Page 3 of Shifting the Flame

"Whatever. Check this out. My personal assistant just posted this." He thrust his phone toward her.

There on his Instagram account, which boasted millions of followers, was a photo of Lily hugging Danica, both surrounded by unicorn princesses. The caption read: "Best birthday ever thanks to @DanicaUlrichEvents #EventPlannerExtraordinaire #HireHer"

Danica's heart skipped. Already the likes were climbing into the thousands.

"You definitely saved my ass after that other planner flaked," Chad said, actually meeting her eyes for the first time. "My agent's already asked for your number for his holiday event."

Danica steered her car along River Road, the sunset painting the sky in pinks and purples outside her windshield. She'd left the Thompson mansion with the sweet taste of success but an aching exhaustion that burrowed deep into her bones. Her phone, connected to the car's Bluetooth, began to vibrate against the console.

"Unknown number," the car's system announced.

Danica tapped the steering wheel. "Answer call."

"Danica Ulrich? The event planner who managed to make Chad Thompson use the word 'thanks'?"

The voice on the other end belonged to an older woman, vibrant and sharp as a diamond. Danica straightened in her seat, her professional instincts kicking in despite her fatigue.

"This is Danica. And you are?"

"Gerri Wilder, honey. I run the Paranormal Dating Agency."

Danica nearly swerved. Everyone in New Orleans knew Gerri Wilder—the matchmaking legend whose success stories were whispered about like urban myths. Celebrities, business tycoons, and mysterious clients alike sought her services.

"The Gerri Wilder? How did you?—"

"I just scrolled past that glowing Instagram post Chad Thompson's team published about you. Six unicorn princesses and not a single horn fell off until after the photos. Impressive."

Danica laughed. "Well, technically one did, but I?—"

"Fixed it with fashion tape and a travel hair dryer? I've used that clever wardrobe malfunction trick a time or two, darling."

The sky deepened to indigo as Danica processed how intuitive Gerri was. "So, Ms. Wilder?—"

"Gerri, please."

"Gerri. What can I do for you?"

"Two things. First, I need someone who can pull off miracles to save a festival. Second, I think you might benefit from meeting a very special someone while you're at it."

Danica's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "I'm flattered, but I don't need matchmaking services. My schedule barely accommodates a decent night's sleep."

"Oh honey, that's exactly why you need this. Workaholics like you are my specialty. Besides, the festival needs you desperately."

Despite herself, Danica's interest piqued. "What festival?"

"The Founders Festival in Ectorius. Small town about two hours from New Orleans. Their current event planner has been distracted and inattentive, and they're looking at a disaster with barely anything prepared. They could really use your assistance and guidance."

"Ectorius? Never heard of it."

"That's part of its charm. Very exclusive crowd. But they're in crisis mode, and knowing how you must've handled Chad Thompson's demands, I believe you're perfect for this."

Danica's mind already raced with possibilities. A blank canvas. A town she'd never heard of. A challenge. Her fatigue evaporated like morning mist.

"When is this festival?"

"It starts in three days."

"Three days?" Danica barked a laugh. "That's impossible."

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