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Selene throws her head back in a laugh. “Jackson would tell you his success is attributed to a little luck, his ability to tell people what they want to hear, and having the right people behind him. Anyway, I’ve taken up more than enough of your time, and I’m sure you still have much to do before tomorrow night. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, London. This really is a lovely event hotel. It’s obvious you and your sisters have put your heart and soul into making it what it is. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of sponsorships we can secure for you once the guests see what you’ve set up for them.”
“Thank you. Enjoy your evening, and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me or the front desk directly.”
“Absolutely. See you in the morning.” And with that, she steps onto the elevator, her attention already on her phone again.
I wait until the doors close before I let my shoulders sag and blow out a breath. I don’t have time to fixate on Selene, though, because she’s right, I have a million things to do before tomorrow night and not nearly enough hours left in the day to complete everything on my mental and physical checklist. Not to mention that Jackson is supposed to arrive in just a few hours, and I want everything to be as perfect as it can be before his arrival.
Two hours later, I’m in the ballroom adjusting centerpieces and making sure everything looks perfect for tomorrow night. Once I’m done in here, I’ll go back to the office and review my checklist, answer any pressing emails, and make a new list for tomorrow morning.
“How you hanging in there?” Harley hands me a glass of sparkling lemon water, which I down too quickly and finish on a hiccup.
“Nervous. Excited. This is kind of a big deal, and I don’t want to let Jackson down. Or Selene, since she’s the one who’s going to be promoting this event and we kind of need her on our side.” I make a face. One that probably isn’t very becoming.
“She’s fantastic, isn’t she? I really hope I get a chance to talk to her tomorrow night. I have so many questions, but I don’t want to fangirl all over her.”
“Hmm. Maybe she was just preoccupied when I met her.” I rearrange a centerpiece on the head table, adjusting the flowers. Then I move a few of the stars that frame the bowl so there aren’t two blue ones beside each other.
“Why do you say that?” Harley asks.
“She was … standoffish with me, maybe? I don’t know what to think of her. She made it sound like she and Jackson are really close, but he’s only ever mentioned her in a business capacity.” I tap my fingers on the table. “I don’t know why, but she sort of irks me.”
“I can tell you why she irks you.” Avery smirks at Harley as she comes into the room.
I glance between them. “What do you know that I don’t?”
“You’re jealous.”
“Jealous? Why in the world would I be jealous?”
“Because she’s a friend and business associate of Jackson’s, and she’s made you believe she knows him in ways you don’t. I’m guessing that irked feeling is actually jealousy because you have the hots for Jackson.”
“That’s not true.”
“Uh, yeah, it is.” Harley nods her agreement.
“Jackson and I are friends and business associates.” Even I don’t believe what I’m saying, and I get confirmation that they don’t either a second later when Avery and Harley give each other a look.
“Whatever you say, London.”
* * *
Jackson finally arrives just after five. My stomach is full of butterflies and my nerves are in high gear. The jar full of puffy stars on my desk is a testament to that.
I haven’t spoken to Jackson much since I went to New York with him. In fact, it’s been Trent who has been in my Google Doc, commenting on the color-coded lists and discussing any of the last-minute adjustments we need to make for the charity event.
“How was your flight?” I ask, barely resisting the urge to pepper him with more questions before he can answer the first one.
He’s dressed in a suit and his phone is in his hand. He slips it in his pocket and smiles, but for some reason it looks a little stiff. “The flight was fine. How is everything here?” He glances around the office. My computer monitor is framed with Post-it Notes.
“Good. Great, even. Would you like to settle into your room?”
“Why don’t we have my bag brought up and you can show me the auction room before I head up?”
“Absolutely.” I don’t know how to read him right now. He’s usually so much more relaxed, although this is a significant charity event and the only other time I’ve seen him in full-on business mode was the day he sat in on my meeting with Mitchell and Tish.
