planner, I needed to be in attendance, but the rule of thumb was not to stick out like a sore thumb. A lot of clients wanted their guests to have the impression they planned the whole thing. If I was standing in the corner, directing traffic, and wearing an earpiece while looking like a drill sergeant, that would not work.
We wanted to blend in. The client knew who we were. The caterers, the musicians, and all the hired help knew who we were. That was all that mattered. I flipped through my closet, trying to decide what to wear. I didn’t want to stick out, which automatically eliminated the full-length gowns.
My color wheel included lots of blacks and blues. The blue made my eyes pop. Black was just my thing. I had a couple pastels but nothing red. Red was a no-no. Red screamed siren. Sirens upstaged party hosts. I went with the black, beaded gown that fell just above the knees. It had a halter-style neckline, which meant I didn’t need to worry about the girls on my chest spilling out. No wardrobe malfunctions for me.
With my outfit picked out, it was time to make myself something to eat before digging into all the tiny little details that could make or break the party.
Chapter 5
Xander
The car pulled to a stop in front of the hotel. I could see Charlie pacing in front of the building. He was irritated. Pissed, judging by the flurry of texts he’d sent over the last twenty minutes. I was late. I could admit I nearly backed out. I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of going to the stupid party. The only reason I was going was because of Charlie.
I got out of the car, buttoning the suit as I moved toward him.
“It’s about fucking time,” he said. “You need a better watch.”
“I don’t need a better watch.”
“You are late.”
“I know. See? My watch works fine.”
He growled. “Why didn’t you text me back?”
“Because I knew what you would say. I was on my way.”
He shook his head, clearly still pissed. “Can we go in? I need a damn drink.”
“You could have gone in,” I told him.
“No, I couldn’t. You are the one invited. I’m the plus one.”
I nodded and moved to open the door. I gestured for him to go inside. “Let’s get a drink.”
“I’m going to get a drink. And some damn good food.”
“I’ll go in. I’ll get you settled. Then, I’m probably going to bail.”
He stopped walking. “Xander, it cannot be that bad.”
“It can be,” I told him. “I really don’t like this kind of thing.”
“Tell me one thing that you hate,” he said.
I shrugged. “People.”
“You don’t hate people.”
“I don’t mingle. I don’t like networking. I’m uncomfortable talking to strangers.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “You put on this air that makes you seem invincible. You don’t appear shy or uncomfortable. You come across as aloof, like you know you are good and you don’t give a shit.”
I grinned. “That last part is probably true. I don’t try to be a dick.”
“I didn’t say you were a dick. I’m saying loosen up. I think you might actually have fun if you let yourself.”
I sighed. “I’m going in. I’m getting a drink and we’ll see how things go.”
“Fine,” he said with exasperation. “I’m going to look into putting you in therapy.”
I laughed, knowing it would never happen. I gave my name to the man standing guard at the door. He looked at Charlie, waiting for his name. “I’m with him,” Charlie said with a wink.
The man nodded and opened the door. I didn’t care that he thought we were a couple. The room had lots of twinkling lights with a slow strobe moving like a lighthouse. The music was a typical cover band playing the usual Top Forty hits. People moved around the room, carrying glasses as they talked in groups. I was immediately looking for a quiet corner that was out of the way.
Charlie grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter before snatching a few crab cakes from another tray. Champagne wasn’t my thing. “I’m going to the bar,” I told him.
“Don’t leave,” he warned.
It took him about three seconds to find a beautiful woman to talk to. I ordered a scotch from the bar and was about to recede to my chosen corner when I was stopped. “Xander,” a very large man said with a great deal of enthusiasm.