring the bell.
He answers the door, his brows shooting up. “May, is everything okay?”
“Yes. I just stopped by to thank you for sending over Rafael and Rowan to help with the inn’s launch. They were both so helpful. I really appreciate it.”
