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She had not been given a heads up before she’d gone up the stairs to the VIP Lounge. As such, she stood and stared for a solid sixty seconds before anyone else noticed she was there. And the first person to notice her?
Dallas.
The second was Darius.
Truthfully, Dallas had probably spotted her before she’d taken the first step up. That was her job after all.
She could do this.
She could be professional and affable at the same time.
Still.
Her stomach felt like the bottom had dropped out and she was not quite in a freefall but also not safe.
Of all the celebrities she’d been around in her multiple lines of work, she’d never been unsure of her ability to do her job.
But in that moment, she was unsure.
And she couldn’t say why.
Just that everything felt off balance.
Why hadn’t he said that he would be here?
She squared her shoulders, pressed her lips into a thin smile, nodded once at Dallas and Darius, and approached the group.
“Good evening, everyone,” she greeted, hearing more enthusiasm in her voice than she currently felt. “What can I get you all started with?” She winked at Max. “Cider?” She allowed her gaze to slip through everyone else, reverting back to the no eye contact rule. “Beer? Cocktails? Are we thinking about food tonight or just drinks?” She pulled out her tablet as she spoke and called up the order menu.
“You really gonna act like we’re not besties?”
She flicked her eyes up at Max’s question. He was getting to his feet and she couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. And then he was hugging her.
He pulled back and studied her with his dark eyes. “Where have you been? I’ve been in town for a few days. I thought for sure I’d see you at the condo.”
Condo?
Dave’s place?
She’d never been invited.
Instead, she shrugged. “I’ve been busy working.”
He nodded once, not entirely believing her. But she wasn’t lying. She really had been working all week.
And then it was Leslie’s turn to hug her.
“Gorgeous girl,” he said against her temple as he crushed her to him. “I missed you more than I thought possible. Did you know that my house is so quiet since you left that I’ve started to leave music playing constantly? I need your energy in my life.” He hugged her again and she choked out a laugh.
And then Leslie was shoved aside as Zara squealed, did a hop, and then threw her arms around Sabine.
Yes. She was being hugged by a pop star.
“I asked Sunshine if you’d be able to come out with us tonight and he said you were busy.”
Did he now?
Sabine lifted her eyebrows. “Well, I am working so…”
