Page 49 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

“Thoroughly—I feel reborn.”

“Well, that’s something. Once they start here, schedule me with one right away.” I rub my neck, though it doesn’t actually hurt. I just want to see her reaction.

“I could book you for this evening if you’d like. Even with another therapist.”

“That would be too much trouble.” I keep rubbing my neck. “I haven’t boxed in a while either.”

“Yeah…” London hesitates. I can see her fighting with herself, opening her mouth, closing it again. “I’ll get you one as soon as possible.” I wonder if she almost offered to do it herself.

“Thanks.” She leaves, and I close the door, lost in thought. With some time left, I set up a quick meeting with my New York team. The time difference is only five hours—It's just 9:00 in the morning there and I want to answer some initial questions before my next appointment arrives.

The afternoon flies by. Between conversations, London comes back at one point with a fresh cup of coffee.

“I’ve managed to book you an appointment with a massage therapist. His practice is nearby. Full hour, six to seven.”

That’s what I get for asking.

“Perfect. Thanks a lot.” Maybe it’ll do me good after all.

“Can I ask you something else?” London looks nervous, almost excited.

“Go ahead.” I wonder what’s on her mind.

Chapter 15

London

He’s the one who knows his father best. Well, except for Mr. Blackthorn himself of course, but I can’t ask him right now.

“It’s about the summer party on Friday—in two days at the country inn. Do you remember?” I ask. Alexander nods, sitting comfortably in his leather chair, watching me closely. “We’ll work he until 1:00 PM, then everyone will be heading out. There are buses for most of the employees since three hundred and forty-four of them are coming. That is as long as no one cancels last-minute.”

I’m lucky I’m a numbers whiz and can remember stuff like this effortlessly. “The festivities usually end by 8, but the last peopleleave around 9:00. It never goes too late—it’s a summer party, after all.”

“And how can I help with that?” he asks.

“Your father will give a speech, and I’m supposed to make sure he gets a proper farewell. I’ve planned several things, but I’m not entirely sure if he’ll like them. I can still cancel or swap things out.”

That’s the upside of having a practically unlimited budget—you can buy almost anything.

“What have you planned?”

“Well, your father said it shouldn’t be anything big, and if it is, then it should be something everyone enjoys. Everyone should have fun.” I sigh. “Alcohol. Lots of alcohol. Private taxis.”

“Yes, good. What else?”

“I managed to book Franky.” The famous comedian has always made my boss laugh.

“Oh, great, he loves him”

“He’ll do about thirty minutes of his new set. A band will also play your father’s favorite songs. There’ll be entertainers—men and women—getting people out on the dance floor. They’ll set the mood.”

“That all sounds great. Anything else?”

“Yes, I’m considering hiring Bonny Barns.”

“The country singer?”

“Yes, your father’s a big fan. She’d have to be flown in, though, and I need to decide now. She charges £300,000 plus flights, hotel, and extras.”