Bridesmaid Undercover: An incredibly steamy, hilarious, friends to lovers, love triangle romantic comedy

HARDY

“You did not wear that suit,” Everly says as I walk into the venue wearing a flamingo-pink suit that took me all day yesterday to find.

Did I work much? No.

Did I scour San Francisco for a pink suit that would fit me? Of course I did.

And I’ll be honest, I never really thought an ankle pant would look good on me, but here I am, looking stylish as fuck. Very well might change up the suit pants to these. I have nice fucking ankles.

I spin in place and then flash open the sides of my jacket like Michael Jackson. “I did, and I look amazing.”

Everly laughs and nods. “You do.”

“Glad you can admit it,” I say as I take in the venue space that has been completely transformed. Once a blank space with white walls, it’s now decked out in rented plants ranging in size, pom-pom garlands, and bamboo backdrops. To the right, just as you walk in is a white bar with two kissing flamingos on top of the counter and a placard listing drinks propped up against it, one being a signature cocktail for the bride and groom.

The courtyard in the back has been transformed with a combination of couches, chairs, high-tops, and tables, all mixed in together to create a more lounge feel than a banquet. Pinned along the courtyard’s brick walls are the endless number of string pom-poms I worked on the night before, way more than what I was able to finish, paper fans in a range of khaki colors, and more rented plants.

The venue looks nothing like it did the other day and everything like a jungle that came to life overnight. The only thing missing is actual real flamingos.

Consider me impressed. Very, very impressed.

“Wow, Plum. You did all of this?”

“With help, of course,” she says, her hands clutched in front of her as she takes in her brilliant work.

I glance at her. “You’re not even breaking a sweat.”

“Well, I worked on it this morning and then changed after. Can’t be hauling around centerpieces in a dress.”

“Well, it looks amazing in here,” I say. “I thought you were going to need my help.”

“I know, but then I took charge, and once I got going, I just wanted to finish. I do have some things in the back, like favors that need to be put together, but that shouldn’t take too long.”

“Show me the way,” I say.

“Maple is already back there helping,” Everly says as a caution.

“She is?” I ask. “Did she help you decorate?”

“No,” Everly says with a shake of her head. “She just got here, and I put her to work.” She leans in close, the smell of her sweet perfume floating between us. “In case you were worried that you looked like a slouch arriving after her.”

“I wasn’t thinking slouch, more like dick in the pink suit.”

“And here I thought you liked your suit.”

“I do,” I say as we head toward the back. “But not when it seems like I show up late and everyone else is putting in the work.”

“Good thing you showed up right on time then,” Everly says as we cross over into the courtyard.

I pause at the doorway and take in the decorated space. It’s incredible.

The brick walls are covered in vines that extend all the way up the sides of the buildings, giving the space the appearance that we’re in the middle of the jungle. The white couches and tabletops brighten up the darker space while the garland, pom-poms, and table runners add to the theme but don’t overtake it either. It’s truly an impressive combination of a themed party while working within the elements provided.

“This looks phenomenal,” I say to Everly. “I mean, truly incredible.”

“Thank you,” she says, a light blush creeping up on her cheeks. “I’m very happy with how it turned out.”

“So am I,” Maple says from where she’s seated at a table, stuffing some bags. “I’m so grateful for you.”

“Just doing my job,” Everly says and then brings her hands together. “I’m going to check on the catering and make sure the bar is set and ready to go. Maple, think you can show Hardy what to do with the favors?”

“Of course,” Maple says.

Everly presses her hand to my shoulder, winks, and then walks away.

She can decorate and set up small moments with the girl I’m trying to get back together with. She can create a warm and stylish event. She shows empathy when it’s needed, levity too. She can do it all—and without breaking a sweat. She’s unmatched. Is there anything she cannot do? I head over to the table where Maple is working and just as I’m about to take a seat, she says, “Never thought I’d see the day when Hardy Hopper is wearing an all-pink suit.”

“I’m full of surprises, Maple.” I chuckle and glance over the materials on the table and pick up one of the personalized cookies. It’s a cutout of a flamingo and written on the body is Polly and Ken, with a heart between their names. Cute. “Think you’ll be able to eat this flamingo cookie without guilt?”

