I met her in the lobby where we checked out our tablets. Bells would be splitting her time with another smaller event going on that day. Finalizing the garden potting to fill in a few holes for conversation was on my agenda. I found that getting my hands in the soil soothed me more than I’d expected.
A few hours passed as I dragged the barrels cut lengthwise around to the areas I wanted to make pretty. One beside a table that would hold the chocolate fountain, another that would be the bartending station.
Lennon was sending over two of her best flair bartenders for a little entertainment and I wanted them to be showcased.
I even found a large mason jar in the storage room that would be perfect for a tip jar.
Tapping my chin, I wondered if I could get some of the etching liquid I saw at a craft shop to make another jug. I dug out my phone to open up my Pinterest app. I’d seen something for a wedding, but it could also be perfect for a 40th birthday celebration.
Especially one with a Bridgerton bent. Lady Whistledown loved her gossip. I sat down cross-legged on the patio and made a few notes. I’d need some paper and maybe a few fancy pens. People could write up their favorite memories with the birthday girl.
I made a list for the craft shop and ran into Cara while I slipped into the back through the secret hallway since I definitely wasn’t fit to be seen in the lobby.
Dirt streaked my arms and legs from kneeling in the grass.
“There you are.”
I smiled. “How’s it going? Did the caterer call back about adding the fancier plates to our order?”
“No. At least not that I’ve seen. I’ve been running around with projectWah.”
I pressed my lips against the nickname Jessica Washington had been given through the week. “What does she want now?”
“The garden.”
I ducked down to grab a water out of the mini fridge behind the desk and almost fell over. “Excuse me?”
“She was walking around with her MOH and saw what you were doing.”
“Saw me?” My voice was nearly a squeak.
“Yeah, she said it was so beautiful, she wanted to do their brunch there today.”
“But it’s not set up. I mean, I have a few tables, but…”
Laverne rushed behind the desk. “Oh, there you are. Thank goodness.”
“Jessica wants to use the garden?”
“Do you think it would be okay to use it for a dry run today? We can see where the changes would be needed for Friday.”
“I…”
“She can’t stop talking about it.” Laverne sagged into the chair. “I wouldn’t ask, but the woman has been a pure terror. She has a catering team who will do all the work, I just need to put her somewhere.”
“I mean, it’s mostly ready.”
“I’m definitely overcharging her for the cleaning after. This woman wants to make my life hell, so I’m charging her for every-damn-thing.”
Cara hid a smile behind her hand.
“Honestly, you should up your fee anyway. That’s why she’s taking advantage.” I hated saying that, but The Lodge should be charging nearly double what they did for weddings.
Laverne winced. “Oh, honey. We couldn’t do that. Making things affordable is how we have grown so much.”
“And with growth comes cost.” I grabbed my water when I saw Jessica and Trina coming into the lobby. “Think about it.”
Laverne sighed. “I will.”