"I wish you'd just move here. It would make everything so much easier."
"It'll be fine," he said. "We're both busy all week, anyway."
"I found another job that you might like. It's actually at my firm. Just think of how much we'd be able to see each other."
Clay gritted his teeth. "Don't you listen? I'm happy with this job."
"Why? I'd think you'd rather be close to me. Do you just prefer working with celebrities?"
"Maybe I do," he snapped. "Charlotte did say I was hot."
Lauryn gasped. "You're just saying that. She hasn't been down there yet—you said that yourself."
"She happens to like video calls. With me."
"I-I… What about your boss? Wouldn't Charlotte rather talk to him?"
"Him? My boss is a girl. I mean, a woman."
"What?" Lauryn exclaimed.
"I'm pretty sure I told you."
"Actually, I think I'd remember that."
"Why?" Clay demanded. "Is there something wrong with that?"
Silence.
"Is there?"
"Is she pretty?"
"Does that matter?" he exclaimed.
"So, she is. Tell me more about this pretty boss of yours who hires celebrities."
Anger surged through him. He counted to ten silently.
"What's the problem?" Lauryn demanded.
"Us," Clay snapped.
"What?"
"Think about it. We've been together forever. Neither one of us are the same as we were so long ago. Maybe this distance between us is a good thing. We need a break to figure out if this stands a chance."
Lauryn gasped. "Are you breaking up with me?"
"I'm saying some time apart would do us both some good."
"While you're surrounded by pretty women who think you're sexy?"
"You're blowing this out of proportion, Lauryn."
"Don't take that tone with me."
"You sound like your mother, you know that?"
"How dare you?"
"Look, we're clearly not getting anywhere with this. Call me in a couple weeks and hopefully we'll both have a clearer perspective on what we want."
"You're serious about this, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Okay, let's talk about this. I might have overreacted about—"
"Might have?" he exclaimed.
"Clay, we can work this out. You know what? Who cares if everyone you work with is beautiful and finds you attractive? They'd be crazy not to. But I trust you, and that's all that matters."
"You should. You've known me long enough."
"I do. You're right."
She was admitting he was right? He must have finally hit a nerve.
"I'm serious," he said. "We need this time apart. It's better to figure out that we're not meant for each other now than in twenty years."
"We are meant for each other! That's why we need to live in the same city, not as far apart as we are. Let's work on this. Do you want me to—?"
"Respect my need for space? Thank you. Yes, I do."
"Clay—" Her voice cracked.
"Just give me some time."
"But we—"
"I'm going to hang up now. Not because I hate you or think you're a bad person. But because we need to figure out if we're still right for each other."
"Think of all our good times, okay?" Lauryn sniffled.
"I will." He ended the call, expecting her to call back right away.
She didn't.
He sat in a chair and breathed a sigh of relief. It felt like a set of lead weights had been lifted from him.
When had things turned sour between them? Back when they had first started dating—in high school—they'd been so happy and carefree. Sure, Lauryn had her eyes set on big things. Her mom had drilled the importance of a career into Lauryn from a young age. The single mother had taught her daughter never to rely on a man.
Clay understood that was why Lauryn was so bossy, so he tried not to take it personally, but now he wasn't sure he could—or wanted to—put up with it any longer. Just because she had issues didn't mean he needed to be the brunt of them.
He closed his eyes. Dakota's bright green eyes and wide smile appeared behind his eyelids.
If only Lauryn could be more like her. Dakota wasn't afraid to admit when she didn't have things under control. She asked for help when she needed it and was willing to take advice. The fact that she'd let Clay completely redo her entire filing system and bring in his friend, who she'd never met, to work on a computer program showed that.
Then there was the fact that she not only didn't call his bike 'that thing' but she actually appreciated it. And it had been so nice to go riding with her for lunch. She didn't gripe about the fast food or carry green smoothies everywhere.
Not to mention how nice it had felt to have her riding with him. Come to think of it, it had been really nice. At the time, he'd pushed away all such thoughts. Now that he needed to figure out his future with Lauryn—if there even was one—he needed to consider every aspect.
Maybe spending time with Dakota was just what he needed so he could see how badly things were lacking in his relationship with Lauryn. With each small change, it had been easy to ignore their turn downhill.
If Clay was being honest with himself, they had grown apart years ago. Maybe when they'd gone to separate post-graduate universities. Him for his master's degree and her for law, and it wasn't just the physical space that had gotten in between them.
At least he didn't need to figure it all out tonight. He'd told her a couple weeks.
Deep down, he knew he already had his answer.
Nine
Dakota glanced at the time. Again.
"She'll be here," Clay reassured her.
"What if I've forgotten something?"
He smiled. "We've spent every moment of the week preparing for Charlotte's arrival. Everything is going to go as planned."
"I wish I had your optimism." She sighed and blew some hair from her face. "Which is ironic, considering that everyone tells me how optimistic and bubbly I am. Not that you'd believe it, spending this entire week working with me."
He stuck some paperwork in a file—one of the few files he'd saved. "Imagine that. You're human."
She cracked a smile. "Yeah, there's that."
