I shifted my eyes to the white clothed table I left him at, but he was gone. Scanning the room quickly, I thought it was odd I couldn't find him. I knew he wasn't the social butterfly.
"The break room. Now," he growled into my ear as he came up behind me.
My entire body reacted to his voice. My nipples hardened from the scratch of his beard against my ear when he spoke. Without thinking, I turned and left the reception and walked down the long hallway towards the break room. The place where things between Xander and I really began.
As I entered, I was surprised to find it empty. I walked further in and saw nothing had changed. I moved past the lockers and towards the bulletin board and saw the only difference to the break room--the House Manager position was gone. A faded square outline was the only thing left in its place.
"It was rude of you to leave your own wedding."
I giggled, hearing Xander's menacing tone as I remembered a similar line not so long ago. His lips traveled down my neck towards the dress's thin spaghetti strap.
"I know better than to not listen to you."
I couldn't wipe the grin off my face as he laughed then slowly slid his hands down the thin, soft material of my dress that clung like a second skin to my body. I leaned my head back into his chest and sighed.
"What's wrong? I know that sigh."
He turned me around to face him, and I looked up into his ice-blue eyes.
"It's nothing really." I paused, hoping he would drop it and tried to look away from his probing gaze, but I could tell by his expression that wasn't happening. "It's my dad. He was supposed to be here to walk me down the aisle, and I never heard from him. I can't help but think something's wrong. I even tried his cell but nothing, no answer. He doesn't always keep his phone on though so maybe I'm worrying for nothing. This isn't like him though."
"Keep trying to reach him. I'm sure he's fine. We leave for Tahiti in the morning. Do you want to reschedule in case you haven't heard from him?"
I slowly nodded. "I hope that's okay. I know I won't be able to enjoy myself if I'm worried about him."
"It's fine, my love. Whatever you need. I'd stop the world from spinning if you asked."
He bent down and kissed me slowly. I felt every inch of my body awaken and react to him. I hoped that feeling would stay forever.
"I love you, Mr. Boone."
"I love you more, Mrs. Boone. Now let’s get back out there. I haven't seen you eat a thing, and you're beginning to look a little pale."
"I'm actually not feeling that well. I think it's just all the worrying about my dad."
"You should eat something. It might help you feel better."
Holding hands, we walked back into the reception. Xander brought me to a table and pulled the chair out for me to sit. I watched him cross the room to Samantha and say something to her before he started loading a plate with desserts. He returned to the table as Samantha started setting down plates of food in front of me.
My stomach turned as I surveyed the food until I noticed the pot de creme. Nothing like chocolate to make a girl feel better.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Samantha
Damn that Drake! I hadn't been able to concentrate on anything since he walked away two nights ago at the reception. I spent the days sitting on the couch, in my light blue cotton pajamas with a smiling sun pattern, watching TV when I should have been calling catering leads.
There was no way I was getting any work done today. When I thought of him so close to me, our hands briefly touching, I felt that same warmth course through my body. It made my heart thump. I felt like a kid. He had always affected me this way
Even bigger for me was his voice. The courteous man who I barked at was just fine, but that wasn’t not the Drake I knew. When he growled back at me, I swear he could've had me that second on the dessert table. What was wrong with me?!
As if my phone wanted to answer the question, it rang. I looked at the caller ID but didn't recognize the number. I thought about letting it go to voicemail, but a strange number most likely meant new business. I'd be stupid to totally waste another day.
"Mayfair Catering, Samantha speaking."
"Hi Sam, it's Ashley Boone."
"Hi, how are you? Was there a problem at the reception? I thought you would've left for your honeymoon by now."
"Yes, that was the plan, but some personal things came up. In the meantime, we enjoyed your service so much I'd like to use you for an intimate affair at the museum."
"The museum?"
"Yes, I don't know if Jackie told you, but I'm the curator at the Winslow Museum of Motion Pictures. We're planning a small black tie event and would love for you to cater."
"No. Thank you for thinking about me, but no. I'll have to pass."
"Why? You can't be booked, you didn't even ask when it is."
"Honestly, I just don't want to see Drake. I'm sure he'll be there, and frankly I'd rather pass if that's the case."
"I'm sorry you feel that way." She paused for a moment as if she was thinking. "What if you didn't have to see him? Hire people to set up and serve. It's black tie, but only heavy hors d'oeuvres."
"I don't know, Ashley..."
"Sam, I know we don't know each other that well, but you're starting a business. You can't afford to turn down a job yet. Trust me, I know the difference between doing a job I hate and having one I love. If catering is really what you love, you owe it to yourself to take this job. I don't know what you have against Drake, but he really is a nice guy."
She had a point. I really could use the money. I could ask Jackie to manage everything so I wouldn't need to be there. I could deliver everything and get things prepped before Drake even showed up. No way would he be early, he needed to make an entrance.
"I know, you're right. I'll do it. When is the party?"
"This Wednesday."
"In two days? Oh jeez, seriously?" I dropped the phone and fumbled with it as I put it back up to my ear. "I'll have to charge a bit more since it’s last minute and I need wait staff."
