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Chapter Eleven
AIDAN
Since that night on the balcony, since Lacey and I shared a moment I can't seem to forget, the days have tiptoed past us.
Navigating my feelings? Tricky.
But trying to catch Lacey for more than a quick 'morning' or 'night' greeting has been like trying to pin a tail on a full-grown leopard.
Fate, or maybe my meticulously planned schedule, has it that there's no avoiding each other today. We're headed to New York for the "Save the Turtles in Ties" gala.
Jessie, my personal assistant, maneuvers through the airport like a seasoned explorer, while I trail behind, cap brim low, texting the guys. I prefer not to fly private, so we're going commercial this time.
The problem with commercial flights? The inevitable media attention. I’m keen to avoid headlines like: "Billionaire CEO, Aidan Sullivan, spotted cozying up to mystery woman on cross-country flight."
Thankfully, my group chat with Marcus and Ryan is lively enough to distract me as we plan to meet up in the city.
ME: Hope the turtles at this gala are worth it. Heard Lacey's friend Talia Roy's got the place stocked with whiskey.
MARCUS: Talia Roy is the Michael Jordan ?? of event planning. Worked with her before.
RYAN: Absolutely. Talia’s top-notch. Don’t worry about the food either. My chef at Tao is handling it. Bringing some of our best dishes.
MARCUS: He’d better. Ayo Thompson’s catering last time set the bar high. If your chef can’t match Ayo's turtle-shaped canapes, we'll be in trouble.
RYAN: Turtle-shaped canapes are overrated. But sure, let’s hope for the best.
ME: I trust Ryan's chef. Worst case, we'll have plenty of whiskey to make up for it
RYAN: Exactly! That's the spirit. Pun intended.
MARCUS: I need more than whiskey to survive. I’m not looking to start a hunger strike at the gala
RYAN: Then more food for me. No complaints here
I have to laugh, betting internally that none of the fancy gala fare will compare to Lacey's sancocho beef stew. Not that I’d admit that to her, especially since she’s been avoiding me for days.
Jessie signals we've reached the gate. I quickly wrap up the chat.
ME: Time to dash. Meeting Lacey and Grace at the gate. Time to suit up and charm some turtles
ME: Catch you guys soon. And Ryan, make sure to bring extra food for Marcus
Despite my usual joking and teasing, there's a part of me that's nervous about tonight. I've been to my fair share of charity events, but this one feels different. Maybe it's the intensified press due to my father's latest sports investment, or perhaps it's because Lacey will be there, looking stunning as always and likely ignoring me.
My eyes search the crowd for her and Grace, the weight of an overdue conversation looming.
When I spot Lacey, casual in leggings and a beanie, and Grace, vibrant in her colorful outfit, heading my way, a big grin lights up my face.
I lift Grace into a bear hug, joking about her weight, even though she’s growing up fast.
Spotting the iced vanilla latte in Grace's hand—Lacey's favorite—I raise an eyebrow. Lacey gives me a knowing smile, whispering, "It's decaf. Wanted Grace to feel included, you know?"
Jessie, expertly handling boarding passes, herds us toward the plane. We settle into first class, and I sense Lacey's surprise at the seating arrangement. Grace, full of excitement, dashes off with Jessie to their seats across the aisle, leaving Lacey and me in a bubble of awkwardness.
"Well, this is cozy," Lacey remarks, fastening her seatbelt.
Meanwhile, Jessie and Grace are lost in their world, unaware of the tension next to them. I try to focus on the safety video playing on repeat in front of us, stealing glances at Lacey whenever I can.
