Page 144 of Champagne Fizz

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SIMON

Guests start to filter onto the patio of Flambé for cocktail hour. The space has been transformed into a decadent display with highboys decked out in black crystal, blood orchids, and candlelight. Jewel-toned linens cover the tables, and there’s a whimsical fairy vibe coming from all the eucalyptus swags and flowers tied to the string lights.

It’s absolutely stunning.Hollywood Brideis going to go ga-ga over this wedding.

Arie exits the elevator with Connor in tow, having changed out of her disco gold outfit from earlier into an ombre red and black dress. It screams exotic and sexy and all things Flambé without being so over the top as to steal the attention away from Olivia—but barely. Arie will be Arie.

Ned and Olivia have successfully tied the knot, and the newlyweds are off with the wedding photographer for beach portraits. Despite the drama earlier with Mrs. Voss, this wedding has been going well, and now it’s time for Arie to show off everything she’s been laboring over: the cake, the drinks, the food that sparks and flames so dazzlingly.

And yet, Arie isn’t smiling.

Instead, Arie grabs a flaming champagne glass from a silver tray being held by one of our employees and heads straight for me with poison in her eyes.

I stiffen and try to smile.

“Arie,” I clip out as she comes to a halt in my personal space, her drink close enough for me to feel the heat of the flames.

“This is my show now,” Arie says curtly. “Make sure Canary Pom-Pom stays in her designated space. I have the schedule. I know when the champagne toast is and when to serve the duck. I know—to the exact second—how long it takes for everything to prep and cook. And all of my staff members have been informed on when to unholster their brûlée torches and wow the audience. This is my party now. Your job is to keep your girlfriend out of my way.”

She isn’t my girlfriend, but I don’t say that.

Arie blows out the flames on her champagne glass dramatically, causing smoke to swirl in my face. I cough, but hold my ground.

“Get drunk,” Arie says, forcing the glass into my hand. “Have fun. There’s nothing you need to worry about anymore. I can run this restaurant with my eyes closed, and you’re about to see just how well I can do that without any help.”

She means me, of course. Withoutmyhelp.

“Glad to hear I’m not needed,” I say with a tight lip. “Good luck.”

“Oh, I don’t need luck,” Arie says with a sashay to her hip. “I’ve got sex, fire, and chocolate, and I know how to sell it better than anyone else in Hawaii—in fact, the whole country possibly.”

I nod. It’s true. She does. There isn’t another restaurant like Flambé in all of the US and she knows it. It was part of what made this business venture so exciting. It was original. One-of-a-kind.

“Trust me,” I say honestly, “I know your value.”

Arie’s eyes narrow at me, not liking that I’ve agreed with her so quickly and trying to assess if it’s a trick. The point she’s trying to make, after all, is thatshe’snot replaceable. She’s the chef, the draw, the talent— Flambé is successful because she’s the brand the public has bought into. But accountants like me? We’re a dime a dozen.I’mnot what sells sex and chocolate.

“I’ll keep Kendall out of your way,” I say, causing Arie’s eyes to turn even more feral. She doesn’t like that I’m not fighting back to prove my worth. She wants me to throw a verbal punch, but I’m not giving in to her. “Remember, it’s Olivia and Ned you’re working for tonight.” I take a large gulp of the champagne she gave me, and the fizzy bubbles make my nose itch. “Please go do what it is that you do so spectacularly, but remember to avoid outshining the bride and the groom on their big day.”

“Everything I do is for Olivia and Ned,” Arie snaps.

“Good,” I say, turning my attention to Conner at her hip and raising my glass. “Good luck my friend, she’s all yours.”

Connor frowns. “Don’t get drunk, Simon.”

“It’s a wedding,” I protest. “Why not?”

“Just find Kendall,” Connor replies, “and keep her away from the kitchen.”

Connor takes the champagne glass from my hand before I can finish it, his eyes warning me to lay off:Stay away from both the booze and the wedding planner. This wedding isn’t over yet.

I almost protest, wanting to point out that I can’t simultaneously stay away from Kendall and keep an eye on her at the same time. But Connor gives me a smirk, reading my mind because he makes a move to punch me in the dick.

“After the wedding,” he growls. “We’re in the home stretch.” He grabs Arie by the waist and walks her through the front doors of Flambé.

“Thanks for the pep-talk, coach!” I call after them, and Connor flips me the bird. Of course, I’m not going to do anything to mess this up. I still need this wedding to get intoHollywood Bride. Not to mention, a transition to a new location is going to take time. It’s not like I’ll be giving my two-week’s notice in the morning.

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