Chapter One
Quinn
“No!”
The scream rips through the silence, yanking me from a restless sleep and I jerk forward in bed as a deep, painful sob racks my body, taking me by surprise. My gaze flies wildly around the four walls of my bedroom before I realize that the monster chasing me only exists in my mind.
Shit.
It was just another dream.
Drawing in a stuttered breath, I press my hand against my clammy skin as tears well up in my eyes and my heart thunders in my chest. I focus on that – the feeling of my pulse beating relentlessly against my palm and the feeling of my skin under my fingertips to pull myself back to the present as the memories get pushed further from my mind. They are so strong but I won’t let them win. I can’t.
With a sigh, I run my fingers through my hair and fall back into the mattress. It cocoons me in its comfort and I let out another sigh, more stress seeping out of my system with each breath I draw in. Sunlight dances across the ceiling and birds chirp sweetly outside the window. It’s so idyllic that you would never guess that we’re in the heart of Baton Rouge right now but I suppose that’s why Gram chose this house.
My phone rings on the bedside table next to my head and I turn to look at it before sitting up and scooping it off the table. Scrolling through my notifications, I smile when I see the text from Willa, my assistant.
Willa:
Don’t forget.
Staff meeting at nine.
As I type out my reply, another message comes in and I laugh out loud.
Willa:
Don’t be late.
Me:
You know I can’t promise anything.
Grinning, I open my Spotify app and click on my country playlist while I wait for her reply. It comes as Born to Fly by Sara Evans begins playing.
Willa:
Well, you’re awake, at least.
That’s something.
My smile is wide as I shake my head and text her back, letting her know I’ll be in on time for our “staff meeting”. Staff meeting is a fancy way to describe our weekly rundown since it’s only Willa and I working at EQA Events these days but she likes to call them something official so I let her. Maybe it makes her feel better to give it a title since we spend an hour each week just drinking coffee, binging on donuts, and gossiping. Whatever the reason, I’ll let her call it anything she wants since she’s saved my ass more times than I can count in the past year.
Resolving myself to the fact that I can’t procrastinate anymore, I shove the comforter off my legs and stand up as the song changes to Give It Away by George Strait. I grin as I pull my tank top over my head and toss it toward the hamper on the other side of the room. There’s nothing quite like the king of country to lift my spirits in the morning. Singing along, I shimmy out of my panties and grab my phone off the bed as I walk across the room to the attached bathroom. The sight of the old claw foot tub Gram installed in here catches my attention and I frown.
Too bad I don’t have time for a soak this morning.
I imagine Willa’s freak-out if she knew I was even thinking about taking a long bubble bath and I grin as I set my phone down on the counter and turn toward the shower. It rings again as I turn the water on and I just shake my head. No doubt it’s one of the usual “you’re going to be late” texts she sends me every morning. Willa is the perfect assistant for me because my weaknesses are her strengths - like showing up on time. My internal clock is always running about five minutes slower than Willa’s but I just can’t help it. No matter how much I try to be on time, I always seem to be just a little late. She even tried to set the clocks in my house fast once and I still showed up to work a couple minutes late. Watching her throw her hands up and scream, “That’s it! I give up!” was one of the highlights of the week.
The song changes to Guys Do It All The Time by Mindy McCready and I grab my phone, turning it up before setting it back down and stepping into the shower. I hum along as I work the shampoo into my hair and dance in a little circle, careful not to fall on the wet tile. Once the conditioner is in my hair, I grab the loofa off of the hook under the shower head and start scrubbing my skin, my mood lifting more and more with each song that plays.
Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde by Travis Tritt echoes through the bathroom as my phone rings again and I whisper a curse. That’ll be Willa with my thirty-minute text and I need to be out of the shower already if I have any hope of making it on time. Hurrying, I finish scrubbing my body and wash my face before rinsing everything and turning the water off. I grab my towel and wrap it around my chest as I step out and snatch my phone off the counter. Sure enough, I have two texts from Willa.
