by Joss Wood
“I know, but—”
“Then please don’t ruin this for them or for me. Let’s just get through the night. When it’s over, you can talk to me about anything you want until you’re blue in the face. All right?”
Thom sighed, a pained look on his face. He nodded. “All right.”
“Thank you. Now put on your best smile, because it’s showtime.”
* * *
Joe leaned against the wall and watched Mariella in her element.
Now that Thom had arrived, the Marshall and Scott families were assembled in the hallway outside the private party rooms. They made their last-minute preparations while waiting to be announced to the guests as they entered the main dining room, which had been transformed into a ballroom for the night.
Not a family member, and no longer escorting Mariella, Joe didn’t make the cut. Instead, he was relegated to his place as an outsider, ineligible for a spot in the lineup.
“This is a very special night. The night we celebrate Elana and Thom’s engagement.” Mariella beamed at her daughter and the man who would soon become her son-in-law. “And the blending of our families.” She smiled at Thom’s parents. “So let’s go out there and have fun. Celebrate this moment with our dear friends.”
“And the media,” Elana mumbled, rolling her eyes.
Mariella sighed, leaning in closer to her daughter. “You know how important it is for the world to see that everything is okay and that it’s business as usual.”
“But it’s not business as usual. Dad is...” Elana sighed, sadness creeping over her expression. “Daddy isn’t here.”
“I know, sweetheart.” Mariella pressed a hand to her daughter’s face. “But we must ensure that the business survives so that when he gets better—and he will—everything will be just as it was when he left it. Perhaps even better.”
She turned toward her sons. “And I don’t think I need to remind anyone that since the world will be watching, we must all remain on our very best behavior.”
Luc, Rafe and Elana begrudgingly mumbled their agreement.
Mariella glanced at Joe, and he gave her an encouraging wink and subtle nod. She nodded in return and gave him a shy, sweet smile that reminded him of that first night he’d encountered her and her friends.
It was so very long ago. Yet, in some ways, it felt as if he’d never left that moment. The moment he’d allowed Harrison to step in and steal his dream girl.
Teresa announced Samuel and Caroline Scott, and their faces lit up. Their eagerness to soak up some of the Marshall family’s spotlight was obvious. Maybe Thom didn’t care much for the glitz and glamour of the Marshall life, but his parents reaped the benefits of the free publicity for their real estate firm. Not to mention that Mariella and Harrison had opted to work exclusively with the Scotts on all future California real estate deals once Thom joined their family. No wonder Sam and Caroline were so eager for their son to marry Elana.
Next, she announced Rafe, Luc and Rachel.
Mariella quickly turned to Joe and straightened his tie. She smiled. “There. Now it’s perfect.”
Heat flooded Joe’s cheeks. “Thank you.”
“See you inside.” She got back into position, her arm threaded through Gabe’s.
Gabe narrowed his gaze at Joe. Then their names were called, and he escorted his aunt into the ballroom, leaving Thom and Elana.
Thom looked like a dead man walking.
“Relax, son. Don’t look so nervous. Everything will be fine. Tonight will be over before you know it.” Joe handed a hankie to Thom and indicated the beads of sweat on his forehead.
Thom thanked him, mopped his brow and tucked the handkerchief into his inside pocket, at Joe’s insistence.
When Teresa called Thom and Elana’s names, any reluctance on Elana’s part disappeared. She flashed a million-watt smile, her head held high as she strutted through the doors and into the crowd with her fiancé by her side.
* * *
Joe slipped out the door and mingled in the crowd, unnoticed as everyone’s attention turned to Thom and Elana.
They made a handsome couple. She was radiant and beautiful in her provocative Grecian goddess gown. Her golden skin glowed, and her hair fell in effortless, soft waves.
Thom looked dashing in his charcoal-gray tuxedo. He exuded affability and charm, if not confidence.
Joe picked up one of the mother-of-pearl serving plates and surveyed the festive array of domestic and imported caviars.
He selected rich, golden-brown Osetra caviar atop warm, toasted blinis served with crème fraîche and minced parsley, sevruga caviar on golden toast points, and beluga served on chilled cucumber rounds with crème fraîche and garnished with dill and chives.
Joe grabbed a crystal flute of champagne and made his way to the bar rather than taking a seat at his assigned table. He popped a caviar-topped blini in his mouth, allowing the smooth, buttery taste to meld with the crème fraîche and herbs.
An exquisite choice made by an exquisite woman.
Mariella Santiago-Marshall didn’t believe in doing anything halfheartedly, and tonight didn’t disappoint.
The restaurant glowed with warmth and elegance. The chandeliers sparkled and the room overflowed with fragrant arrangements of golden-yellow lilies; red, orange and yellow roses; and rust-colored chrysanthemums.
Crystal flutes of Moët and Dom Pérignon floated throughout the room, offered by servers wearing spotless white shirts, black vests, black bow ties and black pants or skirts.
Security personnel in navy blazers and red ties with telltale earpieces circulated among the three hundred–plus guests in attendance at the extravagant affair. There were many prominent guests in attendance, dozens glittering with diamonds.
