Page 73 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

Eighteen

Seth closed his eyes, his arms around Stacey, and let out a sigh. Could tonight be any more awkward and ridiculous? He had done everything in his power to break off their relationship—but here he was, forced to slow dance with the woman who was intentionally wreaking havoc on his business and personal life.

He longed to be holding Gia out here under the soft lights, swaying to the beat without a care in the world but the feel of her cheek against his, his arms around her. He’d promised her a dance, but that dance would have to wait. He only hoped she understood what was going on tonight, and that she’d even grant him that chance again in the future. He had to talk to her soon, even if he only had time to make sure she wasn’t upset. He could tell her everything else later tonight.

He looked at his watch over Stacey’s shoulder. The party was almost over. He’d barely had a chance to drum up any more business with any of these well-connected people regarding the venue spaces, either. He still needed to rub elbows with some of them before he missed his chance.

The song ended and he took Stacey’s hand and pulled her gently off the dance floor. He was pretty sure she’d keep it together in front of other well-meaning, well-dressed strangers who weren’t associated with his family, the same way she’d behaved pleasantly with Ryan Trewet. It was time to find out. “Come on. Let’s go talk to some of my friends.”

* * *

Gia was tryingto stay out of the way and keep an eye on the party from various vantage points. Seth and Stacey had left the dance floor a while back, and Gia couldn’t see them from where she’d situated herself next to the flowering arbor at the far end of the banquet lawn.

She gazed at the climbing roses then checked her watch. Nine thirty. In about another hour, the party would be over, and, about half an hour after that, she could call it a night. The catering staff would make sure that everything was cleaned up and put back where it belonged. The band would take down all of its own equipment and load it up themselves. The supply company would return and cart away the tables and chairs along with everything else. By the time they all rolled out of there, it would look like no party had even taken place. All she’d have left to do this evening was pay the balances on the vendors’ bills.

She sighed, hoping her relief wouldn’t be premature. A lot could still go wrong in an hour. Seth has been doing a great job keeping his unpredictable ex-girlfriend under control, however. At least there was that. She fought back a yawn. It had also been a long day.

“Hey.”

Startled, she turned at the sound of Seth’s voice. She relaxed.

He smiled apologetically and moved in close. “Listen, Gia, I am beyond sorry about all of this. I don’t trust her enough to leave her alone for very long.” His eyes said it all. “That’s why you haven’t seen much of me tonight.”

Gia eyed him. He looked tired. She guessed Stacey had put him through the wringer. “It’s okay. I get it, and believe me, I appreciate it. Where is she now?”

“I left her with a couple of single guys I know from high school. They’re fawning all over her. Should help with the bruised ego.”

That was smart.

He fought off the look of exasperation. “I might have signed up another couple of clients who want the winery space for a party, too, by the way. I’ll give them your office number when I follow up with them this week.”

“Oh, that’s great!” She smiled and he seemed to relax.

He shook his head again, though. “Oh hey, so she’s totally drunk. I don’t know what might happen to her if I were to send her somewhere in a cab. Are you okay with it if she stays in my parents’ guest room? I don’t really think I need to say this to you, but I will say it anyway—nothing will happen. I promise you.”

Gia had expected this to happen, but she didn’t have to like it. “Of course. I trust you. Do what you need to do.”

“Thanks.” Seth smiled and grabbed her hand in a way that wouldn’t be noticeable to passersby. He squeezed it and she softly stroked the back of his hand with her thumb.

“Well, hey, I just wanted to check in with you for a minute before I get back to babysitting.” He dropped her hand. “Everything seems to be going well—outside of this drama, right? It’s been hard for me to tell.”

“I can imagine. But, yeah. The party’s been great.” She crossed two fingers and held them up. “We’re almost to the finish line.”

Seth nodded. “Thank goodness.” He turned to look at her again. “Oh hey, look, one more thing. Stacey can’t know about you—at least not tonight.”

“I kind of figured that when I saw you dancing with her,” Gia said dryly. “But why? What’s she been saying?”

“I’m sorry about that, too.” He frowned. “She figured it out early on that I’m seeing someone, so I fessed up and told her she was right. Anyway, now she’s trying to figure out who it is. If she does, she’ll throw a fit. Worse than the one she’s already been throwing.” He smiled at a young couple that strolled by, nodding to make it look like he wasn’t discussing anything unusual.

Gia furrowed her brow. “Oh. Okay.” She let out a frustrated sigh.

Seth nodded. “I’m really sorry about all this.” He stroked her elbow.

She had to just let it go. Deep breath. Eyes on the prize.

“I know.” Gia had to give him credit—he was trying to make her feel better. Maybe there were no old feelings that had been revived in his heart tonight for Stacey. She probably shouldn’t have let her mind go there. “As long as this party goes off without a hitch—whatever it takes, I guess.”

“My thoughts exactly.” He sounded anxious. “Please don’t be mad.”

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