“Since his secretary called and asked if I was available to go over the contract. I assumed you’d set it up.” He took the stemmed glasses and long-neck the bartender gave him. “Look, I’m gonna head back to the table. If I don’t see you before the end of the night, I’ll call you on Monday.”
Weaving through the crowd, he saw Laney had joined them at the table.
“Ladies.” He handed Rowan and Shelby their glasses and slipped his arm around Rowan’s waist. “Laney, can I get you something?”
“Oh, no, thank you.” She rested her hands over her stomach and laughed. “I never drink at these things—I get nervous enough as it is.”
Rowan tilted her head up to him. “Do you still get nervous?”
“I still get butterflies. Especially at things like this. It’s different than being on stage singing.”
“Exactly,” Laney said. “It’s different during a concert because you’ve rehearsed so often it’s a routine, but I’ve only had one walk-through for this. Plus, the zipper on my dress broke and I had to switch to my back up and now I feel like everyone can see my panties.”
Luke studiously looked everywhere except the hem of Laney’s dress.
“No,” Shelby said. “It’s nowhere near that short. I think it’s perfectly fine.”
“Really?” Laney asked. “You’re not just saying that?”
“I promise.”
A bell chimed and a man in a tuxedo stepped up to the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you’ll kindly take your seats dinner will be served. The presentation portion of the evening will begin between the dinner service and dessert.”
The hall filled with the sound of rustling clothes and the clink of silverware as everyone sat down. Twenty minutes into dinner, Luke’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out, checking the screen.
He leaned across Rowan to catch Shelby and Laney’s attention. “Laney, Marla said they need you backstage.”
She jolted in her seat. “Oh! Shoot! Do you mind walking me back there? I feel so self-conscious going by myself.”
Luke glanced at Rowan. “Will you be okay if I walk her back?”
Rowan grinned. “I’m a big girl. I think I’ll be okay for a few minutes.”
“And I’m here,” Shelby chimed in. “I’ll beat up anyone that bothers her.”
He rolled his eyes and kissed Rowan quickly. “I’ll be back soon.” He pushed away from the table and walked around Rowan and Shelby to where Laney waited nervously for him.
* * *
He should tell her,but they’d had such a good night and if he told her she’d leave—he knew it in the bottom of his soul, with no doubt. She wouldn’t understand. Hell, she probably wouldn’t even give him a chance to explain and he couldn’t really blame her. No matter how he tried to think of a way to explain, it didn’t sound good. No one had been around when it happened and he knew Laney would never say anything. Rowan never had to know.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Rowan said.
He reached for her hand and smiled. “Just tired.”
Shelby’s jaw cracked as she yawned. “No kidding. You can keep being rich and famous if it’s always so exhausting.”
“Not always. Award season is crazy, but that’s usually it.”
“Shelby, when are you going back?” Rowan asked.
“Wednesday morning. I’m going to meet up with some college friends tomorrow and Monday. You’re welcome to tag along with me if you get tired of hanging out with Luke.”
“That’s not a bad idea, actually. I need to go in for a meeting on Monday,” Luke said.
“I was going to call the clinic Monday and tell my boss I need more time off,” Rowan said.
A wide grin took over his face and he slid his hand behind her neck. “How much time off?”