"I'll double your usual bill and I'll be there early on Wednesday to help you if you need anything."
"Okay. Thanks Ashley."
"No, don't thank me. You should thank Drake. See you Wednesday!"
I groaned as I hung up the phone. Drake. Again. At least I got a job out of it.
I walked into my small kitchen and grabbed a pen and paper along with my favorite cookbook. I needed to come up with a menu. I imagined tuxedoed wait staff carrying trays of finger foods. The food had to be elegant though, no pigs in blankets for this crowd.
As I put together the menu, I realized I wouldn't be able to leave the party. This time I would be able to hire enough people so I could focus on the food, but I would have to stay. I couldn't leave finishing the food to someone else. If I wanted my catering business to take off, that meant I needed to suck it up and most likely see Drake.
I didn't want to admit it to myself, but just the thought of seeing him again made my heart beat faster and the butterflies in my belly start flying. I needed to look better this time.
After quickly dog-earing several recipes, I entered my bedroom and made the short walk to my closet, bumping my hip against the old dresser.
"Dammit! Every time!"
Eyeballing my clothes, I knew I had nothing to wear. I needed something I could comfortably work in yet make that jerk regret what he'd never have.
I pulled out a black knit skirt with the tags still on that I didn't remember buying. Size 18, that should fit. After pulling off my pajama pants, I stepped into the skirt and zipped up the back until the zipper suddenly stopped.
"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered.
I sucked in my stomach, but no luck. The zipper wouldn't go all the way up. I turned towards the mirror and could see the fabric pulled tight across my hips. No way was I going to fit in that in two days.
As I threw the skirt back into the closet, it landed on a small pile of clot
hes towards the back. One day I'd have to go through my closet and organize it, but that wasn't today.
Thinking there might be a lost gem in the pile, I pulled it towards me, lifting out different pieces of clothes. It seemed every article of clothing was a different size, which seemed about right. If one thing was for sure about my size, it was that it was always changing.
Just as I was ready to give up, I found another black skirt in the pile. I checked the size and saw 22. I had to try it on. Holding my breath, I pulled the skirt on and the zipper went all the way up.
I checked the mirror and thought it looked nice enough. It had a mermaid style bottom that fell just below my knee, giving me a flattering silhouette. I had to wear flats since I was working, but I was so happy I found a skirt that fit that it didn't bother me.
I wished I could wear my hair down. It was long and I always thought my face looked thinner when it framed my face, but I knew it would get in my way. I always wore my hair in a braid when I worked, but maybe not this time.
Wait, what was I doing?? Am I actually trying to look nice for him? I thought back to that brief touch of his hand and felt warmth fill my insides. I simply couldn't help myself when it came to him.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Ashley
As I arrived at the museum, I happily noticed everything was coming together for Drake's black tie event. I had been so distracted, wondering what happened to my dad, that I didn't even pay attention to what I wore other than a pair of pants with a button-down top. This black tie party was a welcome diversion for me so I planned it right away.
The tan marble floors gleamed and the glass on the display cases sparkled as I walked around the main exhibit space surrounded by movie memorabilia. Towards the back of the room I saw my assistant, Deborah Hansen. She had her chin length straight hair in a cute bob. Her hair was so black it made her look almost unnaturally pale. She wore a pair of black wide-leg palazzo pants with a rust colored plunging v-neck silk blouse.
She balanced the job at the museum while attending college, which I had to admire. We were both in our twenties but she seemed more together. Sometimes I wondered if it was an act. As I approached her, I thought about how tall I felt standing next to her, something I never felt with anyone else and which we had an ongoing joke about.
"Hey shorty!"
"Hi Ashley, how's the weather up there?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "I see you're wearing another v-neck," I teased her.
"Of course, I told you, if I put the girls on display, then people won't notice how large the rest of me is."
As we laughed, I couldn't help but admit to myself that I had done the same thing in the past.
"We have a busy day today. Do you have the red tablecloths?"
"Yep, it's all set. Just waiting for the caterer who should be here any minute now."
"Thanks, Deborah."
"Anytime. Are you alright? You're looking a little green."
"I'm fine, just worried about my dad. I have to focus on this party, then I'll feel better."
I didn't know what Drake's intention for the party was, but I wouldn't allow this event to be less than perfect. I had to get my mind off my dad and I owed a lot to Drake. If making an event look like it was more than just a chance for him to spend a little time with a girl, then I'd do it.
I felt bad having to lie to Sam about her not seeing him, but I had no choice. I knew he would figure out a way to spend time with her if that's what he wanted, regardless if she stayed the entire time or not. I booked her just like Drake asked, the rest was up to him to figure out.
Walking past the entrance, I noticed a small red SUV zoom by that I recognized as Samantha's car. I rushed to the back of the museum to the receiving area to meet her there.
She stepped out of the car wearing a black cotton skirt with a matching blouse. Her long red hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, letting her curls cascade down her back. I couldn't help but think she was dressed up more than usual, but she definitely looked pretty.
"Good morning, Sam! Let me know if you need anything." My cell phone started ringing, and I saw it was my dad finally calling me back. "I'm sorry, I really have to take this." I entered the hall and answered the phone. "Dad? Is everything okay? Where have you been?"
