Page 65 of The Charmer

"Are you sure it's okay to close the store?"

My shoulders slumped. The truth was that this was a bit silly. We’d lose a few customers, but what the hell? I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see motorized floats from the balcony at the Marriott. I was a firm believer in hard work, but I could afford this luxury for myself and my girls. Since motorized floats weren’t allowed in the French Quarter anymore, the parades on big boulevards like Canal Street were the only way to see them.

"Yes. Take the time off and celebrate."

She grinned. "Thanks, boss."

Getting out of the Quarter was absolute madness today, but I knew shortcuts, so I decided to walk. I wasn't going to take the bus from the cathedral today but rather jump on three stations farther down, beyond St. Charles Avenue.

The flaw in my plan was that I didn't count on a delay. The bus came fifteen minutes late, but then I was finally on my merry way home. Once I arrived, I dressed very quickly, putting on a short multicolored dress. It was another sparkly one, but in my opinion, if there was ever a time to bring out the sparkle, it was definitely during Carnival season. The colors complemented my beautiful mask too. I put it on just to see how I would look.

Oh yeah, I looked like a sexy vixen. Well, maybe not sexy, but enticing for sure.

I swallowed hard, lowering the mask, as I remembered Julian’s messages. How he insisted he would recognize me even with the mask. Was he flirting or simply paying me a compliment? I didn't know. All those fake kisses felt too real. It was messing with my head.

Maybe I should have a chat with him just in case any kissing comes up and tell him he should keep it to a very decent, almost boring level.

"Ha, don't be silly," I told myself in the mirror. “If you're going to get fake kisses, they should at least be delicious.”

There was no reason to hold back. Except... I was already looking forward to an opportunity for a fake kiss, which was crazy. That wasn't the point of this at all.

I had a feeling I'd completely lost the point, though. Why was I even attending this party? It wasn't really for networking. I was dressed like a Mardi Gras flag, and Julian told me that most people actually went there to see the floats and get drunk.

No, I had to be honest with myself. I'd said yes to his invitation because I wanted to see Julian. The floats, too, but mostly Julian.

As if on cue, my phone beeped.

Julian: When will you be here?

Georgie: I'm still at home, but I'm hurrying.

Julian: Don't worry. Plenty of time until the floats arrive.

I finally arrived at the Marriott forty-five minutes later. Traffic had been insane, but once I stepped inside the lobby, I completely forgot about it. It seemed like I was in another world altogether. One of luxury and peace where nothing ever went wrong. I could feel the calm seep into my bones.

The suite was on the fifth floor, and I immediately realized why Julian had indicated I use a specific elevator. There was a man inside who asked, "Going to Julian LeBlanc's party?"

I nodded.

"Come on in."

"This is a cool job. You escort people there all day long?"

"Yes. And you’re lucky that it's just you in the elevator. Last group was so big, I thought the doors wouldn’t close.”

"A lot of people have arrived already?"

"Yeah. Everyone likes free booze," he said with a chuckle.

As the door slid open upon our arrival, he nodded. "Good luck."

"Which door is it?"

"You'll see it soon enough."

He was right. It was impossible to miss. Julian hadn’t just rented out a suite but the presidential suite. I couldn't even imagine how much that cost.

I suddenly looked down at my dress. No, I wasn’t going to question myself. I was a very confident woman. I didn't want to let Kyle get into my head, but apparently he had already. Nevertheless, I was determined to enjoy this evening.