Page 34 of Not Safe For Work

Deacon is shaking his head, horrified that I’ve embarrassed him, so I try to salvage what I can.

“Lucy,” I say. “On behalf of my family, we’re so grateful for your donation, and personally I’m just really excited to have my favorite author here.”

“I love this organization. When I read about what your family has done to help people match with service dogs….well, having Rowan changed my life. Anything we can do to help more people get that kind of support.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Deacon mumbles, “But, it’s time for you to get up there.”

“It was so nice meeting you,” I say to Lucy and Henry. “Let’s have a drink together after dinner.”

Deacon rushes me to the stage area. I’m happy to see that it’s not actually elevated, just a mic set up on the dance floor.

“Break a leg, Ollie,” Deacon whispers with a quick pat to my back. He rushes to the side of the ballroom and suddenly I realize that all eyes are on me.

My anxiety can get the best of me sometimes. There may not seem like a good reason for it, like the most random thing can set it off. But one thing that’s never been an issue is this. It’s like I feed off of it, being the person commanding the room. I love stealing everyone’s attention, knowing they’re all about to listen to what I have to say.

“Hello, everyone,” I begin. “I’m Olivia Diamond, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to our fifth annual Sips for Service gala.” I pause for a few moments of applause.

“My family founded Pawsability almost seventeen years ago. Our mission was simple: make it easier to train and place service animals. My parents, brothers and I have personally trained over fifty animals that have gone on to help people live a more fulfilling life. And our goal is that anyone who could benefit from a service dog, or other animal, will have the ability to be matched with one.

“Since we started this organization, with the help of the Sonoma County Animal Rescue,”—I pause again for a quick applause—“we have facilitated the training and placement of over nine hundred animals. These furry superheroes support numerous disabilities and come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a few tonight.

“If you’ve been blessed to experience the love of an animal, you’ll know that it’s priceless. But tonight, we ask that you do put a price on it, and that you be as generous as you can. Remember, not only are you changing someone’s life for the better, you are giving these animals an extremely fulfilling life as well.

“Plus, I have it on good authority that the wine we’re auctioning is pretty tasty.” This elicits a few laughs. So far so good. Just need a strong finish.

“I’d like to thank all the incredible wineries and vineyards who are here and donated tonight. Your contribution to this event means the world to me and my family. And with that, let’s start the auction.”

I ring the little cowbell that my mom insists we use, then I exit the stage and find my table. My parents are usually so busy at these events I barely see them, so I’m surprised to find them at the table when I sit down for dinner.

“You were amazing, sweetie,” Dad says, giving me a quick hug.

“Thanks. I hope it was the right length. I couldn’t really remember what Deacon did last year.”

“It was perfect. Wasn’t it, Sandra?” Dad poses the question to my mom on his other side.

“Oh, yes, lovely. Olivia, those shoes are ridiculous,” she says, right before she stands up to go greet another guest. Dad follows almost immediately. Par for the course.

My parents are great people. They have always felt fortunate to achieve such success in winemaking and make a huge effort to give back when they can. Sometimes I think this charity is more important to them than their own business.

But for some reason, we’ve just never really connected. My brothers have always been close with them, and I’ve always been…somewhere else.

The only family member that’s ever seemed to get me is my brother, Owen. We were really close throughout childhood and even college, but he’s become more and more distant the longer I’ve lived in the city.

I enjoy my dinner in solitude while my family schmoozes and gives their little wine tasting lessons table to table.

And after my third glass of rosé, I make an announcement to get in final bids as the auction ends abruptly at ten o’clock.

Alone again at the table, I’m thoroughly enjoying my white chocolate raspberry mousse when I sense someone come up behind my chair. The scent hits me first, that heady cologne that must cost a fortune. And then I hear his voice.

“Olivia Diamond. It appears you’re free after all.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

OLIVIA

“Tristan.”

I turn just as Tristan Cross takes the seat next to me. His expression screams smug as he looks back into my eyes.

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