Miriam pulled up behind two closed carriages that looked like they were made of real gold. Each carriage had two white horses pulling them. The girls all giggled with anticipation as they climbed out of the van. A footman opened the first carriage door while another footman called off the names of the princesses slated to ride in it. Ashlee, Belle, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty were escorted into the second carriage.
“Do y’all think this is gold plated?” Rapunzel said, running her hand over the interior wall.
“Probably,” Belle answered. She ran a hand over the leather seat. “I could get used to this.”
The carriage started moving, and Ashlee glanced out the small window and gasped. The entire backyard had been transformed into a miniature carnival with a merry-go-round and a small Ferris wheel. Again, she wished she had her phone, but Miriam had collected all of their phones and purses as they exited the van.
“This gig is amazing,” Sleeping Beauty said. “Who are these people anyway?”
Ashlee only knew what Miriam had briefed them on. Mr. Walker was a self-made billionaire and was considering running for congress. While this was a birthday party for their only daughter, it was also a political event. Miriam had warned the girls there would be many prominent people present as well as a few celebrities.
The carriages rolled to a stop. Ashlee sat back against the seat and waited for the footman to open the door. Each princess was announced individually and one by one they exited the carriages. Ashlee was second to last to make her appearance and she felt like a real princess as she waved at the line of little girls. While each child was dressed up as their favorite princess, they stared at Ashlee with awe as if she truly were Cinderella.
A man dressed like an old-fashioned butler escorted Ashlee to a gazebo-like tent made of sheer blue material. The butler escorted Ashlee inside the tent to sit in an elaborate throne. Although it was just after eleven in the morning, it was going to be a warm day and she was prepared for the tent to feel stuffy. However, cool air circulated the enclosure. A photographer greeted Ashlee and told her that he would be taking photos of the guests with her. Next to her was a table with various kinds of props like different sized picture frames without any glass and photo booth stick props of crowns, sparkly glasses and mustaches.
For the next two hours, Ashlee posed for picture after picture. And it wasn’t just with the little girls. Most of the adults ventured in for a photo op with her, including a few men who sometimes got a little too friendly with their hands. Apparently, there was an open bar and drinking before noon was okay with this group. No matter how much power or prestige a man held in the political world, wealthy, inebriated men turned into jerks, and Ashlee hoped she wasn’t stuck in the tent for the rest of the afternoon.
She’d been propositioned more than once, even with the photographer looking on. The guy apologized multiple times, but it wasn’t his fault. A guy that couldn’t be more than thirty, entered the tent and eyed Ashlee hungrily. She really, really didn’t want to have to deal with his kind much longer.
“Hey,” he said, giving her a lazy grin. “I have a friend who wanted to know if you ever dress up like that chick from the ocean that wears the seashells?”
“You mean Ariel from The Little Mermaid?”
“Yeah, that’s the one.”
Ashlee knew the guy wouldn’t be asking if he’d ever seen the movie himself. “Sorry, but Ariel is a red-head.”
“You’d look hot as a red-head.” His eyes roamed over her as if imagining her wearing seashells and nothing else. “Really hot.”
She refused to say thank you and wished the guy would go bother someone else. Some of the other girls probably wouldn’t mind changing their hair color for a man who looked like him, but not her.
“What’s your name?” he asked, moving closer.
“Cinderella, but I also go by Ella.”
“Cute.” He walked closer until he was right in front of her. “I’d like to know your real name, in case my friend wants to have a Cinderella party.”
“Does your friend have a daughter?”
“No, but he’s really close to his cousin. She’s ten or something.”
“Just have him call Princess Parties located in Mitchel Creek and ask for the new Cinderella.”
“Will it be you that comes?”
“I’m not sure. It depends on the day.”
“What if I want you?”
“I thought you were asking for a friend?”
“I am.” He grinned. “I will find out your name. Clint Walker is a close friend.”
Tim, the photographer, spoke up. “Sir, would you like a photo with the princess? She has a break coming up.”
