I inhaled slowly, adjusting. “Okay. Where should I go instead?”
“Same bistro. Be ready for already mock-ups, venue looks, and the dessert tasting ideas.”
“Dessert tasting? You just said the magic words.”
Shay laughed softly. “I knew food would keep you from cussing me out.”
“I was this close,” I teased, pinching the air. “But go handle your runaway bride. Thanks for calling.”
“Thank you for understanding. I’ll call you tonight to debrief.”
We hung up, and I merged onto the expressway, wind ruffling loose strands of hair. Kassim gurgled contentedly behind me, oblivious to schedule changes and runaway brides. I turned up the music a little, let the beat fill the car, and pressed the gas just a little harder.
Ten minutes later, I arrived at the restaurant and found a spot right out front. Heading inside with Kassim in the carrier, I walked towards the hostess.
“Welcome toLe Fritz,” she greeted me with a bubbly smile.
“Good morning. I’m meeting for brunch. It should be booked under Shan Davis.”
“You must be Nyomi?”
“Yes.”
“Your party is already seated in the back. Follow me.”
I thanked her and trailed behind her through the crowded but cute restaurant, the heels of my boots clicking lightly against the floor. That’s when my eyebrows raised because who was this fine ass man sitting at the table looking like he belonged on the cover of GQ magazine?
The hostess left us, and he stood, raising his hand. “Good morning. I’m Iman. You must be the soon-to-be Mrs. Jones.”
My breath caught as I took him in. He was tall and dark skin with a neatly trimmed beard. He wore a crisp white button-down shirt, sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms, exposing his tattoos. The Cuban link bracelet on his wrists had the diamonds bouncing in the sunlight.
Okay then.
Shaking his hand, I replied, “Nice to meet you. I’m…”
“Nyomi. It’s a pleasure.” He smiled and then motioned towards the seats. “Shall we?”
“Absolutely. Thanks for taking Shan’s place for brunch. If she would’ve cancelled on me…” I said, setting Kassim’s carrier beside my chair.
Iman nodded. “Yeah, she’s currently negotiating peace between a bride and her mother.”
I laughed. “That sounds stressful.”
“It’s wedding season. Stress is part of the job.” Kassim let out a little squeak beside me. His attention dropped immediately. “And this must be the future ring bearer.”
“My son,” I said proudly. “Kassim.”
He leaned slightly toward the carrier. “What’s up, man?”
Kassim cut his eyes at him before they found mine. “Just like his daddy,” I teased. We ordered brunch plates, cranberry juice, and an orange juice for me. Then, we got down to business as we ate.
Iman chuckled before sliding a binder across the table. “So, Shan filled me in a little about you and your fiancé. Big wedding. Elegant but still personal.”
“Yes,” I said immediately. “I want something beautiful and over the top, but nottooextra. Just extra enough.”
“Understood.” He flipped open the binder. “Let’s start with venues.”
For the next half an hour, we moved through photos and layouts. I bounced Kassim gently when he started wiggling. Reaching into the diaper bag for the small bottle warmer, I continued looking at the binder.