Only You by Denise Grover Swank Page A

with the muffin. She set them on her boss’s desk, then stepped back and smiled. “This is to help make your morning better after yesterday.”
    Surprise filled Nicole’s eyes before she took a sip of the coffee. “Oh, this is lovely. Thank you.”
    Holly returned to her seat, then took a deep breath. “Miranda Johansen called me yesterday afternoon after you left.”
    Nicole’s eyebrows shot into her hairline. “What?”
    “She said they met with the designers at Tender Moments and, while Coraline loved them, Miranda worried they were too agreeable.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “It means that Miranda Johansen wants to hire Distinctive Events to plan her daughter’s wedding.”
    “Distinctive Events or you?” Nicole asked, her tone short.
    “I’m your employee, Nicole. My clients are ultimately yours. Besides, I tried to suggest that you be the lead planner, but Miranda insisted I take charge.”
    “I’m sure you worked very hard at trying to convince her.” Sarcasm bled through her boss’s words, filling Holly with disappointment. She missed the woman who had hired her.
    Holly took a breath. “Honestly, Nicole, I don’t want to do this wedding. In fact, I told Coraline I wouldn’t be a good fit. But Miranda said that was the reason she decided to hire me. Because I wouldn’t kowtow to her daughter.”
    “That’s ridiculous! Our job is to give the client what she wants!” Nicole sputtered in disbelief.
    “There’s something else you should know.” This was sure to tick her off even more. “ Modern Bride magazine is doing a ten-page feature on the wedding.”
    “ What? ”
    “Miranda’s concerned that any additional changes by her daughter will produce embarrassing results. She wants me to come up with a plan and stick to it.”
    Nicole looked skeptical.
    “I asked her what kept Coraline from firing me, and Miranda said she was drawing up a contract stating that I can’t be fired, but I can’t quit, either. However, once we decide on a plan, what I say goes.” Nicole remained silent, but she seemed more interested. “She also said she would be quite generous with the fees. And that her budget amount is ‘obscene.’”
    Nicole’s mouth pursed. “I think maybe we can work with this.”
    Holly couldn’t help smiling, although she was pretty sure this was a fool’s endeavor. “Miranda said she would send a contract this morning and she wants us to come to her house this afternoon to discuss the plans.”
    Her eyes widened. “We? I’m sure she asked for you.”
    “I may be planning the wedding, but she’s hiring Distinctive Events . This is a huge win for the company, Nicole. I think you should be part of this.”
    Nicole’s back stiffened. “No, Holly. She wants you .”
    “I would still feel better if you sat in on the first meeting.” That was only a partial truth. It was more to cover her butt should things go south later, which had a very strong possibility of happening. But it also might appease her boss if she was part of the planning. Holly would have enough stress dealing with the difficult client without adding a difficult boss. “You’re an expert at dealing with clientele. And, if nothing else, your presence shows that the wedding has the attention of the complete company team.”
    “Well…I see your point when you put it that way. …” She took a sip of her coffee. “Has she sent the contract yet?”
    “There was nothing when I checked five minutes ago, but let me look again.” Holly spun around and checked her e-mail files. “It showed up a couple of minutes ago. Would you like me to forward it to you?”
    “Yes. I’ll have one of Megan’s friends go over the contract for me.” She picked up the phone and made a call. “This is Nicole Vandemeer calling for Blair Hansen-Lowry and it’s time sensitive. Is she available?” She paused. “Thank you. I’ll hold.”
    Nicole opened her e-mail and the file, scanning the screen as she waited.
    “Blair?