Page 8 of Dark Verse

“Ray! Eve! Fancy meeting you both here,” he says loudly, his smile wide and stark against his dark skin.

“Hello, Jeremy,” Eve says, greeting him with a classic air kiss on each cheek.

Like most ballers, Jeremy has to lean far over to meet the gesture at around 6’7”.

“Hi Jeremy, are you enjoying yourself?” I ask.

“I am, thank you.” He leans over again, greeting me with an overdramatic kiss on my forehead, just like when I was a little kid running around Mom’s offices. He continues, “I cannot believe little Dove Dexter is married. Gosh, I’ve known you both since you were like this big.”

He gestures to around his knees.

“Yeah, something like that,” I say.

“Rumor has it you planned this whole thing.”

“I did. I promised Dove that when they got back from their honeymoon, we would have the reception to end all receptions.”

“If this is what you can do with no notice, I look forward to seeing what you come up with for your own wedding.”

Shit.

Calling Jeremy over was supposed to get me out of this line of questioning Eve was clearly on regarding my love life. Why I thought that would work is beyond me.

“Any chance we’ll be hearing wedding bells for you anytime soon?” he says.

“Mmm…” I say noncommittally.

“Excuse me, Raven,” someone says behind me, and I turn to see the location coordinator, Lou.

Lou is the only reason I was able to pull this reception off in three weeks. He alerted me when another event was canceled. He helped me connect with local vendors for food and decor, and he’s been on site with me all day.

“Hey, Lou. Problem?”

“Yes, it’s minor, but in need of your attention.”

“Excuse me, Eve. Jeremy. Duty calls.”

They both nod, their expressions understanding.

“What’s wrong, Lou?” I ask once we are several feet from Eve and Jeremy.

I’m expecting him to lead me to the kitchen or somewhere else, but instead we step into an alcove.

“Eat,” he says, pushing a small plate into my hands.

I keep my pleased moan to myself as I take his offering.

“Oh, thank you. I barely ate at dinner.”

“I noticed. I’ve seen it a dozen times at this point,” Lou says, putting his hands on his hips. “You’re family, so you need to be with the bride and groom. But you’re the coordinator, so you also need to be everywhere else. That never leaves enough time for basic human needs. Have you had enough water?”

I nod. “Fully hydrated.”

“Then I think it’s time for you to go enjoy the fruits of your labor. If something major happens, I’ll come find you.”

“You’re sure?” I ask, taking another bite of the food. Pasta has never tasted so amazing.

“Yes.”