Page 2 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

“Touché. Do you have time to go back to the hotel to change?”

Natalie scanned the busy street in front of the pub, mind whirring. Going back to swap footwear meant two more rideshare charges (there and back again, which she hadn’t budgeted for). Emma would be arriving any minute, and to make her best workmate (now former workmate) wait would be rude, especially when Em had worked hard to find a sitter after her regular had bailed on her earlier in the day.

“I’m already here and Emma should be rolling up any–.”

Natalie’s phone pinged.

Emma: Have you left?

“Hey, Em’s texting me. I’m gonna put you on speaker. Hang on,” Natalie said as a second text arrived.

Emma: Little George is sick. He’s puked everywhere. Even on the cat. Can’t make it tonight. So sorry. Wanted to send you off with a bang :(

So much for best laid plans.

Natalie's shoulders and spirits dropped. Her colleagues at Flawless Events had thrown her an epic going away party, but she’d been saving her sentimental energy for one last night with Emma.

“Well, damn.” Natalie blew out a breath of disappointment.

“What’s wrong?” Kate asked.

“Emma’s out,” she said, typing back the only thing she could.

Natalie: Totally ok! Hug that sweet boy for me.

“What now?” Kate asked.

Natalie sighed. “Guess I’ll grab a quick drink while I’m here. One for the road, as they say.”

Kate went silent for a moment before she said, “Wow, Nat … the end of an era.”

“End of a dumpster fire wrapped in a train wreck, you mean,” Natalie corrected. “This city even took down my beloved boots.”

“Stop it.” Kate said with firmness. “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and you’re finishing strong after the whole terror ring clusterfuck.”

Natalie sat down on the edge of a large concrete planter box, her thoughts scrolling through eight years’ worth of London memories. A city in which she experienced the highest of highs (new business, new boyfriend) and the lowest of lows (failed business, bad breakup). An advanced degree in adulting, no matter how she sliced it. As her dad always said: You’re either winning or learning.

“You promised you’d stop calling it that. I’ve fought hard to be taken seriously again.”

“And you are, except by that one reviewer, William. Pretty sure he still hates you.”

Natalie snorted. “Thanks.”

“Which is why you should get in there and toast yourself on a comeback for the ages. I’m proud of you. Speaking of … Cookie said to tell you he knows someone in Chicago who⁠—”

Natalie cut her off. “No way. Cookie is very sweet to offer, but I have to do this myself.”

“I get it, but elites help elites by sharing contacts, Nat, so keep an open mind,” Kate encouraged. “Call me later if you want. And don’t forget to check-in with Pop tomorrow so he doesn’t panic.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you more. Now go have all the fun you can before your London meter runs out.”

Natalie laughed loud enough that it caught the attention of a couple entering the pub. They stared at her with judgmental eyes. She ignored them, turning her gaze back to the busy street.

“All the fun will be exactly one martini.”

“That’s what you think. You know how that mane of yours attracts attention everywhere you go? You’ll have ‘em lined up around the block to buy your drinks tonight. And you should let them.”