I set my phone down and duck out of the bathroom before stopping in front of the closet and thumbing through the rack. When I finally find something I like, I toss it onto the bed and rush back into the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. As I dry my hair, I turn the volume on my phone up again, singing along to each new song that plays and by the time I’m done, I’m excited to tackle a new day - my rough start this morning forgotten.
Dr. Jeffers would be proud.
Tossing the towel in the hamper, I slip into a pair of panties and the matching bra before going back to the counter and curling my hair with big, bouncy curls. Satisfied, I return to the bedroom and grab the white tulle skirt and denim button up shirt I picked out earlier. My gaze flicks to the clock on the wall and I wrinkle my nose.
Shit.
Willa will be texting me any minute with my five-minute warning and I still need to grab my shoes and jewelry. Dashing back into the closet, I pick out my cream heels and a chunky necklace before walking back into the bedroom and sinking into the mattress. Sure enough, my phone rings as I slip my shoes on and I stand up, scanning the room as I fasten the clasp on my necklace. I can’t shake the sense that I’ve forgotten something but I don’t have time to look for it now. With my phone in hand, I walk downstairs, smiling when I hear the sweet cooing of the love of my life.
Hiding behind the wall to the kitchen, I peek around the corner and smile as I watch my daughter, Brooklyn, squeal and smash banana between her fingers. She blows a raspberry and my sister, Alice, giggles so she does it again.
“Brooklyn,” I call and her little head snaps up, her brows furrowing as she scans the room for me. Her little grunt when she can’t find me draws another giggle out of Alice.
“Where’s Momma, Brookie?” she asks her and Brooklyn scans the kitchen, frustration clear on her chubby little face. Placing a hand against my heart, I fight back the sadness rising up inside me. It seems like yesterday I was laying in a hospital bed, giving birth to her, but we just passed her first birthday and she’s growing more and more every day. Watching her learn and discover new things is my greatest joy and greatest sadness.
“Brooklyn,” I call again, stepping out from behind the wall and her gaze locks onto me almost immediately as she lets out another squeal.
“Mama!”
“Good morning, gorgeous girl. Are you being nice to your auntie?”
“Always,” Alice answers, making a face at Brooklyn that she tries to copy. We both laugh and I sigh.
“Hey, thanks for getting up with her this morning.” Alice is seven years younger than me and still in college but she didn’t hesitate to move her schedule around to help me out when Brooklyn was born. Now, she takes her classes at night so she can watch Brooklyn during the day while I work. It’s true what they say about it taking a village to raise a child and honestly, I don’t know what I would do without her.
“No problem, you know that. I am going to have to drop her off at daycare around three today, though. I have to go meet with my advisor.”
I nod. “That’s fine. I should get out of work shortly after that.”
My phone rings again and Alice starts laughing. “Willa’s going to lose her mind sending you all those texts every morning.”
“I think she automates them somehow but you’re right, I should get going.” I lean down and plant a kiss on top of Brooklyn’s head. “Have a good day with Auntie Alice, baby girl. I’ll see you later, okay?”
She reaches for me, chunks of smashed banana on her hands as she grunts. I take a step back, shaking my head.
“Mama.”
“Sorry, sweet girl, you’ll get Mommy all messy.”
She starts to fuss and I back away. “I’ll go before she gets really upset. Call me if you need anything today.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Alice says as she scoops Brooklyn out of her high chair. “We’ll be just fine.”
I nod, turning toward the door and grabbing my purse. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve left Brooke, I still get a tiny little pang in my chest each time I have to walk away from her.
“Love you!” I call over my shoulder and Alice repeats it as I duck out the front door and dig the keys to my Maxima out of my purse. The dense heat practically chokes me as I make the short trek between the front door and the driveway and I say a little thank you to the good Lord for air conditioning. Seriously, I wouldn’t survive without it - especially not down here in Louisiana.