"I'm sorry Ash, I didn't want you to worry--"
"Not worry? You missed my wedding and I haven't been able to get a hold of you! All I've been doing is worrying."
"I'm sorry. You have no idea how sorry. I need you to listen, don't interrupt me while I explain. This is hard for me." He sighed while I anxiously waited for him to begin. "You know how I enjoy my long walks. I know you offered to fly me out there, but you know how I love to drive. I wanted to get a walk in before hitting the road, so I went on a walk the morning I was driving to see you."
"Yes Dad, did something happen? Are you okay?"
"Please honey, let me finish." He breathed out heavily then began speaking again. "I don't know what happened but I was out, maybe a mile from home, and I collapsed. Right on the street. A stranger found me and called an ambulance."
"What? Oh my goodness. Dad!"
"I'm okay, I was fine by the time the guy found me, just a little confused. At the hospital, they discovered I had a mini stroke. But I'm okay, nothing bad happened."
"You're okay?? You should've called me, Dad! I would've been there right away."
"I know, but I didn't want to disrupt your wedding. I wanted you to have your wedding day and not be worried about your old man. And why are you even here? Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?"
"I was worried about you, so we postponed it. I need to sit down, I'm feeling dizzy." I walked to the nearest bench that lined the hall and sat down. "I'm coming out there. I'll leave as soon as I can get a flight."
"No, really Ash, I'm home and I'm fine. You have nothing to worry about. Go on your honeymoon and enjoy yourself."
"Stop it, Dad. I'm coming."
"Okay, okay. I know better than to argue with you, you're as stubborn as I am."
"Yes, I am. I'll see you tonight, Dad. I love you." I hung up and immediately called Xander as I fought back tears.
"Ashley? Is everything okay?"
"My dad..." I choked out the words before the tears took over.
"Is he okay? Did something happen?"
"Mmm-hmm" I hoped he understood. The tears wouldn't stop long enough for me to form words.
"Do you need to see him?"
"Mmm-hmm"
"Okay, I'll book you on the next flight out. I'm coming to get you now. Stay at the museum, you shouldn't be driving."
Dazed by my dad's revelation, I stayed on the bench. I remembered when Xander's mother spoiled Hawaii by claiming she had a stroke and thought about how cruel she was for manipulating Xander like that. My father, in comparison, was so concerned about me that he didn't want to tell me when something bad had happened to him.
I had no idea how long I had been waiting or what was going on. My mind spun. The next thing I knew, Deborah rushed down the hall with Xander, who looked like a giant beside her.
"Are you okay, Ash? I got you on a 3pm flight and brought the bags you had packed for our honeymoon."
Hearing his voice snapped me out of my reverie, and I immediately stood up and kissed him.
"Deborah, can you take over? Call Drake if you need anything."
"Of course," Deborah said. "Go to your dad, everything is taken care of here. Don't worry."
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Drake
The caller ID on my office phone said it was the museum. I answered it, wondering if Samantha arrived already and knowing she would make it difficult for me to spend time with her. She was all I had on my mind since the wedding reception.
"This is Drake."
"Hi, Mr. Winslow, this is Deborah Hansen. Ashley's assistant. I’m sorry to bother you, but Ashley had to leave. The band arrived and I wasn't sure where to have them set up."
"No p
roblem, Deborah. Is everything okay with Ashley?"
"Yes, I hope so at least. She left to visit her dad."
I nodded my head even though I knew she couldn't see me. I hoped everything with Ashley's father was okay. I knew what it was like to be far from family.
"The band sets up on the gallery, above the main exhibit area. How's everything going? Is the caterer there yet?"
"Samantha? Yes, she arrived a couple of hours ago and has some staff with her."
"Okay, great. I think I'll arrive early to make sure everything is ready for tonight."
"Yes sir."
As I got up from my office chair, I noticed a new email from the director of my latest film in production. Last I heard everything was running smoothly, so I ignored the message and headed out the door with my suit jacket and briefcase in one hand.
When I arrived at the museum, I pulled in the back by receiving and saw a little red SUV. I knew it had to be Samantha's. I parked my car directly in the truck's way, knowing I trapped her car in. I carried my tuxedo into the museum and hung it in my private office, then I set out to find Samantha.
I didn't arrive early to check up on Deborah, I arrived early to check out Samantha. All I needed was a few moments alone with her, and I was certain she couldn't say no to a date. I just needed time to work my charm.
I found her in the kitchen sautéing garlic in olive oil. Her back was towards me, but I easily noticed how different she looked. At the reception her hair was braided and her clothing were utilitarian, today she was trying to impress.
Coming up behind her, I could see she was lost in thought, and I didn't want to startle her but I wanted to be certain she knew I was there. I quietly breathed in the scent of her hair. Peaches, my favorite, then bent my head down, bringing my lips right by her ear.
"I knew we'd see each other again, Samantha," I said lowly.
She jumped and dropped her wooden spoon then spun around to face me. "What is your problem? Who sneaks up on someone while they're cooking?!"
My Boss’s Whim Page 12