“It is, isn’t it? Once the florist arrives, it’ll look even better.” I envision the tables with bouquets with team colors on each and can’t help but smile.
As we admire our handiwork, Ashlynn walks up to us. “The florist is here. He’s going to bring things in from the back. The caterers also just showed up. The kitchen has their own doors so they won’t conflict with the flowers being brought in.”
I nod. “That’s good.” I walk to the back delivery entrance and greet the florist.
“Rainey!” Adrian says, wrapping me up in a big hug. “Always good to see you.”
“Same here! We’re ready for you, so go do your beautiful thing!” I gesture toward the inside of the club and leave him to it.
As I pass the hallway, a hand reaches out and grasps my wrist, pulling me back against a hard chest. I never panic. I recognize Lucas’s familiar, spicy scent and relax into him.
“The club looks fantastic,” he says, his deep voice in my ear.
I grin. “I’m pretty pleased. The florist is here and so are the caterers. I’m going to check the kitchen next.”
“Want company?” he asks, kissing the side of my neck. A tremor ripples through my body at his touch.
“Always,” I murmur.
We walk side by side to the industrial kitchen in time to see the food laid out on the counters. I glance down and freeze. “What is this?” I ask of what appears to be vegetarian appetizers. My heart begins to pound double time.
“Are you okay?” Lucas asks.
I shake my head as the caterer, a woman named Sherri who I’ve never worked with before, but who’d been excited about offering a variety of selections for a football anniversary party, walks over to me.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, as she lifts the wrapping off the top of one of the trays.
My mouth is dry so I gesture to the food containers. “They’re all vegetables,” I manage to say.
She nods. “Yes. That’s what you said you wanted when you called to make changes to the menu.”
I stiffen and glance at Lucas. “I assure you I did not call. This is a party with football players attending. More men than women. They’re going to want meat. The glamour burgers wediscussed. Tacos handed out. Not cauliflower and broccoli!” I say, my voice rising.
Lucas places a calming hand on my back, but it doesn’t work. I’m shaking with panic.
The caterer’s eyes open wide. “I don’t understand. I spoke to you.”
“It wasn’t me! Why didn’t you send me a new confirmation and menu list?” I ask.
“I did send one.” She walks to the counter and begins looking through her tote. “Here.” She pulls out the contract with an amendment, then a separate menu, and hands me both. “You signed them.”
My head is spinning as I accept the papers and look through them until I reach the signature page. I compare the original contract with my signature to the amendment and though at a glance, it’s close enough to mine, there are subtle differences. Besides, I know I didn’t receive or sign it.
“It’s not my signature.” I hand her back the paperwork.
“But—”
I blow out a long breath. “I’m not saying you could know. But something’s very wrong.” I glance at Lucas. “Can we talk?”
He nods. The blood rushing to my head, I follow him out of the kitchen, through the club, and down the hall to his office.
“What’s going on?” he asks.
I tug at my ponytail in frustration. “Whoever’s sabotaging me is someone close. They work with me. Have access to my files and my computer.”
He nods.
“Which leaves only Kaylee and Ashlynn. And I am telling you, it’s not Kaylee.” Even the thought makes me nauseous.
