CHAPTER SIX

 

 

Being an event planner means being on the go constantly. You have to know the where, when and who. But when you haven’t been on the project for more than a day, it sucks. It’s guaranteed that there will be more than one mistake, and trust me, today has been a day of mistakes.

First, the caterers mixed up their menus, cooking for a venue they have for tomorrow. Then we had a mishap with the live band, but thankfully it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be fixed. Then the hotel wouldn’t let Jessica’s assistant pick up the raffle prizes and auction donations, even after giving them permission over the phone, so I had to hold the fort while she went to sort that out.

By the time I left Jessica less than an hour ago to greet the guests arriving, it was too late for me to do my normal ‘get glammed up’ routine. And now my mood is dwindling. To feel great, I have to look great, but I just don’t. I don’t even have time to moisturize since I was already expected to be downstairs half an hour ago.

I barely have my silver strapped heels on when there’s a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I call out, finishing up my buckle.

“Hey, Jessica—” Drake starts, stepping in, but then he stops. I look up to see what has him so distracted and find his eyes on me, his expression heated.

His intense appraisal has me blushing and running a hand down my dress self-consciously. I’m not ugly, but the way I’ve thrown my outfit together doesn’t warrant a look like that.

My hair’s in a messy bun, leaving a few strands framing my face. I didn’t have time for full make-up, so I gave my cheeks a good pinch and applied pink lip gloss.

My silver silk gown falls to my ankles. It was something Alison had packed in case something happened to one of my other dresses. Boy I’m glad she did.

Drake shakes his head, his gaze travelling up my body, clearing his throat when he meets my eyes. “You look beautiful,” he tells me hoarsely.

Blushing, I tuck my hands behind my back. “Thank you.” I clear my throat, looking anywhere but at him. “Um, you mentioned Jess?”

“Oh yeah, she wanted me to come check on you and let you know the auction will be starting soon.”

Yep, totally freaking late.

I nod, taking his arm when he offers. “Have the wedding guests arrived?”

“Yeah, and Jesse and Amelia brought the best man and maid of honour with them. My sister Gabby won’t be here till tomorrow morning.”

His tone when he mentions the best man and maid of honour has me giving him a sideways glance as we make our way down the hall. “Isn’t the maid of honour Amelia’s cousin?”

“Yeah, and she’s a freaking bitch, just like Amelia’s mum. How Amelia came from her or even survived it still surprises me. She’s everything her mum isn’t. Angela’s mum, Amelia’s aunt, is a peach though. Lovely woman.”

“That bad?” I ask, gulping.

One thing I can’t deal with is bitches. I’m a cheerful, bubbly person, so when someone around me wants to sour that, it riles me up and I end up doing and saying shit I shouldn’t.

“She’s the spawn of the Devil himself. Amelia’s mum is the Devil’s sidekick.”

Hmm…. “And you don’t like your brother’s best friend?”

He grunts. “No. He’s an entitled prick, or acts like one. He’s a snake, but my brother is too nice to say anything. He helped Jesse out in law school and they’ve been inseparable ever since. But the guy is a dick, a total womanizer. He tends to treat every female like gold until he gets what he wants. Like I said, a snake. Just be careful around both of them. Something about him has always bothered me,” he warns me as we reach the bottom of the stairs.

I’m about to ask why but Jessica steps in front of us, her headpiece on and a clipboard in hand. “Hey, you made it,” she beams.

“Hey. Where do you want me?” I smile.

“I don’t. You’ve got the night off to enjoy yourself. Mr and Mrs Donovan agreed with me.”

“But the auction―”

She waves me off. “We have it covered. I just wanted to make sure you were in attendance. I know you were looking at bidding on the spa weekend.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, since nothing really went to plan today. I bite my bottom lip, ready to get to work, but Drake places his hand on my back and I bite back my words. His hand is warm through the thin material, and tingles shoot up my back.

“She’s sure. Now let’s get you a glass of champagne,” he says.

Jessica grins, her eyes sparkling as she eyes the both of us like she knows something we don’t. I guess with how close Drake is, and with him touching me so intimately, we must seem like we’re a couple to her.

She winks at me, waves and turns to leave. I roll my eyes, letting Drake steer me towards the ballroom.

“That was rude to assume,” I remark, smiling at people as I pass.

“Just relax and have some fun.”

Everyone is dressed to the nines. My eyes rake over everyone, admiring the beauty surrounding me. And I don’t just mean the people, but the room too.

It’s absolutely breathtaking.

I left the floor staff to sort out the room around noon, so I’m seeing this for the first time. How they managed to pull this off in one day is incredible.

Jessica didn’t order decorations for the event since it was being held at a hotel. Somehow, with the large chandelier, twinkle lights surrounding the doors and bar, and with the architecture of the room, it doesn’t need any fancy decorations. Although, picturing what this room will look like for the wedding has me giddy with excitement.

Glancing around, my eyes land on the stage where a live jazz band is playing and I smile. Jessica really went all out when she acquired everything for tonight. What amazes me more is that she got it donated or at a discounted price.

Guests seem to be enjoying themselves, socialising, some dancing, and all chatting and having a good time.

