Courtney had been bracing herself for a crack about “pulling a Courtney” and was surprised by the support. “You’re, um, right. So we’ll go in the traditional order of the meal. Appetizers, soups and salads, entrées and desserts. Portions are very small so we can sample as much as possible.”
Her boss walked in with two trays. Courtney hurried over to help her. Joyce settled next to Maggie as Courtney passed around the tray.
“Caprese sticks,” she said. “Grape tomatoes, mozzarella with basil and a balsamic reduction. If you like the flavor but not the presentation, we can do it in appetizer spoons. We can also replace the bruschetta topping with a chopped version.”
Maggie took a bite and moaned. “These are fantastic. Neil, darling, you have to try one.”
“I’ll try two.”
They continued with appetizers and worked their way through soups and salads. While everyone was eating, Courtney set out wineglasses. Sienna counted.
“There are six glasses. We can’t have that much wine and drive.”
David nodded. “I have to agree.”
“We’re tasting, not drinking,” Courtney told him. “Two whites and four reds, all from Joyce’s favorite winery.”
Joyce laughed. “I think you’re going to be happy with Courtney’s suggestions for tonight. They’re delicious and they all have charming names that seem perfect for the wedding.”
“Really?” Maggie looked intrigued. “Like what?”
“Rebel Red and Goodie Two Shoes pinot noir.” Courtney grinned. “The labels are so fun that we don’t have to worry about leaving out the bottles. The guests will love looking at them. Look, Mom, the pink Goodie Two Shoes label even matches your color scheme.”
She held up a bottle.
“Middle Sister Wines?” Sienna said, raising a glass. “I like it already!”
Rachel leaned toward Courtney and muttered, “I wonder if the winemaker has a middle sister complex, too.”
Courtney hid a smile.
“It’s an intriguing story, actually,” Joyce said. “The winery is named after the middle daughter of one of the founder’s best friends. She said the girl is larger than life, a free spirit. I always felt the same way about you, Sienna.”
“Thank you, Joyce.” Sienna stuck out her tongue at her sisters.
“Don’t worry about drinking too much,” Rachel said. “Greg’s off tonight. He has Josh. I’ll call him and he can give everyone a ride home. You can pick up your cars in the morning.”
Courtney met her sister’s gaze and raised her eyebrows. Really? She and Greg were getting along that well? Obviously, there had been a shift in their relationship.
Courtney leaned close as she poured the first wine. “We are so talking later.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.” But Rachel blushed as she spoke.
Courtney brought out trays with various entrée choices. She set a small ramekin in front of her mother, who wrinkled her nose. “What is this?”
“Chicken and spinach.”
Maggie turned to her. “I hate spinach.”
“I know, so I was surprised when you checked it off on the menu list. Remember? We texted about it.”
“I suppose it sounded good at the time.” She sighed. “Fine. I’ll try it, but I won’t like it.”
Neil kissed her cheek. “I’ve always admired your maturity, my love.”
Courtney didn’t have much time to sit and eat, but she was pleased that everyone enjoyed the choices. Well, except for the spinach and chicken dish, which her mother didn’t want on the menu. They decided to start with an antipasto platter of olives, roasted peppers and marinated mushrooms, paired with Drama Queen pinot grigio. For the entrée, guests would have a choice of steak paired with Rebel Red or grilled salmon paired with the Goodie Two Shoes pinot noir. They would top off the evening with a bubbly toast.
So far, so good, she thought, pleased to be nearly finished.
Coffee—both regular and decaf—was delivered right before the desserts. Sienna got up and poured herself a cup.
“This is going really well,” she said, her voice laced with surprise. “You’re not just filling in here and there, are you? You’re actually planning weddings. Or at least this one.”
“Sometimes,” Courtney hedged. “A couple of summers ago one of the wedding planners got sick and I helped out. I liked the work and I know everyone at the hotel. It makes sense for me to coordinate.”
Sienna studied her. “What else aren’t you telling us?” she asked.
Joyce interrupted then, saving Courtney from having to make up something.