“I don’t know,” Maple answers. “It looks delicious, but eating a flamingo goes against everything I believe in.”

“I understand the dilemma. But this flamingo doesn’t have feathers or a beating heart, so…”

“True,” she says, glancing my way with a smile. A very familiar, warm smile. Feels like comfort. Like going back home after a long semester.

I clear my throat. “So what are we doing?”

“We’re sticking a cookie and a thank-you note that talks about the importance of flamingos into each of these bags and then tying them up. Think you can handle it?”

“I think so,” I say. I pick up a bag and stuff a cookie in it, along with a thank-you note, and then tie it at the top. “How’s that?”

She examines my work. “Looks good to me.”

“Perfect,” I say as I reach for another. “So, you missed a fun time the other night, full of pom-pom garlands and centerpieces.”

“I know. I felt bad about that,” she says, sounding a lot more like herself than our last few interactions. “But it seems like you guys did a good job.”

“Yeah, Everly’s great. She knew exactly when to pull me from making the centerpieces and put me back on garland duty.”

“You’re telling me you couldn’t handle the arrangements?” she asks.

“Not so much,” I say.

“Surprising,” she says with a touch of mirth.

Okay, this is progress.

This is way better than the bowling alley.

Sure, I’ll admit that I wasn’t at my best that night and conversation wasn’t flowing, but this is a step up for sure.

As we continue to work, I ask, “How are the flamingos?”

She glances my way. “They’re good. I think they’re still getting used to me, so it’s been a little different. When I was in Peru, we weren’t interacting with the flamingos, we were observing, so it’s like a change of mindset for me. I tend to find myself just watching them at times and have to be reminded that I’m a caretaker, not an observer.”

“I can see the challenge in that. Have you bonded with any of the flamingos?”

“Not like in Denver. But I’m sure it will take some time. The other zookeepers are pretty good friends, so fitting into an already established friend group is hard as well. Not to mention, I’m not super outgoing, so…it’s just been an adjustment.”

“I would say you’re pretty likeable, Maple.”

“Thanks,” she says and softly smiles. “It’s just…different.”

“I’m guessing you’re missing Peru.”

“Think about it every day,” she says on a wistful sigh.

“Why did you have to leave?”

“The research grant was up, which meant it was time to leave. We all had to look for new jobs and, well, there was an opening here and I decided to apply. Thought it would be nice to be close to Polly again. Which it has been, but I’m going from living in a permanent tent for two years, to a real apartment with running water and, well, it’s just a change.” She lowers her head. “I miss a simpler life.”

“It was simple there?”

“Very,” she says. “You didn’t have all of the distractions that you have now. It’s you and nature and the people and animals around you—that’s it. You get to watch the stars dance across the sky every night. Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild, wake up to crisp morning air rather than the honking and yelling of people trying to make it through their morning commute.” She shrugs. “I just miss the silence and peace.”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” I say. “Would you ever do it again?”

“In a heartbeat,” she says. “But from what I’ve heard, there haven’t been any research projects coming up for my field any time soon. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m going to have to adjust my mindset.”

“Are you okay with that?” I ask.

“I’m going to have to be.”

“Yes, right over there, that would be great,” Everly says as she moves into the courtyard. She glances over at us. “How are you guys doing? Good?”

“Good,” I answer.

“Perfect.” She winks and then takes off.

I watch her depart for maybe a few seconds longer than I should because Maple says, “So, anything going on there?”

“Anything going on where?” I ask her.

“With you and Everly?”

“What?” I ask, shocked. “No.” Uh, hello, can’t you see that I’m trying to rekindle something between you and me?

“Just seems like you’re close.”

“I mean, we’ve been working together, but that’s about it. She’s just a good friend.”

A friend who’s trying to help me get back together with you, Maple.

Jesus Christ.

“Okay, because Timothy was asking,” she says. “I think he likes her and was thinking about asking her out, but he was nervous.”

“Nervous about asking Everly out?” I say. “She’s chill—he shouldn’t be nervous at all.”

