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“It is impressive.”
Brandon takes the seat to my left, then Byron sits on the other side of him with their backs to the stage. If Franklin were to come, I wonder where he would sit. Opposite me?
Jobe wanders in with a female on his arm. His gaze meets mine. His lips curl into a grin. “Penny, I assume you have met everyone?”
“I have, thank you.”
He sits beside Byron. He introduces his companion to me. “Elsa, I would like you to meet Penny. She is advising my brother on remodeling his Malibu Beach house. She is a great decorator, and her innovative ideas for renovating are impressive.”
Elsa stands and shakes my hand. “Good to meet you, Penny. I would love to chat with you later about an upcoming project. I only come with Jobe to all the formal events to improve his image.” She winks at me.
Jobe coughs and pretends to choke on his champagne.
Elsa shakes her head. “I’m actually his executive assistant, and he would be lost without me. I asked for a raise to do all this PR stuff.”
Byron chuckles. “Good to see you again, Elsa.”
“Hey, I’m in the top ten eligible bachelors. You should feel privileged.” Jobe jabs a playful elbow at his date.
“The only reason you made that list is because Franklin is no longer on it,” Charlotte quips.
A tall gentleman with graying hair strides to the table. On his arm is the most important person in the room.
Sophia.
The Hendricks smile at everyone they pass.
He walks with his head high, shoulders back, self-importance oozing from him.
They’re arealpower couple.
Mr. Hendricks pulls out the chair for Sophia, and they sit so they are facing the stage, the chairs on either side of them vacant.
A female laughs, and it is familiar. It’s not until she pulls out the chair beside Elsa and next to Mr. Hendricks that I realize who she is. The hem of her black puffy dress finishes midthigh, revealing the longest, slim, and shapely legs. She’s wearing a sleeveless silk dress, her long blonde hair flowing over her shoulders, tanned from the European sunshine.
Daphne is a walking supermodel.
She waves at everyone. “Hello. I’ve missed you all and especially Sophia’s gala events.”
Sophia smiles at her. “I’m privileged you could make it, Daph.”
Daph.
An affectionate abbreviated name.
What the hell am I doing here?
“After Carson invited me, I cleared my calendar for you.”
Sophia nods at her. “Your kind donations are appreciated.”
I feel like the biggest imposter at the table. I’m staring at the space between Sophia and Charlotte. Did Sophia want her son next to her? I pick up my drink and take a gulp. Is he even coming?
Mr. Hendricks’ eyes land on me. A dent forms between his bushy brows until he lifts his head with a subtle nod.
“Ms. Gilbert, I presume.” This man’s booming voice is intimidating.
“Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t want to interrupt to introduce myself. Penny Gilbert.”
