Page 17 of Corporate Escapades

“Really,” he replied. “Why don’t we find a table?”

“Okay,” she said. Grabbing her free hand, Tom led her to the opposite side of the ballroom. She took a seat as he situated himself across from her.

Smiling, he took a sip of wine, then said, “You look lovely this evening.”

“Thank you,” she said, blushing.

“I want to talk to you about the Prescotts.”

Paris’s smile flatlined. “What about the Prescotts?” The Prescott family had come to Sense of Adventure to plan the perfect sweet sixteen for their daughter Sophia. She wanted the party to be themed, and money was of no concern. Paris was excited to take their family on as clients. She had planned many birthday events and was a natural when it came to satisfying young women's imaginations. She knew what girls wanted, especially when the budget had no cap.

“I’d really like to work their account,” he replied. “I golf with Mr. Prescott, and he’s become an excellent friend. He requested me for the job. I’m coming to you as a courtesy to let you know that I’m merely doing as requested. I hope you understand.”

In one fluid motion, Paris rose from the table and flicked her wine glass forward as she stepped back, sending white wine droplets into the air. “Oops,” she said. “I’m so clumsy sometimes.” The fire had instantly gone out. Tom was known asa shark, but this was the first glimpse Paris had been given of his predatorial maneuvering. “Thank you for the heads up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find myself a different drink.”

“Paris,” said Tom, as he wiped wine from his jacket, “don’t be like that. I really did want to spend some time with you this evening.”

“Well then,” she replied curtly, “I guess you shouldn’t have stolen my client.” Turning on her heel, she left him gaping after her. He had hurt her pride, and she’d be damned if she would give him the pleasure of her company after he took away the only client she’d been excited about in months.

Stopping off at the bathroom, Paris looked at herself in the mirror. Her dress had survived the wine shower. Her makeup was intact. She looked good, but she felt terrible on the inside.Someone should put me out of my misery, she thought. As she continued to stare into the mirror, she heard the click of approaching heels.

“How’s it going?” asked Mya.

“God, you again? What? Are you my shadow? Why are you constantly following me around?”

“I’m sorry,” said Mya. “I’ll find a different bathroom, I guess.” Turning away, she headed for the door.

Calling after her, Paris said, “Do whatever you want. It’s a free country.”

Mya paused and let out a deep sigh. “Is it? Most of the time, I feel like I’m more trapped than the animals at the zoo.”

Paris watched her leave. There had been a time when she would have told Mya everything. She would have laughed and cried with her. They would have had each other’s backs. That time was over. Paris had made sure of it. The loss of Mya hurt, but Paris, like a car whose brakes had gone out, couldn’t seem to slow down or stop herself from certain destruction.

Exiting the powder room, Paris noticed the band had begun to play. People would begin flocking to the dance floor. It was the perfect time to check out the silent auction. She had high hopes that there would be some expensive couture items to bid on. Maybe some shoes. She loved shoes more than anything.

Walking into the auction room, her heart sank. There, on the opposite side of the room perusing the goods, was none other than Meagan Heathrow. She let out an unladylike growl as she added the unfortunate situation to her list of things that were ruining her night.

“Yeah, you might not want to go in there right now,” Vic whispered in her ear. “I plan to avoid that situation like the plague it is, and I suggest we move out of sight immediately.”

Paris followed him back to the ballroom. “This is where we part.” She waved him off as she headed for the bar.

“Yeah, it’s probably best you stay away from the silent auction. I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble for stealing anything.” Vic laughed.

Without so much as a glance, she shot back, “Try not to bribe any cops tonight.”

“Hey, if you weren’t such a psychopath, I wouldn’t have had to bribe anyone. Who sneaks into someone else’s condo and tries to steal their date’s shoes? Ya lunatic!”

Paris spun around and glared at him. “Who leaves a major media event with someone else’s wife and then takes her up to his own condo? Idiot! You deserved much worse than you got!”

“What I do is none of your business!” he growled.

Without realizing it, they had each taken several steps toward one another and were now screaming in each other’s faces. Those around them had stopped to stare. Their angry banter had drowned out the band and all other sounds within the room.

Mya, noticing the confrontation, rushed over to Paris and Vic to diffuse the argument. Jack, who had been talking with Mya, ran after her to help.

“Stop! You’re making a scene,” she hissed as she tried to pull Paris away from Vic.

“You’re so awful, Paris. No one likes you!” boomed Vic.

---