“I think the whole dating thing makes him nervous.”

“Oh, I can see that.” I think about it for a second and then the most brilliant idea comes to mind. Oh Hardy, you clever fucking man. I try to hold back my smile to avoid revealing how proud I am of myself. “What if we all went out as friends? Like a hang out?”

“What?” she asks, looking confused.

“Well, instead of Timothy and Everly going on a date alone, you and I could go with them too and offer them some cushioning so they don’t feel like they’re on a real date. We could pass it off as a hang out. Like when we were bowling, but this time, it’s just the four of us, and when they’re comfortable, the next date could be just them.”

“Oh.” She thinks about it for a second while she continues to put cookies in bags. “Maybe.”

“Would you be uncomfortable?” I ask, wanting to gauge where her head is at. “You know, since we used to date?”

Her eyes flash to mine. “I mean, not really.” She lets out a deep breath. “Maybe two weeks ago, I would have completely turned down the idea, because I didn’t want to see you, but yeah, maybe it could work.”

“Why didn’t you want to see me?” I ask. It’s such a heavy question, I doubt she’ll answer right before the bridal shower.

But to my surprise, she says, “Come on, Hardy. It wasn’t like things were completely amicable between us.”

“I thought they were,” I say as shame fills me, “but I could see that wasn’t the case after talking with Polly.”

She shrugs. “I just assumed things were going to be different when we left college. I was just…surprised by the way things turned out, that’s all. You said you’d follow me to Denver, then all of a sudden, you changed your mind, no real explanation given.”

“Yeah, I know.” I bite down on my lip. “It had nothing to do with you and everything to do with my dad.”

“I know you think that helps your case, but to me, it just seems like I wasn’t important enough.”

“That wasn’t the case, Maple,” I say quietly. “I thought…hell, I thought we understood each other, that you saw I was trying to make my dad see me. You knew things were always so volatile. He…well, he promised me a good future with Hopper Industries, so I took it. I know that’s not a good reason, and I had every intention of keeping in touch with you, but you stopped talking to me.”

“Because I didn’t think I was worth your time,” she says.

“You were, Maple.” I push my hand through my hair.“I was just…fuck, I was trying to take advantage of an opportunity.” To either change my dad or to maybe change me. “Hindsight is twenty-twenty. I know that was a waste of time now.”

“Why was it a waste of time?” she asks, the tension easing up between us.

“Because he hasn’t changed a bit. He’s the same scheming asshole he’s always been, and no matter how much I want to believe he could be a different person, I’m just delusional. Some people will never change, and he’s one of them.”

She slowly nods. “Well, maybe it was for the best, because if we were still together, I’m not sure I would have gone to Peru, and that’s an experience I don’t think I could have lived without.”

“Yeah, maybe it was for the best,” I say and look her in the eyes. “I’m glad you had such a great experience in Peru. Maybe if we do that group hang with Timothy and Everly, you can tell me more about it.”

“Yeah, maybe,” she says offering me a smile, which makes me relax.

Good. See? Baby steps. That’s all this is…baby steps.

“You’ve been talking to her,”Polly says when she comes up to me, a signature cocktail in hand, looking beautiful in a white lace dress. Ken is across the room, talking to some family members, also dressed in all white, which makes me chuckle. If the bride can wear white, so can the groom.

“Kind of hard not to talk to the maid of honor when you’re throwing a joint bridal shower,” I say to her.

“But you’ve been talking to her a lot.”

“I wouldn’t say a lot,” I counter.

“More than I wanted you to talk to her,” Polly says.

“I’m assuming you still have a problem with me talking to her?”

“I don’t want you to hurt her,” Polly whispers.

“I wouldn’t,” I say.

“Are you sure? Because she seems to think that maybe something is going on between you and Everly.”

What the hell?

“No,” I say. “She asked me that as well. Nothing is going on between us. We’re just friends. I told Maple that today. Why would I try to pursue someone if I was talking to another woman?”

“Ah-ha,” Polly says. “I knew it, you are persuing Maple.”

I roll my eyes. “Come on, Polly. Do you really think I can stand here and watch my ex come back into my life and not be interested?”

