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She nods. “It’s okay, though. It’s not forever, and I have support here with Louis.” She smiles as though she understands. “Enjoy the night, ladies. If you need anything, let me know. I’m overseeing to make sure everything runs smoothly tonight and hope it’s a fabulous celebration for your father,” she says before striding toward the kitchen.
Lifting my chest and pulling my shoulders back, I inhale a deep breath.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
Faith waltzes through the door with Jake fashionably late and looking like a million dollars in a red ball gown.
“Hey,” she says, joining our circle. “What have I missed?”
“Ladies,” Jake says and gives us a nod. “You all look beautiful tonight.”
“I’ve always liked your brother-in-law,” Amy says and smiles at Jake.
“Nothing. Although Will still hasn’t arrived.”
Faith checks her cell for the time. “He should be here soon.”
Will’s flight was canceled last night, and the next available flight was six o’clock from Melbourne.
We both turn to the entrance, and instead of seeing Will, a group of tall men donning stylish tuxes enter the doors.
“Why is Rhett Williams here?” I say aloud.
Cleo spins toward the entrance. “Good, they’ve arrived. I asked them to pop in and surprise your father. The majority are players from The Thunder, but I also asked Rhett and a few players from the Blackbirds to come along to spur him on.” She stares at me. “Do you know him?”
“Yes, we spent some time together when I had a short stint at university after school. I had to do a subject as part of business studies. Most of it was online, but some required attendance. It was only six months, but he made an impression.”
“Sounds like Rhett.” Cleo smiles. “I better send them toward your dad. Hope he’s ready for a surprise.” She gives us a wave. “I’ll come say goodbye before I leave.”
“Why didn’t I know about this?” I ask Yasmine.
“Because I didn’t know about it. Cleo takes her work seriously, and the players are part of her work circle. She has a clique, and I’m sure all the girls want to be friends with her just to get inside information. She never reveals confidential player information, and I guess she classified your father’s surprise as being confidential.”
Laughter erupts from the other side of the room, where Dad is the center of attention.
“Shall we see what’s going on?” We all head over until we’re standing close enough to hear the conversation between the players and Dad.
Rhett turns around, and when he recognizes me, he comes over. “Cleo tells me it’syourdad’s birthday.”
I smile at him, his blue eyes reminding me of Samuel’s. “Yes. And I didn’t expect to see you here.”
He grins and straightens his bowtie. “Did it brighten your evening?”
“Knowing the effort you went to for him? Well, yes.”
He picks up my hand and kisses it. “How are you really?”
I shrug. “I have a baby daughter and a partner who remains in South America.”
His eyes widen. “Stuck because of his visa?”
I smile and bow my head. “Something like that.”
“Hey.” He gently lifts my chin until I’m looking him in the eye. “Dance with me. It will cheer you up.”
“God, you’re still full of confidence.”
I’m suddenly whisked away with Rhett, twirling and swaying as though we’re professional dancers. He’s right. Within minutes, I’m laughing and enjoying myself.
