by Lila Kane
“I didn’t realize it either.”
I frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s complicated, and part of the reason I’m here.” But instead of explaining, he stands and gestures to the door of the shop. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to grab a coffee. I’ll get you another one, too. What are you having?”
I tell him, though I’m sure it’s a terrible idea that I’m here. I’m positive he bought drinks for me and Deb. So…what? He was cheating on his girlfriend or fiancée? Or maybe he just felt sorry for the woman selling her wedding.
Or maybe…maybe he’s helping out a friend or a sister. Maybe they need wedding items and he’s the lucky one who gets to screen the psycho selling her wedding dress.
I’m not sure, but I remind myself how much I need the money. The least I can do is hear him out.
When Michael returns, he sets my coffee in front of me and takes his seat again. He crosses one leg over the other and leans back in his chair like we’re old friends. Like he’s already comfortable with me.
That’s when I notice…he looks familiar. I’ve seen him before. Maybe at a meeting or maybe even in the coffee shop? No, that’s not it. I’ve seen him somewhere else.
“You’re staring,” he says.
I drop my eyes and flush. “Sorry. You look familiar.”
“I was wondering if that would come up.”
“What?”
“You might have seen me…around.” He grins. “Like in the papers. Or on a magazine. Michael Parsons.”
“Shit—you’re right. I did see you on a magazine. Wait…” I search my memory. “They were talking about your fiancée—you are getting married.”
“Well—wait…that’s a bit of an embellishment.”
“But you’re looking to get married?”
“You could say that,” he answers.
A little too cryptic for my taste. But it isn’t my business. In fact, if I’m treating this like business, I just need to close the deal.
“I have set prices for each item on the list, but I’m willing to negotiate,” I say. Something flickers in his gaze—surprise maybe—but I don’t stop. Business. “I’d prefer to sell as much as possible as a package, but again, I’m willing to negotiate.”
He angles his head, thinking. Doing more than thinking. It looks like he’s trying to figure me out. Then he nods. “I’m willing to buy the entire package at the price you name.”
I blink, shocked. “You are?”
“Yes. On one condition.”
My stomach clenches. So, there are going to be negotiations after all. I straighten my shoulders. I can do this. “What’s the condition?”
“You tell me why you’re selling your wedding.”
