“I get it,” Reagan replied as she held up her hands. “It’s kinda why I told her I didn’t think we were a good idea.”

“Kinda? What were the other reasons?”

Reagan shrugged. “Told her I wanted something like…my parents had. And I wasn’t sure she could give me that.”

“Maybe a tad harsh, but I can see where you’re coming from. I always pictured you with someone, um, a little warmer.”

“Fair point,” Reagan said with a slight chuckle. “But if it helps, I think that warmth is there. I just don’t think she could ever show it. Her mom wasn’t a ray of sunshine herself.”

“Oh yeah. I got that vibe during the tour of her house.”

Reagan grimaced. “About that…I’m sor—”

Gwen waved her off. “Nothing to apologize for. Ever. You were where you needed to be. As for the tour, it was fine. Typical high-end party. Nice kitchen setup. Me and the team will do most of the prep here, but we’ll arrive at their house at three for final prep. I have the size of the room and how she wants the tables arranged. I’ll email it to you later. I also took some pictures.”

“Any surprises coming our way?”

“Doesn’t seem like it. Of course, they’re going to be picky and on us all night to make sure it’s perfect. But I’m guessing you already figured that out.”

“Definitely,” Reagan replied as she drank the last of her wine, twirling the glass for a moment once she set it on the counter.

“She cares about you.”

“Who?”

“Jill.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I saw how she looked at you in the hallway. Ya know, before she stepped back and wiped every emotion off her face.”

“Yeah, I think that’s her M.O.”

“A little unnerving if you ask me.”

Reagan chuckled. “After meeting her mother, I just think that was how she was raised. But in the time I’ve spent with her, she’s not as cold as she wants you to think she is.”

Gwen nodded and took a deep breath. “Just be careful.”

“I’m fine. I told you, I’ve already let her know that we’re a terrible idea.”

“Then what was that in the hallway?”

“I-I’m not sure,” Reagan replied as she looked away briefly.

“You care for her too. It was clear as day, Reagan.” Gwen studied her for a moment and blew out a breath. “Go for it.”

“But what about her being a client?”

“I don’t love the idea; I trust that it won’t cause any issues. Plus, she won’t be our client much longer. If you think there’s more to her than we see, take a chance on her. You deserve every happiness in the world.”

“What if it doesn’t work out?”