“Are you trying to get rid of me, Ms.McBride?”
Yes.The man definitely unnerved her.“I just want you to be comfortable.”
“Can I get you anything while I’m there?”
“Thank you.”She shook her head.“But I don’t drink while I work.”
“Do you always follow the rules?”
Though his tone was light, the question sounded serious.“I like rules,” she replied.
“Do you?”
“It helps keep my life in order.”
“That’s a good thing?”
“Isn’t it?”she countered.Even as she answered, she wasn’t sure why she was having this conversation, why she was revealing parts of herself to a stranger.
“Have you ever been tempted to say the hell with everything and explore all that life had to offer?”
“When it comes to business, yes.”
“And everything else?”
“No.”But honestly, she was now.
The photographer placed her backpack on a chair then moved toward them, sparing Sofia from further discussion.
Sofia introduced the pair, then excused herself to greet the DJ and show him where to set up.
Over the next ten minutes, three generations of Donovans began to arrive, and Connor and Lara took her aside.
“We need your help with something,” Lara said.
“Anything.”
“Julien Bonds RSVP’d about ten minutes ago.He’s an old friend of Connor’s.”
Only professionalism kept her from dropping her jaw.There were a number of high-profile Texans on tonight’s guest list, including one senator, but Julien Bonds?The man’s genius was legend.She’d waited in line several hours to buy his latest wearable device at the opening of his newest flagship store, and he’d been at the event for a short time.He’d left only minutes before she would have gotten to meet him.
About two years ago, she’d written to the company, wanting an app that allowed her to do more impressive business presentations.Surprising her, one of Bonds’ engineers had responded.Within two weeks, two of her favorite programs had been fully integrated.The difference it had made in her success had been phenomenal, and she’d always wanted to tell him.
“He’s requested no pictures,” Lara continued.
“I see.”And since almost every person in attendance would have a cell phone, that presented a challenge.“We can ensure Heather won’t take any professional shots,” she said.“How would you like me to handle the other guests?”
“I was hoping you’d have ideas.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.”Especially when she, herself, wanted a photo with him.She nodded, hoping to convey confidence she wasn’t feeling.
“He won’t be arriving until nine.”
She checked her schedule.By then, the alcohol would have been flowing for a couple of hours.“Will he have anyone with him?”
Lara and Connor exchanged glances.
“Like security?”Sofia clarified.“An entourage?”He’d had about half a dozen people surrounding him at the store opening.
