“Got it,” Robby said. “We open in less than a week! I think I’m going to have a massivecoronary.”
“Who on the event team could take the lead until we find areplacement?”
“Honestly? No one. David and Adele are good, but they lack the take-charge attitude this exec-level position demands. Ohmygod, I’m having heartpalpitations.”
“Have you contactedKate?”
“Your publicist? How can shehelp?”
“She’s well-connected and might know someone we can pull in on shortnotice.”
“Okay…right. I’m in major panic mode. I booked you on an earlier flight, so you need to get to Dulles. I’ll text you the flight itinerary and I’ll pick you up atLAX.”
“Thanks for theupdate.”
“I’m sorry I don’t have a solution. Oh, happy birthday,Jagger.”
“Thanks.” Jagger ended the call. “Dammit.”
“What’s going on?” Colton asked from across theroom.
Refusing to let defeat seep into his bones, Jagger joined him at the window overlooking the back of Colton’s expansive property. Jagger had overcome roadblocks and last-minute emergencies before. He’d do it again. But this obstacle was bigger than anything he’d encountered, and he wasn’t sure where to start with damagecontrol.
“My event director walked. The staff doesn’t know what activities were booked. Robby can’t confirm if there’s anything besides the daylong cocktail party and the masquerade party, both on opening day. I need one hell of a lot more than that. Jesus, I am sofucked.”
A pretty blonde, dressed in a tailored pants suit, entered the room. “Hello, Jagger, I’m Brigit Farnay. Great to meetyou.”
Jagger forced a smile through the bass drum pounding in his head. “Hello, Brigit.” He shook her hand. “It’s my pleasure. I hear you’ve got this guy wrapped prettytightly.”
Laughing, Brigit glanced at her fiancé. “It’smutual.”
Instead of being engaged in the conversation, Colton stared out the window, his brow knitted tightly together. “Colton, we’ve lost you here,buddy.”
“Babe, where’s Taylor?” Colton asked, raking his hand through his unrulyhair.
“Still in Arlington,” she replied. “By the way, her car was stolen lastnight.”
Colton powered toward his desk, pressed the speaker button on his phone console, and hit speed dial. While waiting, he shifted his gaze to Jagger. “I might be able to helpyou.”
“Hi, Colton,” answered awoman.
Colton lifted the cradle. “Taylor, I’m sorry about your car. Were you in danger?” Silence. “I’m relieved to hear that. Don’t rent a vehicle. Use the Prius I leased for my sister. She doesn’t need it anymore.” More silence. “When are you coming back?” He listened. “Do you need someone to pick you up?” He strummed his fingers on the desk. “I have a special assignment to discuss. We’ll talk in the morning,” he said, and ended thecall.
“Taylor Hathaway is my event planner,” Colton said to Jagger. “Her last big project took eight months of prep work. It was that gala I cohosted with Crockett. We raised several million for a non-profit that assists war veterans. She’s phenomenal at her job. Since I’m vested in your resort, I’ll ask her to help you. If she’s willing, I’ll put her on the first available flighttomorrow.”
“She’s smart, easy to work with, and the consummate pro,” Brigit added. “You’ll loveher.”
Jagger’s headache didn’t subside, but a tiny seed of hope took root. He was desperate enough to try anything. “Thank you. My assistant booked me on an earlier flight, so I’ve gotta bolt. I’m sorry to cut our visitshort.”
“I’m glad I got to meet you,” Brigitsaid.
“Me, too,” he said, hugging her. “If any of my resorts appeal to you guys, your stay is on me. My weddinggift.”
Brigit smiled. “That’s very generous ofyou.”
“We appreciate that,” Coltonsaid.
“Bora Bora is a lover’s paradise. Switzerland is breathtaking. Malibu is gorgeous. They’re all great places to visit. Google my properties and let me know. Congratulations on yourengagement.”