“Yes, it’s called self-control.”

“Let me ask you this,” I say. “How come you can have a second chance with Ken, but I can’t have a second chance with Maple? We were there when you and Ken broke up. It wasn’t pretty. So why am I the one put on blast?”

“Because Maple is different,” Polly says. “If she had the opportunity, she never would have come back here. She would have stayed in Peru. Don’t make her regret coming back.”

“So you’re acting selfishly then?” I ask, not really wanting to start a fight with her at her bridal shower, but she’s also the one who brought it up.

“I am,” she says with no shame. “And if I thought your intentions were pure, then maybe I wouldn’t be so tough on you.”

“What makes you think my intentions aren’t pure?”

She gives me the look that says “Come on.”

“When have you ever been serious about a relationship?” she asks.

“Pretty sure dating Maple for three years was serious,” I say.

“After that, Hardy. She was your one and only relationship. And even then, you guys never really spoke about forever like Ken and I did. You were having fun. She was looking for commitment from you, and you weren’t giving it to her.”

“I did,” I say. “For those three years, I was hers and only hers.”

She sighs. “I mean…like commitment to the future. I don’t think…I don’t think you loved her the way you thought you did.”

“You don’t know that,” I say.

She takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I saw the way you would look at her, the way you look at her now, and there’s something missing, Hardy. The spark. The excitement. It’s not there. I think you like the idea of Maple, the connection you had, but I’m not sure that connection was strong enough. I don’t think that connection gave you what you really wanted. You didn’t feel it deep within you. It was all surface.”

Was it?

I didn’t think it was surface level. I had a connection with Maple—I didn’t make that up in my head.

Then why didn’t you follow her? I have so many words swimming in my mind. My dad’s verbal vomit accusing me of being just like him—loving work over family and commitments. But then I consider Everly’s comments. She thinks I’m nothing like my dad, and I’m coming to realize that Everly knows me quite well.

But then Maple’s words come to mind.

Because I didn’t think I was worth your time. They stunned me. Is that how she perceived me at the end of our relationship, or all the way through?

There’s something missing, Hardy. The spark. The excitement. It’s not there. I think you like the idea of Maple, the connection you had, but I’m not sure that connection was strong enough. I don’t think that connection gave you what you really wanted. You didn’t feel it deep within you. It was all surface.

If that’s true, then it makes sense why I was content to let her go. And that is staggering. I just don’t know if I can believe that yet.

Polly stands on her toes and leans in to press a kiss to my cheek.

“Thank you for today,” she says, releasing my hand. “I know how much you did to make this happen, and I’m really appreciative of it. Of you.”

Smiling softly despite the question she just put in my mind, I say, “You know I would do anything for you guys.”

“We know, and we love you.”

With that, she moves through the crowd and walks up to Ken. He places his arm around her and brings her in for a kiss. I watch them, the ease in their movements, the love they clearly share for each other, the comfortable companionship.

Is Polly right? Was it never that deep between me and Maple?

Were we ever at a level of love that Ken and Polly share?

I thought we were.

But now…now she has me doubting myself.

“Hey,” I hear Everly say as she steps up to me. “Are you really planning a foursome date with Maple?”

I glance over at her, those pretty green eyes peering up at me. “I offered it,” I say. “I thought that maybe you wouldn’t mind since you mentioned wanting to get to know Timothy more. Maple says he wants to get to know you but is nervous and, well, I just thought it would be a great way for everyone to hang out—but then we could go off into our respective couples. I thought it was pretty genius, something the professor would have come up with.”

“You don’t think that’s going to be awkward?” She twists her hands together.

“Why would it be awkward?” I ask. “If anything, we can help warm each other up. I can bring up Whitney Houston, and you can tell Timothy how much you love her.”

That brings a smile to her face. “Do you think he’d be impressed or startled by my insane knowledge of Whitney Houston’s life?”

“Obviously impressed,” I say.