Two young women whom he recognized as wealthy socialites in Elana’s circle sat beside Joe at the bar.
The blonde took a generous gulp of her champagne and giggled. “Did you see her dress? My God, just show us your vajayjay already. There’s no way she has underwear on under there.”
“You have to admit, it is a gorgeous dress. I saw that one on the runway. Believe me, it cost her a fortune, and she looks amazing in it.” The brunette seemed hesitant to bash her friend.
“The dress isn’t the problem. It’s the fact that she chose to wear it to her engagement party.” The blonde snorted. “Isn’t the point of this to tell everyone she’s off the market? Well, that dress definitely says ‘I’m open for business.’”
Both the women laughed, and Joe cringed. He wanted to speak up on Elana’s behalf. But Mariella would want to know what people were saying. Not the things they’d say to her face, but the things being whispered in the shadows at the back of the room. So it was better if he lay low and took it all in.
“It’s a shame what happened to her father,” the brunette said, her voice filled with empathy. “How do you think he’s doing?”
“Dead, probably,” the blonde declared, then sipped more of her champagne. “I don’t believe those news reports for a minute. If Harrison Marshall was really up to giving an interview, there’s no way he’d miss his precious Elana’s engagement party. Besides, how tacky is it of them to have an extravagant party like this while he’s recovering in the hospital?”
The brunette seemed to ponder her friend’s theory. “Well, I hope he’s doing all right and that he’ll be able to make it to Elana and Thom’s wedding next month.”
“Joe, how are you?” Davis Mathison, a fellow member of the golf club Joe and Harrison belonged to, shook his hand.
“I’m doing well, Davis. And how’s my favorite corporate raider tonight?” Joe forced a smile, hiding his annoyance with Mathison’s interruption of his reconnaissance mission.
“Investor activist,” Davis corrected, taking the seat on the other side of h
im at the bar. They exchanged pleasantries, and Davis ordered a drink. When the bartender walked away, the man leaned in closer, keeping his voice low.
“I know you’re a good friend of the Marshalls, Joe, but you’re a sensible man. If, God forbid, Harrison doesn’t recover from his accident, the value of Marshall International will take a nosedive. The Marshalls’ interests are diversified enough that they’ll probably make out okay in the end. But what about you? What about your interests?”
Joe gritted his teeth, narrowing his gaze at the man. He drank some champagne and set the flute on the bar.
“Your concern is touching, Mathison. But something tells me that this is less about your fear for my financial well-being and more about an opportunity to augment your own.”
“Can’t it be both?” The man chuckled, raising open palms as he leaned back on his bar stool.
“Can it?” Joe turned on his stool to face the man. “After all, Mathison Inc. has been trying to get a piece of Marshall International for the past two years. The answer has always been no. Why do you think that would suddenly change?”
“A near-death experience has a way of changing a man’s perspective.” The corner of Mathison’s mouth curled in a sly grin.
“What are you saying?” Joe’s spine stiffened. The tone of Mathison’s words was ominous, almost threatening. Head tilted, Joe assessed him. Could Davis Mathison have been involved in Harrison’s accident?
Mathison shrugged. “Only that your view changes when your life flashes before your eyes—like mine did when I had that heart attack a few years back.”
The more the man went on about how he’d changed his diet and lifestyle after his coronary, the less likely it seemed that Mathison was involved. Still, he was trying to cash in on Harrison’s accident by attempting to coerce Joe into selling his share of Marshall International. Just the kind of callous tactic that made him distrust men like Davis Mathison.
“For the record, Harrison is going to be just fine, and so is Marshall International.” Joe tapped his fingers on the bar. “So you can retract the bloodsucking fangs, at least for tonight.”
“Okay.” Mathison finished his vodka tonic. “I get it. But just know that I’m not the only one sniffing at the gate, and the organizations coming after me won’t take my kind approach.” The man set down his empty glass and patted Joe’s shoulder. “Good luck.”
Joe circulated throughout the venue, packed with rich and powerful people dripping in diamonds and designer fashions. The exceptions were members of the media Mariella had invited.
The same people who fawned over Elana, Thom and the rest of the Marshall family whispered behind their backs. There was repeated ridicule of the family’s decision to move forward with the party, considering Harrison’s condition. More censure for Elana’s sexy dress. Bets taken on whether the beautiful, ambitious Rachel Franklin would wheedle her way into the Marshall family and if Mariella would allow it.
Joe made his way to the head table where the Marshalls were seated. A wide smile spread across Mariella’s face, and her eyes twinkled when her gaze met his.
His heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed hard. Maybe Mathison was right. When an opportunity presented itself, it was best to seize it before someone else came along who would—as Harrison had done all those years ago.
Maybe now it was his turn.
Joe pushed aside the guilt and feelings of regret stirring in his chest.
Sorry, Harrison.
* * *
Thom stood with his arm around his fiancée’s waist as Elana related details of the upcoming wedding to yet another guest, this one a society magazine reporter.
