Page 59 of Party Favors

It was the CEO, Topher Crawley. He was a middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit who had been bald the last time I’d seen him. I wondered if he’d gotten hair plugs. Maybe that was why he hadn’t been in the office for so long.

“Is Adrian here?” he asked.

I was so befuddled by him being there that it took me a bit longer to respond than it should have. “He’s in France,” I finally managed.

What was Mr. Crawley doing in the office? I wondered if Claudia’s changes had anything to do with it.

“I need to get in touch with Adrian,” he said, and I nodded. I picked up my phone and sent the message immediately just so that I wouldn’t forget.

Then, as if he had suddenly remembered his manners, Mr. Crawley stepped farther into the office and offered his hand to Sunny. “I’m Topher Crawley, CEO of Elevated.”

“Sunny Belmont.”

“Any relation to Frank Belmont?” he asked.

“That’s my father-in-law.”

“We have golfed together a few times. Small world. Well, it was good to meet you.” Then he directed his attention back to me. “Have Adrian call.”

“I’ve already texted him,” I said. He nodded and then left.

Sunny got up slowly, one hand on her stomach. “I should get going. I have to pee for the fortieth time today. Thank you so much for doing this.”

“I’m happy to help.”

“Could you come over tomorrow night to see the apartment? My in-laws will be out.”

“I need to take measurements, so that works for me.” I walked her to the lobby and showed her where the bathrooms were. She hugged me and thanked me again.

Vella wasn’t at her desk, and I went into the break room to grab something from the vending machine because I wasn’t going to have enough time to go out. I brought my chips and soda back to my desk. Not exactly nutritious, but better than the air and water Vella had wanted to serve at the conference room meeting.

My phone buzzed and I saw that I had a text from Max.

I HEARD THINGS WENT WELL AND I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THE END RESULT.

Had Sunny texted him from the bathroom? Or the cab? How did he already know? Then I wondered why he was shouting at me.

Why are you texting me in all caps?

Isn’t that what your mother does? Plus, you said you didn’t like small talk. So ...

I didn’t want to be amused. I wanted to be upset that he thought I was boring. But he was so charming it was hard to resist.

My guess is the party won’t be coed, given the Belmonts and their traditions. You’re not invited.

I know the event planner. I think she can sneak me in.

I grinned, and then laughed out loud when I saw the next text.

You’re smiling right now, aren’t you?

Nope. Serious as a preacher.

I don’t think that’s a saying.

Somber as a preacher?

What do you have against preachers?

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