Summer Beach by Jan Moran

Author:Jan Moran [Moran, Jan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jan Moran

Chapter 16

“PLEASE COME IN, MRS. JEFFERSON,” Ivy said, trying to sound composed after hurriedly picking up after the latest Pixie disaster.

“Call me Carol, everyone does,” the petite, red-haired woman said. She stepped inside, taking in every detail of the house. “What an amazing job you’ve done with this old place. I’ve always loved it.”

Like many singers and actors who had larger-than-life personas, the legendary singer was much smaller than she seemed on screen. Yet she carried herself with regal self-assurance. She clearly took good care of herself, too. Her glowing skin was so remarkable that she appeared not much older than her daughter, who was getting married.

“You’ve been here before?” Ivy asked.

Carol strode into the reception area. “A few charity events over the years. I’ve always loved these chandeliers.”

Ivy made a mental note of that. She’d brought in a tidy sum from the sale of the chandelier in the foyer, though that one had been a rare collectible. “Is your daughter with you?”

“Victoria has a fitting in the city, so it’s just me today.”

“In Los Angeles?”

“Oh no, dear. New York. She selected the most incredible Claude Morelli dress—couture, of course—and personally designed by Claude for my Victoria.”

Ivy smiled. She had created her own wedding dress from one she’d found in a vintage thrift shop in Boston. The fabric was beautiful, so she’d bought it and redesigned it—and received so many compliments. However, the wealthy lived a different reality, Ivy realized.

Ivy led her into the various rooms they could use, from the large dining room and parlor into the ballroom. “The dining room will seat fifty, so if you’d like to invite more to the reception, I’d suggest you move into the ballroom.”

Carol tried to frown, although her forehead barely moved. “Did I say fifty? The number keeps growing. We’re at about a hundred now, but I do expect that to grow by fifty more people or so. Rowan keeps sending extra names.”

“We’ll have to know the actual number so we can plan the correct amount of tables, chairs, floral arrangements, and place settings.” Ivy had to take control. She hadn’t thought a guest list would be that difficult, but then, her wedding had been only family and a few close friends.

Carol managed to partially arch an eyebrow. “Single men are so disorganized when it comes to planning. Rowan’s ex-wife used to do everything for him. Still, he’s such an amazing talent that everyone forgives him. You know how it is.”

Ivy didn’t, but she quickly adjusted the plan. “The formal dining room will be too small. However, we can arrange tables in the ballroom, leaving a dance floor in the middle and putting the musicians at that end. We can spill out into the adjoining room if we have to.”

“What a good idea,” Carol said, her face lighting up. “We’ll supply a raised dais for a solo artist in the center of the room.” She winked. “I have a few songs to perform, but let’s keep that a secret. It’s a surprise for Victoria.

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