Page 48 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

“Don’t you have any fantasies? Come on. Tell me.”

“Hm, she should be smart. Driven. Have that certain spark. Be athletic and know something about nutrition.” I glance at my burger and take another bite anyway, even though it’s wrecking my whole metabolism.

“The burger wasn’t such a good idea, was it?”

“No, it’s fine. It’s okay to indulge once in a while.”

“I usually watch what I eat.”

“That’s true. You’re a role model, really. Even if I can’t get on board with all the vegan stuff.”

“And I’m athletic too.”

“Yeah, you’ve always been active.”

“She’ll come along someday, Alex. She’s out there. I know it. You just need to open your eyes.” Stephanie smiles at me affectionately.

“Thanks. You really are the best little substitute sister I could ask for.”

“Yeah, that’s absolutely true.”

I’m glad she and Marc found each other, even though I was shocked when they got together eventually. After all that time, love still developed between them. I definitely hadn’t seen that coming.

We chat about everything until my time’s up and soon my next appointment will be in my office.

“Whenever I’m with you, time flies,” she says, wrapping her arms around me. I pat her back gently, but she won’t let go. “I’m so glad you’re finally back here. Promise me you’ll never go back to New York, okay? I don’t ever want to miss you again.”

“I can’t promise, but for now it looks like I’m staying.”

“Music to my ears.”

Stephanie pulls back and looks at me intently before placing her hand on my cheek. “I’ll be back in two weeks. Can you even manage without me?”

“I’ll try,” I tell her. I hadn’t realized just how clingy she’s been the past few days. She was practically glued to me before the wedding too. She must’ve really missed me.

After she leaves, I have to air out the office immediately—partly because of her perfume, partly because of the fast-food smell.

There’s a knock. My appointment already? Way too early.

“Come in,” I call out loudly, otherwise they might not hear me. But it’s London, peeking in.

“Hey, do you have a moment? It’s about… uh.” She hesitates, wrinkling her nose.

“What’s worse, perfume or fast food?” I ask.

“The combination. Wow.” London coughs and steps back. Then she feels along the wall and presses a button. A moment later, the ventilation system kicks in. “Better leave it running the whole time.” She stays in the hall for safety, so I go over to her.

“Thanks. What’s this about?”

“I tested two potential massage therapists, and they’re both interested.”

“Do you have a favorite?”

“They’re both fantastic, so I’d suggest hiring both. One could come on weekday mornings until noon since he already has afternoon clients, and the other is free in the afternoons because he focuses on mornings. If we pay well, they’re both willing to cover a few hours. That could work nicely.”

“Did you let them work you over properly?” I tease.

London beams.