Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92136 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92136 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“What would you say to moving up north this summer and helping me start a new branch of Devine Events? We do so many special events at Abelard—tons of weddings—and I often get calls to design events for other spaces. I could really use someone to help.”
“What about Skylar?” I asked, naming Mia’s assistant.
“She had twins last fall and is taking a year off. I’ve been trying to get along without her, but I really can’t. Not during summertime.”
“What about Devine Events here?” I looked at Coco.
“I told Mia that I would need you for at least the next two months to get me through the newborn days and to help train Amy. She’s good, but she’s no Emme Devine.” She smiled at me as Nick set a plate in front of her.
“Thanks.” My heart fluttered happily at the compliment. I was confident at my job, but it was always nice to hear praise from someone you admired.
“And that’s totally fine,” Mia said. “I can deal with things for two months. June is when it really picks up, anyway. And it’s beautiful up there in the summer. You’ll love it.”
“You should go,” Coco encouraged. “Something different. Get out of the rut.”
I stuck a bite of chicken piccata in my mouth and wondered if she was referring to a professional rut or a personal rut. Seemed like a bad sign that I wasn’t sure.
“And if you don’t want to stay after summer is over, you can come back down to Detroit.” Mia picked up her wine glass. “Skylar will be ready to come back by then, and she could help me hire someone new. But if you like it and want to stay, great.”
I thought about it as I took another bite. I had loved it up there when I went to visit Mia last summer. Old Mission Peninsula, where Abelard was located, was beautiful—rolling hills, gorgeous fields and orchards, picturesque views of the water. And Traverse City, right at the foot of the peninsula, had a nice small-town feel without being too small, great beaches, and plenty of shopping. Both places would offer lots of unique settings for events, and I was sure I’d enjoy the work. But it would mean leaving life here behind…leaving Nate behind, and last night it had felt like we were right on the cusp of something good. Moving five hours away in two months would probably put an end to whatever it was. Seemed like it was going to be tough enough living right across the hall.
“Can I have some time to think about it?” I asked.
“Of course.” Mia gestured broadly with her hand. “Take a couple weeks. A month, even.”
“Thanks.”
Suddenly, from above our heads came the sound of loud thumping.
Coco sighed. “Nick, the boys are jumping on the bed again. Can you please get them off?”
“I’m on it,” he said. “Enjoy lunch, ladies. There’s plenty more if you’d like.” He left us alone, and we finished our plates, then went for seconds. We talked about Devine Events, the winery, the possibilities for different kinds of events there and other locations up north, and by the time we were done eating, I was actually really torn about making the move. It would be something different, and maybe a change of scenery was what I needed. I simply wanted to give this thing with Nate some time, a few weeks maybe, to see if it went anywhere. If it didn’t, I’d tell Mia I was taking the job.
After lunch, Mia and I were too full for dessert, but Coco asked us to bring her a spoon and the carton of Blue Moon from the freezer. I got them for her while Mia refilled our wine glasses.
“I can’t fucking get enough of this stuff. It’s obscene.” Coco stuck her spoon in the carton and scooped out a big blob of ice cream. “So Emme, with the MGM event Thursday—” She stopped talking, a quizzical look on her face and dropped her spoon into the carton. “Either I just wet my pants, or my water broke. Either thing is totally possible.”
Mia and I stared at her. “Are you serious?” I asked.
Coco nodded, putting the spoon in the carton. “Can one of you get Nick?”
“I will.” I jumped up and ran to the stairs. “Nick?” I called from the landing. “Coco needs you.”
He came flying down three steps at a time a second later. “What is it?” His expression was concerned.
“She thinks her water broke,” I said breathlessly, following him into the kitchen.
Nick went right to her side and took her by the arm. “What can I do, baby?”
“Help me up.”
Nick took one arm and Mia the other as she struggled to her feet. The back of her pants were wet, and she groaned as she walked slowly to the bathroom.