“Thanks.” Knowing his friend felt that way made her giddy, but she had no time to relish the feeling. She grabbed the handle of her suitcase. “I’ll see you in Vegas.”
* * *
The Golden Leaves Leadership Conference in Las Vegas brought out corporate people, entrepreneurs, investors, experts from a wide range of industries, and a few wannabes. From informative talks to extravagant dinners to deals made at the blackjack tables, the gathering was the stuff Blaise had dreamed about when he founded his company. Now, he would be one of the featured panelists later.
As if on cue, his friends walked up.
“Good luck on your panel, Blaise,” Mason said.
Kieran grinned. “Knock ’em dead.”
“Just remember who’s done two panels,” Wes joked.
“Dash?” Adam teased.
“Ha ha.” Wes, however, wasn’t smiling. “Wonderkid is off being interviewed. He doesn’t do his second panel until tomorrow morning.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “My bad.”
Blaise listened to them, shifted his weight between his feet, fighting rising nerves.
Ridiculous.
He shouldn’t be nervous. People loved hearing what Blaise Mortenson had to say. Except, unlike his five friends, he’d never spoken here before. This was his first invitation to participate on a panel. His friends might be kidding him now, but the board had told him how important this panel was.
An enormous deal.
Blaise didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
“We’re getting coffee,” Mason said. “Want to join us?”
“No, thanks. I promised Brett I’d sit in on his session.”
“That should get you psyched up for yours,” Adam said.
“Or out,” Wes joked.
Kieran shook his head. “Always the comedian, Lockhart.”
As his friends headed toward the escalator, Blaise ran over what he wanted to say during his panel. He had bullet points on his tablet, but he’d memorized them.
“We need to talk.” Lex pulled Blaise toward a less-crowded section of the lobby.
This wasn’t like the guy. “What’s wrong?”
A vein ticked at Lex’s jaw. “That reporter is here.”
That reportermeant the jerk who goaded Blaise into a fight. His fists clenched, so he flexed his fingers. Losing his temper would only upset the board again. And he had to remain in control for the panel.
Talk about lousy timing. “Keep him away from me.”
“Will do, but you need to be aware that he’s here and likely watching you.”
Just what Blaise didn’t need. He blew out a breath.
“I’ll be careful.” He’d learned his lesson about being provoked in public. The reporter probably wanted another fifteen minutes of fame after their last run-in. “Besides, that’s why you and Rizzo are here.”
Lex nodded once. “We’ve got your back.”
