Free Dare Me by Debra Druzy Page A

coordinator and the army of wedding vendors waiting in the wings.
    “You’re staying for the reception, right?” Bruno asked, hopeful.
    Misty’s spine stiffened at the tempting idea of loosening up and sticking around for no reason other than to keep an eye on her schoolgirl fantasy in the flesh. She was , after all, slated to be at this daylong off-site event, so technically no one expected her back at work the rest of the afternoon.
    Of course, it was in her best interest to pop in at the shoppe. That would be the diligent thing to do career-wise to prove her dedication to the family business.
    Then again, Adam was here…
    She swirled the bit of booze left in her glass in silent debate then slugged it and asked for another splash.
    Bruno filled it to the tippy-top. “Well?”
    “Sure.” She exhaled. “What the hell—why not? I can hang around for a little while, in case there’s, you know, a fashion malfunction or something.”
    She took Bruno’s elbow as he escorted her into the cocktail hour room.
    “No, thank you. No, thank you. No, thank you.” Misty dodged the white-gloved servers carrying silver platters with tiny morsels to sample until the thing she wanted was in reach. “Yes, please.” She snatched a champagne flute and rescued the drowning strawberry in a single gulp.
    “Don’t look now,” Bruno leaned in to whisper. “I think he’s checking me out.”
    Without turning her head, her eyes followed Bruno’s toward the bursts of light exploding over the crowd. “Are you sure?”
    “Sure, I’m sure.” He barely moved his curled lips as he sang between his teeth, “The camera’s aiming right at me.”
    “Bruno, you are aware this entire event is being photographed for the spring edition of OFD , aren’t you?” Even if this weren’t a photo op, she still would’ve worn the smart-looking black knit dress and spiked heels like any normal workday.
    “OFD. What’s that?”
    “You really are new around here, aren’t you? OFD is One Fine Day: the local wedding magazine for Long Island. Everyone who’s anyone in the business advertises there. This shindig isn’t just a mass wedding; it’s a publicity stunt. The Scenic View Inn’s been putting it together every Valentine’s Day for years. All these couples won a radio contest. For us vendors, it’s free exposure in exchange for our goods and services. My bridal shoppe donated gowns and tuxes—albeit they’re rentals off-the-rack from last season.”
    “My boss may have volunteered to do it for free, but he told me I was getting paid for the day.”
    “Lucky you.”
    “Speaking of lucky—I think I might be getting lucky tonight.” Bruno adjusted his stance, hungry eyes on the photographer. “You can’t tell me he’s not pointing the lens over here.”
    “I’m sure Adam’s documenting everyth—”
    “ Adam ? Wait—you know him?”
    Misty flinched then nodded guiltily. “I do, kinda, sorta. We went to school together.”
    “Well, what are you waiting for? Introduce me.”
    “I don’t want you to be disappointed…but I’m, like, ninety-nine percent sure he’s not gay.”
    “Well, if he’s straight then you oughta go for him. He’s too cute of a catch to let swim away.”
    “I’m sure he’s got somebody. Look at him. He’s perfect.” Misty all but swooned, unconsciously squeezing her friend’s bicep for support.
    Bruno shook her off and shoved her forward. “If you want him then talk to him.”
    “No way!” Misty spun in an attempt to escape. “You know what? I need to use the ladies’ roo—”
    “Don’t be a ’fraidy cat.” He grabbed her elbow. “Time’s a tickin’. No one’s getting any younger around here. What’re ya, thirty?”
    “Twenty-nine, thank you very much. And I’m not afraid.” She sat in the nearest chair at a table for two. “I’m just…”
    Bruno parked his bubble bottom in the chair beside her and scooted closer. “A chicken.”
    Misty cut her eyes at him, not because