His cheeks were sore from the tight smile he’d been wearing since they’d stepped through these doors. The shallow, rapid breaths he took left his head feeling light. He needed a moment just to decompress and take some full breaths. Renew the supply of oxygen to his brain.
As Elana provided the woman with some teasing details about the wedding, Thom surveyed the venue, overflowing with guests.
He caught Lane’s eye.
The man gave him a smile and a subtle nod.
Thom’s heartbeat quickened. He swallowed hard, responding in kind to Lane’s gesture before quickly shifting his gaze back to the reporter.
“Oh my God, he’s blushing.” The woman grinned. “You two look so in love. Congratulations.”
Thom’s face was warm. He was standing with one of the most beautiful women in the world, who was wearing an incredibly sexy dress that would make any man’s heart race. Yet it was Lane’s smile that made him blush and his heart flutter.
He had to get it together or he and Elana would both be absolutely miserable.
Suddenly, Mariella was onstage calling for everyone’s attention. She beamed with pride as she looked down at them.
“Everyone, please grab a glass so we can toast the happy couple.” She lifted her champagne flute, a sad smile on her face. “I wish my Harrison were here with us tonight to make this toast, but as you probably already know, he’s unable to be with us due to a recent accident. He loves his family. Especially our baby girl, Elana.”
Elana smiled, her eyes filled with tears at the mention of how much her father loved her. Thom planted a kiss on Elana’s cheek and pulled her closer. She wrapped her arms around him, seemingly grateful for the comfort of his hug.
“I know there have been challenges along the road, but your father and I have always trusted that you would eventually find your way. You’re a smart, beautiful, talented young lady, Elana, and I know you’ll do big things in the future.” Mariella smiled brightly. “Your father and I both love you very much. And we are so thankful that you brought Thom into our lives.”
Mariella turned her attention to him. “Thom, you and Elana have been friends for many years. I can think of no better foundation for a marriage. You’re already a member of our family. We look forward to making it formal when you two get married in a few short weeks.”
She turned her attention to the crowd of guests with glasses in hand. “Please raise your glasses to my incredible daughter, Elana, and Thomas Benjamin Scott—her soon-to-be husband. May you two share a lifetime filled with the same love and happiness I’ve been fortunate enough to share with your father.”
She raised her glass, and everyone drank. Mariella grinned. “Now Thom would like to say a few words.”
Oh, shit.
In light of everything that had been going on with the Fixer, he’d forgotten that he was to give a toast.
His heart beat so loudly the sound filled his ears. His mouth went dry.
“You’ve got this,” Elana whispered in his ear, urging him forward.
Toast Elana and her parents, then my parents. Thank the guests for coming.
He tried to remember the notes in the email Mariella had sent him when she’d first told him about the toast.
Just get through it and get off the stage. Everything will be fine.
Thom stepped onto the stage. Mariella looked at him reassuringly as she kissed his cheek, then handed him the microphone. She stepped off to the side.
“I...uh...” Thom cleared his throat. His head felt light, and he was overcome with the sensation of the stage swaying slightly. He took a deep breath and glanced around the room. There were so many people staring back at him.
Thom swallowed hard and cleared his throat again as he ran a hand over his head.
Toast Elana and her parents. My parents. Thank everyone. End of story.
“I’d just like to... I mean, I appreciate all of you for coming out to share...” He shifted on the stage, beads of sweat forming over his brow. He turned to his fiancée. “Elana, you are... I mean...like your mom said, I...”
Suddenly he was overcome with a stifling heat. His breath came in short bursts, and the
back of his dress shirt was damp beneath his tuxedo jacket. A piercing pain in his gut nearly made him double over.
“Looks like my boy’s having a moment of stage fright.” His father jumped onto the stage and laughed, patting his son on the back. The crowd chuckled, too.
Samuel took the microphone from Thom and grinned. “But who wouldn’t be nervous marrying someone as lovely as Elana Marshall? A young lady that my wife, Caroline, and I are thrilled to have in our lives. We’ve known Elana since she was a little girl, and it’s been our privilege to witness the sweet progression of Thom and Elana’s relationship from a cherished childhood friendship to the beautiful romance they share today. Caroline and I look forward to formally welcoming Elana into our family as our daughter and strengthening the bond that already exists between our families.”
Elana seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as she grinned shyly.
“I want to thank Harrison and Mariella for throwing this elegant soiree to celebrate Thom and Elana’s engagement. And we thank all of you for sharing this memorable night with us. To Thom and Elana.”
He raised his glass, and they all drank.
“Thanks, Dad.” Thom breathed a sigh of relief as his father wrapped him in a bear hug.
Samuel Scott tightened his grip on his son and whispered in his ear, “I don’t know what’s going on with you right now, son, but you need to get it together or you’re going to blow this for all of us. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.” Thom nodded as he stepped back, meeting his father’s stern gaze. He turned to Mariella and offered her his arm as he guided her off the stage.
“Thom, what’s going on? You haven’t been yourself the past few days. Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. I’m sorry for blowing the toast, Mariella. I know how important it was to you that everything be perfect tonight. I was a little more nervous than I thought. The weight of the moment sort of hit me unexpectedly.”