“That’s why you’re so good at this. You’re an excellent development person. I thought we put all that nonsense behind us.”
Oh. My. God.This woman had nerve.
“No offense, but you had me fired. I found my way out of it and into a good place. It’s not nonsense, and it’s never going to be behind me. And for the record, I didn’t ask Ford to do any favors for me.”
“While stealing my son, you’ve certainly brought the best out of him,” she spat out.
“I didn’t steal anyone. Ford is a man with free will.” I shoved my glasses up my nose and tightened my ponytail. I needed to run. Far and fast.
“He said as much. And like I noted already, I’m here to simply say I’m staying out of your relationship. But the event is meaningful for all of us.”
“You mean you’re not sending socialites to ravage Ford?”
She gasped and looked left and right, making sure no one was around. “Ravage? Hardly. I would never…in public.” For the first time in history, Beatrice Conway was rattled. I mentally fist bumped the air until she regained composure and added, “Longtime family friends fix children up. It’s an age-old practice, but Ford has you. Now.” I didn’t have a chance to respond because she droned on. “I bought two tables at your event, and I plan to bring some very high-profile guests to the dinner. And I have a cavalry of young and up-and-coming attending the after party.In pajamas.” She barely made out the last part.
“And you’re being honored.”
“Obviously. That’s how things work around here, James. You should know that by now.”
“I know exactly how things work around here.” I swallowed my anger and took a deep breath, steadying myself. “Look, I’ll play nice in the playground. This is my career. Now, can I go?” I’d had enough of this conversation. It was going in circles, and it wasn’t worth my time.
“Very well, then. Please tell my son we talked, and sorted this all out. Make certain he understands I communicated to you my goodwill and plans to be supportive.”
Shoving my earbuds in my ears, I couldn’t answer her request. Of course Ford had made her come, but she’d put her own malicious twist on it.
I decided a short, fast run followed by a large glass of wine was in order.
A week after Beatrice’s visit, I was enjoying a much-needed glass of wine toward the end of the gala. I’d stuck to water for most of the evening, making sure all the speeches went as planned and all the guests liked their tables and menu selections. As the formal events were over and it was almost time for me to change into my pajamas, I could breathe a sense of relief.
I watched Val dance with a married lawyer who was on my board, and crossed the fingers on my free hand, hoping it meant nothing. He was handsome and not happy with his wandering wife, but Val wasn’t the answer—the worry came naturally.
Beatrice was still busy working the room, accepting praise for her award and letting everyone know that the darling woman in charge of the event was dating her son, Ford. Yes, she referred to me as darling.
I had to give it to her—she might be calculated, but she knew how to win a crowd. I’d raised more at this one gala than the past three years combined. Of course, it had to do with my hard work, persistence with the sponsors, and the incredible silent auction. But Beatrice did rally the troops to commit to large donations. Her two tables came through with their big wallets.
“Amazing,” my CEO, Roz, said to me, coming to my side and tipping her glass toward mine.
“Thank you.”
“Listen, you’ve worked hard. Take a few days off…”
I’d started to protest when Ford popped over. “That sounds perfect, Roz. We can take a getaway to the beach.”
“See,” Roz said. She and Ford had hit it off when he promised two tickets to the premiere ofSuper Ladyas an auction item.
I rolled my eyes at Ford. “Do you get everyone to side with you? Seriously?”
“Yes. Speaking of which, I need to steal you and your wine for a minute.” He lightly snatched my free fingers in his while taking my wineglass in his other hand.
“Of course,” Roz said. “Thanks again, James. This has been an amazing evening, only to get better.” She added a wink and wandered off.
With my wine in his hand, holding his own scotch and my other hand still entwined with his, Ford started to lead me toward the patio. I wasn’t sure how he did it, but he moved mountains with tigerlike prowess and determination.
Outside, he handed me my wine and said, “Cheers, Red.” He clinked his glass to mine with a smirk on his face.
“What are you toasting? You look like you are the only person in on a well-kept secret.”
He laughed. “Cheers to a good job? A night well done?” He took my wine again and set it on the ledge next to his scotch. “Many more galas?” He began to inch down on one knee… “Or maybe…you marrying me?”
