Without a Hitch(12)

Watching my couple, whom I’ve named Tammy and Timmy, I chat with my bartender. She’s exhausted, having worked her fifth double in a row. Something that is unfortunately common for this understaffed establishment.

As the couple laughs together, my bartender, we’ll call her Amber for privacy’s sake, gives me the inside scoop on The Regency and her coworkers. I’m sad to say, it’s an abysmal letdown.

If The Regency invested a quarter of what they pay their CEO (I Googled him) into their employees, their turnover rate and employee satisfaction would improve immeasurably. But more on that in my rating.

I’ve decided my couple were on a first date. He was more into it than she was, but he slowly won her over.

Will they go home together? Bartender Amber thought so. I wasn’t convinced, but I’m confident a second date will be in their future by the time they leave.

So, can The Regency deliver a Happily Ever After?

Here’s my Five-Diamond-Rings Rating:

Cleanliness - Five Diamond Rings: (Make sure you tip housekeeping!) This morning, the lovely lady I met was so sweet and exceeded all expectations.

Friendliness - Two Diamond Rings: I don’t believe this is necessarily the employees’ fault, but exhausted staff will yield lackluster results.

Location - Five Diamond Rings: Luckily for The Regency, the location has nothing to do with them.

Amenities - Three Diamond Rings: It just goes to show, money can’t buy class.

Last Call: So much potential, but until they learn to treat their employees with respect, the customer experience will suffer. The bottom line is, do your research before booking your big day!

4,320 likes. 226 Comments.

Barback92: Cheers for shitty parents.

Barback92: Also, thank you for reminding people to tip!

HappyEndings: You sure you’re not desperate? Reads a little desperate to me.

TessaJane: I am so happy I found this! I was planning to have my wedding there! Now I’ll be doing more research before committing!





C HAPTE R 4

TILLY

The Frye/Grant Rehearsal Dinner

T illy: I got all the pictures. I’ve uploaded them to Dropbox.

Colton: Got them! They’re great. Good work.

Tilly: Thanks. Would it be possible to take the afternoon off?

Colton: No problem. Are you going to play tourist?

Tilly: Something like that. I’m actually thinking about changing my flight home to Sunday if that’s okay.

Colton: Have fun! You deserve a break. I’ll have Jill in travel change your flight. Sunday afternoon good?

Tilly: Are you sure? I can do it.

Colton: Already sending her a message. Afternoon good?

Tilly: Yeah, thanks, Colton.

Colton: No worries. Have a great weekend.

I wouldn’t say it’ll be great, but it will be an adventure. Closing my computer, I put away all my work files, then head to the closet where I put the four dresses and coordinating shoes that showed up this morning.

Tilly: Hi, Jenna.

Tilly: Any dress in particular I’m supposed to wear tonight?

Jenna: The navy dress is for tomorrow. You can choose from the others for tonight.

Whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Jenna: Choose one, then come to my room for hair and makeup.

Tilly: I’ll be there soon.

Jenna: Great. Olivia is throwing a tantrum.

Ugh. Scanning the dresses, I select the least scandalous. And that’s saying something because the little black dress in my hand is cut down to my navel and probably hits just below my ass.

Twenty thousand dollars, Till. Twenty grand. As I toss the garment over my arm and grab the silver strappy heels, that becomes my mantra.

I take a few minutes to scan the notes Jenna sent me last night. I have them mostly memorized.

Parents’ names, the groom’s name, even pictures of Jacob, the cheating ex. She left nothing out in her synopsis, and I’m eternally grateful.

Jenna’s room is three doors down from mine. I lift my hand to knock, but Melinda yanks the door open before I get the chance. “She hid one of my shoes,” she hisses.

“What?” I swear I’m slow blinking.

“She hid one of my shoes. I know she did. She’s trying to ruin things already.”

“Oh, geez. Okay. I won’t let her out of my sight until the wedding is over.”

Melinda takes my dress and ushers me inside. Olivia is easy to spot. She’s stewing in the corner with an annoyed expression on her face. I cross the room and hug Jenna like we’ve been friends for years.

“What is she doing here?” Oh, Olivia. Such a pain in the ass already?

“This is Abby. She’s a friend from yoga. Her dad has been sick, so we weren’t sure if she could make it, but surprise! Here she is.”

Wow. The lies fly from Jenna’s mouth with such ease. I’m seriously going to have to up my game.

And yoga? I might be the least coordinated person on the planet.

“Who is she supposed to walk down the aisle with?”

“Oh, don’t worry about details, Liv. That’s what the wedding planner is for,” Jenna replies with false sweetness dripping from every word. “Abby? Why don’t you go first? I know you have some stuff to do. We can keep each other busy while they do your hair and makeup.” Jenna points to a chair set up by the window.