Page 107 of Fresh Canvas
KATE: No biggie, just walked in. I’ll see what I can do. BTW, this place is a vibe!
I chuckled, stowed my phone into my clutch, and went outside. My freshly curled hair tickled my bare collarbones as the summer breeze whispered across them. The car service I ordered pulled up right on time.
Emerging nightlife rose around me as I watched out the window. I sucked in a slow, deep breath. This eveninghadto go well. Stirling deserved it.
My high heels resounded off The Spiral as I ascended, a few voices echoing overhead. Checking the time, I exhaled in relief. Stirling’s black-tie guests were not scheduled to arrive for another forty minutes. My leg swished through the slit in my dress as I rounded the corner. I pulled up short.
Val stood by the Bloomburg wing’s entrance, lifting a table off an industrial cart and setting it beside another. His tuxedo jacket was missing, and he had cuffed his white sleeves just above his swirling tattoo.
He got my tables?
The unexpected kindness triggered a memory of me drifting off in strong arms and waking to clean, dried coffee mugs.
Val’s gaze suddenly met mine.
His eyes ignited into flames I would have willingly walked into. I wished for those flames to engulf me, to torch my pain to ashes. I craved their blistering relief almost more than I craved him.
Almost.
That’s not fair.I willed him to read my mind.You can’t look at me like that anymore.
Val somehow understood and looked away.
The empty chill that followed made me shiver. We had so much unfinished business that I wished we could resolve. Or at least talk about. A wave of sadness threatened to drown me.
Not here. Not now.
A slow inhale melted into my body, loosened my tension, and fueled me with strength.
“Thank you for doing that.” My collected tone seemed to surprise us both.
Val’s cheeks tinged pink as he rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s no problem. I overheard Kate, and since I already knew where everything was?—”
“I appreciate it,” I cut in. I couldn’t bear to hear any more niceties. “I’ve got to check on the caterer, but thank you all the same.”
The reflective elevator door closed with me inside, concealing Val from view. Relief swept through me as I saw my thick, dark lashes hadn’t smudged from the brimming emotions.
Not here. Not now.
The stainless steel kitchen was alive with activity. Flagging down the head chef, I found everything going according to plan. Rows of sparkling champagne glasses stood bubbling away like little drunken soldiers ready for duty. Black-vested waiters and waitresses grouped together as they received instructions.
I shot them a smiling thumbs-up and snatched a few tablecloths from a folded stack. Thankfully, Val was far across the Bloomburg wing when I returned.
The linens ballooned over the auction tables as I watched him—handsome as ever in his tuxedo—having yet another suspicious-looking conversation with Kendra. My gut twisted.
“Hey, you okay?” Kate approached me in a pale yellow silk gown that looped around her neck and gathered at her slender waist. She had smudged smoky eyeliner along her thick lashes.Her hair had been twisted into an intricate updo with soft, face-framing curls that lined her worried expression.
“No,” I said simply, “but I will be.”
“That’s my girl. I’m so proud of you. You and Blythe killed it.” Kate pulled away, her dark brown eyes skimming my gown. “And if looks could kill, a certain prick will be dead by the end of the night.”
“Oh, Kate. You’re always so eloquent.” I laughed.
Kate shrugged and nonchalantly scratched her cheek with a middle finger aimed in Val’s direction. I giggled, though I snatched Kate’s hands and held them tight.
“O-kay, fine,” she said, “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I didn’t believe that one bit.
