Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 157273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
“It’s a lot of followers,” she whispered, covering her phone defensively.
“It’s just an idea.” The hardwood squeaked beneath my feet as I stood, letting go of her hand. “But I can’t give you the luxury I had of retreating to bed. I need you to get ready for the reception while I shower and do the same, because we need to help our niece. Apologies are more than words, Eva, and I’m giving you one chance to fix what you broke, or I swear I’ll go no-contact on your ass. Do you understand?”
She nodded. “What do I have to do?”
I picked up the picture of us and sighed. “Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure it’s nothing you haven’t done before.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Allie
CassidyFairchilde1: They’re both incredible dancers. I hope they figure out their family issues.
“Have I told you how incredible you look tonight?” Hudson’s hand warmed my lower back through the thin green silk of my asymmetrical dress as we made our way through the packed marina. We needed to be on board in the next ten minutes, or we’d miss departure.
“Have I told you the same?” I glanced over at his suit, more than admiring how it hung on the broad lines of his shoulders.
“You guys are nauseating,” Eva remarked from behind us as we stepped onto the wooden pier.
“You nauseate me,” Gavin countered from her side. I’d figured two pieces of backup were better than one, and he’d agreed to tag along as Eva’s date.
Hudson shot his brother a warning look, and I concentrated on not catching my heels in the gaps between the boards of the pier. I spotted members of at least four different companies from around the US as we walked toward the slip with the yacht MBC had rented for the reception tonight.
“Alessandra!” someone called out, rushing at us off a boat to the right.
I clutched the manila envelope Anne had given me like my life depended on its contents, and shifted so Eva wouldn’t be hit head on by the energetic blonde. An eerie sense of recognition tickled the back of my brain.
“Hi!” She grinned and waved. “I’m Lila Morris from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Ballet. I was sent out to help judge the Classic, and just had to tell you that your performance was exceptional.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say.” I blinked at the name, and my throat tightened as it hit me. “You’re WestCoastPointe.”
“You’ve seen my content?” Her smile dazzled, only slipping when her gaze momentarily darted to Eva. “I just wanted to say that I think you’re one of the best of our generation, and I hope we get the chance to work together.”
“Funny, I could have sworn you said she was pretentious and haughty,” Eva said, straight faced, staring Lila down.
Gavin stifled a snort, and Lila flushed crimson as we walked away.
“That wasn’t nice,” I chided my sister.
“I know.” Eva shrugged as we reached the slip with the MBC logo and found the yacht’s engines already purring. “This must be us.”
“Holy fuck,” Gavin muttered. “Seventy footer?”
“I bet it’s over ninety,” Hudson responded. “You sure about this?” His hand moved to my waist.
“I’m never sure about anything.” My heart started pounding as we approached the ramp. “I usually leave that part to you.” The staff was too busy readying the boat for launch, so no one checked names, and we walked right onto the enormous party yacht and into the bustling gathering that started on the back deck by the small dinghy, and continued both inside and upstairs.
“Where do you think he is?” Hudson asked.
“Usually in a private room toward the bow.” I nodded toward the front of the boat and started moving.
Hudson wrapped his arm around my waist and tugged me out of the path of a group of kids racing through the crowd in ties and summer dresses, scurrying for the steps that led to the upper deck.
“Thanks.” I lifted my hand to my chest to calm my racing heart.
“You guys have kids on this thing?” Hudson asked as we moved forward into the cabin.
“Some attend the school,” I answered, nodding and smiling to colleagues as we passed by. “Most are the ones who placed in the top five or so in their category today.”
“Juniper came in seventeenth,” Gavin announced proudly.
“She did,” I agreed with a smile. Best text I’d gotten all day, considering I’d had to chase down Eva.
“Allie!” Everett stepped away from Michael and the group of soloists they’d been standing with at the bar. “Are you ready to celebrate? They’re pouring excellent martinis.” His face puckered when he saw Eva. “Guess they let anyone on.”
“Go easy on her,” I said. “She’s having a rough day.”
“As she deserves.” He offered Eva a sharp smile as the boat’s horn blew. “Ooh, we’re sailing.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “You know he’s waiting for you. Get that contract and come party.”