Waiters and waitresses are walking around handing out champagne and appetisers. The second one is near, I snag a glass off the tray, Drake doing the same.

“Wow, I didn’t realise this many people would be here,” he says in awe, glancing around the room with the same expression I just had.

“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers. There are a lot of wealthy people here, and family of fallen or injured soldiers,” I explain. “Once word spreads, tickets usually sell out within a week or two. Our other biggest fundraisers are for children in need and women’s aid.” His expression burns into me so I turn his way. “What?”

“You really love this, don’t you? Organising events.” He stares down at me.

I smile, gazing right back into his eyes when I answer. “I do. It’s the best feeling in the world, but when we do fundraisers, it means something much more to me. Knowing a community of people―rich or not―who probably never speak, know each other, or get along can come together to support something so meaningful and worthwhile… I don’t know. It’s spectacular. It shows that as people, as a country, we can come together peacefully. And knowing we could help someone, at least one person, with the money we raise is a gift no money can buy.” I trail off, thinking about all the women we’ve helped with our women’s aid fundraisers.

He probably thinks I’m a certifiable nutjob.

Great!

He shocks me when he places his hands on my waist, pulling me against him. I gasp, meeting his eyes in shock as tingles rush through my body. My heart slams into my chest as I try to control my emotions.

His eyes dilate and a look I can’t decipher flashes through them. His expression is warm and, if I’m reading him correctly, loving.

“You really are special, Pagan Salvatore,” he whispers, lowering his head towards me.

My heart beats against my chest.

Holy crap! He’s going to kiss me.

And I think I’m going to let him.

And maybe kiss him back.

“Pagan, Drake, there you are. My, don’t you look dashing, dear,” Pam calls out from nearby.

We jump apart, turning to his mum who pulls me in for a quick hug, pecking both cheeks.

“Hi, Pam. So do you,” I tell her, gesturing to the red sequined dress she’s wearing. Pam can certainly pull off most outfits even women my age can’t.

“Thank you.” She smiles. “I’d like you to meet my son, Jesse, and Amelia. You’ll also get to meet Aaron and Angela.” Her expression scrunches in disgust when she mentions Angela’s name, making my lips twitch.

When Pam gestures for us to follow her, I give Drake a wide-eyed look but find him too busy staring down at my lips, seeming lost in thought.

Not wanting to think about what may or may not have just happened between us, I clear my throat, pointing in Pam’s direction. “We should follow her.”

Snapping out of it, he places his hand on my lower back, nodding mutely.

“Are they really that bad?” I ask, wanting to get rid of the awkwardness between us. Or maybe it’s just me who feels it and I’m making it awkward.

He gives me a smile and a wink, seeming more like his normal self. “Nah. Aaron is a pansy, and Angela is just a witch who likes to throw tantrums.”

I nod, straightening my back when we come to a group Pam’s talking to. I notice Adam and Ada straight away. Two people have their backs to us, but Jesse and Amelia, who I’ve seen pictures of from Pam, I recognise right away. But even without having seen pictures, the way they’re acting together would’ve confirmed it. I can tell they are totally, irrevocably in love with each other.

They’re practically glued at the hip, but it’s the way they look at each other that cements my notion of them being in love. They look blissfully happy, and seeing something so beautiful makes me smile. The way they are together, I already know I’m going to enjoy working for them.

Still, I can’t help but be a little envious of what they have. Reminds me so much of what my brother has, and my mum and dad. I desperately want what they have more than ever, but love like theirs can’t be forced, or found. It’s magnetic, pulling together two people who belong with one another.

“There you two are.” Pam beams, turning to face us. “Pagan, I’d like to introduce you to my son, Jesse, and my future daughter-in-law, Amelia.”

I smile wide and take a step forward, ready to give handshakes, but the two people who had their backs to me turn around and the smile falls from my face. I pale, taking a shaky step back.

Aaron.

Fucking Aaron.

Aaron, my high school boyfriend till we were eighteen. Then I found out he cheated on me. Right before he dumped me, saying he got some girl pregnant and was leaving to be with her.

That’s all I got after five years of being with him. No ‘I’m sorry’, no explanations and no goodbye.

The break-up destroyed me, leaving me broken-hearted. I think it took just over a year for me to move on, to finally get over it. But when I did, it was to my sister-in-law’s ex, who was abusive to her. He used me just to get to her, and being used twice made dating less and less appealing for me.

I pick some real winners.

That said, this is the first time I’ve seen him since.

“Pagan? Pagan Salvatore? Oh my gosh, hi.” He smiles widely, stepping forwards to hug me.

I don’t think so, buddy.

Taking one huge step back, I end up bumping into Drake. Not apologising, I keep my eyes on Aaron, narrowing them. “Aaron,” I hiss.

He hasn’t changed much since I last saw him. He still has a baby face, one struggling to grow facial hair. His face is what drew people to him, especially the older women in town. They thought he was the town’s golden boy.

He dresses a lot smarter now, clad in a three-piece suit instead of the ratty jeans and T-shirts he used to wear to piss his parents off.

