Page 69 of Free to Fall

“Liam? What did you say?” Keene snaps.

“Yeah. Sorry. Faulty connection.”

“No worries. Now, let’s get this discussed. Caleb’s got a lot on his plate today.”

“Right.” I have to reach down and fist myself to relieve the pain caused by the images of my nanny, but after a few moments, I’m fully focused on the figures flashing on my screen. But I’ve got a good memory.

I’ll bring them out later when I’m alone.

Chapter

Thirty-Five

“Laura.” Liam’s voice stops me from slipping out the door. “Could I have a minute?”

“Of course. Is something wrong?”

“No.” His face is a study in frustration as he stares down at the card he’s holding. “What do you know about the annual Greenwich Hospital fundraising event?”

“Before or after the paparazzi field day on the red carpet?” The words slip out of my mouth before I can stop them.

His obvious agony causes my lips to twitch. “I take it you’re not a fan of black-tie events?”

“Like most men, I’ll suffer having a tie choking the crap out of me when it’s for a good cause.”

I blurt out, “But you always dress so sharply for work.”

His head raises. Like a gazelle pinned in place by a tiger, I’m frozen in place by the ferocity of his gaze. “You think so?”

I mentally berate myself for admitting I’ve checked him out. Instead, I pluck the very familiar invite out of his hands. I have it memorized since not only have I RSVP’d myself, but I also wrote most of the enclosed pamphlet information for my mother before my life was taken under siege.

Handing it back to him, I coolly state, “Like I said, it’s for a very good cause.”

“Do you plan on attending?”

This is the million-dollar question I’ve been asking myself—and being asked—since the reminder came up for my gown fitting earlier today. When I answered my mother’s call, I never expected it to be a reminder of my fitting with my Aunt Emily.

I froze before managing, “So soon?”

“It’s been almost five months, Laura.”

Swallowing down the panic of bullets and blood swirling in my gut, I confirmed my appointment. Now I just need to decide if I’m going to keep it. Still ... “It’s an amazing event.”

He crosses his arms, his tattooed sleeve prominently displayed. “Convince me.”

“Are you for real?”

“Absolutely. If I have to don a monkey suit for the night, I want to know it’s for a worthwhile cause.”

I roll my eyes at his blatant audacity before ticking off, “Amaryllis Events donates their services. Because my family is obviously made of miracle workers, they somehow manage to get the venue, food, music, and auction items donated. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the hospital, which is unheard of when it comes to charitable events of this size.”

“Is the dessert donated?”

“That’s what you’re concerned about? Your sweet tooth?”

Then he gives me a panty-melting smile before his next words wrap my heart in a fluffy cloud. “Hell yeah, I am. If I’m going to smuggle it out for Bailey, I hope it’s one of your aunt’s creations.”

“Then, yes, the dessert is donated by Amaryllis Bakery, and so are the takeaway boxes.”

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