“Yep. Because he’s the firstborn son,” I explain to her and tell her the plan Christopher and his siblings have devised to keep the business afloat, and she’s shocked.
“No wonder that boy is always so well-dressed. No joke, it explains a lot.” She looks around the coffee shop. “So, when are the girls supposed to get here?” Ellie looks at the time on her cell phone and bounces in her chair. “I’m so excited for you. I can’t wait to see what wedding dress you choose.”
Once we have our coffees, we walk the block and a half to the dress shop that CeCe’s personal shopper recommended.
The girls are asked to take a seat surrounding a round stage with mirrors, and I am supposed to stand on the riser so I can see almost all angles of anything I try on.
The fitter takes both my arms, opens them wide, and turns me around. “I have some suggestions for you in the dressing room.”
She follows me into the dressing room—so much for privacy. Hanging are four beautiful dresses.
She helps me into the first dress. It’s an A-line that is sleeveless with a natural waist and beautiful lace. I admire the dress from all angles.
“The train is buttoned up, but once you step on the stage, I’ll unbutton it for you to see.”
She follows me out, and the girls all stop midsentence.
“You look beautiful.”
“Stunning.”
The fitter unbuttons the train and positions it. She then points out the satin ribbon at the waist. “That can be changed to a different color for your reception.”
I turn in a complete circle, admiring the dress. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper.
She gathers the train and follows me to the dressing room where I put the second dress on. It’s a traditional ballgown—strapless with a dropped beaded waist and backless.
I walk out to the stage. The fitter fluffs the skirt a bit, and I feel like a giant puff.
“I like the first one better of the two,” Ellie announces.
Everyone seems to agree.
I return to the dressing room and try on the sheath dress. It’s a little tight across my hips. The fitter whispers to me, “Don’t let that discourage you. Any dress you pick would be customized to your body. You have a perfect hourglass figure with narrow waist, a nice bust, and great hips.”
We walk out and again she undoes the train. It’s quite lovely in a cream. The front scoop neckline really makes my breasts look rather big.
“I’m not crazy about the feathers,” CeCe announces.
“But the dress design will leave every man in the room with a raging hard-on,” Ellie declares, and the room breaks out in laughter.
“One more dress,” I announce.
I walk back and try on the mermaid dress. I hate it immediately. Not only is it really tight at the knees, but once it opens up, the ruffles are huge. The fitter says, “Not my favorite dress, but it’s very popular.”
“Do you happen to have any short dresses?”
“I do. They’re great for receptions.”
“That sounds perfect.”
I walk out in the mermaid dress and show it to the girls. It is a quick and unanimous “No way!”
The fitter pulls another dress for me to try on.
Once I see it, I don’t even have to try it on. I know it is perfect. “How did you know?”
“Try it on first.”
It is a white lace dress that stops above my knees. It’s a sheath with a natural waistline, and the crystal beading is subtle and everything I’ve ever wanted.
I don’t care if the girls like it, I’m getting it. Plus, compared to ten thousand dollars for the other dresses, this one is only two thousand. Still more than I want to spend on a dress, but I really feel like I can wear this dress again.
As I walk out to the stage, the girls all admire the dress.
“Wow! That dress was made for you,” CeCe admires.
“You look beautiful,” Emerson says with awe.
“It’s totally you,” Ellie fawns.
“Perfect for a reception.” Greer nods her approval.
“I think we need to head to lunch,” I announce.
Emerson replies, “Good because I have a reservation over at Laurel Court in the Fairmont for high tea in an hour.”
“So very girly. I love it,” I announce.
Lunch is perfect. We have a nice afternoon, and we spend a lot of time talking about CeCe’s latest boy toy.
“You mean he’s a real prince?” Ellie asks.
“Yes, but his brother is the king and has three kids, so he’s fairly far down the food chain as far as succession goes. He lives here in San Francisco and went to a boarding school back east for high school and then to Princeton.”
“Have you met his family?” Emerson asks.
“We flew back last month. I have to admit, he is fun, but he doesn’t really work, so I’m not sure how long I’ll keep his interest.”
“Well, given you work hard, that could be a problem.”
“He may not be the one. I’ll find the right man eventually,” CeCe declares.
“I have to ask, after Vance Johnson took the guys hostage, I saw you go running into Mason’s arms. What was that about?” I ask.
Everyone looks at each other as if I pooped on their corn flakes and asked them to eat a big spoonful.
“Mason and I have a great friendship. We’ve been friends for ages. He lives with Annabelle, and I suspect they’re going to get married here soon—maybe even before you.”
“I’m sorry. It’s none of my business, but you two just seem to fit so well together.”
“I think we’re better friends.”
I can’t help but think I see a bit of hurt in her eyes. I’m sure she likes Mason, but he’s all caught up with Annabelle. What a fool.
Chapter twenty-seven
Christopher
SHN plans an annual party for our clients and staff. We played with the idea of doing it on a cruise ship this year, but Greer reminded us about a difficult client and asked, “Where are you going to go if he gets his hooks into you for a whole weekend?”
