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“Oh, Kate, I see a potential art client. She bid on three pieces. Do you mind if I say hello to her?”
“Go for it,” I coaxed. “You should do it.” I wanted to tell her to take a few breaths and act less tipsy, but it was too late. She had already sashayed to the bar. I was impressed by her confidence.
“Beautiful gala, wasn’t it, Kate?” Eloise was behind me.
“Why yes.” I made a small swivel on my designer heels. They were the most expensive shoes I’d ever had on my feet. I towered over Eloise at this height.
“Before I leave tonight I wanted to congratulate you.”
My knees began to shake. The physical demonstration of my nerves was hidden by the dress.
“Oh?” I forced my voice not to crack.
“Your execution was flawless.”
I couldn’t believe she had the balls to discuss this here, but as the patrons headed for the exit, I realized everyone had been drinking and no one had a clue that Eloise was complimenting me on high-level theft of intellectual property. I was certain no one would be thinking that as they left a charity event for children.
“Thank you?”
She smiled. It was the first time she looked less sinister. I wondered if it was the bright pink dress. It made her feel more real. More like Aubrey and me.
“I’d like for you to consider working at the office.” She stopped my immediate protest. “Uh. Uh. Hear me out. I think office training would be a good fit for you. Maybe we could have coffee this week to discuss it.”
“I’m not sure what to say.” I was dumbfounded.
“At least agree to coffee. You do love Marie’s.” She waited for my response.
I nodded. “I do. It’s my favorite in the city.”
“Ok. Coffee this week and I’ll bring along more details. I think this will be a good fit for you. Suitable with your skill set.”
“All right.”
“Tell Leo I said goodnight.” She heaved the long train, embroidered with fuchsia flowers, into her arms.
“I will.”
I had a new level of relief when I witnessed her departure in a chauffeured car a few minutes later. Vaughn had been right. She was here either to scope out new clients or was doing work for a current one.
Never once did she let on that she knew our plan. I couldn’t believe it.
“I’m back,” Aubrey announced. “Where’s my husband?”
Paul and Vaughn walked toward us and we filed into the coat check line. There were several couples in front of us, but most of the attendees had filtered outside and were being shuttled into limousines.
Once I had my fur wrap, Vaughn cleared his throat.
“I have a surprise for my wife.”
“Ohh?” Aubrey was tipsier than she had been all night.
He revealed a key from inside his tuxedo. “I reserved a room for us. A surprise overnight vacation.”
“What?” I pretended to be stunned. Was it over the top? I didn’t know.
“Oh my God, that’s so romantic.” Aubrey looked at Paul, who seemed uninterested in the gesture. I thought she might be waiting for him to make the same offer.
“We’re staying here tonight?”
