Page 41 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

"So you want kids too?" I ask.

"Mmh, yes… with the right man." She looks up at me and smiles. "Which I now have."

"Yeah. I hope I’ll be that lucky someday. I just need to find the right one now."

"Alex’s not your type?"

I half-expected her to keep asking about Nessa, but instead she redirects everything back to Alex. I suspect he’s asked her to pump me for information. Better to play it safe and paint him as a kind and great person.

"No, not at all. I like men with a little belly. Blond with glasses would be perfect. If you know anyone like that, send him my way."

"You don’t find Alex attractive?"

"He’s a handsome man, sure. But no, definitely not. He’s not my type at all."

Her expression doesn’t change, but she nods.

"Not what you expected to hear?" I press.

"Women usually go crazy when they see him. He's basically every woman's dream man." She looks at me and smiles. "We’re probably the only two people on this planet who don’t find him hot."

"Seems so." We both laugh. Stephanie moves closer to help me with the cooking, and I feel like she’s finally starting to open up.

"Be honest," I say. "How often have your friends asked you to set them up with him?"

She rolls her eyes. "All the time. Literally every single one of them. Even the ones already in relationships. Of course, it’s mostly because of his looks. But he’s also got a good character, money, influence, intelligence… It’s like God gave him all the things most men are missing."

"Money is always nice, sure but I find wit and charm way more interesting."

"True." Stephanie smiles. "Marc is like that. He always makes me laugh. When I’m near him, I feel at home. And when he’s gone—especially for longer stretches—I feel like I’m not really living."

"Is he away often?"

"Hm?" She looks at me, puzzled.

"Marc. I don’t even know what your husband does for a living. Does he also run a company like Alex?"

"Yes. Alex gave him money to start his own business. Basically, it’s similar to what Alex does—some kind of tech, programs, computer stuff. I don’t really get it."

"Honestly? I don’t either," I admit. "As a PA, I make coffee, organize documents, schedule appointments… I couldn’t even begin to explain to anyone what we sell. But I always know where my boss is and who he’s meeting." I giggle.

"Do you enjoy your work?"

"Absolutely. I have my own domain, my peace and quiet, and I can plan. I love planning things." Then, curious, I ask, "What about you?"

"I don’t work. I’m a… professional daughter, so to speak." She doesn’t seem the least bit bothered by that. "But I studied history because I found it fascinating. My parents own real estate, which I’ll probably inherit or manage one day. We’ll see… For now, I just want to focus on being a good wife."

Wow. I never thought I’d meet someone like this in real life.

"There’s plenty to do in that role," I say.

"The house is big, I exercise a lot, and I make sure Marc always has something good to eat."

But isn't she bored? Whatever. That’s none of my business.

"Do you enjoy cooking?"

"Yes, I love it. When you asked if I wanted to cook with you, I instantly liked you." She beams as she stirs the béchamel sauce: vegan butter, flour, plant milk, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. I’m really curious how it’ll taste.