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Chapter Seven
“Erin!”
“Hey, girl!” Erin gave a peck on the cheek.
“I’m so glad you could make it. Thank you, really.” Marly led her friend to the cart waiting for them outside the hangar.
On board the ranch’s private jet was Erin and her crew who would decorate the makeshift altar and reception area. As she had previously planned to do, she asked Erin to take over the project as soon as the development started.
“Oh wow, this place is fantastic. I can’t believe you didn’t ask me to come sooner.” Erin couldn’t keep her eyes from checking every angle of the ranch while on their way to her cottage. The crew was set to use the cottage next to hers.
“Believe me, I have been tempted to call so many times,” She said without adding too much information.
As much as possible, she wanted to leave the ranch without Rick knowing for he would surely stop her somehow. She didn’t want to make a scene as much as she already has, especially after her drunken stunt the other night. Thankfully, the heated moment ended just before both of them ended up doing something they would be regretting later.
The entire day yesterday, she avoided being in his presence. She devoted the entire time in the cottage, contacting everyone that needed to be on the plane. She emailed him about the plan and he agreed to fly in her crew with his jet.
And surely, his bride had kept him busy the entire day too since he didn’t try to see her yesterday. It was like they were invisible to each other. She tried her best not to pamper the aching of her traitorous heart. At the moment, an emotional breakdown would definitely ruin the contract. She didn’t want that for so many reasons.
“You’re awfully quiet. Is something wrong?”
“No.” Marly laughed half-heartedly at the question. “Do you need change before we meet the client?”
“I’m good.” Erin smiled widely. “I’m excited to meet the famous Maverick Lane.”
She smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm. That’s right. She could fake it well so long as Erin didn’t figure out what was really going on.
After dropping the crew and Erin’s things, they immediately headed towards Rick’s house. He insisted in his email that she bring Erin to his house for a meet and greet before they started the job. Though, nervous and uneasy as they got closer to his house, Marly remained calmed knowing Erin was there with her.
“Marly!” Sara called out cheerfully at her as they got out of the cart.
“Good morning, Sara.” She shook the hands of the bride. “This is my good friend and trusted colleague, Erin. She will be helping us with the materialization of the entire plan.”
“Oh hello Erin, I’m Sara.”
“Hello, Mrs. Lane.” Erin shook the woman’s hand.
“Please come in.”
The interior of the house had become a familiar sight. She inhaled deeply, readying herself for whatever bomb was waiting for her inside. And true to her suspicion, Rick was waiting for them inside holding a glass of whiskey.
“Good morning, ladies.” He greeted them with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Mr. Lane. I’m Erin Michaels, Marly’s colleague.”
“Hi, nice to meet you.”
“Nice meeting you too,” Erin replied.
“Let’s go to the rooftop. I’ve prepared a healthy breakfast for us all.” Sara ushered the crowd toward the staircase that lead to the rooftop.
Erin immediately started a conversation with Sara after asking the bride about her beauty secrets. They become close right away when it turned out they were using the same brand of cosmetics. And she was left to deal with Rick, who alongside her, walked silently.
“Honey, I need to show Marly some materials I want to be incorporated in the setup. You go on ahead, okay?” He suddenly announced.
“Sure. Take your time, Honey.” Sara eagerly answered back.
As the two women climb up the stairs, Rick held her hand and hurriedly led her to his private office. She followed without a fight because she didn’t want an audience. When they got in, he locked the door behind him.