Ashlee mouthed a thank you to Tim when her creepy fan-boy searched through the props. He came up with a small gold picture frame that would require Ashlee to lean in close to him.
“By the way, I’m Dax,” the guy said as he settled onto the large chair with Ashlee.
Ashlee didn’t reciprocate the greeting and simply smiled for the camera. Dax’s cologne smelled expensive and was overwhelming in the close proximity. She backed up the moment the picture was done.
Ashlee was relieved when Dax left as two little girls came in for a picture. After they were done, she was about to take that break when a couple entered the tent. Her heart nearly stopped when she saw who it was. Grayson had just walked in with his gorgeous fiancée, Brittany.
“Ashlee?” Grayson said with a wide grin. “Hey, I thought you were still in Florida.”
“Nope.” Ashlee licked her lips. “I came home for Taylin’s wedding and decided to stay.” That was all true, just not the entire truth.
“Cool, I see you’re still working in the princess industry.”
“Yeah, I just can’t seem to get away from dressing up for a job.” She glanced at Brittany and then back to Grayson. “I understand you’re recently engaged. Is this the lucky girl?”
“Oh, yes.” Grayson put a hand to his fiancée’s back. “Brittany, this is my friend Ashlee I was telling you about.”
His friend? Did Brittany know the two of them had dated?
“Hello, Ashlee,” Brittany said, holding out her hand. “I’m so happy to finally meet you. Grayson has nothing but good to say about you.”
“That’s nice.” Ashlee shook the girl’s hand, wondering what on earth Grayson was doing at a party like this. So, she asked him.
“Brittany’s daddy is going to be Clint Walker’s campaign manager,” Grayson answered. “He’s amazing and has already helped several other candidates get elected.”
“Grayson’s actually going to be helping Daddy,” Brittany said, looking up at her fiancé with a smitten look. “He’s starting in the Macon office next week.”
“Wow,” Ashlee said. “So, does that mean you’re leaving the accounting firm?”
“Yeah, it’s been a great place to work, but I’m excited about this new opportunity.”
“Congratulations.” She was kind of embarrassed that her last two jobs were playing dress-up. Maybe she would try to get her old job back now that Grayson no longer worked there. “I loved working with Mr. Jackson. I’m sure he and the partners are going to miss you.”
“They’ve been amazing and very supportive.” Grayson rubbed his hand up and down Brittany’s back. “Hey, Britt’s parents are giving us an engagement party tomorrow evening and they invited the entire firm to come. We’d love for you to join us.”
Ashlee was about to make up some excuse why she couldn’t attend when Brittany said, “Please come, Ashlee. I’d love to get to know you better.” She looped her arm through Grayson’s and smiled. “We’re having a live band and dancing, so you’re welcome to bring a date.”
“You don’t have to have a date,” Grayson said. “I mean, there will be quite a few singles attending, like Kenny from legal. Didn’t y’all go out before?”
Yes, and Kenny was very similar to Jed. He was all hands and expected her to pay up at the end o
f the date by going home with him. It also stung her pride that Grayson thought she wouldn’t be dating anyone.
Ashlee plastered on her “work” smile, showing off her recently whitened teeth. “I’d love to come… with my boyfriend… I mean, he’s not my boyfriend. Yet. We just started seeing each other, but I’m sure he’ll come with me… if he’s not working, because he’s super busy.”
She sounded like an idiot. There was no way they were buying any of this. And here she thought she was such a good actress.
“We look forward to meeting him,” Brittany said. She looked to Grayson for confirmation.
“Yeah, we do. I hope he can come with you… if he’s not working.” He held Ashlee’s gaze, as if trying to figure out if she was telling the truth. “What does he do that keeps him so busy?”
Panicked, Ashlee said the first thing that came into her mind. “He’s an architect for the Army. Well, not anymore… he just returned from Afghanistan, but he’s an architect.”
Grayson’s eyes widened. “Beau? You’re dating Beau?”
