“Like I said,” he leans forward in his chair, staring into his glass for a few moments before looking back at me with a genuine smile on his face, “the past is the past.”
CHAPTER 6
Payson
We have been sitting here for what seems like hours, chatting and reminiscing about the past, and I am contemplating whether to bring up the latest drama in my life. It’s been nice not fighting for a change. The weight from all the mistakes and regrets seems to have eased some. Jay glances at his watch, then speaks.
“If you are going to the party tonight, you might want to go get ready.”
Oh shit, the party! Cora. We are supposed to meet at my apartment and ride together. Taking my phone out of my pocket, I go to shoot Cora a quick text, then realize she never gave me her number.
“Shit, shit, shit.”
“What’s wrong?” Jay’s voice is full of concern.
“Nothing. I told a friend of mine, Cora, that she could accompany me to the party tonight. We were supposed to meet at work at eight and ride together.”
Jay furrows his brow. He doesn’t ask any questions, but I know what he’s thinking. The guest list was sent to him for approval days ago, and Cora’s name wasn’t on it.
“She’s my friend, Jay. I don’t have many of those.” He holds up his hands in surrender. Thanking him for the drinks, we say goodbye, and I rush to my car. It’s at least forty-five minutes back to the city, and depending on traffic, it’ll be another twenty before I make it to my apartment. I glance at the clock on my dashboard. There’s no time to head home, so I head straight to the office instead.
This isn’t the first time I have had to get ready for an event like this at work, which is why my office is equipped with an emergency wardrobe. My hair is already styled in a ballerina bun, with a few strands falling loose around my face. Elegant, yet simple. There is no time to curl it now; it’ll have to do.
I grab one of the silk gowns hanging on the rack in the far corner and slip it on, pairing it with the shimmering golden heels I bought on sale last week. The ding of the elevator signals that it has reached its desired floor, followed by the faint clicks of heels. A few seconds later, Cora steps into view. Her dark brown hair is curled to perfection, and she has just enough makeup on for me to see that her eye shadow matches the royal blue gown she’s wearing. It’s the most dolled up I have ever seen her. After touching up my own makeup and double-checking that I have everything I need, we head off to the party.
CHAPTER 7
Payson
When we made it downstairs,a limo was waiting for both of us, compliments of Jay. We pull up in front ofThe Stone Pearl, known as the most luxurious hotel in the south for five years in a row. During this hour, it’s even more spectacular, and I’m taken aback by the mere beauty of it thatI don’t even realize the driver is kindly holding out his hand to help us out of the car. I can tell Cora is as mesmerized as I am by it, but I don’t fail to notice the way she clutches her purse. Though I may attend several parties throughout the year, they are all for the company. A way for me to mingle with potential clients. This hotel is the most formal of them all.
Entering the building, we both gasp at the enormous stone wall standing in the center of the lobby. As I walk closer to it, I notice the thin layer of water flowing down the wall itself. The stones glisten beneath the water, reflecting the ember lighting of the chandeliers above.
“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” a deep voice says beside me. I nod.
“It’s beautiful. The way the water reflects the light from the chandelier, causing a shimmer similar to diamonds… I’ve never seen anything like it,” I say, looking over to see the one and only Griffith Hartley standing beside me. Except, judging by his demeanor, he wasn’t talking about the fountain. His eyes are glued to the beautiful brunette who came here with me tonight.
“Would you like me to introduce you?” My tone is amused, yet polite.
My question seems to snap him back to reality. I’ve heard he is intimidating and mostly quiet. I can tell. Before he gets a chance to answer, Jay’s voice booms through the speakers.
“If everyone could find their place. There are a few things I would like to announce.”
“Excuse me,” Griffith says before disappearing into the crowded room. I find my way to a table near the back, signaling for Cora to join me. Elaine follows behind her, both women taking their place beside me.
“I saw you talking to Griffith,” Elaine whispers to me. “What did he have to say?”
Elaine is the company’s go-to girl. She has worked as Jay’s assistant for years and knows everything there is to know about the company.
“Pretty sure he never heard a word of what I was saying. He was more enthralled by a certain brunette who came with me.” I giggle. Elaine’s eyes widen in excitement.
“You know he has a slightly younger brother,” she says, nudging my shoulder. “He is said to be quite the catch.” She looks around the room, obviously looking for him. “There,” she says, pointing. “Standing next to Griffith.” Before I get a chance to look, our conversation is quickly cut off by Jay’s announcement.
“I would like to take a moment to thank Mr. Griffith Hartley and the rest of the Hartley family for hosting the annual end-of-the-year party.”
People start clapping, but Jay silences them with a wave of his hand.
“It’s also been confirmed that Hartley Enterprises will be partnering with Reith Entertainment on the upcoming remodel of The Sable Siren. Ledgar Hartley will be overseeing the entire process as the CO-CEO of Hartley Enterprises.”
