Page 20 of Reckless Chance
“That would be great. What time?” Evan asks.
“Kai’s expecting Cassie at 2:00 p.m. Let’s meet at my apartment then.”
“Perfect.”
My phone buzzes.
“Unfortunately, I have a meeting now. Keep your seats and enjoy the rest of your breakfast,” I say, standing.
As I’m walking to the door, I casually turn and say, “I forgot. There’s a new magic show at the Olympic Torch Bar tonight. You should join me.”
“I love magic. That would be fantastic, but Evan may have made other plans.” Cassie stares at Evan expectantly.
“I’d made dinner reservations, but we can change them. As long as the drinks are plentiful, I’m not opposed to a magic show,” Evan says, covering his mouth to hide his grin from Cassie.
“Don’t worry, Athena’s staff won’t leave you thirsty. I’ll meet you here at 7:30 p.m. tonight. We can take the Maze to avoid the crowds.”
“By the way, my friend Lowri may be arriving today. Do you remember her? She was here for the dinner in the wine cave earlier this year,” Cassie says.
Biting my lip, I’m not sure how much to share at this point. Deciding to keep it simple, I say, “Of course, I remember your best friend.”
“If she arrives in time, is there room for her to join us at the magic show?” Cassie asks.
“Absolutely. I’ll have Christian let her know about the show when she checks in.”
“Thanks so much.” Cassie beams.
Mission accomplished.
14
SEAN
Cassie’s expecting me at their suite in ten minutes, but that was never therealplan. Instead, Christian will meet them, explaining that I’m running late and will see them at the magic show. That gives Lowri and me time here at the Olympic Torch Bar to oversee the last-minute party arrangements.
I’m jaded from growing up under the neon lights of Las Vegas and Dad’s tendency toward perfection. However, the décor vastly exceeds even my expectations. Despite little advance warning, they’ve turned this place into a miniature version of the Magic Castle, an exclusive, private magic club in Los Angeles. It’s dark and mysterious while still welcoming. There’s even a magic word required to enter. And the lounge is buzzing with people ready to welcome Cassie back to Vegas for her month as guest chef of the Grand Athena’s Pinot & Pie restaurant.
As Lowri and I do a final walk through the venue, I ask, “Have we missed anything?”
“I don’t think so. Amy did an excellent job.”
“You did an outstanding job too. You’re the one who selected everything. Evan will be happy that it’s refined and elegant. Isuspect he wanted your help for fear I’d plan something less appropriate.”
“He did say not to let you turn it into a frat party like you guys had in college.” She laughs.
“He forgets that I’m no longer a twenty-one-year-old, but I’m not complaining that Evan arranged for you to arrive early. You’ve been a tremendouspartnerthis week,” I tease.
She playfully punches my upper arm, saying, “I’m sure you wouldn’t have spent the week alone. It has been fun though, except for the end of the show last night. And of course, the marriage part. Get that fixed.”
“It’s under control. Emily scheduled a call with my lawyer for tomorrow morning. It will be resolved soon. There’s no reason to worry.”
“I know. I’m just kicking myself for not reading the forms we signed. Can you imagine the crap I’d get at my law firm for that? God, I hope they never find out.”
“I doubt they will. On a lighter note, do you think Cassie will be surprised?”
“Absolutely. She’ll also be a little overwhelmed that Evan did something this extravagant for her. She hasn’t had a man in her life who put her first and made her feel special in a long time.”
I almost miss the fleeting look of longing that passes over her face. It’s swiftly replaced with her normal, cheery smile.