“I think you’re right.” Her shoulder lines up with mine as we stare out at the party. The signature cocktails are an absolute hit—the beer stocked up has barely been touched. Guests are milling about, compostable plates in hand full of mini eggrolls, shrimp cocktail, and vegetable crudités, while Ken and Polly are surrounded by laughter as light music mixes in the background, setting a romantic mood. “I could regale him with facts about The Bodyguard and how Kevin Costner held off production for a year so Whitney could finish her concert tour.”

“Kevin knew she was the only one who could play that role,” I add.

Everly grips my arm. “The movie wouldn’t have been the same without her.”

“It wouldn’t have,” I continue. “And when David Foster told Kevin Costner that the slow start of ‘I Will Always Love You’would never play on the radio, Kevin said he didn’t care—he wanted that version of the song.”

“And look what happened,” Everly says. “Number one song for fourteen weeks straight. Eat that, David. Even Dolly Parton said she forgot about licensing use of the song, and when she heard Whitney’s version for the first time on the radio, she said no one would ever sing it better.”

“Because Dolly knows best,” I say. “Did you know she took the money she made from the royalties of ‘I Will Always Love You’and built a school with it? She calls it the school Whitney built.”

“I didn’t know that,” Everly replies. “God, I love Dolly so much.”

“How could you not?” I ask. “Although, I saw this meme about her the other day that said, I love Dolly so much and she’s a gift to this world, but why couldn’t she have sung about working 11–3 instead?”

Everly lets out a laugh, the sound so sweet. “I mean, I bet if Dolly sang about it, we would have complied as a society.”

“Easily.” I smile down at her, wondering why the hell I can’t have such an easy conversation like this with Maple? More of that doubt starts creeping in, doubt I wasn’t ready to face today.

Everly lets out a sigh. “Well, if you think the foursome will help you and Maple, I’m up for it, but can it be a dinner? Nothing active like bowling or mini golf or…painting a picture while drinking wine.”

“I heard paint and sip is a lot of fun,” I say.

“I don’t need to get drunk to know I’m terrible at painting—I can tell you right here, right now, that a paint brush should never be in my hand.”

“That surprises me,” I say. “Given your creative nature, I’d think you could paint.”

She shakes her head. “Terrible at it.”

“Well then, a simple dinner it is. I know a few places that are pretty casual and offer a vibe that could work for a foursome.”

“Is that the official term we’re riding with?” she asks.

“I think so, unless you want something more complicated.”

“Please, entertain me with a more complicated term.”

Smirking, I say, “Hmm, we could call it ‘the foundation of double dating trickery created and brought to you by Professor Plum and Henrietta Hopper.’”

“Ooo, now that has a nice ring to it. Especially enjoyed the usage of ‘trickery.’”

“We can make bracelets for the occasion,” I say. “You know, like those friendship bracelets that are lyrics to a song, but with just the beginning letter to each word. Ours could be…” I think about it for a second. “Uh…TF…ODDT…what else did I say?”

She chuckles. “Maybe we just call it the foursome.”

“Might be best,” I say. “I can still make commemorative bracelets.”

“You make a few pom-pom garlands and now you’re a master at stringing all the things.”

I place my hand on my chest. “You’ve unlocked something inside of me that I don’t think I can stuff away. A man must string.”

She laughs. “Well, I look forward to my bracelet. Okay, I’m going to get back to work. Go mingle, have fun. Maybe eat a few of those meatballs because my God, if you don’t, I might eat them all.”

“In that case…” I move away from her and straight to the meatballs. When I glance over my shoulder at her, she’s smiling brightly and shaking her head at me.

See, everyone…just friends.

“Now that everyone is gone,I can give you my present,” I say to Polly and Ken who are sitting in their special wicker chairs, looking exhausted from the day’s events.

The shower went off without a hitch and it’s all because of Everly. She was running around everywhere, taking charge, making sure Polly, the moms, and Maple could enjoy themselves rather than worrying about the food, the drinks, or the guests.

“You didn’t have to get us anything,” Polly says as I hand them a card from the inside of my suit jacket. “The pink suit was a present in and of itself.”

“It’s true,” Ken says. “I don’t think I’ll ever see you in anything else but that suit. If our moms would allow it, I’d demand you wear that at the wedding as well.”

