Page 37 of Passion’s Song

To feel this way about April was...different. But in a good way. A really good way.

The incident at her niece’s christening celebration further solidified the fact that their relationship was on the brink of becoming more than just friendship. Jason’s revelation, though prematurely cut short, had disclosed enough for Damien to put the puzzle pieces together.

He and April had yet to talk further about what Jason had divulged. Damien had heeded her plea at the club the other night, backing off the subject. But he wasn’t willing to let things go unsaid for much longer. They would have to eventually discuss whether she’d really had feelings for him all this time.

And what that meant for their future.

“So,” April said as she took a sip from her champagne flute. “Who exactly are you targeting again?”

“Targeting seems like a harsh word,” Damien said.

“But accurate,” she pointed out. “There’s no need to sugarcoat anything, Damien. Everyone in this ballroom has a motive outside of helping to fight childhood cancer. The charity is what got them through the door, and thankfully, a group of much-deserving kids will be on the receiving end of some great benefits, but everyone knows that events like this are where deals are made. Which is why,” she said, looking around the room, “I’m going to see if I can make a few deals of my own.”

His head reared back. “What kind of deals are you looking to make?”

“You’re not the only one who can benefit from connections with the super-rich. A Fresh Start is always in need of sponsors. I figure if these bigwigs can spend a thousand bucks to attend tonight’s dinner, they can certainly shell out five hundred to sponsor new instruments for the music class and field trips for the kids.” She looped her arm in the crook of his. “Now, shall we mingle?”

Damien barked out a laugh. “As you wish.”

Once again, just as it had been at the Art for Autism street fair, Damien was blown away by the skill with which April worked a room. She had the perfect balance of self-deprecating charm and charisma that made people fall over their feet in order to heap praise onto her.

She must have honed those skills during her years of performing at ritzy parties around the country. She sure as hell didn’t learn them growing up in the Ninth Ward. Damien was continually amazed at how different she was from the shy girl who’d sat next to him in English class. She’d grown into a bona fide social butterfly.

Tonight she was hitting all the right notes. And with all the right people.

John Hiraku, a tech giant who’d moved his microprocessor company to New Orleans several years ago, made up one-fourth of the McGowan Group. Damien had his team at Alexander Properties conduct extensive research on all four partners, and he knew it wouldn’t be easy to lure Hiraku. The man was very deliberate in the type of investments he made. And, unlike the other three members, Damien couldn’t find a single hobby or interest outside of business that he could use as a way to break the ice.

But the gods were smiling down on him tonight. Because, lo and behold, Hiraku turned out to be the biggest classical-music freak in the northern hemisphere. He’d reacted like a teenybopper at a One Direction concert when he realized he was in the presence of the April Knight.

“Ms. Knight, I’ll have you know that I was in the audience the night you played Carnegie Hall,” Hiraku said with a smile that stretched from Mississippi to Texas. “It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. You were absolutely phenomenal.”

“Thank you so much,” April said in a voice that oozed graciousness. She truly was a master at this. “That performance at Carnegie Hall was one of the highlights of my career. I’ll never forget how it felt to stand on that stage.”

“You were magnificent,” Hiraku said, still holding both of April’s hands. He hadn’t let them go since their initial handshake. Damien was pretty sure he’d hold her hands all night if April allowed it. “I hope you get the chance to play Carnegie again. I would fly to New York at the drop of a hat to see it.”

“If I do, I’ll make sure you’re on the VIP list,” April said with a wink. She turned to Damien. “Mr. Alexander here is also a fan of classical music. That’s just one of the things the two of you have in common.” She moved over a few inches so that Damien could get a little closer to his target.

“You both are also great visionaries,” April continued. “Damien, maybe you can share some of your visions for the Ninth Ward with Mr. Hiraku.”

Oh, yeah. She was really, really good.

“Yes, yes,” Hiraku said. “You were telling me about your plans for the land just south of the Industrial Canal.”

This was it. His big shot. If he could get Hiraku on board, the other partners of the McGowan Group should be a piece of cake.

“I have huge plans for the area,” Damien started. “I would love the opportunity to deliver a formal presentation to you and your business partners, but I can give you a preview right now. Essentially, my plans are to buy out the homes surrounding the lot, tear them down and build an all-inclusive residential and retail building. My goal is to target young middle-class families and single millennials who are moving to New Orleans.”

“Excuse me?” April said, her face a mask of confusion and disbelief. “You plan to do what?”

Damien released a nervous chuckle, but he ignored her question, focusing once again on John Hiraku. “Structures such as the American Can Company in Mid-City and the Cottonmill in the Warehouse District have both successfully revitalized their neighborhoods. That’s what I want to do with the Ninth Ward.”

Damien chanced a glance at April. And what he saw staring back at him chilled his blood.

She no longer looked confused. She looked mad as hell.

* * *

April excused herself from the group of businessmen who had gathered around where Damien was holding court. She had to get away, because if she stood there listening to him describe his plans for their old neighborhood, she would deck him in the middle of this fancy ballroom. She’d just gotten a fresh manicure. She would not ruin it because of him.