Page 31 of Yours to Conquer

I see my phone, and I've missed Anthony's call, showing he is in Dallas.He's hitting the ground running but will catch up with me later.The second message is from theLos Angeles Timesreporter asking me to call him so we can set up a time to meet.

With all the drama over the last few days, I almost forgot about the crisis Ahz is facing. I call the reporter to set up a personal meeting tomorrow. I'll take him to the restaurant where he'll ask the questions, and we'll have lunch. After that, I'll give him a behind-the-scenes tour of the club.

My notebook is full of things I have to do. I browse through the list, checking off the items I've completed, and make a new list of the things I haven't been able to get to. I've sent the invitations for the prom to over seven hundred people. I used an acrostic poem.

People dressed in uncomfortable clothes.

Ripping their seams on the dance floor.

Oh… my gosh, the punch is so good.

Maybe prom will be fun.

You are cordially invited to travel back in time to your prom. If you loved it the first time, then relive it. If you didn't go, don't miss your second chance. If it fell way below your expectations, you know you'll love the prom at Ahz. We are pulling out all the stops to make sure this is a night you will remember.

I'll need to check on the RSVPs that have come back. Trevor is in charge of that. He's a bit of a control freak and wants to know the who's who that will be attending. He's like our very own Perez Hilton.

Back in the house, I think about my prom experience and what I'll be wearing. Anthony promised to match his Chucks to my dress. I don't plan to make it easy for him. I rummage through my closet to find the hot-pink dress I wore to the only dance I ever attended in high school. I have no idea why I kept the dress, but I think it's because it has sentimental value. I attended homecoming withChris. It was such a glorious night, with no pressure and no expectations, just a lot of dancing.

I take a picture of the dress with my phone and send it to Anthony.

Start looking for the perfect match.

I found the perfect match the day I met you. What are you doing?

I was planning my outfit for prom. It's a big day in a girl's life.

If I could roll my eyes, I would. Unfortunately, he's not around to see it.

You aren't going to make this easy, are you?

Have I made anything easy for you?

No, but you've made it worth it. I'll get on it. I love you. I gotta run.

I put my phone into my back pocket and smile.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I spent last night in my house. There was no point in going to Anthony’s since he wasn’t there. I arrive at work bright and early to find Trevor waiting for me by the elevators.

“So, how did the meeting go with Roxy?” He looks nervous, but it’s not like I’d stop liking him if I didn’t like her.

“Great, she’s in like Flynn.” I snap my fingers with my statement.

“I knew you’d like her. She’s so much fun. A little on the wild side, but I think she’s still rebelling against her parents.”

“Yes, she said something about pissing them off. I like her a lot. I think she is moving some of her stuff in today.” I shrug my shoulders, not sure if that’s the case. She has a key and will come and go as she pleases.

“Nice. I came out to meet you because I wanted to show you the number of responses we’ve received. You sent out seven hundred invites, and we’ve had four hundred and thirty-five ‘yes’ responses. These are all couples or parties of two. This is going to be huge! Is there anything I can do to help you?” The idea has taken off. Manypeople are looking forward to reliving their prom. Who would’ve thought?

“No, I need to get through today. I have a meeting at noon with the reporter from theTimes. That should be fun.” False humor strains my voice. “I also have to leave early today because I have a medical appointment. However, I think I have it all under control.”

We walk into Ahz and back to where the offices are located. I no longer have to share a space with Kat. I have my little windowless box in the corner of the first floor. It’s not much, but it’s mine, and I love it. I toss my jacket and bag under my desk and check my voicemail.

The first message is from Anthony, wishing me a good day. I replay it twice to hear his voice. The second message is from the vendor producing my decorations for the prom. Everything is being shipped today. The last message is from Tom Wakefield. He’s the reporter for theTimesand wanted to confirm our noon appointment.

I pick up the phone and call Kat.

---