Sylvie’s mother, Mrs. Grant, joins the meeting with a martini in hand. She snorts as she takes her seat. “And you think doctors and nurses will want to move into those dilapidated homes?”
Mrs. Fisher turns behind her to Mrs. Grant. “Redevelopment is happening in that town.” She clears her throat, sitting taller. “And there’s more confidence in the town’s renewal since my husband took on several projects.”
“Give me a break,” Mrs. Grant mutters over her martini.
The room hums with mutterings and mumbles, growing in volume. Ladies shuffle in their seats with mini debates breaking out.
My mother’s voice echoes within my head.“Control the room.”
I lift my hands as I speak. “We all know the Logan’s Point economy won’t decline because of my father’s manufacturing plants.” The room quietens asif they’ve remembered an Ashworth stands before them. “The only reason that town functions is because of the industry my family established there. I really believe there’s no cause for concern. The staff will come, and eventually, Logan’s Point will thrive.”
The meeting moves along, and I open the floor for others to discuss their tasks leading up to the gala. I take a seat at the front, leaving a seat spare between me and Mrs. Fisher. I know I should be paying attention, but I just can’t help opening my purse and checking my phone.
There’s a text from Dax.“Did I leave fast enough for you?”
“I’m so sorry about my friends. I just didn’t want them ruining what a fun day I had with you.”
“Did they ask you a million questions?”
“More like they had a million assumptions. Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.”
“You’re already craving more time with me?”
“Yes, badly.”
When the meeting concludes, I’m quick to make my way to Sylvie. “You drove, right?”
Sylvie nods and throws a thumb back in the direction of her martini-swigging mother. “Yes, thank goodness. I don’t want to have to wait around for her to finish with her drinks.”
“Feel like taking a detour to Ashworth Estate?”
“No driver tonight?”
“I gave him the day off.”
Sylvie wiggles her eyebrows. “So you could spend the day on the back of Mr. Leather-jacket’s motorcycle?”
I stifle a giggle. “Can you drive me home or not?”
“Sure. Let’s go to the valet.”
As we leave, someone catches my eye. I turn to spot the bright red hair and infectious smile of Hope’s younger sister, Meghan. I tell Sylvie I’ll catch up to her, and pivot my direction.
I smile and wave. “Hey Meghan.”
“Are you leaving?” she asks.
“Yeah. I have an early start tomorrow.”
“Well, I’m so glad to have seen you again.”
“I was surprised to see you. Is your mom letting you help with the gala prep?”
Meghan giggles and shakes her head. “No. I just complained so much about being bored and home alone, she caved and let me tag along.”
“Thiswas better than being home and watching a rom-com?”
Meghan throws her palms upward and jokes, “That’s how boring my life is.”
