Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Though she hadn’t been able to get him out of her head, she had no regrets about their time together. He was just that hard to forget.
She tried to concentrate on her laptop screen but found it impossible. A sudden knock on her door was a welcome distraction. “Come in!” she called out.
Lauren sauntered into her office and plopped herself into a chair. “So, what are the odds that Holly will call by nine thirty a.m. today?” she asked.
Jade grinned. Knox’s sister had called the office daily for the last week, hoping that someone had canceled their wedding, opening a slot for her sooner. She always followed up the question with a long assurance that she wasn’t wishing a broken engagement on anyone. She just wanted to be married at the Meridian as soon as possible.
Jade glanced at the time on her screen. Nine fifteen. “Maybe she’s learned to give people some time before calling in? I’ll take ten a.m.”
“No, she’s too impatient to wait. But we’ll see,” Lauren said, laughing.
Jade grinned. “How was your weekend?” Although Jade had worked, overseeing two parties that her coordinators had handled, she’d given Lauren time off.
Her friend leaned back in the chair. “I had a date.”
Jade raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”
“We matched on a dating app, and believe it or not, it went well. I’m seeing him again.” Lauren’s voice pitched with excitement.
“I’m happy for you.” Lauren deserved to find a decent guy.
“Thanks.” Lauren grew silent for too long, and Jade wondered what was going on in her friend’s mind. “Okay, I have to ask. Why won’t you see Knox again? If he was such a great way to end your fast, then why not see where it goes?” She tucked her brown hair behind one ear.
Jade blew out a long breath. “I’ve already explained that to you.” After she’d confessed to spending the night with Knox, she’d told Lauren why it could only be one night.
“I know you’ve been hurt more than once. But you deserve a good man, and from what I can see, that’s Knox Sinclair.”
Jade frowned. “I appreciate that you want to see me happy. I want the same for you. But remember, I’ve screwed up twice. I’m not just on a man fast because I’m afraid of getting hurt, I also think my man picker is broken.”
Lauren rolled her eyes. Before she could say another word, Jade’s cell rang and she glanced at the screen. She used her phone for work, and sure enough, one of her brides was calling. Perfect, Jade thought. By the time the call was over, Lauren would have forgotten all about Jade’s love life.
She picked up the phone and tapped the green button, putting the call on speaker since Lauren was working on this event, too. “Natalie, hi!”
“Hi, Jade.” A loud sniff followed.
“Are you okay?” Jade asked, concerned by the husky sound of Natalie’s voice. She glanced at Lauren, whose brows were scrunched in concern.
“No. The wedding is off. John said he can’t go through with it. He isn’t ready. He’s not sure he loves me…” Her voice caught and she stopped talking. She blew her nose and hiccupped, obviously holding back sobs.
Jade had no doubt the tears were flowing, and her heart clenched in her chest. She’d been in Natalie’s position and knew the pain. And sadly, she’d seen far too many other women go through the same thing. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks,” Natalie whispered. “Can I get back to you another time to discuss details? I just wanted to tell you so you can rebook the venue.”
Jade sighed. “Are you sure you don’t want to wait a little while? See if you two work things out? Because if you cancel, there won’t be an open date for another year, at least.” She had to give Natalie the opportunity to hold on to the date. Just in case.
“No.” Natalie’s voice grew stronger, despite her pain. “I wouldn’t take that bastard back if he begged.”
“Okay. Call me when you’re ready to talk.” Money, deposits, and other logistics had to be discussed.
“I will. Bye.” Natalie disconnected the call.
“Poor thing. She has a long haul ahead of her before she feels like herself again,” Jade murmured. She glanced up to find Lauren staring at her. “What?” she asked.
“Are you okay?” Lauren’s concern came through in her voice.
“I’m fine. This isn’t about me. It’s about Natalie.” Jade didn’t want to rehash her own disastrous engagements.
Lauren leaned forward. “It’s also about Holly. Do you want to tell her she has a date in six months?”
Jade smiled. “Well, there’s the silver lining.”
Jade had taken Holly’s number from the form she’d filled out at the wedding expo and had added it to her contacts.
“She’s going to be so happy.” Jade picked up her cell, found Holly’s number, and hit send.