I stare at them both. “I’m sorry, I don’t follow.”
Beck chuckles. “Lions, tigers, bears. You know, the usual. Plus, a bouncy house and a couple hundredscreaming kids along with their parents.”
“Still clear as mud,” I reply, obviously missing the joke here.
Nick rubs his hand over his beard-shadowed jaw. “The rec center was supposed to be hosting its first family picnic tomorrow at one of the kiddie amusement parks in Brooklyn. We’ve had the whole place reserved for months, but now there’s some rain in the morning forecast and that means most of the rides will be closed.”
“Not good news for the kids.”
“No,” Beck agrees. “But the park is within the terms of their contract with us. Actually, they could shut the entire park down for the day if weather is a concern.”
“Right,” Nick says. “So, rather than risk any disappointment, we’re moving the whole event to a new venue instead. I managed to persuade the Bronx Zoo to take us on short notice.”
I give a low whistle. “I’ll bet that didn’t come easy.”
“Or cheap,” Beck adds.
Nick shrugs. “It’ll be worth it to every one of those kids. But that means a lot of scrambling to get provisions in place on less than twenty-four hours’ notice. I’ve pulled a few favors from friends to provide catering and entertainment, so we’re covered on that front. There are still a few things left to arrange.”
“How can I help?”
He slants me an apologetic look. “I hate to chew into your weekend, especially considering all of the hours you’ve already put in this week—”
“You need me, I’m there.” I don’t need anything more. My offer is sincere, and it’s not even about wanting an excuse to skip the family cookout in Bayside. I know how much the rec center and the kids mean toNick, so if he wants me to lend a hand in some way, it’s the least I can do.
“Think you can round up half a dozen security team members to work the event tomorrow? It’ll be paid overtime, of course. Plus a bonus for everyone in appreciation for the last-minute assist.”
“Consider it done.” I nod, already forming the list of names in my head.
“No suits or visible holsters, Gabe. I want plain clothes on everyone, and service weapons concealed. You and the rest of your team need to blend in. These kids see enough law enforcement patrolling around their homes and schools. Tomorrow is all about showing them a good time in a safe, comfortable environment.”
“Sounds like a plan. What time would you like us to be there?”
“Setup will start first thing in the morning, but security won’t need to be in place until about an hour before the families are scheduled to arrive. If you can see that everyone is at the venue by ten o’clock, that would be great.”
“All right. We’ll see you then.”
“Thanks, man.” Nick reaches for my hand and clasps it the way he might over beers at a bar, not as my employer. “I know it’s a big favor to ask, and I really appreciate that you always have my back.”
“Anytime. It’s no problem at all.”
I say that with total conviction, even though it does pose something of a problem for me. A personal one. Because now I have the dubious obligation of calling my mother and Shane to let them know I won’t be making the family gathering.
I can almost hear my old man’s scorn already. But,hey, what the hell? He’s always looking for another reason to despise me. Why should I let the son of a bitch down now?
9
~ Evelyn ~
“What do you think of the fit?” I place the final pin, then step off the dais in one of the private, mirrored dressing rooms at L’Opale to allow Avery Ross to see herself for the first time in the balconette bra and panties I designed for her.
For a long moment, she doesn’t speak. I send an anxious glance at my seamstress, Jane. The stocky, gray-haired woman is a master at her craft, and until this second I didn’t have a single doubt that our newest client was going to love this preliminary look at the romantic, yet utterly sexy, ensemble. Now, I hardly know what to make of her prolonged silence.
“The antique-pink Leavers lace is handmade in a little shop near Calais, France,” I tell her. “The silk ribbon is only tacked on for now. Jane will adjust everything to your measurements today, so if there isanything you’d like to change or revisit at another fitting before we finish this set—”
“No.” Avery’s voice is soft, almost a whisper. She slowly shakes her head, her long blond hair sifting around her bare shoulders and the delicate, pleated straps of the bra. “Evelyn, Jane . . . it’s absolutely perfect. Please, don’t change a single stitch on either piece.”
Oh, thank God. “I’m so glad you’re happy with them.”
