“I’ll text you the address. Meet methere.”
***
Chantelle sat next to Lance in June Myers’office. A part of her hated that she cracked and called him, butdid it matter who apologized first? This wasn’t high schoolanymore. No matter the pain, she would be the bigger person.
Her chest clenched hearing the remorse in hisvoice. She shouldn’t have thought the worst. He was right. Theynever talked about it. They parted ways.
Chantelle sighed. Those days were behindthem. They could work together on good terms, and when he invitedher to join him in meeting the wedding planner, she figured itwould help with her story. That’s what was most important.
Myers’ Weddings was the best wedding planningcompany in town, according to an article Cameron wrote last year.Yet, the woman with the bob blonde hair cut, Louis Vuitton bag andChanel shoes did nothing to impress Chantelle. Neither she norLance could get a word in once they arrived at her office.
Samples covered the table. From invitationdesigns, silverware, centerpiece selections, along with a DJ orband, and tabletops or banquet tables. Chantelle’s head spun, butshe made her notes.
“Well?” June asked with her hands on her slimhips.
Lance gestured at the “vision” board June hadcreated. “You can do this by June 29th?”
“Absolutely.” Her white smile flashing agrin.
Chantelle’s skin prickled. “You didn’tmention the gala theme?”
“What?” June asked, raising a thineyebrow.
Chantelle cleared her throat. “Well… Lanceproposed to Andrea at a gala function. Wouldn’t that be moreappropriate than a Parisian theme wedding? It’s gorgeous whatyou’ve come up with, but wouldn’t that mean more to the bride andgroom? More personal?”
June’s nostrils flared. “Who are youagain?”
“A friend of mine,” Lance said. “I’dappreciate it if you take her advice into consideration.”
June folded her manicured hands together. “Myapologies, but I have strict orders from your mother. You and yourbride to be are honeymooning in Paris, so I assumed that—”
“That decision isn’t final.” Lanceinterrupted. “Since I’m part of this wedding planning, I want agala themed wedding. If either my mother or fiancé have a problemwith it, they can call me.”
Chantelle hid her smile as best she could.Lance taking charge made her heart skip. She stared down at herhands, berating herself for responding that way. Yet, he had beenso sweet over the phone. He wanted her to know his apology wassincere. Perhaps the old Lance was still inside the grown mansitting next to her.
“Very well,” June said. “I’ll make thechanges.”
“Thank you.” Lance turned to face the tabledisplaying the china June picked out for the reception. “Leave outthe gold.”
“But that’s one of the primary colors?” Hereyes bugged as if he told her the sky was green.
“I don’t want it. I have to eat off of it,and I would prefer simple place settings and silverware. In fact,I’m thinking of a more home cooked meal for the reception.”
June pressed her hand against her forehead.“Please tell me you’re joking, Mr. Taylor. This is an elegantwedding.”
He shrugged. “Well, instead of filet mignon,what about smothered steaks in brown gravy? For those that preferfish, they can have the smoked salmon.”
June further pressed a hand to her stomach.“Are you sure?”
“You heard the man.” Chantelle’s lips quirkedinto a smile.
“I’ll-I-would you both excuse me, please.”June scurried out the door.
As soon as they were alone, both Chantelleand Lance burst into laughter. Did he say smothered steaks?Chantelle covered her mouth with her hand to stifle hergiggles.
“Did you see her face?”
Lance chuckled. “I thought she would passout.”
Chantelle threw her head back. “I can’t waitto see your mother’s face. That will be the kicker.”
He turned in his seat to face her. “I’llcompromise on the steaks, although it sounds good.”
Chantelle bobbed her head. “I love when mymother makes them.”
He gave half a smile. “Thanks for coming. Iknow I’ve been difficult.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t request anotherreporter for the story.”
He shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that,Chantelle.”
Her heart melted inside. Her fingers tingledto touch his hand, but she held back. Instead, she cleared herthroat. “Thank you, Lance. I appreciate that.”
His smile grew.
“What?”
“I should have told her I wanted shrimp.”
She giggled. “She would have passed out forsure.” Staring into his eyes, her lips parted. Lance licked hisfull lips, and Chantelle noticed the sound of her own heartbeat.Swallowing, she averted her eyes to the crown molding decoratingthe ceiling.
“I want you to know something,” he said.
She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.“Yes.” She faced him again, getting lost in the deep pools of hiseyes.
“I’m glad you’re back,” he said.
She opened her mouth to respond, only to haveher cell ring. Cameron was calling. “Will you give me aminute?”
He nodded.
Chantelle rose from her seat, left the room,and entered the hallway. “Hey Cam?”
“I feel like I haven’t talked to you inforever? How is everything?”
She rubbed the back of her neck. “I know.I’ve been getting adjusted to being back home.” Chantelle leanedagainst the wall, crossing her ankles.
“How’s Lance?”
“He’s good. He seems overwhelmed with all thewedding planning.”
“Andrea’s not there?”
Chantelle shook her head. “No, she’s beenworking overseas. His mother is doing most of the planning, but nowshe’s sick with a cold.”
“So where are you?” Her friend asked.
“I’m here with Lance and the new weddingplanner. June Myers.”
Cameron gasped. “She’s top notch, Chantelle.Celebrity status. I even remember working with her.”
“How was she then?”
“A little snobbish, but that didn’t stop mefrom doing my job.”
“I know what you mean, but I don’t thinkLance likes her. He’s more down to earth and she wants all thisfancy china and gourmet food,” Chantelle said.
“You seem to know a lot about what he wants.”Cameron teased.
“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve known him foryears.”
“If you say so. You don’t have to tellme.”
Chantelle sighed. “There’s nothing more totell. Yes, we got off to a rocky start when I got here, but we’repast that. There’s nothing more to say.”
“Are you sure?” Cameron asked.
“I’m positive.” Chantelle replied. Why didher stomach harden? Who was she trying to convince, her friend orherself?
Chapter 14
Lance fidgeted in his seat as he waited forChantelle to return. His eyes followed her when she left the room.An almost electrical feeling struck him when meeting her eyes. Fora moment, he remembered the girl in high school.
He