As I back out of the driveway, I turn the radio on and flip it to the country station as I think about my day. Bubba Shot the Jukebox by Mark Chesnutt starts playing and I smile as I turn it up and pull out onto the street, singing along. The traffic is light as I pull onto the on-ramp and my phone rings, cutting off the music as Willa’s name pops up on the screen.
“I’m on the interstate!” I yell as soon as I press the button and her laugh rings out through the car.
“Good. That means I don’t have to yell at you today.”
I shake my head. “You know, I thought owning my own company meant I could make my own schedule.”
“Yeah, that’s true, but then you hired me.”
“Oh!” I exclaim dramatically. “I see where I went wrong now.”
Playing along, she gasps. “That’s fine, boss lady. See if I bring you any donuts today.”
“Wait! I'm sorry!”
She laughs as I take my exit. “Any preference this morning?”
“What was the one you got me last time?” I ask, my mouth watering just thinking about the donut she brought to last week’s staff meeting.
“Maple bacon.”
“Mmm,” I hum. “Yeah, get me a couple of those again.”
“You got it. See you in a few.” She hangs up as I turn onto the street that the office is located on.
“Yes,” I hiss, spotting the open parking space right in front of our door. Pressing my foot down on the accelerator, I whip my car into the spot and turn it off before I grab my bag and step out. Downtown is bustling with folks headed into work and it invigorates me as I turn to look up at the sign hanging above our entrance.
EQA Events.
Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life other than have a family and be a mother but when I started working here with my grandmother, I discovered such a passion for party and event planning that it only made sense for me to take over the business when Gram retired. With the help of Willa, I’ve managed to expand the business into newer, younger clientele since taking over and I’m proud of all the things I’ve accomplished in the last year.
“You just going to stand there looking at the front door all day?” a voice yells and I glance down the sidewalk, glaring as Willa grins and approaches me with her hands full of donuts and coffee.
“Need help?”
She nods. “Yes, please.”
I take the drink tray from her and usher her into the building before following behind her. The office isn’t all that big but it’s enough for the two of us right now with a reception area and an office for me in the back. Willa flips the lights on and sets the donuts down on her desk.
“Come back when you’re ready,” I say as I pass her and step into my office with the coffee in my hand. A few moments later, she joins me and sets the small box of donuts down on my desk before opening it. The smell of sugar fills the room and I take a deep breath as I pull my coffee out of the tray and hand Willa her cup. When we’re all settled in with our breakfast and coffee, she pulls out her planner and I pull my calendar up on my computer.
“Okay, go through it for me.”
“First up, you have the final meeting with Jenna today to finalize plans for the children’s hospital fundraiser.”
I nod; double-checking that the time she rattles off matches my schedule as I take a bite of my donut.
“Speaking of, I’m going to need you there with me for the first part of the night, at least, but you should have the second half off if you want to bring a date,” I say, passing her the ticket I had put aside for her.
“Oh, I might just do that. What about you? You have a hot date for the event?”
I shake my head, scoffing. “No, I’m going to be working.”
“Not for the whole time. Besides, isn’t it about time that you get back out there?”
“Uh, no. I don’t think so.” My heart twinges as I turn away from her. “What do we have coming up the rest of the week?”
She sighs and relief rushes through me as she starts going over the schedule again, letting it go. It isn’t like Willa to let me avoid certain topics but this time, I’m glad she did. After my wake-up call this morning, the last thing I need to think about is my love life.
* * * *
“Ma’am,” the valet says as I step out of my car and hand my keys off to him with a smile. He waits for me to round the front of the car before he pulls out of the driveway to park it in the lot down the street and I walk into the historic hotel I secured for the charity event in two weeks.
“Miss Dawson,” Ronald, the manager, calls from behind the front desk as I step through the door and I smile as I cross the lobby to the desk and shake his hand.
“Hello, Ronald. Is everything ready for me?”
He nods. “Just about, Ma’am. I can take you to the ballroom now and someone will direct your client there when she arrives.”