So when CeCe and I realized we have a friend in common and he’s opening a casino in Las Vegas on the strip, the party was moved to accommodate the opening of the casino. He even went so far as to do the soft opening with our company and clients. We’ve booked over one thousand rooms, and Jonathan, the owner, is using the party as a chance for his teams to practice and work out some of their kinks before they open all three thousand rooms.
On the ride to the hotel, I kiss Bella on the forehead and asks, “Are you sure you don’t want to plan a big church wedding?”
“No, I like the idea of a surprise elopement.”
When we arrive, and Jonathan is waiting for us. “Christopher, so great to see you. Welcome to the Shangri-la Hotel.”
“I’m incredibly impressed. It looks amazing,” I enthusiastically tell him.
“I agree. Thank you for allowing us to reserve so many rooms,” Bella adds.
“It wasn’t even a third of our rooms, so it’s perfect to launch.” Jonathan leans in and whispers, “Plus, to host all of the top entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley is huge. It’s you that I owe.”
“I know everyone will have a great time, and I believe our PR person did a pitch to the San Jose and San Francisco newspapers, so you may even get a little bit of publicity out of this for a while.”
“Thanks, man. We’ve run ads in all the travel mags and major travel sections. I’m feeling pretty good about us.”
“Everything is still pretty much under wraps for the party tomorrow night?”
“Your party planner is amazing. I tried to steal her away and hire her to come work for me full-time, but she turned me down flat.”
“Tina is top notch, but I think we have something you don’t,” Bella shares.
“What is that? Maybe I can find it here in Vegas. Everything is here,” Jonathan plots.
“Well, that’s hard. We ha
ve her sister working for SHN, and all of her family is in the Bay Area,” I tell him.
He closes his eyes and looks to the ceiling. “You’re right, I don’t have anything even close to that.”
Tina walks up and gives Bella a big hug. “I’m all ready for tomorrow night.”
As Emerson walks over, I whisper, “Great.”
“Tina, I love the gift bags you are giving to all our attendees,” Emerson gushes.
“Thank you. Have you met Jonathan Best? He’s the owner of Shangri-la.”
She lights up. “No! Thank you so much for allowing us to have our annual party here. I heard that the airport had no more room for private plane parking, so they were dropping people off and heading to airports close by.”
“I think that’s a good problem to have. We should be ready. What’s first on your agenda?” Jonathan asks.
“We have a reception tonight, and several acts from Cirque are coming to perform. We’re expecting you,” Emerson tells him pointedly. “I would like to have you introduce the band tomorrow night.”
“Are you kidding, the biggest band in the world? I wouldn’t miss it. I’ve made sure to put them in a great suite, but Christopher here gets the best. I have to thank him for putting us on your radar.”
“He deserves it,” Emerson says warmly.
“What are the plans for during the day tomorrow?” Jonathan asks.
“We have a golf tournament. The person who can beat Emerson will get a big prize—but they don’t know that yet,” Tina shares.
“Are you that good?” Jonathan asks, turning to Emerson, causing her to blush.
“She’s that good,” I assure him.
“Tomorrow night is the big party,” Tina continues. “And the spa is pretty much booked out all weekend.”
“Speaking of,” Emerson says, “I need to steal Tina away, can you excuse us?”
We nod.
Turning to me, Jonathan asks, “Is Maggie coming?”
“Yep, and Stevie too. My folks were on the fence, so it’s a fifty-fifty shot they’ll be here.”
“You didn’t tell them why they needed to come?” Jonathan asks incredulously.
“I hinted pretty heavily, but you know them. Hazel and Richard will be here at least, and that’s all that I care about.”
The party with a famous DJ is a blast. I dance the night away. Ellie is still seeing Dave, and they only have only eyes for each other.
“I think Ellie and Dave may be next,” Bella elbows me and nods at them.
“I might know that you are correct, but I think he’s waiting until we marry to pop the question.”
“Good, then we know that will be happening soon.”
Looking over to CeCe and her prince, I see they are awfully snuggly together. “You know that guy’s actually a real prince, right?”
“Really? Where are his bodyguards?”
“If you look closely you’ll see them. They do a fantastic job of blending in.”
Cameron and Hadlee are sitting with a group of tech entrepreneurs. Cameron’s a rock star in this world, and they are hanging on his every word. Many of these guys were saved by his genius and would probably take a bullet for him.
Emerson is dancing with a group of girls I don’t recognize, but I think it’s her staff, while Dillon and Mason look on with Annabelle by his side. Annabelle catches my eye and gives me a thumbs-up. I smile so big. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.
This weekend is going to be a blast and, not to mention, full of surprises for almost everyone.
I head out at seven for our tee time. It’s hard to leave Bella sleeping soundly in our bed. With the busy day ahead, I won’t see her again until just before the party tonight. She has plans with Ellie at the spa today. Only Ellie and Dave are in on our secret—other than Tina and Jonathan.
My golf game leaves something to be desired. I’m completely distracted thinking about tonight’s celebration. I’m not even close to beating Emerson—not that I ever thought I had a chance. I was paired with three of our clients, and we tell terrible jokes and talk a lot of business.