Shoot, she’d forgotten she’d told Grayson all about Beau and her unrequited love for her brother’s best friend. “Crazy, right?” Ashlee meant it literally. She was crazy. This was exactly why you should never be friends with an ex-boyfriend.
“Wow, Ash, I’m so happy for you. I know you’ve liked him for a long time.”
“Yeah, so crazy,” she said again, wishing Dax would come back to run interference. She lucked out when a group of little girls dressed like Cinderella entered the tent.
“Hey, I’ll have Britt message you the details,” Grayson said as he took his fiancée’s hand. “It’s really good to see you again.”
“You too.” She waved and let out a long breath after they left the tent. At least they hadn’t stuck around for a picture with her. That would’ve been too much for her to handle.
The butler guy came a few minutes later to get her for a group photo with the birthday girl. Thankfully, she didn’t see Grayson and Brittany in the crowd of people watching the photoshoot. The Walker’s had hired professional face painters, so the Princess Parties’ employees didn’t have to deal with that.
Their carriages arrived a few moments later and, after a final wave, she climbed into the carriage and sank down in the seat. The other girls chatted about their experiences. All of them had met Dax. All of them had given him their number. Good. Hopefully his friend wouldn’t be calling to request her for a party.
She was so ready to quit and find another job, but Miriam was her mama’s best friend and the job had been a favor to her mother. Changing back into her street clothes, she confirmed Miriam didn’t have her scheduled for any more parties that day or the next. Just as she climbed into her car, her phone dinged an incoming text.
Hoping it might be Beau, she pulled her phone from her purse and was thrilled to see her sister was texting her.
Hey, Ash, Luke and I forgot all about his houseplants getting watered. Iris isn’t home so I wondered if you could go out to the house and water them? Thanks! I love you so much. She added a heart emoji at the end of the message.
Feeling slightly let down by impersonal text, she sent a quick reply that she would do it right now and keep an eye on them until they got home. The only reply from Taylin was a smiley face emoji.
Once she arrived at Luke’s, she entered the code into the garage door pad. The house was dark and felt as empty as Ashlee’s heart.
Turning on a light, she made her way to the kitchen. As she passed by the family room, she noticed the large pile of unopened wedding gifts. The newlyweds planned on opening them when they returned in two weeks. They were having a family barbeque the same night to say goodbye to Chase and his family.
Locating the watering can under the kitchen sink, Ashlee proceeded to water Luke’s plants. They all looked healthy, and she had to refrain from taking a few pics and texting them to Taylin. It was pathetic how much she craved communicating with her sister. She had to keep telling herself if she were on her honeymoon, she wouldn’t want any texts from any of her siblings.
On the drive back home, she debated about stopping by to see Beau so she could beg him to go with her to the party, but her pride wouldn’t let her.
The house was still empty, so she took a long, hot bath and finished reading her romance book about the Navy SEAL. Instead of being happy the couple in the book got their happy ending, it only made her feel depressed.
She never got a chance to talk to Addie about her dilemma because Izzy was cranky and tired from the long day. Addie was exhausted too, and Chase said they’d both crashed the minute they got home.
The next morning, she woke up early and quietly made her way to the kitchen. She was starving and headed straight for the pan of left-over cinnamon buns. Her mouth watered at the sight of the fat sweet rolls, laced with cinnamon, butter and drizzled with frosting.
Removing the biggest one, she put it on a small plate and stuck it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up. After pouring herself a tall glass of milk, she settled at the bar with her delicious snack. Taking a big bite, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the rush of pleasure the food gave her.
“I know exactly how you feel,” Addie said, coming into the kitchen.
“Did I wake you?” Ashlee asked after taking a drink of milk.
“No, my bladder did.” She microwaved the last cinnamon bun and joined Ashlee at the bar. “I really shouldn’t eat this. I’m getting fat.”
“You’re not fat,” Ashlee said. “You’re pregnant, and I think you look amazing.” The dubious look Addie cast her made Ashlee smile. “I’m serious. I hope I look half as good as you do if I ever have a baby.”
