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Vesper comes over from her desk.
“I’m sorry, June. I’ve asked Sasha and Chris, but they can’t do it.”
“Does it have to be an event intern? I’ve got no plans. I can do it.”
When June’s eyes connect with mine, they light up.
She clasps her hands together and holds them to her chest. “I would owe you so freaking big. Anytime you need me to fill in for you.”
I’d thought about doing some sightseeing on Friday after work. There’s an entire city to see, after all, but I can see the desperation in June’s eyes. If I had a boyfriend visiting me from out of state, I’d want someone to help me out, too.
“What’s the event?” I ask.
“A gala at Chelsea Piers. It’s only a few hours, checking guests in at the front door and making sure they’re set up with the donation app.”
“Sure.” I shrug. “That sounds easy enough.”
She jumps up to hug me. “Oh my God, Sophie! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Vesper claps excitedly.
“No problem. I’m sure I’ll need a day off at some point, too.”
“Of course. You name it and I’ll be there.”
June moves back over to her desk. My phone buzzes with an unread text.
Hunter:Looking forward to Tuesday.
I start to text him back, but realize maybe I should play it cool and wait a few hours to respond. Then I remember that’s the beauty of our arrangement. It doesn’t matter if I appear eager. We both know what we want. There’s no need to play games.
Sophie:Same.
I reply, then put my phone away and get back to work.
* * *
Friday night, I’m sitting at a table in front of the entrance to Pier 60. I have to pinch myself at how cool this job is. I’m getting paid to talk to celebrities and socialites. Checking in guests is easy and fun, and watching guests arrive and walk the red carpet is the highlight. Everyone looks stunning. Men in tuxes, women in stylish gowns looking breathtaking and dreamlike. It makes me think about what I’m going to wear to the ballet. Emma would be a great shopping resource, but now that I think about it, I realize it's best not to involve her. She’d ask too many questions. Questions I don’t want to answer. While I’m waiting for the next group of guests to make their way over to the check-in table, I send June a quick text.
She replies immediately.
June:I’ve got the perfect place. We’ll go on lunch break Monday.
Sophie:Thanks!
June:How’s the event?
Sophie:Fun! I love seeing all the gowns. Hope you have a great night with Allen!
Monday doesn’t give me a lot of time to find a dress, but I’m hoping June’s knowledge of staying on a budget in this outrageously expensive city will come through. I tuck my phone back into my purse and look up in time to see the next group making their way over. At first, I think my brain has conjured his image. That I’ve projected the devilishly handsome man with his wicked smile into the sea of guests, but a double take reveals it’s really him.
That tux I was excited to see Hunter in on Tuesday at the ballet? Christmas came early. Damn, he looks good. A fresh wave of lust rocks my body as I take in the perfection that is Hunter Cartwright in a tuxedo. He’s devastatingly handsome with his smooth jaw, those indigo eyes and his dark hair tousled. With my eyes on Hunter, I forgot about the people standing in front of me waiting for me to check them in.
The man clears his throat.
“Sorry about that. I’ve got you checked in.” I tap the screen on the tablet I was issued at the start of my shift, then hand the man the number I assigned him for the paddle raise.
I’m anticipating Hunter approaching my table, but then remember that he’s Cartwright and would need to go to the A-L table. I don’t know if I’m disappointed or relieved. I want to see him, but I don’t know exactly how to act. Do I smile and wave? Act aloof, like we don’t know each other? I’m debating this when he steps up to my table. With him are his sister, Hannah, her fiancé, James, and a gorgeous brunette.
