And just like that… I’ve got him.
The next hour or so gets better and better. Mr. Walters is only the first person I talk to. After that, I keep pulling in wins.
“We’re planning to expand our offices into the Northwest sector within the next five years,” I inform a potential investor, dangling the company’s potential growth like a carrot. “Our projections for this move are proving quite lucrative.”
He’s sold.
“Did you see the new headquarters we just did for Cartwell Inc. that just went up in Boston? It’s actually being considered for a RIBA International Award for Excellence.” This one I say to a project manager for a major insurance company that I’ve heard through the grapevine is looking to revamp their home office.
Another win.
I get several business cards and instructions to call secretaries to set up meetings, and I move through the gala, feeling cautiously optimistic as I scan the crowd, looking for a new target. The night’s going so well so far, but I’m afraidthat even the slightest glance of disapproval from Mom or Dad will shatter my growing confidence. I’m careful to steer clear of bigger groups clustered together, or anyone standing too close to my parents. The last thing I want is for them to listen in while I’m talking to a potential client. Despite the fact that I’ve been to countless events like this with Mom and Dad before, I still can’t help but worry that I’ll trip up under the pressure and disappoint them.
“There’s my favorite niece!”
Grinning, I turn and find Uncle Kevin making his way toward me through the crowd. With his dark-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, silvering brown hair, and wide smile, he’s easily the friendliest face I’ve encountered tonight. When he reaches me, he immediately goes in for a hug, which I happily return.
“Hi, Uncle Kevin,” I say when we pull apart. “Sorry I didn’t find you sooner.”
“Oh, that’s all right,” he chuckles. “I know you’ve been busy. I’ve been watching you working the crowd like a pro.”
He sounds genuinely proud of me, which sends a happy thrill rushing through me.
“Just doing what I have to do,” I shrug. “Have to put my best foot forward for Holloway.”
“You go above and beyond. Anyone can see that.”
Unlike Dad, Uncle Kevin doesn’t hesitate to lay on praise. Ever since I was a kid… really, ever since we lost Colson… he’s made it a point to encourage me. I think part of it is his attempt to balance out my parents’ doubts and overprotectiveness. Still, I know his words aren’t empty and meaningless. He’s not the kind of person to give out praise just for the sake of it.
“Thanks,” I reply. “I’m glad you’re here. Did Archie and Esther come with you, or are they back in New York?”
“They stayed behind,” he explains, his expression softening at the mention of his wife and son. “Archie has school and Estherand I didn’t want to leave him alone for so long. You know how protective we can be of him.”
I do. Even though Archie isn’t his biological son, my uncle has always doted on him and loved him as if he were his own. I know he doesn’t always say it, because what sixteen-year-old boy would, but Archie adores him just as much.
“Archie’s probably just using the opportunity to hang out at the office when none of us are around,” I tease. “He’s hardly the kind of kid to get into much trouble.”
Uncle Kevin laughs. “You’re likely right, Sutton. Archie would much rather spend his days at Holloway, poking around the computers, than going out and doing regular teenage-boy stuff. I should count my blessings in that regard, I suppose.”
We both chuckle, but at that moment, my eyes wander past the main entrance to the ballroom and I freeze in place when I spot two familiar, and very unwelcome faces.
Leon and Aubrey.
What. The.Fuck?
Leon is dressed in a black tux, and Aubrey is wearing a floor-length silver evening dress with a high neck and cap sleeves. As I stare at them in total shock, I see Mom break away from the crowd and make her way toward them.
What the hell are they doing here? Visiting New York is one thing, but this is California! This can’t be a coincidence. Did Mom invite them?
Dad suddenly appears and approaches them as well, smiling and sticking out his hand for Leon to shake.
I need to get out of sight. Hide before they spot me…
“Uh, sorry, Uncle Kevin,” I stammer. “I need to, um, find the bathroom.”
“All right,” he nods, seemingly oblivious to my panic spike. “We’ll talk later!”
He walks away and I quickly turn to leave, praying Leon hasn’t seen me.
