Friendly, rational, straightforward. Those were the tickets.
And, on the professional front, she and her partners would be vigilant so today's minefield would be negotiated. With no casualties.
She chose a pearl gray suit with just a hint of sheen, and low heels dressy enough to suit the formal affair and comfortable enough to respect the feet she'd be standing on most of the day.
As she packed her tools for the day, she ran through her notes and impressions. The dress was a showpiece, she remembered, glittery strapless bodice and miles and miles of skirt. She remembered, too, the bride was a workout fanatic, and beautifully toned. And the couple, college sweethearts, were of a traditional bent.
Armed and armored, she arrived at the main house.
"Red alert!"
Mac gaped at Emma as her friend flew down the stairs. "Already?"
"You didn't answer your phone, or your cell."
"I just left the studio. I haven't turned on the cell yet. What?"
"MOH got wind that the CBBM plans to bring SBP to the reception. His idea of a compromise, which he did not bother to discuss with either the B or G. The B and G, upon hearing this, are threatening violence against the CBBM, which he'd richly deserve if rumor is fact. Parker's trying to put out the fire."
"Shit. Just shit." Mac had no problem deciphering the code. Cheating Bastard Best Man, Slut Business Partner. And if the fire could be put out, Parker would do it.
But it didn't bode well.
"What's our assignment?"
"All the subs have to be alerted. Parker got a picture of the SBP from a newspaper article. She's making copies. Every sub needs one. If the SBP is spotted, she has to be stopped, barred, tackled to the ground." As if to prove she meant it, Emma slapped her fist into her palm. "Whatever works until Parker can deal with her."
"I hope it's the tackling. It would make a good shot for our outtakes file."
"Laurel's contacting Jack so he can get here early and charm the MOH out of whatever plans of retaliation she might be brewing. I've got to round up my people, brief them, then start hauling over the flowers. Laurel's still got to fuss with the cake. It's her Silk and Lace."
"I know. It's in my notes."
"That one weighs a ton, and gets the beadwork and tiara topper at reception. She'll need a couple of people to help her carry it in, which means less on patrol for the SBP.
"Pre-event briefing's ditched," Emma added once she'd sucked in a breath, "so we're minute by minute. You need to help set up in the Grand Hall. Somebody'll beep you when we have a sighting on the bride."
"Okay, I'm on it. Let me set up what I can in the Bride's Suite first. Stay strong."
"I am ready to kick me some ass."
Upstairs, Mac set up in the Bride's Suite, then strapped on her bag with one camera body and a selection of lenses. She'd add on the second body once the bride arrived. Before going down, she headed up, to check on Parker's progress.
She found her friend opening a fresh roll of Tums.
"It's bad?"
"No, no, it's currently under control. But I am pissed. I just got off the phone, at the bride's request, with the CBBM. Who started off informing me that nobody, including his brother, was going to tell him who he could date. Fucking selfish child."
"You said fucking. You are pissed."
"Then, then, he reams me for interfering in his personal life.
I have to take it, because better me than either the B or G, but I want to hurt him. I managed to calm him down, appeal to the minute sliver of decency and consideration in him. He'll do his duty, and intends to leave immediately following his-sure to be heartfelt-toast to the new couple."
"Do you believe him?"
Parker's eyes slitted. "Not for a minute. He's primed to make a scene. He'll need to be watched like a hawk because he's going to parade that woman into the reception if we don't stop him. Which we won't be telling anyone in the wedding party."
Huffing out a breath, Parker handed Mac a stack of printouts with the photograph of an attractive blonde. Under the photo it read:
ROXANNE POULSEN
NO ADMITTANCE
"Pass these out to subs. I'll give Laurel a stack for the caterers."
"I'm on it. You know, Parks, sometimes I just love this job beyond reason. Oddly, this is one of those times."
"Right there with you." Parker crunched down on the antacid. "We probably need therapy."
MAC DELIVERED WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF AS THE MUG SHOTS TO Emma and her crew, then passed the rest to the small hive working in the Grand Hall. She helped dress the tables-lavender cloths over blue-adding setups while Emma delivered centerpieces. In widemouthed glass bowls white star lilies floated above a bed of shimmering stones.