Page 44 of Champagne Fizz

“I haven’t done that yet?”

“Not really.”

I cross my arms over my chest defensively. Why does Arie need a damn declaration?

“Okay, then what am I supposed to do to impress the dragon?” I ask, annoyed.

“For starters, don’t fuck Simon.”

Holy hamburgers! What is wrong with everyone at Flambé? Haven’t they heard about manners?

“That’s not going to happen!” I hiss through clenched teeth. Connor’s eyes narrow at me in disbelief. “It was never on the table!”

“Arie is”—Connor pauses to consider his word choice—“let’s just say protective. So, at least wait tillafterthe wedding if you’re going to—”

“I’m not!”

Connor doesn’t let up on his suspicious smirk.

“I wasn’t ever going to,” I continue, “and I’mnotgoing to. Now tell me something that’s actually going to help.”

“After,” Connor reinforces, before moving his attention to the wedding magazines on the table. “You’re a designer, Kendall.” He taps the wedding magazines. “Impress her. Make a vision board or a mock up, or whatever it is you do. But make it fit Flambé. Arie designed everything in that restaurant from the silverware and the fonts on the menu. She’s got an aesthetic. Stick to it. Yes, I understand this is Olivia’s wedding, so let the bride pick out some colors or flowers she likes. But then, tell her you have the rest covered. That’s your job. Keep Olivia and Ned relaxed and focused on sayingI do.”

“By just designing a wedding that fits Flambé?”

“Simple.”

“Arie doesn’t strike me as the type to avoid micromanaging everything.”

“Look, she’s never going to tell you that she likes what you create,” Connor says, leveling with me. “She’s competitive and bossy, and she hates it when other people do something as good as—or even better than—she can. But she’ll respect you for it. Which, trust me, is a whole lot better than how she’ll treat you if she doesn’t.”

“So this is lose-lose,” I say with a frown.

“If you want her to be your best friend—then yes. Not going to happen. But to get through this wedding, all you need is for her to be agreeable.”

“So she doesn’t burn everything in sight?”

Connor nods like I’m finally catching on. “And she does have a lot of equipment designed to light things on fire.”

“It’s the name of the restaurant,” I grumble.

Connor points to the magazines again. “I saw her go through those with Olivia. Arie isn’t a heartless bitch. She’s trying to work with you. But you’ve got to try back.”

I look at the stack of magazines that I’ve scarcely touched.

He has a point.

“Okay.” I nod, opening one of the magazines. “I guess I can do that.”

I look at the first post-it and practically choke on my words. I turn the note to Connor and raise my eyebrows.

The note says:

This is the ugliest FUZZING thing I’ve seen in my life. Try this, and I’ll castrate you like a pig.

“I didn’t promise friendly,” Connor replies.

“Right ...”

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