***
“So, how does it feel to be attending a party as a guest and not as someone assigned to cover it?” Mattie asks.
Frankly, I forgot she was going to be here.
“Good,” I answer. “Wait. You’re not going to write that down, are you?”
“No.” She gives a wave of her hand. “I just wanted to know how you felt.”
“Well, it feels good.”
“I should say so.” She gives my arm a nudge. “I still can’t believe you’re going out with Nathan Landers. And that you didn’t tell me.”
“Sorry,” I tell her half-heartedly. “It wasn’t official until recently.”
“Ah, so it’s official now, is it?”
I shouldn’t have said that. “But—”
“Don’t worry. I won’t put that on paper. Consider it my send-off gift.” She gives me a wink before waltzing off. “Enjoy the party.”
Enjoy? I’m not sure I can.
As I glance at Nathan, who’s on the balcony upstairs right now talking to some corporate executives, I can’t help but feel nervous. As our eyes meet, I force a smile.
Relax, Sam. Everything will be all right.
“It is Sam, isn’t it?” a woman asks from behind me.
I turn my head, surprised to see Casey Rockford. “It’s Samantha, actually, but yes, I suppose you can call me Sam.”
In spite of what happened, I’m not really mad at her. It wasn’t her who tried to grab my camera, after all.
“Casey.” She reaches out her hand. “I guess I want to say I’m sorry I acted the way I did before. It wasn’t nice of me.”
I shake my head as I shake her hand. “Don’t mention it.”
“And I want to congratulate you,” she adds.
“On what?”
“I’ve seen the way Nathan looks at you. It’s the way I used to dream he’d look at me. I guess we’re not really meant to be. But the two of you seem to be.”
“Thanks.”
I never thought I’d see the day when I’d hear Casey Rockford say those words. Actually, I never thought she’d talk to me.
“You’re not so bad,” I tell her.
“You think?”
“I’m sure you’ll get your own man someday.”
I don’t know why I just said that. Maybe I actually like her?
“Thanks. I was actually thinking of traveling. You know, go to places where I’m not so well known.”
“Good idea.”
“Oh, and by the way, Denise isn’t my friend anymore. I figured out she’s only after my money.”
“I’m glad you did. Next time, be more careful in choosing your friends.”
She nods as she looks at me. “I think I’ve learned. In fact, I think I’ve made a good choice this time.”
I smile.
“Can I join you ladies?” Nathan asks as he approaches.
“Actually, I was about to leave,” Casey says, leaving.
She’s probably still uncomfortable being around Nathan.
“Strange,” Nathan says. “She used to be chasing after me. Now, she’s running away from me. I wonder why.”
“Maybe she just grew up.”
“The two of you seemed to be getting along well.”
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t,” I tell him. “Past is past. And she’s not so bad.”
“By the way, I have someone I want you to meet.” He taps the shoulder of the man behind him. “Sam, this is…”
“Grant?” I ask.
I can’t believe it’s him. He’s wearing a suit now, but I still recognize him.
“Wait. You and Grant know each other?” Nathan and I ask at the same time.
Grant chuckles. “Yes, Sam and I met each other a few days ago while she was camping.”
“You better not have laid a finger on her,” Nathan warns.
“Of course not.” Grant turns to me. “And Nathan here went to college with me.”
I blink. “Really?”
“After college, he joined the Army. I went to study in London. I’ve been going back and forth, though. Now, I’m back for good.”
“I see. Small world.”
“Small world, indeed,” Nathan agrees. “I actually asked Grant to be my VP, you know, but he’s decided to start his own company.”
“That’s great news.”
“I’ve decided to support him. Oh, and I was thinking I’d lend Abby to him.”
“Lend Abby?” I frown. “She’s a person, Nathan. Not something you own.”
“What I meant was that I’d let her be Grant’s assistant while he’s starting his company. Not that I don’t want her working for me anymore. On the contrary, it’s because she’s so efficient that I’ve decided to let her help him.”
“And have you asked her if she wants to help him?” I ask.
“I have, actually, and she doesn’t mind.”
Well, Abby’s not really one to complain.
“But what about your assistant? Without Abby, who’s going to—”
“Set up my meetings and appointments? Make sure everything goes according to schedule?” Nathan finishes the sentence for me. “Don’t worry. I’ve found someone new.”
“I see.” I turn to Grant. “I’m sure you’ll love Abby.”
Grant nods. “She sounds wonderful.” He whispers in my ear, “Have you talked to him yet?”
“No,” I whisper back.
“Well, good luck.” He leaves with a grin.
“Care to tell me what that was about?” Nathan asks, clearly jealous.
“Don’t worry,” I assure him. “I’ll tell you after the party.”