Page 34 of The Charmer

I shook my head. "No, really. I want to make the best of this evening. It's a new experience for me. And you are excellent company."

"And why is that?"

"Hm, I can't explain it. It's just a feeling."

He grinned. "I'll take the compliment."

As we entered what I assumed was the main party area, I gasped almost audibly. "Goodness, this room."

It dripped with wealth. Everything was tasteful and grand. The crystal chandeliers, the golden ornaments along the walls, and the paintings were a dream.

There were multiple tables around the room, but not a lot of people were sitting down. Most were milling through the crowd.

"You said the Tableau family were your clients, right?" Julian asked.

"Yes. I've only ever met their employees, though. I don't know them."

"But I do. Let's go say hi."

My eyes widened. "Am I supposed to pitch them? God, I’m so far out of my comfort zone, it's not even funny.”

Julian frowned. "Why?"

"I don't really do things like this. I'm not used to sealing deals. I've been working with all the contracts my grandmother and then my mom put in place."

"But if you don't get your old clients back, you'll have to start pitching to new ones anyway."

"True. And I can’t really postpone it any longer."

"You're going to win them over."

"Any tips?" I asked.

"Be yourself. Actually, wait. Don't give them a hard time."

I started to laugh. "Funnily enough, I wasn't going to do that."

"So, I’m the only one who got to see that side of you? I’m honored.”

“Not sure what got into me. I think I was just riled up from writing back and forth, and you were the first one who pulled out of the deal."

"Which was a mistake. I’ll point that out to them. Now, let’s hurry. They're grabbing drinks. I bet if you wait too long, someone else will monopolize their attention."

I nodded. "You're right. Let’s go."

We headed toward a gorgeous couple who seemed to be in their fifties. The woman had dark brown hair styled in a sophisticated updo with pearls placed throughout it. Her husband looked very elegant in his tux. His beard was a mix of gray and white even though his hair was still dark.

"Bo, Calliope, so good to see you tonight," Julian said.

They looked at him with pleasant smiles.

"This is Georgie," he introduced us.

"Lovely to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Tableau," I said.

"Any friend of Julian's can call us by name," Calliope informed me.

"And it’s a very gorgeous name, Calliope."

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