Page 67 of Playing A Risk
What the fuck is happening tonight?
It’s like I’m in an alternate universe.
I give Douglas my full attention, using the interaction in my favor. “Douglas, is there a clause in the executives’ contracts that states they can’t date a contractor of Efron Worldwide?”
Douglas takes a drink of his cocktail. “No. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious, is all.”
“Hmm. I see.” He glances at Patrick, who happens to be strolling by. “You may be wasting your time, Jamison.”
My brows narrow. “What do you mean?”
“If you’re asking because you are interested in Dori Fisher, you may be too late.”
“Why would you say that?”
“No reason.”
I’m putting the puzzle pieces together when Gerald Dupree joins us. Now I’m in a small circle with Patrick Efron’s two best friends and Patrick hovering on the sidelines.
“Good evening, you two.” Gerald glances at Douglas and then faces me. “The event is well attended this year. Many faces of people I didn’t expect to see.”
“I’d have to agree.” Douglas pats Gerald’s shoulder. “My daughter just showed up. Jamison, if you have some space on your dance card, I’m sure Ava would be delighted to take a spin with you.”
“I’ll be sure to find her later.” I force a smile and peek over my shoulder.
Ava’s swaying our way with stars in her eyes. Her dad goes to welcome her. They stop for a second, then both look my way as Douglas says something in her ear.
Gerald clears his throat. “Jamison, can I help you out a little?”
I turn back and face him. “Help me out, how?”
“I’m not sure you’re aware of this, but the Efrons, Aldridges, and the Duprees are long, steadfast friends. We have each other’s backs, no matter the cause.” His eyes lock with my gaze. “In this case, it’s the Efrons’ turn to get what they want.”
What the fuck?
As I spin into oblivion, Isabella comes to my side. “Sorry I was gone for so long. I saw Melanie and Dori and wanted to say hi.”
Adrenaline shoots through me just hearing her name. “You saw Dori? Where?”
Isabella smiles at Gerald, then addresses me. “She was going into the restroom when I left them, but that was a few minutes ago. You might have missed her because I heard Melanie say their car was waiting outside as they walked away.”
“Shit!”
I take off in a hurry. If I miss my chance to speak to Dori tonight, I won’t get another one until she comes back to work.
My heart rate speeds as I rush to the coat check and scan the area. She’s not there, so I run out the front doors, and there she is. Everything else fades away.
I yell to get her attention. “Dori! Wait!”
CHAPTER 17
DORI
“Dori! Please, just talk to me!”a panicked voice screams from behind me.
I peek over my shoulder. Jami’s running toward me.
