Chapter Ten

 

The next three weeks flew by for Amelia like she was riding in a supersonic jet. Her trip up north to meet with Rose and finalize the plans for the upcoming wedding went smoothly. She’d spent a whirlwind three days, personally touching base with every vendor and confirming every detail. During her time away, she rested easy knowing Oscar and the rest of the staff back in Milwaukee kept the business running smoothly.

With the exception of a few mornings, he arrived at the office around seven AM. He’d purchased a high-tech espresso machine for the office kitchen, stating it was a gift for his coworkers. She didn’t doubt his generosity, but was fairly certain he was a coffee snob and her drip style brew wasn’t up to his standards.

Right now, the office was quiet. Most everyone else had gone home after a busy day. She thought about calling Lilly to check in, they’d gone too long without actually speaking on the phone, but decided to wait until later that night. Lilly was a beekeeper in Tennessee and usually worked until sundown each day during the summer. Actually seeing her friend would be even better than talking on the phone. Amelia vowed to plan a trip down south once the summer wedding season retreated for the year.

She checked her watched and jolted with the realization the time was a quarter past six. She’d made plans to go over to Mom’s house for dinner then help some of the neighbor kids with summer school homework. Oscar had been invited for dinner as well, but he’d politely declined for tonight, stating he planned to call his sister and mother this evening.

He’d become a regular guest at Mom’s house, coming every Sunday afternoon for lunch and staying to play basketball or soccer with some of the boys and girls outside.

After replying to three more emails, Amelia shut down her computer. The rest could wait until tomorrow. As she swung around her chair and reached down for her bag, a knock sounded on her door.

Tonya, her most proficient assistant planner, stood just outside the door. “Can I talk with you?”

“Sure. You’re here late.” She spun her chair around to face the desk. “Have a seat.”

“I didn’t want to bother you earlier.” Tonya brushed strands of blonde hair off her shoulder. “I’ve decided to take another job, so I’m giving you my two-weeks-notice. I was offered a position as a regular wedding planner, not just an assistant.”

A sickening sensation churned in her gut. Amelia liked Tonya and considered her a great assistant, but she didn’t have the experience to manage a complete wedding alone. “You’re going to Elegant Engagements.” Not really a question.

Tonya nodded. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. After I got the offer, I talked with my parents, and they said I have to do what’s in my best interest. So that’s what I’ve decided to do.”

“I don’t blame you for taking a better opportunity. You leaving so suddenly does put me in a tough position.” Which, she assumed, was the point of Eric Moore’s job offer. “Thank you for all your hard work over the last year. We’ll miss you around here.”

“Oh, I’ll miss you all, too.” Sniffling, she stood and rounded the desk, then wrapped Amelia in a hug.

“Since you’re going to a competitor, I think it’s best we forgo the two-week-notice and today will be your final day here.” Amelia felt the young woman stiffen in her hug. She dropped her arms. “I’ll give you a few minutes to gather your personal items.”

“You’re firing me?” Her voice squeaked.

“No, you gave your notice. I have to protect my company and client information.” She locked up her emotions and resisted the sad puppy-dog expression on Tonya’s face.

“Mr. Moore warned me you had a heart of stone.” She huffed. “I told him you were a tough boss with high expectations but you cared.”

Amelia placed a hand on Tonya’s shoulder and gently guided her out into the hall. “I wish you well. Let me know when you’re finished so I can walk you out.”

After wiping a tear from her eye, Tonya went to her desk and after a brief search for a box, began packing.

Amelia pushed down feelings of guilt for asking Tonya to end her employment today. She accepted another job with the company that wants to put Royal Weddings Inc out of business.

Amelia switched into crisis mode. She’d scheduled Tonya as her assistant for the celebrity wedding, though Tonya hadn’t been told the names of the bride and groom. Handling that wedding alone would be impossible. The guest list was stacked with VIPs, who’d need special treatment.

“I’m ready.” Tonya stood at her desk, holding a box filled with photographs and other personal mementos.

Faking a calm she certainly didn’t feel, Amelia scanned over Tonya’s desk, then walked her to the door. “Best of luck.”

After Tonya left, Amelia locked the front door and returned to her office. She studied her calendar, going over everyone’s schedule for the week leading up to the big wedding. Her stomach sank when she saw each one of her planners and assistants had other weddings booked for that same weekend.