I tug on my suit coat. “You know, I think I look pretty damn good in pink. And these pants, aren’t they nice?” I show off my legs to my friends.

“I never noticed your legs before,” Ken says. “But those pants highlight them in a way that’s undeniable. You have great stems, man.”

“Never skip leg day,” I say with a wink.

“My God, you two,” Polly says as she pops open the envelope. She takes out the card, opens it up and then pauses. Her eyes lift to mine, her brows rising in question. “Hardy, what is this?”

I stick my hands in my pockets. “It’s your gift—combo wedding and bridal shower. Figured you would want it now so you could plan.”

“What is it?” Ken asks, leaning over. When he sees what it is, he starts to shake his head. “No fucking way. Dude.” He takes the piece of paper and stares down at it. “How the hell did you remember this?”

“I remember a lot of things,” I say.

“We can’t accept this,” Polly says.

“The hell we can’t,” Ken says as he stands and pulls me into a hug, causing me to laugh. “This is amazing, dude, thank you.”

Polly stands as well and gives me a hug. “This is too generous.”

“It’s not…not for you two,” I say.

Ken stares down at the paper and then over at Polly. “Finally going to make that trip to the elusive St. Hopper in Bora Bora. And our own bungalow over the water for two weeks.” Ken shakes his head. “I won’t want to leave.”

“Is your dad okay with this?” Polly asks. “I know you’ve been on rocky terms with him.”

“He doesn’t know,” I say. “This voucher is under your names, and if you don’t get the five-star, VIP experience, then you let me know, because I’m friends with management. They’re expecting you.”

“This is…this is really amazing,” Ken says. “Thanks, man.”

“Of course,” I say and then bring my hands together. “Okay, I’m going to head out. Do you guys need help with anything else? I think the family handled the gifts.”

“We’re good.”

“Oh good,” Everly says as she walks up to us from the front of the store where she was talking to the bartender. “I was hoping you hadn’t taken off yet. I was talking with the caterer. All leftover food has been packed up and put in your car, so enjoy.”

“Thank you,” Polly says. “This was…this was amazing. And I loved the flamingo theme. It felt just like something Maple would do.”

“Just followed her direction,” Everly says as Maple walks up too. She was helping with the presents and clean-up, even though Everly told her not to worry about it.

“Is there anything else that needs to be done?” Maple asks.

“Nope, I think we’re all set,” Everly says. “I hope you guys had a wonderful time. Now we have the bach parties to plan.”

“Right, I need to email you about that,” I say to Everly.

“Ooo, can’t wait. Can’t imagine what you might wear to that.”

I tug on my suit. “Maybe I’ll go another round in this suit. It went so well.”

“Wearing the same outfit twice in a row?” Polly jokes. “Tacky, Hardy.”

“If you think your bach party is going to be anything but tacky, then you need to put other people in charge, right, Maple?”

“What the heck are you planning?” Maple says, looking up at me.

“You got your flamingos, so now it’s my time to shine.” I put my arm around Everly and squeeze her close. “We’re going to deliver the best party you’ve ever seen…best.”

Polly and Ken look between us, eyebrows raised, before Polly clears her throat. “Something to look forward to then.” And then she offers me a smile.

The kind of smile that tells me there’s something going on in that head of hers, but nothing she’s going to share.

To: Everly Plum

From: Hardy Hopper

Subject: The Ultimate Party

Professor,

A few things.

For one, great job at the bridal shower—I’m really impressed with you. I know your help really allowed Maple and Polly to have a great time together. Same with me and Ken, so thank you, in case I didn’t say it already.

Two, I spoke with Maple, who spoke with NOT Tomothy, and they said they’re available this Wednesday for dinner. You good with that? I can make reservations at The Beard.

Three, the bach party—are you ready to go back to college? I know we’ve talked about it before, but we need to confirm all the details, including the Ed Sheeran playlist, how many beer pong tables we need, and the dips. Because remember, we need all of the dips.