“Well, will you look at that,” Ada mutters, sounding rather amused. I ignore her, continuing to glare at him.

“You know each other?” Drake asks, an edge to his tone.

I open my mouth, but whether it’s to excuse myself or to tell him to fuck off, I don’t know. Nor do I get a chance to find out because the jerk pastes on a fake smile right in front of my eyes and answers before I can.

“Yeah, we were close friends at school.”

I scoff, taking a step closer to Drake, drawing from his strength and needing his support as I ignore everyone’s eyes on us.

“Is that right? Marvellous!” Pam is either oblivious to the tension or trying to avoid it.

Having had enough, I turn to Pam with a fake smile. “No we weren’t. We started dating in high school until we were eighteen. Then one day, he went to go home to change for our date―”

“Pagan, don’t,” Aaron hisses, his expression changing to the one I’m used to.

“Oh no, Pagan, continue,” Ada says giddily, clearly enjoying the show.

Ignoring her too, I glare his way, scoffing at the audacity. “What? Don’t tell them how I waited three hours for you to pick me up, only to have you send me a message to tell me you got some girl pregnant and were leaving to be with her. Don’t tell them how I went straight to your house to find you already gone? Or don’t tell them how you didn’t even say sorry or give me a goodbye!” I yell, all the anger I felt towards him bubbling up to the surface.

“You tell him, girl,” Ada hoots.

When my surroundings come back to me, I find everyone staring at me. Well, everyone except Ada. She’s busy glaring holes into Aaron’s head.

I close my eyes as embarrassment washes over me and take a second to gather myself before turning to Pam. “I’m so sorry, Pam. That was rude of me.” I feel my throat close up. Glancing at Amelia and Jesse, I give them a small smile. “And it was lovely to finally get to meet you both in person. I can’t wait to catch up with you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to… I have to go.” As soon as I’m finished, I turn towards the bar, ignoring Pam’s outstretched hand to comfort me. Once I know they won’t hear me, I mumble, “To get really, really shit-faced.”

“Pagan, wait,” Aaron calls, but I continue walking away.

“Leave her the fuck alone,” Drake snaps, hopefully stopping him from following me.

Walking up to the bar, I wave the bartender over, fighting the angry tears from falling. I never thought I’d have to see him again, let alone speak to him.

“Shot of tequila and a double vodka, lime and lemonade, please,” I tell the bartender.

“Hey,” Drake says softly, standing beside me against the bar.

“Hey,” I whisper, turning to face him. “I’m so sorry for that back there. It was unprofessional of me, and I’ll completely understand if your mum wants me to leave.”

He turns my whole body to face him, giving me a soft expression. “She’s actually in the middle of Grams handing Aaron his balls. I don’t think she minds. She seemed pretty pissed on your behalf.”

I glance in that direction just in time to see Ada throw a drink in Aaron’s face. Before he can recover, she kicks him in the balls.

Ouch!

Holy crap she can move quick.

“Is it wrong that I don’t even feel sorry for him or his nuts?” Drake blurts out, his face scrunched in pain like it was him who was just kicked.

Men!

I laugh and turn back to the bar, throwing back my shot. My throat burns, but it feels good as I chase it down with a sip of my drink.

“He never did have big balls. My guess, he’s playing it up to make it look like she hit the mark.”

He laughs, throwing his head back. I smile at the sight, feeling a little better already as my own laugh threatens to slip free.

“Do you want me to get Mum to book him into a hotel so he’s not in your face?”

Shit, I didn’t even think about him staying here. I’d been too shocked about seeing him to think of anything else. But I know I can’t fuck this job up. I just pray they make sure he’s on the other side of the mansion.

“No,” I sigh. “I’ll stay out of his way. And if he even thinks of pissing me off, I’ll be setting Ada on him.”

He chuckles but sobers quickly. “Are you okay? What he did was pretty fucked up. That must’ve been hard.”

I think about it for a second before shrugging. “I’m mostly angry. I never got to be the teenage girl who got to take her anger out on him or make him jealous of what he lost. We were together for five years and he didn’t even say goodbye or apologise to me. I didn’t get any closure, and I spent a lot of time wondering what the hell I did that was so wrong he would cheat on me. It had taken me a long time to realise I never did anything. He was a jerk and we were young, practically kids.”

“Young or not, it was a really shitty thing to do. But there’s a pro to him being here.”

He grins mischievously and my eyes scrunch together, wondering what he’s up to.

“And what’s that?” I ask dryly.

“Well, you have three weeks to take out as much anger as you want on him. Don’t hold back either. And don’t worry about him, I’ll make sure he stays out of your way.”

My heart melts, grateful for him being here, for being here for me. “Thank you.”

It’s his turn to look confused. “For what?”

“For being kind, for stopping him coming after me.” I shrug.

“It’s my―”

“Hey, darl, as soon as you’re up for some sweet revenge on the cheating scumbag, come find me. I have some ideas,” Ada says, startling me from behind.

When I turn, she disappears just as quickly as she materialised, and my gaze shoots back to Drake. We stare at each other wide-eyed before bursting into laughter.

Yep, definitely going to be an interesting three weeks, that’s for sure.