“In person.You’re coming to New York with us.”
She blinked.“I am?”
“Why not?There are a lot of deep pockets in New York.Get the docs on board, get together with Merci and Toria.All goes well, we’ll bring Rainie in and set up another party, just like this one.We can have all kinds of fundraisers.Rich people love that shit.That view that they care about more than just themselves.And you have some Hollywood darlings on board now.Invite them and the Wall Street guys will eat it up.Money means acceptance, right?Might be worth doing the same in Boston.Lilya has all kinds of contacts up there.I told you we had a network.”
And Rourke had been right about only needing to convince one person.Getting in front of Zairn was the best thing that happened to Huddle Hope.Other than Rourke noticing its potential, but she wouldn’t give him explicit credit for that.
“But New York…”
“It’s an amazing city, and that’s coming from a Chicago girl.I wanted to hate it, but just couldn’t.”
“I can’t afford—”
“It’s on Mosaic’s dime and you can stay with us too.Crimson is your home.There’s plenty of space in Rouge HQ and so many people I want you to meet.”
“You can stay in my apartment, if you want,” Lilya said across the table.“If you want your own space.”
Away from Crimson people?Roxie was full on with her friends, but it wasn’t the people that held her back.What was holding her back?New York offered amazing opportunities.
“Whatever makes you happy, honey,” Roxie said.“We’ll look after you either way.”
New York.Hmm, it deserved at least some thought.
Before she could reach any conclusions, Mieux hurried over and dipped to whisper.“Diva’s here.”
Diva?Who was she talking about with—no.Her mouth opened in a gasp that clenched her guts.Diva.Rourke’s ex.Alaina Havenash.No fucking way.
“What?”she barked, her head snapping around.“Where?Who invited her?”
“No one,” Mieux said, clearly nervous.“She’s not on the list, but…”
“She’ll expect to get in anyway.”
They didn’t call her Diva for no reason.And why shouldn’t she get in?As far as any employee was concerned, Alaina Havenash was a beautiful woman with grace and allure.She’d never met the woman, but already knew better.
“Okay, thank you.I’ll handle it.”
Mieux nodded once and scurried off.Diva was one responsibility she had to take care of herself.
“What’s going on?”Roxie asked, drawing closer.
First thing was first.“Keep an eye on him,” she said, gesturing Rourke’s way with her head, so as not to draw his attention.“Do not let him leave this table until you see me again.”
“Okay,” Roxie said, confused, her brow descended.
Her friend sensed her worry, but there wasn’t time to explain.Leaving the table, she headed outside.Fast.If the model got in and people saw her, word would get to Rourke.He’d never just let it go.He’d end up face to face with his ex and that would ruin his whole night.
And there the beauty was.Trust a model to eat up all those lenses trained on her.
The gorgeous, incredible Alaina stood on the red carpet in front of the Huddle Hope backdrop.Flashes cascaded over and around her; dozens of hungry paparazzi gobbled up the chance to get as many photographs as they could.
It was publicity, sure, but not the kind she wanted associated with the event.Diva was one personality Huddle Hope did not need in their arsenal.
She got the attention of the security guard at the other side of the display.Widening her eyes and tipping her head to the side, she gave him the signal to cross the carpet, catching Diva on the way.
The model’s own guard was stopped by another from getting too close.Perfect.Just what she needed.Jane’s security recommendation paid dividends.They were earning their fee and then some.
At the edge of the carpet, in the shadow by the entrance, she walked right up close to the beauty.Her heels gave her a boost, but not enough to counter the supermodel in her own heels.Still, she stood tall.
