“We were awesome!” she sang as she clutched the packet of notes and reference photos Akari had given them, fanning herself dramatically with the stack of papers. “Did you hear how excited she was? I swear, we aresogood at this.”
Tessa chuckled at her, turning the corner to catch the rays of a sun dipping toward the horizon, casting an ethereal glow over the rows of upscale boutiques and cafés.
“Wow, what an evening,” she said, taking a deep inhale.
“It’s amazing,” Lacey agreed. “Let’s go celebrate with a glass of wine. Isn’t that cute place, Vin’tij, on the next block?”
“It is,” Tessa said, trying to decide if she wanted to settle into the bistro and bask in Lacey’s happiness. Normally, nothing would have stopped her, but her heart was still unreasonably heavy.
“Come on.” Lacey tugged her arm. “One glass of something bubbly to toast our enormous success.”
Tessa shook her head. “One client does not an enormous success make, my young protégé.”
“We have the Bat Mitzvah next month, and you’ve had three new business leads,” Lacey replied. “Akari said she gave our name to several people looking for wedding planners. You can plan a wedding.”
“In my sleep,” she said, letting Lacey lead her. “All right, all right. One drink. Let’s go.”
Vin’tij Wine Boutique & Bistro was a perfect spot—trendy but relaxed, with a cozy, artsy atmosphere. They grabbed a high-top table near the window, each ordering a sparkling rosé. They decided to split a baked focaccia because Tessa never met a triple cream brie she could resist.
The place hummed with soft jazz music, and the pink-hued sunset spilled through the large windows, making the ambiance feel even more charmed.
Tessa sighed as the drinks were served in tall flutes, their deep rose color looking so refreshing.
Lacey raised her glass. “To Tessa Wylie Events—the best company I’ve ever worked for.”
Tessa clinked her glass against Lacey’s, laughing. “You’re either wildly optimistic or drunk on the smell of the stuff.”
“Neither one,” Lacey insisted. “I just can’t believe how smoothly everything is coming together. Akari wassoexcited about the show.”
“We need everyone involved to catch the vision,” Tessa said. “I’m not sure Eli and Jonah arethrilledabout their new careers in male modeling.”
“Jonah is still pretending to be annoyed, but I swear I saw him checking his reflection before we left today.He’sinto it. Uncle Eli, though? That’s gonna take some convincing.”
They laughed about it while the appetizer was served, wafting the aroma of warm brie and caramelized onions between them.
“And we’ll need more brides, of course,” Tessa added.
“You need to step up, Tess.” Lacey pointed at her with a slice of cheese-covered bread. “Why don’t you want to wear a wedding dress?”
Tessa groaned, putting her own bread back down on the small plate in front of her. “Oh, Lace, don’t start.”
“It’s just that you’re so pretty and you have a great figure. Honestly, for that ‘second brides’ collection? You’re perfect. In every way, you’re perfect.”
“Kate will do it.” She took a bite and tried to enjoy the rich flavor.
“You should, too.”
Tessa wanted to roll her eyes, but Lacey studied her so intently, she suddenly felt uncomfortable.
“What?” Tessa asked, touching her lips. “Do I have cheese on my face?”
“I’m just thinking…” Lacey leaned back in her chair, her smile stretching. “Tessa, can I just say that I love this job?”
“Oh, Lacey, that’s?—”
“No, no, let me get this out. I’ve had two sips, so it’s not the rosé talking. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like I’m actuallydoingsomething. Like I wake up and want to work. That’s never happened before.”
“That’s because you’ve finally found something that excites you,” Tessa told her, knowing the feeling all too well. “You’re not just punching a clock for a paycheck, especially considering the paltry sum I’ve paid you. But you’re building something.”
