Begin Again - Jennifer Probst Page 0,22
enough. Right now, I’m grateful I get to spend another evening in your company. Even better, I get to watch you in action.”
They drove into Tribeca, pulled up to the valet, and she exited the car to a sea of flashbulbs. Damn, she’d hoped this was small enough not to warrant press, but it seemed they knew she’d attend. The pack descended, throwing questions out as she tried to move slowly, keeping her smile bright and not looking forced.
“Chloe—what’s your take on the governor’s decision to cut the budget for educational expenditures?”
“Chloe—why weren’t you involved in the protests for Green Farms? Several people were arrested—did you disagree with their stance on humane treatment for farm animals?”
“Chloe—what designer are you wearing tonight?”
“Chloe—are you still seeing Drew Dinkle? Is this your new date?”
The questions peppered like bullets, but she paused briefly, looking into the cameras with practiced poise. “I think you’d find the governor’s position on education has always been supportive. He’s not cutting the budget, he’s moving more to online resources to be able to serve the schools in a changing environment. Advocates for Animals has a long-standing commitment to the ethical treatment of farm animals and has already filed suit against Green Farms.” She smiled, tilting her head slightly toward the camera. “And I’m wearing one of my favorite designers, à la Marshalls, off the rack. Now if you’ll excuse me.”
She pivoted on her red heel and entered the doors, while the reporters kept calling out questions.
“Is it always like that?” he asked, his hand cupping her elbow as they climbed the carpeted staircase to the main dining room.
“Usually. It got worse after that awful magazine came out, naming me the Bachelorette of NYC. Ugh, who would’ve thought so many people read that trash?”
He cut her an admiring glance. “No man needs to read an article to know you’re the catch of the century, babe. I think it’s more than a miracle you’re still single.”
“What could be bigger than a miracle?” she quipped, moving toward the Tribeca Rooftop, where the gala was held.
They stepped out of the elevator and toward the table registering guests and checking invites. He stood close, and his fingers brushed hers, eliciting a tingle that shot through her whole body. “Fate. You were fated for me.”
She didn’t have time to respond. Chloe recited their names, and they were greeted with genuine warmth and led out to the magnificent terrace. Low, comfortable couches filled the space, along with a full bar and tables displaying arrays of cocktail foods. The beautifully dressed crowd mingled in various groups, and a large screen flashed pictures of the animals Sidewalk Foundation had helped, with dozens of local rescues covering upstate and the city of New York. It was a perfect evening for an outdoor party—the air warm but not too muggy, the sky a velvet ribbon dotted with star studs, and the brilliant city skyline sprawled before them in all its glory.
Owen caught his breath, his gaze sweeping over the city. Pride etched his face, as if he relished the feeling of being a native New Yorker and bearing witness to the grit, grime, and beauty of one of the most powerful cities in the world. It was an emotion Chloe recognized well. It was the reason her father pursued politics with a natural zeal; the purpose of why she wanted to make it a better a place for the animals who lived here. Realizing Owen held the same type of passion for the state he’d grown up in touched her. He belonged to this world, too.
And for Chloe, it was an important element she’d always wanted in a partner.
“I’ve missed this,” Owen murmured, a smile curving his lips. “I knew early on I’d never be a surfer or a true Californian. I enjoyed my time for what it was, but this is where I need to be.”
“Me, too. I’d planned to settle closer to the Bishop farm in the Hudson Valley, but I kept being pulled to work in the city. It seemed to call to me—there just aren’t enough shelters with the amount of abuse and neglect cases increasing. Plus, we initiated a new program to increase fosters.”
“I agree. It was another reason the Animal Defense Fund agreed to my transfer. They’re hoping to get some new laws in effect to strengthen penalties—especially pit bull and cock fighting rings.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s wonderful news. We could use all the legal help we can get. Vivian is always understaffed.”
“Another good