Shoot. Sometimes, she wondered if she was cut out to run a business. Planning weddings was where she found the most pleasure. Up until lately, all of the day to day operations had rested primarily on Heather. Life had taught Amelia not to rely too heavily on others, and she’d slipped into that trap.

She inhaled in and exhaled out, trying not to let panic take over. She couldn’t allow herself to spiral into a pool of self-doubt and eventually drown. Heather’s maternity leave had spotlighted areas Amelia needed to improve on, that was all. In order to survive, she’d adapt and evolve.

She turned her mind back to the problem at hand. She’d have to hire someone quickly to replace Tonya. Maybe two people to make up for a lack of experience. Whomever she chose, Amelia had to fully trust. If any of the details leaked before the wedding, her business would be ruined. Unauthorized photographs would be worth a lot of money if sold to the right media outlets.

She needed to vent, and her mom’s house at this moment was filled with kids and homework questions. Right now, her nerves couldn’t handle the noise.

Her heart demanded she stop denying herself what she needed. A safe place to unburden her worries. A safe person who understood her concerns.

Don’t overthink, just go.

She grabbed her purse, left her bag on the floor of her office, then made the short walk over to Oscar’s condo.

~ * ~

Dripping with sweat, Oscar paused the DVD when the chime for the building’s front entry door sounded. Must be ringing the wrong number. He had no plans tonight, besides a kickboxing workout in front of the TV, a light dinner, and a few calls home.

Pressing the button, he cleared his throat then said, “Hello.”

“Hey, Oscar. It’s me.” Amelia’s voice was peppered with static. “Can I come up and talk?”

He gazed down at his smelly, damp clothes. “Of course.” He buzzed open the building door. After a brief mental debate, he decided he didn’t have enough time to change. Instead, he slid opened the glass doors to the balcony and bathed in the fresh air.

A minute later came a knock on his door. He opened it and saw Amelia, still dressed in the same outfit she had on earlier at the office. Twin creases between her eyes alerted him something was wrong.

She stepped inside, and her gaze traveled down his body then back up. “Am I interrupting your workout?”

“I’m ready for a break.” Oscar picked up the remote from the side table and hit off. The frozen image of a muscular man and woman mid-kick faded to black. “What can I get you to drink? I found a great Merlot at the market the other day. Ended up buying five bottles.”

“Just the prescription I need.” Amelia slipped off her heels and glanced around the room. “What’s all that stuff?”

He followed her gaze to the stockpile of toys he’d built up over the last few weeks. “I need to deliver those to your mum’s house.” Gliding a hand over the seat of a pink bicycle, he grinned. “I asked for a list of things the kids need then went shopping. You can get practically anything online these days.”

“All these are for Mom’s neighborhood kids?” Her mouth hung open. She looked over stacks of books, art supplies, sports equipment, and clothes. “It’s incredible. Mom’s going to flip.”

“She does good work, and I wanted to help. I could have handed her a check but becoming personally involved is more fun.” Sweat rolled down the side of his face, and he wiped it away with the sleeve of his T-shirt.

“You are full of wonders.” She turned back toward the kitchen and slid onto one of the stools set beside the granite topped island. “I have a surprise for you. Tonya gave her notice tonight after everyone left.”

“What?” Setting down the bottle of wine in his hand, he watched the expression on her face change from anger to defeat. “Did she say why?”

“Not a why but a who. Elegant Engagements offered her a position as a wedding planner.” Amelia blew out a breath and leaned forward with her forearms resting on the granite surface of the island. “Tonya’s a great assistant. My best, actually. I had her scheduled to help me with the big wedding up north in two weeks. I won’t be able to manage it on my own.”

“Anyone else available?” While he opened the wine bottle and poured two glasses, he racked his brain. As far as he knew, every employee’s schedule was booked solid.

“No. I checked. I might have to hire an assistant to help with one of the other weddings and take either Beth or Julia with me.” She accepted the wine glass set before her and took a long drink. “How many bottles did you say you have?”

“As many as you need.” He’d gotten the wine in celebration. Earlier in the day, he’d spoken to his uncle, who relayed the news that some members of the Montecelian Parliament had begun wavering in their earlier support of abolishing the monarchy.

