Rainey
Success.
As I glance around at the happy guests, devouring wings, burgers, ribs, and even the vegetarian appetizers, a sense of satisfaction fills me. There are three serving stations. One has wings, another has burgers, and the third has the ribs. Servers are walking around offering the appetizers and the specialty drinks, which Mak is mixing behind the bar. I’d made sure she’d be working as one of the bartenders so her unique drinks are made perfectly.
No one would know there were any glitches in the planning. I’d gone home to change into my outfit for the night and though I’m still working, I look like I’m one of the attendees.
The players are walking around like the royalty they are, taking photographs by their banners and dancing. And my family is here, those who work with the team and even those who don’t. Although club music is playing now, I have a surprise for the guests later. My uncle Grey, a rock star who retired to write songs for other musicians, is going to play.
“Rainey Noelle Dare, I could not be prouder of you.” My father takes me by the shoulders and presses a kiss to my forehead. “From the day you were born, I knew you were special. Thank you for doing this for the team.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Happiness fills me. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am. It’s all perfect.”
“You look beautiful, too. Where’s your—”
“Lucas?” I ask. “He’s with Jack and Tristan. Before that, he was by my side.” I smile up at him. “He’s good for me, Dad.”
“I see that.” He places his hand on my back and leads me toward where my mother is standing with Uncle Alex and Aunt Madison.
After spending time with Mom, I check in with the caterers and restaurant owners. Everything is running smoothly, so I take time to mingle with my cousins. I have a lot of them, and we catch up.
Lucas walks over and I take him in. Wearing his usual black slacks, jacket, and white dress shirt, he’s still the sexy club owner I used to wish I could get to know better.
Now I do.
“Hey, beautiful. How are you?” he asks.
“I’m great, thanks to you.” He shakes his head and gestures around the room. “All of this is due to you, your talent, and determination.”
I grin. “If you say so.”
He laughs and suddenly his expression changes. “Isn’t that the woman we met at the charity gala? She’s your competitor, for lack of a better word.”
I look over my shoulder toward the entrance and see Blaire walking into the club. “This event is invitation only,” I grit out.
“If one of my people let her in or was bribed, I’ll handle it,” he assures me.
“More like Ashlynn gave her an invite. She can’t get away with what she did.”
“Rainey!” Kaylee rushes up to me, speaking in a loud whisper. “It’s time for you to introduce the speakers.” She slips a microphone into my hand.
“I need ten minutes,” I tell her. “Let my father know we’re starting a little late.” As team owner, he’s first up to speak.
Anger fueling me, I storm over to where she’s standing with Lucas by my side.
“Easy, tiger,” Lucas whispers in my ear, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Remember, you’re at your own event. You don’t want to cause a scene.”
I know how to handle myself, but I appreciate the reminder.
“Blaire. I’d ask what you want, but I already know. You’re here to see the damage you inflicted.” I sweep an arm, gesturing around the room. “Go ahead. See what a successful party looks like.” I’m snarky and I don’t care.
She looks around, her astute gaze taking everything in, zeroing in on the nearest food station, her mouth parting in a perfect O. “But… But—”
I grab Blaire’s elbow. “We need to talk in private.”
She sets her jaw and allows me to lead her to Lucas’s office. He starts to follow, but I shake my head. This is between me and this woman who has issues with me I don’t understand. While walking, I turn my phone’s recorder on, determined to get her admission taped.
I place the phone face down on Lucas’s desk. “Tell me why. Why have you been trying to sabotage me ever since I won the bid on the Thunder party?” I ask.
