The Setup 💕

Chapter 1

"Two years! I've been trying to get them to meet." She said, as calmly as she can.

Daisy trying to play matchmaker for Lillie and Will. Lillie, her best friend from college. Two years ago, moved back into town. Since then, Daisy and her husband have been subtly trying to orchestrate a meeting between her and Will, also his best friend from college. They've tried everything from casual get-togethers, cleverly planned "chance" encounters, even attempted at a double date.

Despite their creative efforts, they haven't managed to get them alone together or even in the same room. So finding that perfect moment of opportunity has proven more challenging than they anticipated.

Dan, seeing that his wife was getting a tad emotional, placed his hands on each side of her face. He kissed her soft-moist plump lips and wiped a tear running down her face with his thumb as he looked at her caring face.

"If you'd like. I'll check on them." His gentle baritone voice putting her at ease.

She looked at his charming face, responded with a subtle nod. He smiled and kissed her again.

"Thanks." Inhaling as she replied.

His hands lower to his sides as he assessed their surroundings, before his gaze returned to hers.

"Do you need help with anything else?" He asked.

"No — thank you. Danny is having fun being the boss for the day and ensuring that we have a break tonight." She informed him, more cheerful than she was a minute ago.

Their attention was immediately drawn to Danny, a man of somewhat substantial build in a vibrant and sophisticated yellow and grey suit. Who was giving precise and detailed instructions to two catering staff members, they listened intently to his every word.

Daisy's older sister Maureen, quiet sophistication in her chic wavy chocolate bob hair is holding a wine glass with an effortless grace while still being tipsy, was a skill she mastered as she exited the bathroom.

She moved captivatingly slow towards the fireplace. On the mantelpiece, the heart of the room, where so many memories reside. A gallery of photos of Dan's and Daisy's life, family celebrations, joyous moments with their friends, glimpses into their shared adventures. She lingered on the gallery of photos before settling on one in particular. The captivating photo of Will, impeccably in a suit, standing proudly before the W. Stanford Financial Group building. The key in his hand... felt imbued with an unspoken significance. She grabbed the frame with her free hand.

Dan graciously welcomed two more friends into the house, his smile widening as they entered. One of them presented him with a bottle of sparkling non-alcoholic cider. The other friend carefully placed their gift on top of the growing pile of gifts in the corner. A moment later, they shrugged off their jackets, hanging them neatly on the convenient built-in rack beside the door.

Daisy emerged from the kitchen, with a tray of sweets held carefully in her hands. Setting them down on the table. She noticed Maureen, holding a framed photograph in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, approaching Dan. A shift in Daisy's demeanor was apparent as she swiftly crossed the room, her purpose evident. She paused directly before her.

"Daisy! I'm assuming my invitation got lost in the mail, in spam or a deleted text. No, biggie! I'm here, now." Said Maureen, slurring her words, tapping Daisy on the nose with her red pointy fingernail.

Dan noticed that Maureen appeared to be intoxicated and walked over to them.

"Hey, so is this sexy man coming tonight or do I have to make out with his photo?" Asked Maureen as she shifted her eyes from Daisy to Dan, raising the frame in hand.