“Lead the way.” I gesture for him to step in front of me with my hand and he rounds the desk before leading me further into the hotel.
“How is your day so far, Ma’am?” he asks, glancing over his shoulder at me and I smile.
“Pretty good. Yours?”
Nodding, he turns down a hallway and I readjust the binder in my arms as I trail behind him. “Very good. The sampler plates should be ready from the kitchen within the next ten minutes but as soon as I drop you off, I’ll pop in and check on them.”
“That would be perfect, Ronald. Thank you.”
“Of course, Miss Dawson,” he answers, stopping in front of two gorgeous cherry doors and pulling a set of keys out of his pocket. As he unlocks the door, I suck in a breath and take in the ornate beauty of the building. When I first started planning this charity gala a few months ago, I wasn’t sure how well it was all going to come together since time was so short but we lucked out in a lot of ways and people have been eager to help the kids at the children’s hospital.
“Here we are,” Ronald says as the double doors swing open and the ballroom comes into view. It never fails to take my breath away. The room is extravagant without being gaudy and you can just feel the history of the hotel when you step into the room. It’s one of the reasons I worked so hard to secure this venue.
My phone buzzes with a text and I unlock the screen.
Jenna Bueachamp:
Running ten minutes late.
“My client is running a little late so I’d love to check in on the kitchen with you if you don’t mind, Ronald,” I say as I look up at him and he nods.
“Of course, Miss Dawson. Follow me. I’ll send my assistant to the front desk to wait for Miss Bueachamp.”
I nod, setting my binder down on one of the tables filling the space. “Perfect. Let’s go, then.”
Ronald leads me back to the kitchen. There’s a flurry of activity surrounding us as we make our way through the employees all rushing around to prepare the tasting menu for Jenna and I. When we reach the back office, Ronald knocks on the doorjamb.
“Chef, I have Miss Dawson for you.”
Chef Thomas’s head jerks up and he stands, rushing over to us with an outstretched hand. “Miss Dawson, lovely to see you again. Is there a problem?”
“No, not at all. I was just hoping to go over a few things with you.”
He nods, motioning to the chair positioned in front of his desk. “Of course.”
I sit down and pull up the notes app on my phone before asking him about his plan for the day of the event.
“I’m not sure I know what you mean, Miss Dawson.”
“Are you planning on pre-cooking anything or will everything be cooked the day of? Do you have a plan to accommodate the thousand guests who have already RSVP’d yes?”
He nods and launches into his plan for the day of the event, explaining what things can be made early to save the kitchen some time and when he’s finished, I stand and hold my hand out to him.
“That sounds good, Chef. I look forward to tasting the dishes you’ve come up with.”
He shakes my hand and I check the time on my phone before turning back to Ronald.
“We should probably get back to the ballroom.”
He nods. “Of course, Miss Dawson.”
Ronald leads me back through the kitchen as my phone buzzes with another text from Jenna, letting me know that she just arrived at the hotel and I text her back to tell her that I’ll meet her in the ballroom. As Ronald and I turn down the hallway to the room, Jenna emerges on the other side, being led by a young man who must be Ronald’s assistant.
“Miss Bueachamp, how lovely to see you again,” Ronald says as we all stop at the entrance to the ballroom and she smiles.
“Hello, Ronald.” She turns to me. “Quinn.”
“Hi, Jenna. Shall we get started?”
Her eyes light up and she turns to the ballroom. “Yes, please. I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up.”
Ronald leads the three of us into the ballroom and over to the table I left my binder on earlier. As Jenna and I sit down, Ronald and his assistant step back to let us talk in private and I grab the binder, flipping it open to the first page so she can see the two themes I’ve come up with for the event.
“Now, I know you said you wanted something different from the usual “stuffy” charity events you see so I’ve come up with two different ideas for you but I will need your choice today so I can get everything prepped in time.”
She nods. “That won’t be a problem. Let’s see them.”
