Greater Than Rubies, a Novella inspired by the Jewel Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page A

congregates alone. Tony’s managers and supervisors, their spouses or guests, all of his ministries, his business contacts. I bet we reach a thousand before it’s all done.”
    Cassandra opened her notebook. “We need to set a number now, if it’s possible. I need to make sure I can accommodate with table settings and staff.”
    Robin held up a hand. “Let’s limit it to what will fit inside. That will keep it simple.”
    “Okay, seven-fifty. Easily done.” Cassandra wrote on a legal pad with a fine-tip pen while Stephanie typed.
    “We need a guest list soon,” Stephanie said. “That’s a lot of envelopes to address. I will likely hire that out.”
    “Tony’s secretary is already working on it,” Cassandra said. “Her name is Margaret. I’ll get you her contact info.”
    Stephanie jumped. “Oh, right. Here’s my card.”
    Cassandra nodded. “And here’s mine.”
    The women handed out business cards all around then Stephanie turned back to Robin. “Give me some ideas of what you’re thinking about in terms of style or theme.”
    Robin raised an eyebrow. “Style?”
    Maxine interjected, “She wants simple but elegant. Nothing ostentatious but nothing flashy, either. No swans or doves. Like they say in showbiz, never follow children or animals. And no elaborate foods, just tasteful simple fare.”
    Stephanie nodded and typed. Cassandra asked, “Are you going to do sit-down dinner?”
    Finally, something to which she could speak with authority due to her years as a waitress. “Yes. But, I don’t want to have too many choices for people. I want to do a small red meat, like maybe lamb, and a small poultry portion on the same plate with two simple sides. That will save the chefs a lot of headache and ensure that meals are set out hot. I do want to accommodate vegetarians if we need to, and make sure the vegetarian plates are fully organic, only fruits and vegetables with whole grains. Nothing processed at all, especially soy. Oh, maybe a nice tomato soup or consommé. My sister, Sarah, will thank us.”
    While Cassandra made notes, the waitress arrived with drinks and took their breakfast orders. As they waited for meals to arrive, Robin and Maxine – mainly Maxine – answered questions and let Stephanie and Cassandra work between them to get the initial outline of their planning started. Robin pondered just how quickly four short months could pass. How would they ever get it all done on time?
     

     
    OBIN hugged Maxine good-bye and watched her get into her little green sports car. After three hours of meeting with such competent women who seemed to know exactly what to say and do, she felt a little less overwhelmed by the process, but still a little anxious about the timing. Maybe Tony would consider pushing the wedding back to June. Or maybe next January. That would be even better. Or maybe they could just go to a Justice of the Peace and that would be that. Better still.
    Shaking her head, knowing he wanted to get married as soon as possible and in their church, she waited for the valet, who pulled up in a sleek and shiny royal blue sedan. He walked toward her. “Hi, Ryan. Did you get it started?”
    “Mr. V. took care of it, Robin.”
    She waited, but he didn’t move. After several heartbeats, she said, “I don’t understand.”
    He pointed with his thumb over his shoulder. “That’s yours, now, ma’am.”
    His thumb loosely pointed at a brand new four dour sedan that looked like it had just rolled off of a high end showroom. Robin shook her head. “No, it’s not.”
    “Yes, ma’am. Your other car was towed away and this one was brought in. The stuff that was in your trunk and back seat has already been transferred.” He held out brand new shiny car keys that were absolutely not hers hanging on her key chain beside her apartment key and the keys to Hank’s place.
    She suddenly remembered Maxine mentioning a tow truck. Nice of her sister not to mention that her car was strapped to it.