flower arrangements, here, here, and here.” I pulled out my phone to take a few quick notes.
“That’s perfect,” Julia said with a dazzling smile. Her hand was so close to mine as she gestured. “Passing by some food on the way to the ladies room is a great way for shy girls to stuff their faces without feeling embarrassed.”
Connor laughed along with me. “Honey, when have you ever been shy?”
Julia shot him a look of pure shock. “Are you kidding? Try being a twenty-one year old girl attempting to date. There are plenty of times.”
My back teeth ground together slightly at the thought of her dating, especially boys her own age. I knew what animals they were. I’d never felt so suddenly protective of anyone before.
“I honestly appreciate your input, Julia,” I said. “I’m surrounded by so many people who just say yes, and are afraid to tell me the truth. If there are any more secrets, I’m all ears.”
Her smile made my heart feel heavier and lighter at the same time. “If anything comes with a container of any kind, or requires a napkin, the woman is left holding it.”
“Men are left holding things for a moment as well. We have the servers come around with a tray frequently to collect things.”
“Yes, but women are already holding a purse. I know it seems like a silly thing, but when you’re already sick of the fussiness of having your hair done, wearing uncomfortable shoes, and shaking dozens of hands all evening, it’s one more stupid thing that is extra annoying.”
Nodding, I took another note. “So things that are dry on the outside, like a tart, and small enough that you can eat in one bite, without anything that will mess up lipstick?”
“Yes. Trust me, women will devour anything like that.”
Looking into those gorgeous eyes, I felt a small tense part inside me relax for the first time. “I do trust you, Julia. I appreciate you being so open.”
She looked away, and I couldn’t quite tell if she was blushing. How strange that I hoped so. I needed her to feel the same flutter in her belly that I was.
The rest of the tasting went well. Julia was impeccably organized, taking notes and even giving me a schedule of the toasts, presentations, and entertainment so that the kitchen staff could plan accordingly.
“As always, I leave it in your capable hands,” Connor said. “You always do an incredible job, Matt. I really appreciate it.”
“Anything for your event,” I said. I was about to thank him again for being my first trustworthy investor, but the buzz of his phone interrupted me.
As he glanced at it, his face fell. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.”
He went out to the back patio, as Julia helped me pack everything up and gave me a list of her notes. I left them with more than enough hors d’oeuvres for dinner.
“Is he all right?” I asked, watching Connor pace back and forth past the kitchen window.
“It must be Mom,” she sighed. “They are very carefully not fighting.”
“Gotcha.”
Julia offered to help me repack the car, so I gave her the smallest, nearly empty box while I balanced the other three. Once everything was in the back seat, I turned to her, dazzled by her sweet smile.
“I really appreciate your input on both the food, and women’s cocktail party issues,” I said.
Her soft giggle made me want to throw my arms around her. She was over a head shorter than me. Petite, but seductively curvy.
“Any time,” she said brightly. “I haven’t gone to many swanky events, so I guess I haven’t been jaded.”
“Actually, you could help me out quite a bit with another project,” I said, stepping cautiously closer.
“Sure.”
Those big, beautiful eyes looking up at me forced me to take a chance.
“I need to check out a restaurant in Dayton Ridge on Tuesday night,” I said, referring to a nearby town only a half hour drive away. “Are you free?”
“Sure,” she said again. Then she paused, biting her lip slightly. “On the yoga pants to ball gown scale, what should I wear?”