Charity Case - The Complete Series - Piper Rayne Page 0,223

into the room.

“We had an event here last night. A charity for the zoo, so I asked that they keep the set up until this evening so you could visualize the space.”

Chelsea and Victoria walk in under the permanent structure that appears more like a giant tent than a building. They eye the large crystal chandelier in the center with fabric draped around it, their eyes wide.

“I attended a wedding here a few years back, so I know what a terrific space it is,” I say.

Sonya conducts what I expect is a well-rehearsed speech about the views, how many people the room can hold, and the built-in speaker system throughout. Then she goes through whether we’d want buffet or sit down, open or paid bar and how many different appetizers we’d prefer.

As she rounds the exit to an outside area that faces the lake, she misspeaks again. “Roar—Mr. Baldwin thought the outside would be nice in September. However, we do have heaters we can bring out if it ends up being a chilly weekend.”

“How exactly do you know Mr. Baldwin?” Chelsea asks.

I shoot her a look to say don’t ask questions.

“Oh, well,” Sonya stammers.

“Please, it’s none of our business.” I step outside onto the patio where tall bar height tables are set up, covered in black and gold linens.

“Too bad Navy Pier won’t be doing the fireworks in September. Then again that might be why we were able to fit you in.” Sonya smiles at me, and we both look out to the long entertainment Pier that juts out of Chicago’s shoreline.

“If I’d known this was the location I’d be holding it at, I would’ve planned for it to be earlier.”

“Then maybe you should change the date,” a deep voice from behind us interrupts our conversation.

I recognize it and I’m wondering immediately why my friends and co-workers didn’t warn me before he came up from behind me.

“Sonya,” he says, his arm winding behind her back and kissing her cheek.

“I didn’t know you’d be joining us.” Sonya seems shocked to see him and displays a nervousness she didn’t have before.

“Court got out early.” He sets his gaze on me. “Lucky day I guess.”

“You’d think you’d be exhausted from screwing people over.”

He steps away from Sonya and closer to me, leaning in. “Nah, I never get tired of screwing, Hannah.” He purposely uses my name almost as a way of punishing me for my outspoken comment.

“How do you two know one another?” Sonya asks, her finger waving between us.

“I represented her ex-husband.” Roarke stuffs his hands into his pockets and rocks back on his heels.

“That’s interesting. Is pulling strings for the venue an apology for screwing you over?” Sonya asks, humor laced in her voice.

“Oh, Mr. Baldwin wouldn’t—”

“Roarke,” he corrects me.

I side glance him. “Roarke,” I say his name with bitterness in my tone. “Wouldn’t do it for nothing. He demanded five favors in exchange.”

Her jaw slackens. “You didn’t?”

The way she’s so willing to question him makes me think they must have a close relationship.

“You know I have a black heart.” For some reason, he says this with some humor.

Sonya laughs like that’s the most absurd thought.

“Mr. Baldwin, so nice of you to get us this venue,” Chelsea says as she and Victoria join us on the patio.

“Chelsea, right?” he asks, extending his hand.

“Yes. Chelsea Walsh.”

He shakes her hand and then shifts his attention to Victoria. “Victoria?”

“You’re good with names,” she smiles, shaking his hand.

“I think I’ve seen you with your boyfriend. Reed Warner, right?”

A huge smile splits Victoria’s face. “Yes, how do you know him?”

“I run into him now and again at the courthouse. I think he lives out of his office.” Roarke laughs as does Victoria.

“I try to steal him away as much as I can.”

“Must be working because I haven’t seen him in a while.”

Victoria smiles up at him and I can tell he’s won her over. She’s too easy.

Chelsea digs around her purse, pulling out a bag of chips. Victoria elbows her.

“What? I’m eating for two here.” She opens it, having no shame and chomping down on a chip.

“You’re pregnant?” Sonya asks Chelsea. “I never would’ve never guessed. You look great.”

“She’s not too far along,” Victoria interjects. “Though she’ll probably be one of those belly-only women you can’t tell are pregnant from behind.”

“Oh I hated those women,” Sonya says and I whip my head in her direction.

“You’re a mother?” I ask.

She seems way too young.

She nods, her gaze veering over to Roarke for a beat. What am I