"It's going to be perfect. I double-checked everything in the main reception area. We'll show her all the samples, one by one, down the line. I'll take notes. Then we head for the tailor for the fittings, and after that, everyone can get started with the weekend."
Dakota slumped into a chair. Cruz and Talia were supposed to head up the next day for help with their wedding since they hadn't been able to make it the previous weekend. At least she didn't have to come into The Chateau all weekend. Marina and Aria were going to take care of the weekend's weddings.
"Are you okay?" Clay asked.
"I will be."
"If you want, we can go for another ride this weekend. I could use some fresh air myself."
That sounded wonderful. "My cousin is coming up tomorrow. If he brings his bike, maybe we can all four go for a ride." Like a double date. "Cruz is dying to see the Ducati after the pictures."
Clay chuckled. "That would be fun. It'll give us something to look forward to while we're rushing through tonight." He winked.
Dakota's heart fluttered. "Right."
Could he possibly return her feelings? The way he smiled at her and held her gaze the last few days really made her think he might.
It just sucked that they had a working relationship. She really knew how to pick them.
Her phone buzzed. A text from Sarah.
Pulling into the parking lot.
OK.
She turned to Clay. "They're here."
He rose and cracked his knuckles. "We've got this."
"I hope so." So many things could go wrong, but then again, they could also go so very right.
They hurried out to the main entrance. The
door opened and in walked Charlotte Pemberley with as much gusto as Dakota would expect. Though it was night, she wore dark sunglasses which matched her black hair perfectly. Hadn't her hair been a honey brown last time?
Charlotte slid off the glasses and glanced around, nodding in approval. "I'm exhausted. Do you have anything to drink?"
Fourteen people piled inside. A lady with auburn hair in a tight bun ran over to Dakota. "I'm Sarah. This is Charlotte, Hugh, and their wedding party."
"You brought everyone." Dakota exchanged a surprised glance with Clay. "That'll be good when we get to the tailor. You can all come to the reception hall, where Charlotte will choose the flowers, cake, and—"
"We decided on the cake already." Charlotte glanced at her wristwatch.
Dakota smiled. "I just want to make sure you like it."
Charlotte slid off her coat and handed it to Clay.
Clay arched a brow at Dakota.
"We have a closet in the reception hall where you can all store your coats."
"Okay." Charlotte grabbed Hugh's hand and walked down the wrong hallway.
Dakota cleared her throat. "Actually, it's this way." She motioned the other way.
Charlotte glanced around. "Where's your other assistant?"
"Other one?" Clay asked.
"Marcel, wasn't it?" Charlotte asked. She slid her hands under her arms and adjusted a strap. "He was nice."
Dakota should have known she would want to meet him. "He's at a photo shoot tonight."
"Bummer. Okay, let's see the stuff."
"This way," Clay said and turned to Charlotte. "We've got everything set up for you, so this should go quickly. You'll be on your way in no time."
Relief covered her face. "Thanks so much."
Clay led the couple into the reception hall and handed them the cake samples.
Charlotte's eyes lit up. "Oh, this is delicious. Good call, Clayton. Don't you think, Hugh?"
He shrugged. "It's fine."
She rolled her eyes. "You know, you're allowed to have opinions about the big day."
"I just want you to have the wedding of your dreams." Hugh gave her a smile that was practically dripping with sugar—organic, pure-cane sugar.
Dakota bit back a smile.
Clay then handed them some wine samples, offering his suggestions. He then glanced over at Dakota. "Want to help with the flower options? I'm afraid I won't be much help."
"Of course." Dakota straightened her back and hurried over, telling her which flowers were in bloom that season, and therefore easier to get. "Have you decided on the color scheme?"
"Oh, right. Tiger orange—it's an actual shade."
"That will be fun," Dakota said, making a note of it. It would be difficult to work with, but she had a feeling Charlotte didn't care.
"Are you ready to look at what else we have for you?" Clay asked.
"Yeah, let's get a move on."
They hurried through the rest of the samples. Charlotte picked the rarest and most challenging options each time, picking things that clashed with her chosen color scheme. Dakota pointed that out each time, but Charlotte wanted it all to magically work out. Not that she was much different from many of the brides who walked in. At least she was here in person.
Dakota hated being rushed like this, but at least decisions were being made.
"I appreciate you coming in," Dakota said when they reached the end of the line. "It makes all the difference for you to be able to see and touch everything. And now for the dress."
Charlotte ran her hands through her hair. "I can see why you wanted me to come down. One question about—"
A phone rang.
"Oh, that's my maid," Charlotte said. "Hold on." She slid her finger around the screen. "What's going on?" Charlotte's face paled. "Oh no! Rush her to the doctor. I'll be right there."
Several of the bridesmaids crowded around her asking what was wrong.
Charlotte stepped back, gasping for air. "My burmilla is sick. I have to go."
The girls gasped and cried out.
"What's a burmilla?" Clay asked.
Dakota shrugged.
"Only one of the rarest cats in the world," Charlotte said, her eyes wide. "She's throwing up, and I have to go right now."
"But the dresses…" Dakota felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "It's a rush order, and the tailor stayed in late just to have everyone fitted."
