Exactly what I’m going for.Alexandra smiled as she set down the bags. “Thanks. We’re going to a masquerade party and I like keeping a low profile. With work andall.”
“Oh, right. Well, make yourself at home. Can I get you coffee or a bottledwater?”
“No thanks, I’mgood.”
“My family and friends are excited to watchDC’s Brightest Tech Star. I am,too.”
Alexandra’s chest tightened. She didn’t have the heart to disappoint Ellen with the bad news. “The show is in limbo until the station finalizes theschedule.”
The assistant’s shoulders drooped. “Oh, that’s ashame.”
“When the show airs, you’ll be happy with your interview. You did agreatjob.”
“You made it easy.” Ellen headed toward the door. “Have a greatnight.”
Alone in Crockett’s office, Alexandra removed the tux and laid it and the white dress shirt over his sofa, along with the bow tie. She set his cufflinks and mask on his desk and placed his shoes on the floor. Eager to get to the club, she jotted a note and left it on hisdesk.
Can’t wait to seeyou.
Alex
That’s a little cold.She added a heart beside her name. It was almost six o’clock and she hoped her butterflies would settle down once she found Sage. She tied on her mask and hurriedout.
The underground garage at the Silver Towers building was filled with cars, so she parked on the side near the business elevators and made her way toward the private elevators in the far corner. Several other masked clubbers waited, also dressed in formal wear. When the doors slid open, everyone squeezedin.
Instead of being greeted by the usual sultry sounds of jazz, rave music blasted through the wall speakers. Members shoved her out of the elevator and barreled into the lounge. She wanted Crockett to know she’d arrived, so she checked in via a tablet. She turned and was greeted by a smiling server with a tray of flutes. She whisked off a glass and tossed back a sip of the crisp champagne.I’ll never find Sage in thiscrowd.
The elevator delivered another boisterous group and she hoped her handsome man was among them. But he wasn’t and her heart dipped.Where ishe?
Francois, sporting a slick toupee, greeted guests like a politician running for reelection. “Good evening, Ms. Electra.” His French accent sounded rusty. “Welcomeback.”
“You’ve got a fresh, new look.” Her sweet southern accent rolled off her tongue. “Trèsbeau.”
His cheeks flushed. “Merci.”
“This is quite aparty.”
“Glad you approve. Enjoy your evening.” With a staged smile, he movedon.
Eager to find Sage, she walked down the hallway. As she passed the alcove, she slowed, hoping Sage would burst out the door marked, “Private”, but she didn’t. Alexandra walked the entire floor with no luck. Coming full circle, she entered the lounge. Members were sandwiched into the bar, but she found a vacant table near the arched doorway and slipped into achair.
Jase, wearing a tuxedo, sauntered in, scanned the room, and returned to the busy hallway to greet incomingguests.
Wendy bustled past. “Be right back, Electra,” she called as she whizzedby.
Alexandra checked her phone for a text from Crockett, but there was nothing. Again, she scoured the crowd forSage.
“Good evening and welcome to the insanity…er, I mean, Incognito,” Wendysaid.
Alexandra laughed. “Pretty crazytonight.”
“If Mr. Jase intended to recruit new members, this evening is awhoppingsuccess. Anotherchampagne?”
“I’d love one,” she said. “My friend, Huntah, should be here any minute, so I’ll taketwo.”
“Sure thing. Can I bring you a shrimp cocktail or exotic cheese and fruitplatter?”
“I’ll wait until Huntah arrives to orderfood.”