His uncle had encouraged him to come home now and take advantage of the sentiment. He should tour the country and be seen by the people. But Oscar couldn’t leave now, knowing Amelia needed him. His assuredness in his decision didn’t ease his nagging concern, though. He worried about his mum, about his reputation in Montecelia, and more recently about his increasing fondness for Amelia.

“I feel like I’m captain of a leaky boat,” she said before taking another sip. “I plug one hole, and another opens to take its place.”

“You’ll see this through. Have faith in yourself.” His faith and respect for her grew every day.

She handled herself with grace, a virtue he admired in his mum and sister. He’d always assumed the quality was reserved for people brought up with the expectations of a high station. From what he’d witnessed, Amelia showed more class than many of the high society men and women he knew.

“It’s others I can’t trust.” She drained her glass, then tapped on the side, indicating a refill.

Oscar obliged, noting he’d escort her home once she was ready to leave. At the rate she was going through his wine, he might need to carry her back. He’d cook her a meal first. Yesterday, he made marinara sauce that would go well with the fresh pasta in his refrigerator. Good food in the belly always eased a troubled mind. “You know my secret identity so of course you can trust me.”

She giggled. “It’s like working with Superman. Your short haircut and scruffy beard are a decent disguise, but I think black rimmed glasses would perfect the look. How about you call me Lois Lane from now on?”

“I think that’s enough wine.” Smiling, he poured the remainder of the bottle into his glass.

Amelia sniffled, and her lower lip quivered. “What if I lose everything I’ve worked so hard to build?”

Oh no. He turned into a marshmallow around a crying woman. Add the fact he’d become very protective of Amelia, and he knew his heart was now putty.

Despite the alarm bells going off in his head, he placed an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. He didn’t need to worry. Too many obstacles were placed between them and falling in love, from their work relationship to his obligations back home.

He’d simply act as a good friend and nothing more. “You won’t lose anything.”

“I’m scared.” Still sitting on the stool, she leaned in and rested her head on his chest. “All my confidence is crumbling. I pretend to be cool under pressure while inside, I’m afraid of failing.”

“Everyone struggles with self-doubt.”

“Even a prince?” She gazed up with eyes glassy with tears.

“Yes, even a prince.” Taking her hand, he guided her from the stool to the sofa. Once seated, he fought the urge to hold her in his arms.

Sighing, she twirled her almost empty wineglass in her fingers. “The wedding up north in two weeks is a big deal. Like make it or break it big deal. If I mess up, I’ll be ruined.”

He knew what he needed to do. “Then take me with you as your assistant. I’ve been a guest at weddings and seen my mum throw huge formal balls. Plus, you know I’m one hundred percent in your corner.” He tucked a curl behind her ear. “I’ll do whatever you need to secure the perfect wedding.”

“Really?” She perked up like someone had plugged her in an electrical socket. “You’d spend a week with me up north pulling together every last tiny detail? Oh, I haven’t told you the best part. Tonya didn’t even know. She’ll be so upset when she realizes what she missed out on.”

Laughing, he scooted closer to her on the sofa. “I promise to help pull together every last tiny detail. So, what’s so exciting that will make Tonya regret leaving Royal Weddings Inc.”

“This wedding is for Hollywood royalty.” Her smile broadened, resulting in a dimple forming on one cheek. “And don’t worry, I’ll make sure you stay out of the way of the cameras.”

“Who are the bride and groom?” What if he knew the couple and they recognized him? Movie stars loved to be seen in royal circles and vice versa.

“Ty Watt and Rose Denham,” she said. “They’re the cutest couple.”

Why would the universe punish him for a good deed?

She finished the remainder of her wine with a sigh. “Do you know who they are?”

“Yes.” With his head tipped back to face the ceiling, he closed his eyes. “Rose is an ex-girlfriend.”

“Oh.” Amelia pursed her lips then grinned. “What a small world.”

He found irony in the fact he’d traveled to Wisconsin to escape his other life, and now he’d be an assistant at the wedding of a woman he casually dated. But he promised Amelia he’d be there for her, and Oscar Mendoza, flawed and impulsive as he might be, did not back out on a promise.