Page 103 of After We Fall

“Uh-huh,” she says, eyes still on Luke’s retreat.

“Claire, he’s serious. When he returns, our conversation is over. So how can I help you?”

She snaps her head to me. “He’s yummy.”

I grin but say nothing because I concur. He is yummy.

“I don’t mean anything by it. I know he’s yours. It’s just that I’m surrounded by teenagers all day long. The occasional male teacher I run into is usually married, or married to his coaching job. I just rarely see all of this”—she sighs—“maleness.”

“Claire, is there a problem I can help you with?” I ask on a giggle.

“Okay. Ready for the rundown?”

Crossing my arms, I say, “Go.”

“The children from table six are disruptive, and guests are starting to notice.”

I’ve worked on these table assignments for months and know them like the back of my hand. “Those are Spencer and Sally Dean’s children. Prissy Prestidge is sitting at table two with her two college-age daughters. Ask them if we could pay them to take the children down to the movie theater on the first level of the hotel. Then check with the Deans to confirm that they are fine with their children watching the Disney version of Hercules. If not, use The Incredibles 2 as an alternative and notify the hotel we would like movie choice number two.”

Claire’s eyes grow wide. “You’re good,” she breathes.

I glance across the room to find Luke tipping the bartender, then grabbing our drinks. “What’s next, Claire?”

She nods. “Tanya said she’s going to tyrannous the hotel for any signs of Finley. Number one, I have no idea what she meant. Number two, do you think Finley will show?”

“Tanya probably meant ‘canvass.’” For weeks, I’ve been reviewing vocabulary with her and am positive she knows this word. Hmm. Something to think about tomorrow.

While I appreciate Tanya’s desire to scour the hotel for Finley, I don’t even know if Finley remembers that there was going to be a New Year’s Eve party. I haven’t heard from her since Christmas Eve.

Beating back the sting in my heart, I swallow. “And most likely, Finley won’t show this evening. What’s next on your list?”

With two drinks in his hand, Luke weaves through the crowd, stopping to chat every few steps. I haven’t seen him in a social setting, and I’m fascinated. He flashes a powerful smile to a few guests, but he never stays in any one conversation for very long, all the while clocking me with his eyes as if to remind me he’s here if I need him.

“Penelope?”

I tear my eyes away from Luke. “Yes. Sorry. What’s next?”

“I was just saying that Senator Nelson’s assistant requested a photo op with the guests of honor.”

“I’m sure he did.” I sigh. We hired a photographer. I can’t very well exclude the Nelsons just because I know they have ulterior motives. “That’s fine. He’ll be requesting a digital copy of the photo. You might as well give his assistant the photographer’s contact information this evening. Save us a call back next week.”

Luke saunters past the last few tables between us and offers me the glass in his right hand.

I smile bigger than I intend, a hint of giddiness climbing up my chest.

Claire touches my arm. “Clearly, I still have a lot to learn before I reach Penelope status. That’s what Harlan calls it. Penelope status.”

“You’ll make a great program director at the ranch,” I say, swallowing down the lump in my throat as Luke rubs a spot at the small of my back.

Claire shakes her head, leans toward me, and lowers her voice. “My mom’s sick. I can’t take the job up here.”

I gasp at her difficult news. I want the job, but not because of Claire’s misfortune. “Oh. Claire, I’m so sorry.”

“Please don’t say anything to Meredith. I’ll tell her after the celebration is over, before I leave town.” She sucks in a breath as if to stave off the serious topic. “Anyway. Thank you for your help.”

“You’re welcome.” Luke puts pressure on my waist to turn us, but I stop and turn to Claire. “One more thing. Will you please check with our hotel liaison about the speakers in the room? The music seems to be a little low.”

“Meredith did that.” Claire shrugs, offering a sheepish smile. “She wants the lights and music low for the next hour while you’re here.”