Rory (Hope City #7) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,83

bars and pubs were popping up everywhere. There was always a lot of Irish in the police and fire departments, and they loved coming to this place. He put his heart and soul into the Celtic Cock, handing it over to my dad who, in turn, handed the reins to me and Maeve. Other than a few fights that are easily broken up, we’ve never had something like that happen here. At least not that we knew of.” He held Rory’s gaze, his jaw tight again. “Thank God for Sandy recognizing what happened to that woman.”

Rory’s gut clenched at the secret knowledge of why Sandy was so quick to understand but simply nodded instead. Sliding off the barstool, he rapped his knuckles on the wood before saying goodbye.

25

It was time. Finally. The night of the Partridge Tower grand opening gala. A time for Carmichael Designs to show off their work as well as attract other clients. Sandy walked across the lobby of Partridge Tower, her stiletto heels clicking on the tile floor that had been buffed to a brilliant shine. She caught her reflection in the wall of mirrors behind the reception desk, pleased with her outfit. The jewel-tone blue dress was fitted through the bodice, the V-neck flattering but high enough to show no cleavage. A satin ribbon in the same color was belted around her waist. And the multilayered silk skirt flowed to just above her knees. Elegant and yet professional. Her long hair was pulled into a low bun with wavy tendrils loose around her face. Small diamond studs graced her ears and her grandmother’s thin diamond bracelet encircled her wrist.

Having arrived early, she walked through the lobby and noted the caterers setting up their tables and servers being prepped. She waved at the interior designer who worked on the condos and nodded toward Heather who was commandeering the new reception staff that she had trained.

Hearing more steps behind her, she turned and smiled as Todd and Barbara walked into the lobby. Todd, resplendent in his tux, had his elbow crooked with Barbara’s hand resting lightly on his arm. Her modest black dress was perfect for the image Sandy wanted her company to present.

“Sandy, you’re gorgeous!” Barbara gushed. “I hate that Rory isn’t here with you.”

She shrugged, sliding the chain strap of her evening bag over her shoulder. “I know, but I’m going to be all over the place, and I hated for him to be here alone, not knowing anyone. He’s working a shift tonight anyway, so he would’ve had to have made shift-switch arrangements.”

“What about you?” Todd asked Barbara.

She wrinkled her nose while shaking her head. “I haven’t had time for a boyfriend!”

“Well, I always make time for my boyfriend,” Todd exclaimed before pursing his lips. “But I also told him to stay home since I was going to be working tonight.”

“How’d he take that?” Sandy asked.

He lifted a perfectly arched brow. “He said as long as I was working and not working the room, he was fine!” As the three laughed, their attention was snagged by several others coming in to oversee some of the night’s events before the guests arrived.

“I can’t believe the night is finally here,” Todd said. “I know the Partridges started on this building long before we were hired to work on the interior, but the last few months have been such a thrill.”

“I hope we meet some potential new clients tonight,” Barbara added, her smile wide.

“I’m sure we will. The Partridges have invited many of the upper echelons of Hope City. I know Anthony would like to finish selling the condos and leasing the office spaces.” Looking around, she added, “Barbara, you take the first floor and just make sure everything’s the way we left it yesterday. Todd, you take the third-floor office model, and I’ll hit the one on the eighth floor.”

With nods of agreement, Barbara headed to the far side of the lobby toward the first-floor model office they had ready for the gathering, and she and Todd stepped into the elevator. He alighted on the third floor, then turned and put his hand on the door to stop it from closing. She looked up and cocked her head to the side.

“I always think there should be a perfect time to say great things.” Chuckling, he shrugged and held her gaze. “But I find in life that if I’m always waiting for the right moment, it sometimes passes by, and I don’t say what I should. So,