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Working late again. I’m so sorry. Enjoy your evening x
I toss my phone on the table and can’t help feeling annoyed with his work taking this night away from us. “Samuel can’t make it.” I tilt my head back and sigh.
“He mustn’t be happy working late, knowing you’ll be alongside Ethan.”
“You’ve worked it out as well.” Mum’s blank expression has me wondering if I’m looking into it more than I should. “Although he also didn’t want to be at the same table as him.”
I pick up Rose from the floor and kiss her.
“There’s a spare seat paid for by the company. I said I confirmed a plus one.”
“Count Faith and me out.” Mum takes Rose from my arms. “We have the night planned for the kids, and I can’t disappoint them.”
“You’re a wonderful grandmother,” I say warmly.
“I learned from an amazing lady.” Mum smiles, and immediately Gran’s smiling face flashes before me. “She was so good with us when we were young.”
“I know. I believe she tried harder with Faith and you, even as toddlers, to make up for time lost with your father. It’s a shame Will didn’t get to know her like you girls did.” She takes my left hand and looks admiringly at my rose diamond ring. “It’s exquisite, Eden. He really loves you. Try to relax and enjoy the night.”
“I know.” I let out a sigh because I have never doubted his love. Yet the disappointment inside me stays.
My phone beeps with another message.
“Let’s hope Samuel’s situation has changed, and he can now make it. I was looking forward to having a night with him.”
“Honestly, darling, he’ll probably fall asleep during those mundane speeches.”
I giggle at Mum because she used to love formal evenings and boring speeches.
“Nope, it’s Amy,” I say, reading the message. “She’s back for the weekend and wants to catch up.”
“And there’s your plus one,” Mum says and beams a smile at me.
24
EDEN
Fifteen building awards were presented before the renovation awards began. Amy and I have finished our second bottle of champagne. Admittedly, many images projected onto the large screen motivated my creativity to do more to our apartment complex, which I believe is the reason our builder invited us to the awards. He believes we could add more specifics and be in the running for next year’s award in a category of renovations up to one million dollars.
“Gee-sus,” Amy moans from beside me. “I can see myself waking up next to him.”
“Amy,” I chastise under my breath. But she’s right. The guy on stage is remarkably good-looking—dark hair and tanned skin. Even from here, he has a face you can’t help but admire and a voice that demands attention. A voice like Samuel’s. One that has you stopping whatever you’re doing and listening.
Samuel’s voice still does this to me, and Amy is equally mesmerized by Mr. Builder on stage in the navy tuxedo.
“He’s engaged,” Ethan says from Amy’s other side.
“Didn’t stop you,” she hisses.
“Amy,” I repeat in a firm voice.
Oh God. It was Ethan who suggested we place Amy between us because he remembers all too well some of Amy’s antics at parties after drinking too much. And the alcohol is free, so it acted as a double precaution rather than have her seated near any members of Spurlo Constructions. Except Anthony Spurlo is seated next to me and overhears, and laughs at Amy.
“Please don’t encourage her,” I whisper.
He gives me a playful nudge. “It’s fine. I agree with her.”
My eyes widen. “You want to sleep with him too?”
