empty seat in the entire ballroom. I guess I can pull in another table to start . . .” Her voiced faded.
“First, Rhett would never let you be fired over something like this,” Scarlett assured the assistant. “Second, I volunteer to move. It’s only me tonight.”
Surprise filled Sarah’s face. “Chaz couldn’t make it?”
“Chaz and I gave up the ghost a few hours ago.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Scarlett.”
“I’m not. I can do better than Chaz. Besides, it solves your problem. Take our two seats for Gallagher and his plus-one and don’t worry about adding another table and shuffling someone to sit with me. I don’t need to eat. I can stand in the back. The casino party always has appetizers circulating and plenty of drinks. I’ll nibble when it begins.”
Relief washed over Sarah. “You won’t have to do that, Scarlett. Wynn Gallagher isn’t bringing anyone with him. I’ll park him in Chaz’s spot. You can sit and make nice with him. Flirt a little. He’s one of the foundation’s biggest donors the past few years.”
“Really? Interesting. I’ll be sure he’s taken care of. Any other crisis to deal with?”
“Thankfully, no, though I do want to check on those vegetarian dinners.” Sarah hugged Scarlett. “You are a life saver.” She hurried off.
“What fire is Sarah running to put out now?”
Scarlett turned and saw Rhett, looking every bit Hollywood’s biggest star in his custom Armani tuxedo. She hugged him tightly, proud to be his sister.
“A little seating snafu but it’s been taken care of,” she said vaguely.
His eyebrow shot up. “Sarah has seating down. I know because I okayed it over a week ago.”
Scarlett linked her arm with his and began moving around the room. “Miranda threw a last minute curveball. Seems none other than Wynn Gallagher decided to show up tonight and he didn’t have a seat. Oh, he wanted to sit at your table, by the way. Or not come at all.”
“Wynn Gallagher? He’s been a steady contributor for several years. I’ve never met him but I’ve wanted to.”
“Why? So you can talk him into letting you and Kyle on the set of a Carbon Man movie?”
Rhett chuckled. “Maybe. Actually, Cadence is just as big a fan as Kyle. Personally, I preferred Gallagher’s work from that medical show he did on ABC. He won an Emmy for that.”
“Two,” she corrected. “And he should’ve gotten one for the legal show he did. I wonder why he decided to attend tonight.”
“No idea,” Rhett said. “He’s a real lone wolf, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing in Hollywood. Staying out of the fray adds a little mystery to an actor, which can add longevity to a career. Where’s Chaz?”
“Gone. For good,” Scarlett declared.
Rhett’s smile revealed his true feelings about the lawyer to Scarlett for the first time. “I’m glad. He wasn’t for you.”
“Why do you say that?” she asked, curiosity filling her.
Rhett stopped and faced her. “Because I only want the best for my baby sister. I have a feeling you’ve hit a point where you want more out of life than strictly having a career, no matter how fulfilling it is. Chaz seemed a little too self-absorbed for you. You need a man who’s your equal and will treat you that way. Someone who’ll make a great partner, friend, and lover.”
“When did you get so wise?” she asked. “I’ve only realized it myself. I do love what I do but my heart wants a family. Love.” She paused. “My biological clock started pounding in my head recently. If I’m not fortunate to find love quickly like Keely or London, I may try to go it as a single mom. Would you be okay with that?”
He wrapped his arms around her. “I’m good with whatever you do. You know Cassie and I will support you in any choice you make.”
Scarlett pulled away and grinned. “Even babysitting?”
Rhett laughed. “Especially babysitting. Cassie would’ve had a dozen babies if she could have. Unfortunately, her insides didn’t cooperate. Still, we’re blessed with our two.” He brushed her hair from her cheek. “You will make a fantastic mom, with or without a man, but let me think about it. Between all our friends, maybe we can set you up with someone.”
“No blind dates for me, big brother,” Scarlett proclaimed. “I’ll either find a guy on my own or pick a sperm donor from some glossy catalog. Right now, I’m thinking smart, a little smart assed, and athletic.”
Rhett laughed. “Who knows? Maybe Wynn Gallagher is meant to be your plus-one in