“You’re sweet.” Addie broke off a piece of sweet roll. “And what do you mean if you ever a baby? I see at least a half dozen little Jacobsen babies in your future.”
“Not likely. Beau hasn’t tried contacting me once. I’ll bet I’m back to being his glorified little sister.”
“I think Beau needs an intervention.” Addie looked at Ashlee with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “The next time you see him just walk up to him and kiss him.”
“Taylin suggested the same thing.” Remembering her more immediate problem, Ashlee told her sister-in-law about seeing Grayson and inadvertently telling her ex that she and Beau were now dating.
“This is perfect!” Addie said. “You need to go ask him right now.”
“He’ll say no. Besides, I don’t’ want to get rejected in front of the construction workers.” Ashlee swirled her finger in some of the icing. “I just won’t go to the party.” She lifted her finger to her mouth and sucked off the sugary confection.
“He’s not at home,” Addie said around a mouthful of cinnamon roll. “He’s at the gym.”
“How do you know?” Ashlee asked.
Her sister-in-law took a drink of milk and said, “Because, he just texted Chase and asked him to meet him there to work out.”
“Um, I’m pretty sure he’ll know I’m not Chase.”
“Exactly my plan,” Addie said with a wicked grin. “Wear something sexy.” She patted her stomach. “While you still can.”
“What are you going to tell Chase?”
“Don’t worry about him… he’s about to get lucky.”
“Oooh,” Ashlee said covering her ears with her hands. “I cannot un-hear that.”
“Not that lucky,” Addie said with a laugh. “I just meant I’m going to let him sleep in.”
Giggling, Ashlee thanked her sister-in-law and hurried up to her room to change into an aqua blue razorback tank and some multi-colored yoga capris. She pulled her hair into a low ponytail and put on just enough makeup to look like she didn’t have any on. Although she was desperate for Beau to agree to go with her, she didn’t want to appear desperate.
She spotted his car right away as she pulled her VW into a slot on the end. Her palms felt sweaty as she exited the driver’s seat and headed for the main doors. I
t was hard putting yourself out there, knowing rejection was the most likely outcome.
Maybe she was desperate. But if there was even a spark of hope that Beau Jacobsen returned her feelings, it would all be worth it.
Chapter 10
Finishing up the last rep of arm curls, Beau lowered the barbell to the bench and picked up a towel to wipe the sweat from his face. He’d hoped Chase was going to join him at the gym, but Addie had just texted him that she was letting Chase sleep in since he’d been up a lot with their daughter.
Part of him was relieved Chase wasn’t coming. For two days, Beau had wrestled with how to approach his best friend about possibly dating his little sister. But every time Beau imagined having the conversation with Chase, he ended up deciding to wait a little longer. He didn’t want to screw up a life-long friendship if her feelings for him were nothing more than a childhood crush. And what if his attraction was simply that—attraction? Besides, he was moving to Savannah in a couple of weeks to start a new career.
Grabbing his water bottle, he stood up and glanced across the room. A couple of treadmills had opened up, and he really needed to burn off some of his nervous energy. He knew he needed to talk to Ashlee again, even if he couldn’t bring himself to follow through with asking her out. He blamed the stupid Navy SEAL from her book for prodding him to venture into territory he wasn’t ready for. Still, he’d crossed a line, and it wasn’t fair to leave her hanging.
Pushing her out of his mind, he thought about the problems he’d encountered with his grandmother’s house. Dealing with a historical structure was challenging, and he’d learned a lot from the contractor the past two days on how to deal with those challenges. He’d loved the process of figuring out how to restore the foundation without hurting the integrity of the aged house. Mr. Dearden was confident things would work out and they could proceed with restoring the porch.
Taking another drink of water, Beau placed the bottle into the holder and pressed the on button for the treadmill. He didn’t bother preprogramming his run, deciding to manually adjust the speed and incline as he warmed up. He started out at a moderate tempo and was about to plug in his earbuds when he heard someone next to him give a low whistle.
Blue Moon Kisses: Georgia Moon Romance Book 3 Page 9