The entire time, Nico stands there shrinking further into himself. A sour feeling builds in my gut, and I start to feel quite bad for how we discuss him like he isn’t standing right in front of us.
“What are we to do with you, young man?” Monty asks, shaking his head slowly from side to side.
“I’m sorry sir. It was wrong of me to not follow Ms. San Ramón’s orders, and I promise it won’t happen again. I’ll do everything she tells me to, and without complaint. Please, Mr. Montgomery. Give me one more chance to prove that I can behave.” His face falls and he looks one step away from begging on his knees.
Monty watches him, examining his face for sincerity, then looks back at me. His expression asks what my thoughts are on the matter, and mine convey that we should try once more.
“No more stepping out of line. One more screw up and the only balls you’ll be catching will be practice ones. Game time is on the line, son. Tread carefully.” Monty lays down the law and Nico quickly agrees.
“Yes sir. I understand.”
“With that out of the way, I’d like to give you this my dear.” Monty reaches into the golf cart and produces a metallic gold envelope, holding it out to me.
“What’s this?”
“An invitation.”
I pull the thick black card stock from the envelope and admire the elegant scroll embossed in gold.
“Tomorrow night is our annual donor dinner. The who’s who of Houston society will be in attendance. I’d like you to join us as a thank you for all your work, so far.”
All That Glittersis written across the top in gold, and it shines from the sun's glow.
“Why thank you. That is very kind of you. But I would hate to impose on such an event.” I try to play it off as if I’m not screaming down the walls on the inside.
This is a huge event, with socialites and all the types of people who could one day need my services. Only the upper echelon of Houston,and beyond, receive invites. Don’t even think about stepping foot in the vicinity of Drillers Stadium if you aren’t making a cool seven figures.
“An imposition? My dear, you would be a breath of fresh air to the event. Plus, Mrs. Monty would have my hide if I didn’t invite you. She’s jumping in her britches to meet you.” He smiles gleefully, his thickly white mustache looking like a fuzzy caterpillar inching its way across his face.
“And I would love to meet her.”
He claps his hand together in joy, the sound startling all of us. “Fantastic. I’ll send Nic and a car to pick you up at eight.”
“Excuse me?” The excitement I felt just a moment ago comes to a screeching halt.
“I’m sorry. Did you say that I would be picking her up?” Nico rattles his head, not really sure he heard correctly.
“I most certainly did. You need to be seen out, behaving like a decent young man should, and this is the most respectable woman I know. I can’t say that I canthink of a better woman to escort in on your arm.” The pointed look he gives Nico tells me there will be no more discussion on the matter.
I’m attending the spectacular event of the year, and instead of rubbing elbows with millionaires, I’ll be babysitting.
Awesome.
“Agreed. I look forward to the evening.” Nico shakes Monty’s hand before he pops back into his golf cart and zooms out of sight.
The three of us stand quiet, waiting for everyone to digest the situation and see who’s going to make the first move to either go or address what we all are thinking.
Me? Really, Monty?I could easily find Nico a hundred women who would jump at the chance to attend such an event with him. But I guess the problem is that I’m probably the only woman in the greater Houston area thatwon’tsleep with him.
I relent and reach into my clutch, retrieving my gold wallet that contains business cards for people I recommend and work with for various things. I flip through them and find the one I’m looking for.
Handing it over to Nico, I instruct, “Be there at six-thirty. The shop will be closed so please call me when you arrive. Phillipe will fit you for a tux.” He opens his mouth but I stop him, extending my finger and poking him in the chest. “Don’t. Be. Late.”
I say goodbye to William, leaving Nico standing there catching flies, and carefully walk away, making sure my statement isn’t bumbled by falling on my ass in front of the entire team.
My hopes of spending a relaxing evening at home, enjoying a glass of wine and falling in love with a newbook boyfriend, have been intercepted by a womanizing man who is going to make my neat and orderly life an utter chaos.
5
