Marry Me by Kristin Wallace Read Free Book Online Page B

hurried toward them. Her cap of chin-length, ink-black hair bounced as she approached. As she got closer, Julia could see violet eyes shining out of a heart-shaped face. Wow, she was gorgeous. Like a runway model. Moved like one, too.
    Ichabod apparently agreed because he visibly softened. “Devon,” he said.
    â€œRoger, you old sweetheart, you’re not giving the new girl a hard time, are you?” Devon drawled in a perfectly genteel Southern accent.
    He flushed. “I was explaining about the importance of keeping to the schedule. As you know, the slightest delay can throw off the entire day.”
    This last part was directed at Julia with the looking-down-his-nose move he seemed to have perfected.
    â€œRoger, stop teasing her. She’s here helping our dear Sarah, after all,” Devon said, sending a discreet wink Julia’s way.
    Roger cleared his throat. “Yes, of course, you’re right.”
    Model girl turned to Julia. “I’m Devon, the caterer. You must be Julia. Sarah called me last night and told me you’d be on your own here. Said I was to make sure you didn’t drown in the sea of chaos.”
    Feeling as though she was reaching for a life preserver, Julia took the outstretched hand. “I think I love you.”
    Devon laughed. “Oh, I can tell I’m going to like you. Come on. Let’s get this shindig up and running. My people are waiting to bring everything in.”
    â€œYour people?”
    â€œIt’s only four people,” Devon said, with a chuckle. “But this is Covington Falls, after all.”
    â€œThanks for helping with Ichabod back there,” Julia said as they walked away.
    â€œIchabod?” Devon asked, her nose wrinkling in confusion.
    â€œ Sleepy Hollow? Headless horseman?”
    Devon threw back her head and laughed. “It certainly fits.”
    â€œI wasn’t getting off to a very good start with him.”
    â€œWell, I know what it’s like to be the new girl in town. The outsider.”
    Julia stopped. “Wait a minute. Betsy was telling me about you. You’re the wunderkind chef from Chicago.”
    â€œI don’t know about wunderkind, but I am from Chicago.”
    â€œYou were using a Southern accent back there. A good one.”
    â€œI found it helped me get further in this town if I went all Southern Belle on them,” Devon said, violet eyes flashing. “Sugar works down here. They dump it in their tea and smother each other with it in their conversation.”
    Devon’s people were indeed waiting at the loading dock out back. Two men and two women. The guys looked to be around mid-twenties. The women were older, probably mid-forties.
    â€œOkay, everyone, this is Julia,” Devon said. “She’s going to be in charge today. Julia, this is my team. George, Kevin, Maria, and Sandra. Guys, Julia is new in town, so help her out if she starts to look lost.” She turned to Julia once more. “I have to get to the kitchen. Will you be okay now?”
    â€œAbsolutely,” Julia said, with a big fake smile. Maybe if she said it enough times it might be true.
    Devon shook her head and touched Julia’s shoulder. “Holler if you need anything.”
    Julia resisted the urge to chase her newfound friend down, but she didn’t even get a chance to breathe before Roger approached. Trailing in his wake was a severe-looking woman in a navy business suit.
    â€œThis is Ellen Simmons, our Events Coordinator,” Roger intoned. “She’ll be in charge of the staff and setup in the room.”
    She held out her hand. “Hi. I’m Jul—”
    â€œI know who you are,” Ellen responded.
    Roger spun on his heels and glided away, leaving Julia with the ever-so-cheerful Ellen Simmons. Ellen gave an impression of a smile as she turned.
    Julia smiled right back. She opened the folder and pulled out the diagram with all the squares and circles.