“This is the first,” I say, pointing to some reference photos I have for the roaring twenties theme I came up with.
“Ooh!” she exclaims. “I really like this.”
“And this is the second idea.” I flip the page to point to the photos for my second idea, a masquerade ball.
“Damn it, Quinn. You’re going to make a liar out of me! I don’t know how I’m ever going to choose.”
I laugh as I flip the next page. “You don’t have to decide quite yet. Just mull it over while we go over the rest of this.”
“Okay.”
“This,” I say, pointing to the page in front of her, “is the artwork I’ve been able to secure for the charity auction. We have about twenty pieces right now.”
“Oh my god. That’s amazing.”
I laugh, nodding. “Turns out, people are much more willing to help when you mention it’s for children.”
She laughs and I flip the page, pointing out each piece and its value before we go over the guest list. By the time we finish, the band I scheduled to audition walks in and Ronald leads them to the stage where they can set up.
“As for the music, we can either go with this band, The Renegades, or a DJ and I’ve got each coming to show you what they can do for you today.”
She nods, gazing up at the band as they set up. “Perfect. I’m so impressed with all you’ve been able to accomplish, Quinn.”
“I’m glad you’re happy with everything,” I tell her, pride welling up in my chest.
“Of course! Your reputation in this town is well deserved and I’ll be letting all my friends know about you. With any luck, you’ll be booked for the next year straight.”
I smile. “That would be amazing.”
“Miss Dawson, Miss Bueachamp,” Ronald says quietly as he approaches the table. “The band is ready.”
“Let them know they can start.”
Ronald nods and heads back toward the stage. He gives the band a thumbs up and the lead singer steps up to the microphone as a low beat pulses through the room. They start off with something a little more upbeat before transitioning into a slower song that will be perfect for slow dancing.
“What do you think?” I ask, turning to Jenna as she bobs her head along to the beat.
“They’re good and there’s just something about a live band, don’t you think?”
I nod. “I couldn’t agree more. We can even see if they would be willing to just do the instrumental bit if you didn’t want everyone focused on the band all night long.”
“Yeah,” she agrees. “That sounds like a good idea.”
I stand and hold my hand up to signal the band and the music slowly fades away. “Thank you for coming out today, y’all. Can we have a word with you over here?”
“Sure,” the lead singer says into the microphone, flashing me a panty-melting grin as he takes a step back and unplugs his guitar. All four band members walk across the ballroom to our table.
“You guys sounded great,” I tell them, ignoring the lingering gaze of the lead singer as it trails down my legs. “But we were wondering if you would be willing to just do instrumental versions of your songs and some covers on the night of the gala. This is a charity event for the children’s hospital and as fantastic as you all are, we need to keep the focus on the kids.”
Lead singer guy opens his mouth and I can tell from the pure disgust on his face that he’s going to reject that idea but the drummer steps forward and thrusts out his hand.
“That won’t be a problem at all.”
I smile and shake his hand. “Perfect. We have one more person to audition but I should have an answer for you all by the end of the day.”
“Thank you,” he murmurs before they all turn and head back to the stage to pack up their things. My new admirer turns halfway across the room and winks at me before turning back to the stage and I sigh as I sink into my chair.
“Well, someone’s certainly interested in you,” Jenna comments, her gaze on the stage and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
“He seems like the type that’s interested in anything with a pair of tits.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I regret them. A blush creeps up my cheeks as Jenna turns to me with her lips parted in an “O” before she starts laughing.
“Tell me how you really feel, Quinn,” she sputters through her laughter and my blush deepens. God, it’s been so long since I’ve had a girlfriend to talk to that I blurted out exactly what I was thinking before I could stop myself.
“I’m so sorry. That was so unprofessional.”
She waves her hand through the air, dismissing my concern. “Don’t worry about it. Besides, I think you might be right.”
I glance up as the lead singer blows a kiss to one of the waitresses carrying trays of food across the room to our table.
