But this man was straight out of a fairy tale prince casting call!
It didn’t help that the sun was working as his wingman, and his skin seemed to literally sparkle as if it was a sign from my fairy Godmother that he was a secret prince. He had donned a debonair black tux, complimenting his deep tan, and it all seemed to highlight his natural height. All that darkness contrasted with the bright white of his eyes, made those a focal point, which sucked me right in with their dreamy warmth.
I had been the mastermind behind his initial makeover, but something else had happened since then. He’d developed some swagger that drew me toward him. I fought it by avoiding direct eye contact, but not before I took control of my mouth and sputtered out, “Graw! You look—”
“I know you’re mad,” he blurted out, thankfully speaking over my word vomit. “I’m sorry. I was here, though. I’m not late. I didn’t see you. Actually, I mean, I saw you standing here, but I didn’t recognize you. You look different. I expected you to look, you know. Like you.”
That shouldn’t have made any sense, but it totally made all the sense in the world because it was exactly how I was feeling! If I had to admit it, I had seen this handsome man walk past me earlier, but I had absolutely not thought for even a tiny second, that it was Beau! “It’s fine.” I tugged at my ear, pretending to adjust my earring while trying to sound casual. “I think I saw you, but didn’t recognize you either.”
He clapped his hands in front of him like he was ready to start a tour. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Ah, yes.” I held up my phone again, tapping on my notes. “I made a list of the booths we need to visit. I want you to try to hang out in front of each booth for a good ten minutes to make it appear that you are interested. Ask them as many questions as you can, and get names. Then at the end of the night, I want you to pick one charity for a donation, and we will try to get photos with all of them. I’ll post and tag everyone on social media tomorrow.”
His eyes narrowed, like he had seen something disgusting. His bottom lip rolled under his top as though holding back his words.
When he didn’t release his thoughts, I asked, “What is it?”
“Nothing.”
“No, it’s something.” I parked my hand on my hip, my patience growing slim. I’d always been a straight shooter and didn’t like playing word games. “If you have a problem with something, let me know. I can take a booth or two off the list if you really can’t stomach them.”
“It’s not the booths.” His lashes raised way up, and he studied the sky. “It’s just, I thought we came to have fun.”
“Fun?” I didn’t know why I sounded like a disapproving-mean-old granny. I blamed it on my surprise.
“Yeah, you know, like doin’ something for a purpose that doesn’t gain you something productive.” He motioned to the building where two couples were standing in front, laughing cheerily. “But I guess if your idea is better, then I’ll stick to your plan.” He reached his hand forward. “Here, let me look at your list.”
Now I felt foolish. I came here with a plan to finish my list in an efficient manner. Charlotte was watching Poppy, and I hated having to rely on her for help, but this was an important step in Beau’s image makeover. I honestly hadn’t thought of staying around to enjoy myself. I never did that, but maybe?
I could be fun!
That sounded fun!
I quickly texted Charlotte, letting her know it would be another late night. Guilt rushed into my brain, nagging me that Poppy needed me. I pushed that guilt down, reminding myself I was doing this for her. I only had to get through three more weeks—doing whatever it took to help Beau—then I’d be able to focus on Poppy while also moving forward with her center.
It was going to be perfect when it all came together, and all the sacrifices would be worth it. Tucking my phone back into my clutch, I replied, “You know, I think I like your idea better. Let’s forget about the list and go have fun.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” The small lines by the corners of his eyes creased and he held his arm out like a proper escort. “Shall we?”
I took a deep breath, trying to tame the smile on my face as I fought the urge to grin like a schoolgirl experiencing her first crush. “We shall.” I latched onto his arm, feeling the firm muscle underneath his fairytale-prince suit. My stomach did some fizzy bubble-gurgle thing, but I ignored it and focused on walking as we passed through the hotel entrance and found our way to the gala.
“Are you hungry?” Beau’s voice seemed to alert my stomach as it rumbled on cue.
“Yeah, actually, I am.” My nose followed the scent of curry and coconut permeating the room. “It smells delicious. Should we track down whatever that smell is?”
“I hope it’s edible. The website for this event says all the food is organic, vegan, and locally sourced.”
“Don’t hate on it.” I put my hand up in a stop gesture. “Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it’s questionable. I’ve eaten here many times and the food is always the best part.”
“We can try it.” He spoke through gritted teeth, “I think I see waiters carrying trays around.” Beau stuck his hand up waving at one to get their attention.
The man wove his way to us, and lowered his tray for us to peruse. “Would you care for an hors d’oeuvre?”
“Thank you,” I responded, not taking my eyes off the spread. Everything looked amazing and I was famished. I resisted the temptation to take several. Instead, I remembered my manners, took one tiny plate and waited for Beau to do the same. After the waiter left, I managed to tame my sudden desire to eat like a hog. I delicately picked up my toothpick between my thumb and forefinger, trying to look as lady-like as I could.
Beau inserted his toothpick between his teeth, scraping off the whole hors d’oeuvre in one sweep. “That’s delicious!” he raved, then quickly added, “I might need to grab another. Do you want one more?”
I was so hungry I could have eaten the whole tray, so I eagerly nodded. “Yes, please.” He went immediately, and I was left alone to devour this tiny-piece of food-heaven rolled into a ball. My mouth was watering as I opened it, stuffing the whole ball into my mouth but something was wrong!
