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Hope tossed a glance over her shoulder at Skyler and Tony. Skyler’s mouth was parted, and Tony adjusted his yellow tie.
“If you’ll come with me, I’ll get you settled in.”
Refusing to be anything but confident in her decision to retain the account even though that meant she had to face him again, Hope followed the concierge to the Bayou Vista room at the end of a long hallway. The area was enclosed by frosted glass etched with the Houston skyline.
When she stepped inside the intimate space, her breath was taken away once more. She was drawn toward the windows, even though she was trying to focus on the room’s setup.
“It’s a common reaction,” Barbara assured her. “Take your time.”
Over the past few years, Hope had been rocked by some incredible views, including a revolving rooftop restaurant atop a downtown hotel. But this was fifteen floors higher than that, soaring over all the nearby buildings, offering a stunning skyscape, as far away as the ship channel. Closer in was the aquarium with its famous Ferris wheel. Buffalo Bayou with its paths and parks and green space that meandered through the city, provided an inviting space in the concrete jungle.
Tony joined her, adjusting his tie. “I wonder what it costs for a corporate membership.”
More than the Prestige Group could afford, no doubt.
“I’m happy to send across some information,” Barbara said. “The fact that Mr. Sterling invited you here will have some sway with the membership committee, I’m sure.”
Since she didn’t want to say it wouldn’t be necessary, Hope smiled. Access to this facility would be amazing, but amazing came with a price tag.
Tony glanced toward Skyler. “You can see that glass-bottomed pool that goes off the edge of that apartment building.” He pointed to a building in the distance.
That feature was remarkable, and a video of a woman appearing to walk off the front of the apartment complex, with the street forty stories below, had gone viral. While Hope considered herself adventurous, she would never swim where she could see cars and people below her.
“Come have a look,” Tony invited.
“Oh, hell no,” Skyler replied, her features blanching.
Hope turned. “Are you afraid of heights?”
“No. Uh, I’m fine. Good. Just making sure everything is okay. You know, the food and beverages.” Skyler glanced at Barbara.
The woman joined her, which left Hope no choice but to follow.
A champagne fountain sat in the center of the room, flowing with amber bubbly. A bottle stood off to the side, bearing a label so expensive that she would only purchase it for a major celebration.
He’d also provided chocolate-covered strawberries, a cheese tray, and an assortment of fresh veggies.
There were a few high bar tables scattered around the room, covered with white tablecloths. Each had a centerpiece consisting of a flickering candle and a sprig of bluebonnets—the Texas state flower—in a small vase. Jazz music, played low, provided a sophisticated background without being so loud that it would disturb intimate conversation.
A staff of two stood in place, ready to serve.
“If there’s anything you require to make your event more successful, please let me know.” Barbara offered a business card with her personal cell phone number on it. “I’ll be here until your event wraps up. And of course, the staff can handle anything you need.”
“Thank you.” Hope slipped the card into her kitty purse, then stowed it beneath a table. Skyler placed her handbag alongside Hope’s.
“I could get used to this kind of mixer,” Tony said. “Think about the type of clientele we’d attract. People would be dying for an invitation to come here.”
Hope stood. “Don’t even.”
“Tell me we can have some of the champagne,” Skyler implored.
“A taste test would be appropriate, I think.” Tony nodded. “Make sure it’s palatable.”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” Hope responded.
“Yeah. Fine.” Skyler smoothed her skirt.
Hope didn’t have any rules against drinking at Prestige events. In fact, it might be more awkward if they didn’t occasionally have one in hand. She just made sure they caught a ride home if they imbibed, and to ensure everyone was on their best behavior, employees were not permitted anything more than two glasses per evening.
