Get yourself together. It’s a freaking party.
The internal pep talk works and in the end, I settle on a skintight black dress. One can never go wrong in a little black dress. A pair of red Louboutin pumps that I borrowed from Olivia a while back and I’m all set. I pull my hair into a low, loose knot and allow a few tendrils to fall around my face. I want to look elegant yet sexy chic. Looking into the mirror as I put on the finishing touches of my makeup, I’m pleasantly surprised by how well I was able to throw myself together despite my nerves. With a quick peek at the clock, I see I’m finishing right on time to head out the door.
The whole way by taxi my leg bounces up and down. I feel like Cinderella must have felt being late to the ball, although I’m not late, and I’m certainly not losing a Louboutin tonight. My sister would kill me. Besides, there isn’t an available prince waiting to sweep me off my feet. This isn’t a fairy tale.
When I arrive, I give my name to the doorman. As I walk inside, a gasp escapes my mouth. The entire place has been transformed and I can hardly catch my breath. The amount of time and work that went into tonight has paid off in spades. This place is incredible. It’s straight out of a Hollywood movie. Great Gatsby, eat your heart out.
As I blink myself back to reality, a waiter walks by with a tray of champagne. He holds one out to me and I take it with gratitude. Lynn was right. It’s the sort of party where champagne will be in abundance. I take a sip and the bubbles pop down my throat. I spot Jared in a dark blue suit, grinning at me. He has a young, boyish charm I generally don’t go for, but I can’t deny he’s cute. With all of the uncertainty surrounding Grant and me, Jared might prove to be a very nice distraction.
“Hi, Jared. The place looks incredible.” I beam.
He looks around and grins as if he were the one responsible for the whole thing. Which, as an intern, he certainly couldn’t have been. I know he helped plan it, and the proud expression on his face gives him away. “It is. I’ve been looking forward to it ever since I joined the team.” He marvels at the handiwork of the party planners. “I knew it would be nice, but I never dreamed it would be quite so amazing.”
“It really is amazing, Jared. Grant will be so thrilled.”
Jared’s brow rises at my use of Grant’s first name. Around here nobody else would dare. I should be more careful. I intend on correcting myself, but Jared lets it go. “I’m happy they let me help pull it together. So, how’s work going with Mr. Lancaster?”
“It’s certainly interesting, I’ll say that. He’s tough, and I’m constantly feeling as if I’m going to fuck up big time. But at the same time, I’ve learned so much from him. It’s truly been a great experience.”
“He’s a hardass. I’ve heard it from everyone, so don’t let it get to you. I’m sure you’re doing great.”
I shrug. “Yeah, I guess.”
“You have to be, or he would’ve sacked you already. Lancaster isn’t known for charity with employees. He fired several before you came along, so I’d take it as the highest form of a compliment from him that you’re still here.”
“Well, thanks for that,” I say dryly. Just how many did he have? And why did he fire them? My mind runs wild with possibilities, and some are not fun to consider. Was there any other assistant he was . . . close to?
“Here, let me get you another glass,” he offers as he picks up another glass of champagne for me off a passing tray. I quickly down my drink and take the new one.
“He stresses you out that much, eh?” He winks, and I return it with a coy smile.
“Sorry. I should probably sip a little slower.” I chuckle awkwardly.
“No need to ever be embarrassed when it comes to overindulgence in alcohol. I can easily match your game,” he says and downs his glass.
I chuckle. “Impressive.”
I finish my third glass while Jared tells me all the dirt he knows about the hotel. I wait for him to tell me something about Grant, but he never does. Instead, he lifts his chin to someone he knows across the room.
“Ah, I’m sorry to do this to you mid-conversation, but I need to go say hello to someone. I hope you don’t mind. I’ll be back a bit later.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll mingle.” I wave him off with a smile.
The second he’s out of sight, the lavishness of The L hits me in full effect. The place is extraordinary. I take a few more minutes to marvel at the detail. Strings of crystals hang from the ceiling, catching the light from the chandeliers. Large vases pepper the room, overflowing with flowers I can’t even name. They are beautiful.
My eyes catch Jared, and I watch as he blatantly flirts with the woman he practically mowed over seconds ago. It’s clear from here that he likes her and I can understand why. She’s gorgeous. Tall and slender, long red hair flowing to mid-back. She looks like a classy version of Jessica Rabbit, and Jared is practically drooling. I’m a bit far, but he really looks like a lovesick puppy.
As if the girl can hear my thinking about her, she turns to face me and from the first time since this whole exchange has started I notice who the girl is. My mouth drops and she must see the shock on my face because her mouth parts into a large smile. The beautiful bombshell is Paige, and it’s obvious I’m not the only person to notice the amazing transformation Paige has made. Jared is enthralled.
A small pang hits my chest. It’s not as though I want to date Jared, but I envy the two of them as it’s clear the feelings are mutual. When will I find someone? More importantly, when will I find someone who is available? Ugh.
As if my night couldn’t be any more depressing, in walks Grant, and on his arm is none other than his wife, Chelsea. If the pang from moments ago was distressing, this feels like being plowed over by a dump truck. Just the other day I was in his arms. I could feel how much he wanted me. Herein lies the issue with my working conditions. I never know where I stand with Grant, but in the end, it doesn’t matter. He’s married and has a child.
The thoughts running through my head threaten to unravel me. Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes and bile is making its way up the back of my throat. I can’t be here. This isn’t professional, and I’m a goddamn professional if nothing else.
I spy a quick exit, and without a second thought, dart toward it. I find myself in a secluded hallway, relieved that I’ve escaped unseen. Marching forward, I search for an exit but I never make it. Someone grabs me from behind, pulling me through a doorway and into a pitch-black room. I whirl around, but the room is so dark I can’t tell who’s kidnapped me.
“What’s wrong?” Grant’s voice rings out and I gasp.
“N-nothing. I-I just needed air,” I lie.
“Bullshit, Bridget. You’re upset. I could tell from across the room.”