Charlotte stared at her like she was a monster. "I can't try on dresses while my little Pawssanova is vomiting."
"You don't think the vet will take care of her?" Dakota exclaimed.
"Him," Charlotte corrected. "And he needs me by his side."
Dakota shot Clay a look for help.
He put a hand on her arm. "We're really sorry to hear about your cat, Charlotte. Is there any way you can just try on the dress real quick before heading back? The tailor can't move on without you wearing it, and time is of the essence. This is your wedding. You want everything perfect."
Charlotte gasped for air. "I have to go. Someone else will have to try it on for me. Sarah has my measurements."
"But we need you," Dakota exclaimed. "If the fitting isn't done tonight, there's no guarantee the clothes will be ready."
"You're about my size." Charlotte scanned Dakota from head to toe. "You're actually really close. Have him put it on you for now. I'll come back down later for the final fitting." She grabbed Hugh's arm. "Let's go."
Dakota's heart sank. She was taking him, too? Hopefully one of the groomsmen was a close match.
Charlotte made eye contact with everyone in the wedding party. "You guys try on your clothes. Hugh and I will have to come back down. See you tomorrow at the show." She dragged Hugh out of the reception hall.
Dakota sat in a chair, gasping for air. "This can't be happening."
Clay came over and put an arm around her. "It'll be all right. Like she said, you'll work as a stand-in for her."
"What about Hugh?"
"I'm sure one of these guys will work. Let's go." He helped her to stand and then glanced around the room. "Okay, does everyone have the directions to the tailor?"
Everyone confirmed, and they all made their way outside. Dakota couldn't believe she'd allowed herself to get talked into trying on the wedding gown. She made it to the tailor's first, and explained the situation.
Dale's eyes became as wide as saucers. "I don't have the actual bride?"
Dakota shook her head. "I'm sorry."
The others filed into the storefront.
"No one can talk the bride into doing this?" the tailor asked, looking around. "We need her."
Sarah stepped up. "Dakota is surprisingly close. A much better match than the rest of us."
Dale turned to his assistants. "You take the wedding party into the main room. I'm going to take Dakota and the groom into the private fitting room." He glanced around. "Where's the groom?"
"With the bride." Dakota sighed.
Dale glanced around. "Is someone the approximate size as him?"
Sarah stepped up, sliding her finger around her tablet's screen. "I have his measurements."
"As do I," grumbled Dale. "What I need is a living, breathing groom."
"You know, I think we might have a match," Sarah said.
"Who?" Dakota and Dale asked in unison.
Sarah glanced at Clay.
"What?" he asked. "Me?"
"Don't you think?" Sarah grabbed one of the bridesmaids. "He's about Hugh's build, wouldn't you say?"
The bridesmaid looked him over. "Yeah, actually."
Dale grabbed Clay and Dakota. "Come on, you two. If I'd have known this, we could've moved on with the process long ago."
They came to a wide open room with bright lights and a dozen full-length mirrors. The dress and tux hung on hooks on the wall.
"If you two want privacy, those doors across the room are dressing rooms. I'll be right back."
Dakota grabbed the wedding gown. "I hope this works."
"This is definitely a learning experience," Dakota muttered and made her way to one of the dressing rooms. She undressed and slid on the monstrous dress—she'd never seen one with so many layers of fabric. Charlotte had even used the tiger orange on the bodice, but somehow it worked.
She managed to zip it up easily enough because the back was low. The front was pretty low cut, exposing more than Dakota was comfortable with, so she hiked it up as far as it would go. Then she pulled at some of the ruffles on the skirt to straighten everything out.
Knock, knock.
"Are you ready in there?" Dale asked.
"Yeah. Hold on." Dakota pulled on the front again until she was comfortable with how much was covered. She stepped out into the bright fitting room. The first thing she saw was Clay in the tuxedo. He was even more gorgeous all dressed up. Her breath caught and their gazes locked.
He pulled some of his hair behind an ear and his dimple formed as he looked her over. "You're beautiful."
Dakota's face flushed. "I—"
"Over here," Dale called. "We need to get this done. I've already measured the groom. I'm almost done with him, but I need to check you first."
"You already fitted him?" Dakota asked. It hadn't felt like she'd been in the changing room that long.
"Yeah, he really is the perfect fit. Let's hope the actual groom is, too." He shook his head.
Dakota went over to Dale in front of the mirrors. She barely paid attention to anything Dale was doing. Her focus was on herself. Despite all the weddings she'd worked on, this was the first time she'd ended up in a gown. She couldn't get over how much she liked the look on herself.
She glanced over and caught another look at Clay, dressed as the groom. Her pulse raced seeing both of them in wedding attire. He was truly the best-looking groom she'd ever seen.
He caught her gaze, and through the mirror, held it.
Dakota loved the way they looked ready to wed. They made the perfect couple. Maybe he was why she'd never been able to find the right guy before.
She needed to nix her business and pleasure policy. This could be the real deal.
Dale rose and set the measuring tape on the floor. "I need to grab something. Stay there."
"Okay." Dakota didn't take her gaze from Clay.
The tailor ran from the room.
Bayside Evenings Page 6