Page 23 of Billion Dollar Dispute

I don’t bother correcting her wrong recollection. My showing upis the answerand he has no idea I’m coming unless I don’t show up at all.

I glance at the email exchange withhimearlier today.

Harvey: 55 Wall Street. 6pm.

To get under his skin, I email a sassy reply back.

Me:Do I get a plus one?

He replies instantly.

Harvey:No.

Me:What if I promise they’ll behave?

Harvey:I’m not convinced you’ll behave.

Me:Who, me? I’m a model guest.

Harvey:I’m not so sure about that.

Me:I’ll show you tonight.

Harvey:I can’t wait. ??

Flirting is a fun distraction, but I don’t have time for all this. So as soon as I get close to the address, I message Molly to check in. My stomach twists with nerves, so if Chad needs me, I’ll have an excuse to leave.

Jemima:Is he alright?

Molly:He's fine! Stop messaging and go have fun.

Jemima:I’m here to work.

Molly:Well, do that tomorrow. Tonight have fun. I promise to call if I need you. Otherwise, I’ll see you in the morning.

Stuffing my phone in my purse, I take a moment to gather myself, rubbing my hands together. Not because it’s a cold night, but to shake some of my sudden nerves.

The noisy hustle and bustle of workers surrounds me, car horns blare in the distance, and I pause on the sidewalk across the road. I feel a rush of anticipation mixed with trepidation.

I don’t know anyone besides Harvey. But here in the hustle of the city, I find myself thinking of the potential work opportunities this party may bring.I just need a couple of decent events to host and figure out what went wrong, and continues to go wrong, with my company's finances.

I’m taking control of my life, and it includes tonight. I’ll accept his help, but the bottom line is, it’s stillmycompany. He can’t come in and take over. I’ve lost everything because I let my ex do that. So I’ll never make that mistake again.

Crossing the road, I can’t help but admire the skyscraper. The city views from such a prestigious location must be incredible.

As I pass security, they nod at me in acknowledgment, and I step into the lobby. The building is sophisticated, with lights highlighting the polished marble floors. Inside, a dark-purple haired woman greets me with a warm smile, asking for my name before directing me upstairs to the event.

I enter the elevator with a few other guests, glad I chose a nicer slim black dress from Molly and straightened my hair, after seeing the couple next to me. They ooze elegance. The woman is in a floor-length emerald-green dress with her hair tied up into a neat bun, showing off her dazzling diamond earrings. Her companion wears a black velvet suit with an emerald-green bow tie, in the same shade as her dress.

When the doors open, I let them lead, mesmerized by their graceful movements, suddenly feeling out of place in my borrowed dress and old shoes. They hold hands, their connection palpable. I don’t even remember what it would feel like to do that. I can’t help but feel a pang of longing. Butch and I hadn’t been out together since before Chad was born. By the end, intimacy was just a distant memory.

Entering a grand ballroom, I take in the soft glow from the large chandelier, the decor is rich fabrics and luxurious furnishings around the space. The linen color is a little too dark here, but it’s not my event…

Servers pass me with trays of yummy pastries, the smell wafting through the air, tempting me.

Just as I’m about to grab one, the sound of Harvey’s deep, guttural voice interrupts me.

“Hey, partner.”

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