Typical.
“And that, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the many reasons I’m single,” I mutter and Jenna laughs again.
“Girl, I hear you!”
I smile as Ronald stops at the edge of the table with three waitresses, each holding a tray of food.
“Ladies, Chef Thomas has prepared three different meal options for you to choose from. Enjoy!”
He steps back and the first waitress sets her tray down on the table, revealing the two domes underneath before setting one in front of each of us. We work our way through each tray, discussing what Jenna likes and what she doesn’t before we finally get the menu nailed down and move on to auditioning the DJ. Jenna and I agree that he’s talented but ultimately she decides to go with the band and I make a note to have Willa call them. After going over the guest list and a rough schedule of events for the evening, I grab my binder and slap it closed.
“So, do you have an answer for me on the theme?”
She purses her lips, gazing around the room like she’s trying to visualize the space. “I’m thinking with this venue, we have to go with the roaring twenties theme. It just fits this space so well.”
“I absolutely agree.”
“I’m going to have to throw another event so I can use that masquerade theme though,” she replies, pointing her finger at me as she laughs. I nod with a wide grin on my face.
“Anytime.”
She claps her hands together with a bright smile. “I’m so excited! I can’t wait to see what you do with this event.”
“I suppose that means I should get back to the office and start working,” I answer as I stand up and grab my bag and binder. She joins me and Ronald approaches us.
“Ladies, can I escort you out?”
I nod. “Yes, please, Ronald. Thank you for all your help today.”
“Don’t mention it, ma’am. The two of you are always so pleasant to work with.”
We follow him out of the ballroom and I frown at the sight of the band’s lead singer leaning up against the wall, flicking through his phone. When we pass by him, he glances up and I turn away.
“Sweetheart,” he calls, his deep voice like melted caramel. I turn to look at him with a lifted brow.
“Do you really think it’s okay to call a woman you don’t know “sweetheart”?” I ask and he shrugs as he pushes off the wall and approaches us.
“Don’t know your name so what was I supposed to say to get your attention?”
Jenna scoffs next to me as I roll my eyes and take a step back from him. “Literally, anything else.”
He takes a step toward me and the hair on my arms stands on end. He’s too pushy and I don’t like it. When he flashes me that cocky smile I’m sure has worked for him almost every other time in his life, I hold my hand up.
“Your band got the gig and my assistant will call you tomorrow with all the details. You’ll need to make arrangements to come in and sign the contract but is there anything else I can do for you right now?”
He nods. “Yeah, how about your number?”
“Have a good evening, Mr…”
“You can just call me Nick, babe,” he replies.
“Have a good evening, Nick, and I’ll be in touch about the event,” I reply, turning away from him and nodding to Ronald to lead the way. He casts a wary glance over my shoulder before he turns away with a determined expression, leading Jenna and I toward the exit.
“He was so hot,” Jenna comments, fanning herself dramatically. “Why didn’t you give him your number?”
Shaking my head, I suck in a breath. “The answer to that question is complicated.”
“Isn’t it always?”
We reach the lobby and Ronald turns to us with a smile. “This is where I bid you adieu, ladies.”
“Thank you for all your help today, Ronald.”
“Of course, Miss Dawson. I notified the valets we were coming so your cars should be out front.” We shake hands with the promise to be in touch next week to go over details before Jenna and I walk out into the bright afternoon sunlight where our cars are waiting just as Ronald said. I check my phone and let out a sigh of relief when I see the time.
3:45 p.m.
Brooklyn’s only been in daycare for about forty-five minutes and it eases my guilt over her being there at all. If I had it my way, she wouldn’t ever leave my side no matter how unhealthy it is.
“Bye, Quinn,” Jenna calls as she opens her car door and I wave as I open the door to the Maxima and climb inside. The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia by Reba McEntire is playing as I start the car and I start singing along as I pull away from the hotel and turn toward Brooklyn’s daycare, eager to see my baby girl again.