Thankfully, her dress was light and comfortable. Not like poor Knox, who was stuck wearing a black tuxedo jacket, a long black cape, and a mask that covered most of his face. Following the signs in the hotel lobby, she led him to the ballroom, which she’d visited once for a friend’s wedding. She remembered it being glamorous, but nothing like this.
The enormous ballroom had been transformed, containing dozens of realistic-looking oak trees, dripping with moss. Flickering candles appeared among the tree branches, and thousands of fairy lights twinkled above. Interspersed among the trees were round banquet tables, adorned with elaborate centerpieces, complete with vintage lanterns and rustic greenery. The total effect was like being in an enchanted forest, other than the wall at the front of the ballroom, which housed a raised stage and a huge projector screen.
“What do you think?” she asked Knox. “Does it feel like you’re back in the forest?” The ethereal music, taken from the show’s soundtrack, was a nice touch.
“A little, but we filmed most of the exteriors in anactualforest. This isn’t bad, though.”
She and Knox checked in with the event manager, a tall Black woman named Denise, who was dressed as Maleficent fromSleeping Beauty.
Denise led them over to a station in a corner of the ballroom and handed Knox a set of laminated cards. “Here are all the wines, beers, and ciders available, as well as the bottled liqueurs. We’re also offering three specialty cocktails themed to match the show.”
Knox reviewed the cards. “Alejandro sent me the list of cocktails earlier, so I got a chance to practice making them.”
“Good to hear. Since it’s an open bar, you won’t have to worry about taking payment, but hopefully, our guests will still feel the need to tip. You can use this jar.” Denise pointed to a mason jar painted with an elaborate forest scene and illuminated with more fairy lights.
Knox chuckled. “That’s the fanciest tip jar I’ve ever seen.”
Denise gave a delicate snort. “Isn’t it, though? They were custom made. Anyway, the cash tips are yours to keep. There’s also a card with a QR code if people prefer to use credit cards. Those tips will be split among all the bartenders, and you’ll get your share once everything’s settled up. If you need anything replenished, runners will be stopping by to check on your inventory. And—in case Alejandro didn’t mention it—you need to act like professionals. No asking for selfies or autographs.”
“Got it.” Charlie looked over the laminated cards. The small selection of wines and liqueurs was minimal compared to the wide variety offered at the Gilded Lily. Once Denise had left, she addressed Knox in a low voice. “Does this seem doable?”
“Definitely, though I’m glad I practiced making those cocktails ahead of time. Otherwise, the setup is incredibly basic. Plus, I saw three other stations scattered around the ballroom, and a larger bar beside the stage. I guess they don’t want anyone to stand in line for too long.”
“Makes sense. At my friend’s wedding, they didn’t have enough bartenders. Once the dancing started, the drink line took forever.” She glanced around the room, taking in the elaborate decor. “This event must have cost a fortune.”
He shrugged. “Probably, but it’s nothing compared to some of the outrageous stuff I’ve seen. Back when I worked on the show, we had a huge blowout after we won awards for the second season.”
She wanted to ask him more about it, but her time would be better spent reviewing the list of instructions. Her role was to assist guests who had simple requests, like a bottle of water or a glass of wine. Earlier that week, she’d practiced her pouring skills with him, while he played the role of a snooty customer. They’d polished off an entire bottle of wine before tumbling into bed, all tipsy and amorous.
At six, she placed her hand on his arm. “You ready for this?”
“Yeah. It would be great to see some familiar faces, but I’m not sure who’s still working on the show. I kept up with the gossip for a while after I moved here, but once I got hired at the Duchess, I shut it all out.”
Though he made it sound like a simple decision, she knew how difficult the break had been. And how much it had weighed on him. “Whatever happens, I’m here to support you. We’ll get through it together.”
With any luck, he’d be able to make a few connections and feel like tonight had been worth the effort. While she was glad he was taking this step, she wouldn’t be able to relax until they’d survived the entire event.
Twenty-Three
Knox grewantsy as the first hour of the gala passed at a glacial pace. Little by little, the guests entered the ballroom. The first to arrive were the crew members since the show’s stars never liked showing up early.
“Do you see anyone you know?” Charlie asked.
“A few people from the crew, but that’s it. No one from the writers’ room. Logan told me Evan brought in some new writers after the fourth season, but I was hoping he kept a few of the old guard.” Then again, it would be just like that bastard to clean house completely.
He spotted some of the show’s secondary characters and pointed them out to Charlie. There was no sign of Princess Elodie’s first love, poor Finn the Woodsman.
To Knox’s surprise, he didn’t feel much of anything yet. No heart-wrenching grief. No simmering resentment. No longing to be a part of it. It was like going back to a place he’d visited before, but without the desire to stay there.
As the guests stopped by his station, he greeted them and mixed their drinks but kept his Phantom mask in place. Fortunately, he didn’t have to say much since Charlie was a pro at making small talk. She complimented everyone on their costumes and asked them about their favorite memories ofThe Hidden Forest.
An hour in, the show’s stars made their appearance. Among them was Lila, all dolled up in a gorgeous, sapphire-blue ball gown and a tiara, looking radiant on Evan’s arm. In Knox’s opinion, her regal garb barely differed from the formal attire she’d worn for the show’s High Court scenes. But seeing Evan dressed as her prince was a new look. A look that made Knox recoil in disgust. That smug fucker didn’t deserve to swan around like royalty.
Knox’s spine stiffened, his hands tightening into fists. How was he supposed to act like everything was normal when the asshole who’d ruined his life hadn’t suffered one bit? The soft cadence of Charlie’s voice took him out of his head. She placed her hands on his shoulders and kneaded them gently, soothing the rage and the bitterness. Once again, he was grateful to have her by his side. Getting through this on his own would have been a lot harder.
After tonight, he’d find a way to thank her. Not just in bed, but with another gesture that showed how much he cared. Like admitting he was in love with her.
Was it too soon? Maybe so, but he wanted her to know how he felt.
