Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Dump the company and sell it for half of what it’s worth so he loses his fucking shirt,” I growl.
“Isn’t that going to bring you down bad?” Jeff asks.
“No, we’re not going to lose any sleep,” Achilles says.
“Must be nice,” Jeff mutters.
“Back to the ball. It might be a good idea,” Zoe says.
I frown. “Come, walk with me. I’ll hear you out.”
Zoe and I leave my office and walk through the house. The kids are in the living room watching TV. Once I’m done with all of this, I plan to join them for the day.
I walk out into the backyard and stand by the pool with Zoe. I turn to her and lift my head. She smiles and crosses her hands in front of her.
“Hear me out. It’s a masquerade ball. He’s throwing the event for the Jennings. You’ll be surrounded by friends if you attend. In addition, this will be a room full of eligible women. Your clock is ticking.”
I think her words over. Skittles and Pit will probably attend because of the governor-elect. I’m sure Zoe and Blake will make an appearance. Jeff sounds like he’s interested in being in the room.
I pause in thought. “Does that mean Monia Norris will be there?”
“Of course, she’s looking like a shoo-in as senator. This is an informal congratulations to them both. Marvin and Monica.”
“I’ll go.”
Zoe lifts a brow. “What did I just miss?”
“I won’t need to meet anyone. I’ve found someone and she’ll be with the guests of honor.”
Her brows knit in thought. I smile and wait. She then widens her eyes in realization.
“The councilwoman’s daughter?”
I bite my lip and nod. “It’s her or nothing. I’m not allowing her in that man’s presence without me.”
“Careful, Joshua. If he knows who she is and he does know about the deal, this is risky.”
“I’d fucking kill him.”
“And lose it all for sure.”
“If something happened to her, it would all be for nothing anyway.”
“Now I want to meet her.”
“Good, I have a favor to ask.”
Chapter 43
A Little Help
Shawna
“Mom, I said I’ll be there. I’m getting ready to head out now.”
“Shawna, I haven’t seen you in weeks. Do you even have a mask or gown?”
“Mom, I have a ton of gowns in my closet. I’ll come up with something for the mask.”
“What’s going on with you, Shawna? I’ve been by your place several times and you’re never home. Your mailbox is full. It looks like you haven’t been there in at least a week.”
“Mommy, I’m away taking some me time. I promise I’ll be there tonight. If you let me off the phone, I’ll be able to be there with my hair and makeup done,” I huff.
“Fine, your father and I will talk to you tonight.”
I roll my eyes. How did I ever get away from her when I was dating Danny? The woman is impossible.
I shake my head as I end the call and grab my bag. I’m going to miss this place, but I don’t think I can hide here much longer. It’s time I face life again. Enough moping.
I open the door to wait outside for my ride. When I look up there’s a beautiful woman standing there with her hand lifted toward the bell. I think I know her from somewhere.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Hello, you must be Shawna. I’m Zoe Gataki. Joshua asked me to come and help you get ready for your date tonight.”
I haven’t seen Joshua in a week. We talked and texted, but we didn’t talk about a date. I have no idea what she’s talking about.
“I’m sorry. I can’t go on a date tonight. I’ll be at the masquerade ball in Bridge Lake. My mother is being honored.”
“I know about the ball, love. Joshua would like you to be his plus-one.”
“Oh,” I say as my cheeks heat.
“Come along. I have a team waiting for us. You’re going to make an exquisite date. He was right. You are tall and beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
My face is flaming now. I bite my lip and step out to lock up and follow her. My mind goes to Ven. I’m not sure how she will feel about me dating her friend.
We climb into the back of the car and settle into the seats. I stare into my lap, trying to figure out what this is all about. I decide to pull out my phone and text Joshua to ask.
Me: Hey. Um, a date?
Josh: Ah, she has arrived.
Josh: Yes. A date. We’ll see how well you know me.
Josh: Find me if you can.
I can’t help but smile. This is kind of romantic. I was dreading this event until now.
“Tell me more about yourself, Shawna,” Zoe says beside me.
* * *
I look in the mirror and don’t recognize myself. The woman staring back at me is breathtaking. I would never have picked this dress or thought to do this with my hair.