“This is a brilliant idea for a company party,” my client, Henry Blackwood, says as he pops a beer in the golf cart, and we talk about his new venture.
“We host one a year, and each one gets better than the last,” I share.
“I’m not sure how you’ll ever be able to beat this. My girlfriend wants to move into our hotel room, it’s so plush and beautiful. We overlook the fountains and had a great view of the water and fireworks last night. She feels like she’s been transported to France.”
“Bella said something like that, too. Her plan today was to spend most of the day in the spa or the hotel bathroom.”
“This hotel is going to be a huge success.”
“I agree.”
After lunch, I meet up with Maggie, Stevie, Hazel, and Richard. “Did Mother and Father make it?”
“Mother made a lame excuse. I know Jonathan would have loved to see them.”
“Did you see Jonathan yet?”
Maggie blushes.
“He gave us a tour,” Stevie shares. “This place is amazing. He has over three thousand rooms, and they are getting a permanent show for Lady Queen. Apparently, she’s tired of traveling and wants to be with her kids.”
“He’s really done well for himself,” I say, looking at Maggie. I know she always had a thing for him, but our parents were more interested in Alex since his parents own a giant electronics box store.
“How’s Dad really doing?” I ask Maggie.
She shrugs. “They don’t really talk about it. He was excited you told them you’d return to take over the business. I made sure they knew that Bella talked you into it.”
“You do know that my plan is not to move back to Minnie, but between the three of us we’ll hire a new CEO. I spoke to Emerson from my team and she has some of her best recruiters doing some preliminary looking.”
“We can’t hire anyone now,” Stevie interjects.
“No way. I just want us to be able to move quickly when we do. I like the idea of a tech retailer CEO, possibly a founder of a smaller retail business. But I assure you, it will be a group decision.”
Maggie and Stevie are happy with that.
“What’s the big surprise tonight?”
“Well, we have the biggest band in the world doing a private show for us.” I look at them both, only sharing half the secret. “Don’t tell anyone though. We had Monkey Business last year and everyone went crazy.”
“Are they signing autographs?”
I nod and put my finger to my lips. “It’s a super secret or we’ll have the entire strip breaking down the doors of Jonathan’s new casino.”
“This is going to be so much fun. This is the band you and I went to in Madison Square Garden.”
I nod again. “You do realize you work for an amazing company. Your clients love you. We need to capture that for the stores.”
“We will.”
“I need to run. I need to get up to the room and get ready. They are letting me introduce Jonathan so I’ve got to look good.”
I kiss my sister goodbye and get a half hug from Stevie.
We are almost ready to head to the Grand Ballroom.
“You know, not many people have over two hundred people at their elopement,” I comment.
“Are you changing your mind?” Bella asks, looking concerned.
“Not in the least. I’ve wanted this since I told that creepy guy you were my fiancée.”
She looks beautiful in her wedding dress with soft curls framing her face, but I can’t wait to have her to myself in our room and naked.
We walk to the place where we’ve agreed to meet Tina behind the stage.
She greets us with a hug. “You both look great. I’m so excited. I’d like to introduce you to Tim Bradberry, your Elvis impersonator who’s going to officiate your marriage.
“Very nice to meet you,” he says, sounding jus
t like Elvis. “This is my wife, Cindy, and she has some paperwork for you to fill out.”
Just as we finish filling it out, Ellie and Dave join us.
I hear Ellie ask Bella, “Are you ready?”
Emerson finishes up awards and hands the microphone to Tina, who announces, “We have a special surprise. Christopher Reinhardt is going to make some introductions. For those of you who haven’t met him, he works in our acquisitions teams in biotechnologies.” There are some whoops from the audience.
Bella and I look at one another before making our way onto the stage. Elvis, Ellie, and Dave join us.
“Isn’t this great being here at the Shangri-la? I don’t know about you, but I think this is the most glamorous and beautiful hotel on the strip.” The crowd whoops and hollers their agreement. “We are so lucky that they allowed us to showcase their skills on us before they officially open their doors. Let’s put our hands together to thank Jonathan Best and his team.” The crowd goes crazy for a solid two minutes.
I continue, “I grew up with Jonathan Best. He was this punk who was the smartest kid in our grade. When he called to tell me he was opening a hotel on the Las Vegas strip, I have to tell you, I didn’t think he could pull this off. I’ve never been so glad to be wrong.”
One of my clients yells from down below, “Good thing you didn’t have his proposal go across your desk.”
I laugh really hard. “You’re right. For those of you in the back,” and I repeat what was said. “But Jonathan has been amazing, and it’s so great to have family and friends here together tonight. You may be wondering why I’m up here, and more importantly, why I’ve asked Elvis to join me. Well, the truth is he’s up on stage to do something. You didn’t realize that by being at the coolest party that Silicon Valley hosts each year, you were also being invited to a wedding tonight.”
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” can be heard from the crowd.
“I think that was my future mother-in-law,” I quip, and the crowd finally seems to understand.
“We’ll let you get back to your party, but first, if you wouldn’t mind being witnesses to our blessed event before the main event tonight.”
Longing (Billionaire Venture Capitalist #7): A Billionaire Romance Page 19