Free Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus

they ate their meals, he unobtrusively but carefully watched the wedding planner. Her manners were impeccable—better than those of most of the aristocracy he’d served over the years. She took small bites, laid down her fork between them, kept her left hand in her lap, and maintained a straight posture without looking stiff. She might be able to help him give Courtney a few lessons before the formal parties, just to keep Courtney from being so nervous about her social skills.
    The waitress was just clearing their plates when an older man with dark hair approached the table.
    Anne stood and received a kiss on each cheek. George stood as well, laying his napkin beside the silverware.
    “Sarah mentioned you were here.” The man’s decidedly Irish accent surprised George, though he didn’t show it. “You fell into a bit o’ luck, darlin’, as I didn’t know myself that I would be here today.”
    “I have a new event I’m planning, and I hoped to check some dates with you.”
    “Aye, I knew you were here for more than just our fine food.” The restaurateur turned his attention expectantly toward George.
    “Samuel Maguire, this is my client George Laurence.”
    George shook hands with the Irishman. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
    Pulling a chair over from another table, Maguire joined them. He put a black, leather-bound planner on the table, winked at Anne, and then turned to George. “Our little
cailín
here is the best businesswoman in town. If I’d known her ten years ago, I’d have retired from being a surgeon then and started my restaurant with her as my partner.”
    George gave the man the smile he knew was expected but didn’t say anything. As he watched her interact with the restaurant owner, he was impressed by her ability to make the negotiation sound like casual, friendly conversation. From the obvious shorthand between them, they had a long-standing relationship, and George got the feeling the restaurateur would do anything within his power to accommodate whatever she requested.
    The date Courtney wanted the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner had been booked for months. Anne showed no outward sign that this bothered her at all.
    “If they happen to cancel, call me; but for now, let’s go ahead and reserve it for that Friday night instead, and I’ll discuss the date change with the bride.” Anne made a notation in her file. “When can you meet to discuss a menu?”
    Maguire consulted his calendar. “How about…next Tuesday afternoon?”
    Anne looked across the table at George. “Mr. Laurence, are you available next Tuesday afternoon?”
    George knew he would be, but pulled out his PDA just to put the appointment in his schedule. “What time?”
    “Is three o’clock all right?” The Irishman looked from George to Anne and back.
    “That should work well in my schedule.” George notated the appointment.
    The waitress returned to the table with the check for the meal. Maguire whisked it from her hand before Anne could take it. He stood, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek. “It’s on me, darlin’.”
    “Thank you, Samuel.”
    “My pleasure, Anne.” He extended his hand to George. “Mr. Laurence.”
    George stood to shake hands. “Mr. Maguire. Thank you for your hospitality.”
    The owner escorted them to the front door of the establishment. “We’ll be seein’ you next week, then.”
    Outside the restaurant, Anne handed George the second file folder she had with her. “These are all of the forms I’ll need back by next Monday. Can we meet around ten?”
    “Ten on Monday morning will be fine.”
    “Very well.”
    He thought he could sense a stiffness in her body language but couldn’t be sure. One thing about this woman that continued to impress him was that she could mask her feelings as well as or better than he could.
    As she walked back toward her office, he couldn’t help but admire her shapely figure. That combined with his growing admiration for her