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“Stef…” The warning note was unmistakable.
“I am!” It was a lie, but only a little one. With the frenetic pace of everything since we’d signed with Flow, I was already feeling a little frayed around the edges. But there was no going back now. I just had to do my best. I forced myself to hold Esme’s gaze, hoping that I could fool her.
“I’m not sure I believe you.”
Fuck.
“So I’m just gonna demand a promise from you.”
Double fuck.
“If things go south, if you have even the slightest hint that you need a break, that things are getting too much, you lemme know.”
“Okay.”
“Promise?”
“I promise,” I replied, biting back a sigh, not at all sure this was a promise I’d be able to keep. “Anyway, how about you show me some of these dresses?”
She seemed about to argue, then changed her mind and came to sit next to me. “Okay, here’s the first one.” Flipping the magazine to the first tab, she tapped her finger on the page.
The dress was a classic A-line silhouette, elegant and timeless. It was made of soft chiffon, the kind that flowed like water when you moved. The color was a gentle blush pink, almost like theinside of a seashell, and it had a delicate lace overlay on the bodice that added a touch of romance.
“It’s not blue, obviously, but we can totally get it made if you’re really set on the style. I’m just trying to keep costs down.”
“Marrying a billionaire who’d buy the moon for you if you asked him to, but hesitating about having a custom made bridesmaid’s dress for your wedding. Make it make sense.”
“Old habits die hard, I guess.” Laughing, Esme flicked to the next tabbed page. “And then there’s this one.” This one was bolder, a striking sapphire blue that would stand out in any room. It had a modern halter neckline and a sleek, fitted waist that flared out at the bottom. The back had a surprising detail–a playful keyhole that was both chic and flirty.
Esme’s excitement was infectious as she turned the page to the third option. “And this one!” The third dress was a true showstopper. It shimmered with tiny sequins, catching the light with every turn. The color was a deep emerald green, rich and luxurious. It had a V-neckline and a wrap style that cinched at the waist, flattering in all the right places. The sleeves were sheer, adding a bit of mystery and drama to the overall look.
I leaned in, my eyes darting between the second and third dress. “Hmm. Do I go mysterious and dramatic, or chic and flirty? Well, since I don’t think I could ever pull off mystery and drama, that leaves chic and flirty. And hey, I don’t think anyone has ever described me as chic, but I’m flirty as fuck. Plus, it’s already the right color, so we’ll be saving Wolfe a few pennies.”
“Perfect! I love it! So this color will match Grayson’s tie and waistcoat. Then Rhett and Florian’s will match Ariel, Tiana andBelle’s in a softer, paler blue. It’s gonna look soooo amazing! I can’t wait to show Wolfe.”
At the mention of Grayson, my stomach flip-flopped uncomfortably and my eyes dropped back to the dress. And there I was, wondering if he’d like it, how I looked in it. Could I be any more of a loser?Get over it. You can’t fucking stand the guy.
CHAPTER 12
Grayson
Icouldn’t deny the wave of anticipation that rippled through me, knowing that Stef and the band were ten minutes away. Lounging back in the plush leather seat of my private jet, I nursed my whiskey, listening attentively as Marcus brought me up to date with all the happenings. Of course, I pretended I hadn’t watched every interview, or the mini documentary Marcus had set up.
“They’re just fucking amazing. The whole band. I mean, if you’re gonna go off and talent scout on your own, I don’t know why you hired me,” he said with a laugh. “What a find.”
Jesus, I’d never seen him so enthusiastic.
“It’s all down to Stef, though, if I’m gonna be frank.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How so?”
He leaned forward. “She’s phenomenal in interviews. There’s this genuine vibe about her that just draws people in. It’s like she’s made for the spotlight. The others are great, but there’s no Boudica without Stef.”
“Fascinating.”
“Yeah, so we just have to make sure we look after her.”
I winced internally at that. But years of mastering my poker face meant I could say, “Of course,” without betraying a hint of emotion.