Henrietta

To: Hardy Hopper

From: Everly Plum

Subject: RE: The Ultimate Party

Henrietta,

I’m so glad you enjoyed the bridal shower. It was my first event that I headed up all by myself under Maggie’s company, and I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t cry when I got home. Your words mean a lot to me, so thank you.

Wednesday works. I’m oddly nervous. NOT Tomothy is a nice guy, so I shouldn’t be this nervous, but I am. I really hope it’s not awkward. I tend to say stupid things when it’s awkward. You might have to keep me in check.

I have already been looking into different venues that will offer us the space we need for beer pong, the alcohol, and the music. There’s a great place near the pier that just opened up their roof top. Have you heard of Sailor Ninety-Nine? Pretty chill space, offers beer pong tournaments, but also will close off for private parties. It’s right in the heart of San Francisco and has transportation options for everyone, so there will be no drinking and driving. There are also local hotels if people are coming from out of town as well. Link below. Let me know what you think. The second option I’ve been thinking about is testing Haisley’s Clueless-themed rental. Part of us joining forces with the Bridesmaid for Hire branch is that we team up with her rentals and throw bachelorette weekends there. Might be a great trial if you’re cool with that, and you can find that link below too.

The Prof

To: Everly Plum

From: Hardy Hopper

Subject: Uhh…excuse me?

You cried? Why did you cry? I don’t like that you cried. Next time if you’re crying, call me—you have my phone number.

Wednesday will be fun. I won’t let you make it awkward.

Sailor Ninety-Nine sounds great. How do you do that? Find an amazing space in seconds? Will they let us bring dips? And can we control the music? Also, put the tab on me, as I’ve got this one covered. I know Maple will want to help out, but put her in charge of something else, like a few dips. I’ll take care of venue and drinks and any other food.

As for the second option, I’m all for trying this out because I know it would be great for Haisley as well. The Clueless rental is classically charming with its nineties nostalgia, something I know Polly would love. Plus the backyard is huge. I’m all for this, but if Haisley doesn’t have the availability or isn’t ready, Sailor Ninety-Nine would be great.

Henrietta

To: Hardy Hopper

From: Everly Plum

Subject: RE: Uhh…excuse me?

I wasn’t crying because I was sad. I was crying because I was overwhelmed. I sent pictures to Maggie of the event, and she told me how proud of me she was and, well, it all just came crashing down. It was a good day.

Maybe we should have a code word for me if I start to say something stupid to NOT Tomothy. Maybe something like…platypus or…mandarin orange. Possibly Boogie Boogie. Let me know.

And yes, we can bring our own food. I’ll let Maple know about the dips. She already sent me some dip recipes that she and Polly used to make. She’s excited about the theme and is pulling a bunch of pictures from college of you and all your friends. I have a plan for pinning them on strings around the venue. So if you have any pictures, let’s incorporate those. I’ll be sure to speak with Haisley about our options, and I’ll speak with Sailor Ninety-Nine as well and let you know which one works best.

I would never say this to your face, but I will type it out…I’m kind of excited about the party. *winces*

The Prof

To: Everly PlumUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

From: Hardy Hopper

Subject: RE: Uhh…excuse me?

I knew it! I knew I was going to win you over with this idea. It was the dip recipes, right? The best one Maple has is her buffalo chicken dip. Fucking magic.

Maybe I should talk to Maggie, see if she needs someone coming in with brilliant dip ideas. Think she’ll hire me? I know she’s seeking out a new employee. Maybe that person has been right under her nose this whole time…

To: Hardy Hopper

From: JP Cane

Subject: The Rockhopper needs you.

Dear friend,

Recently in my mission to help save the Chilean Flamingo, I stumbled upon a story about a penguin. Not just any penguin, but the Southern Rockhopper Penguin, a troubled bird on the verge of death due to an oil spill off the coast of Chile. Volunteers spent nearly an hour trying to clean the oil out of the bird’s feathers. Thanks to the efforts of the volunteers that day, Rocky was saved.

Now nearing endangerment, these waddling fellas are in need of your support as they suffer the loss of their species from overfishing, climate change, and pollution from oil spills. But you can be the difference by donating today.

Donate Here.

Help save these adorable munchkins and be the change in their lives.

JP Cane