Page 20 of One Night Only
Andy’s office door swings open with gusto, and he storms out, muttering a few unintelligible words. He looks less than happy after his shouty phone call, his curly brown hair sticking up on one side like he’s been yanking at it, and I instinctively sit up a little straighter, squaring my shoulders, ready for what, I have no idea.
“Oh, hey, Fran.” He stops in his tracks, looking from Fran to me and back again. “Are you… here to see me?”
“No,” Fran says simply, sipping her water.
Andy rolls his eyes, biting back a smile. “You know, as CEO of this company, I have the power to tell you to get back to work, right?”
Despite his smile, and the lighthearted nature in his tone, I can’t help but cower beneath his warning.
But Fran just takes another sip, staring right back at him. “I dare you.”
With a scoff, Andy shakes his head and starts rifling through the stack of printed contracts I have waiting for him on my desk as he says, “You’re lucky you’re good at your job.”
Ignoring him, Fran grins at me. “I’ll send you the details for tonight.” And, with a wave, she spins on her bright red heels and struts out of my office like a whirlwind of fun and chaos mixed into one petite package.
Andy continues standing right there, going through thecontracts, and I clear my throat, standing from my chair in an attempt to look like I’m not just sitting around on my ass doing nothing but gossiping with Fran.
In the short time I’ve been working at HMC, I like to think that I’ve hit the ground running. Being an assistant isn’t an overly difficult job, but I’ve been doing as much as I can, learning as much as I can about the sports management industry, while also cleaning up a lot of Paris’s mess. Andy is an incredible boss, and he knows his stuff. I’m lucky to be working for such a successful businessman, but it’s also imperative that I prove myself to him.
“Can I help you find something?” I ask.
“Can you print me a copy of the Holmes contract?” Andy asks, not looking up from the papers he’s flicking through. “I think I misplaced it.”
“Sure, of course.” I move my mouse cursor around my computer screen, opening the required files to print.
“How’s everything coming along for Saturday?”
Saturday night is Andy’s fourth annual Christmas charity event. Each year he’s held it, it’s been a huge success, raising money for families having it tough this time of year and providing ongoing financial support throughout the year. A bunch of HMC athletes, celebrities, and major brands offer up donations that VIP guests have the opportunity to bid on. It’s a great cause, and I’ve loved being involved.
“I made a trip down to the venue this morning and met with Gayle to do a final check. Everything has been confirmed: caterers, wait staff, the band.” I reach for my planner, opening to today’s page. “The only thing she’s yet to confirm is the seating arrangement. I sent her the final list of guests when I got back here. There’s a wedding being held there tomorrow, but Gayle assured me everything will be cleared out first thing Saturday, ready to start preparing for the event. I’m going to pop in some time after lunchtime on the day just to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
“Great work.” Andy looks up at me with an impressed smile. “What time are you planning on arriving to the event?”
My brows knit together. “Me?”
“Uh, yeah…” He offers a confused chuckle, making a point of looking around like there might possibly be someone else in the room with us.
“Oh… I-I didn’t realize you needed me to work it,” I say. “But it’s totally fine. I have nothing going on.”
A slow smile tugs at Andy’s lips. “Emily, I don’t need you toworkthe event. I just assumed you’d be attending. All HMC staff are invited. It’s a fun night.”
“Oh.” My shoulders sag on an exhale. “Well, yeah.” I can’t fight the smile claiming me. “I mean, if it’s okay, I’d love to come. I’ll just need to call Gayle to squeeze me onto a table somewhere. We’ve left some wiggle room for late RSVPs, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Andy waves a hand. “Just join my table next to Jenn. She loves you.”
Act cool, Emily. I’ve met Andy’s wife, Jenn, a few times so far, whenever she’s stopped by the office to try to tear her husband away for lunch. She’s super nice, super glamorous, and a typical New Yorker. She also manages to put Andy in his place, which, from what I’ve witnessed in the office, isn’t an easy feat. I really like Jenn, and the fact that Andy says she loves me is more than a little flattering.
“I guess now I get to shop for a dress,” I say with a pathetic giggle because it’s been a long time since I’ve had a reason to dress up.
Andy chuckles, but the conversation is interrupted by the printer whirring, and I turn to grab the Holmes contract for him.
“Here you go,” I say, handing it over.
He accepts it with a smile, but when I meet his eyes, there’s something there, something more. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not inappropriate or anything like that. Andy is definitely not a creeper. There’s just something there in his gaze, somethingunexpected. But before I can try to decipher it, it’s gone. Maybe I was imagining it.
“Thanks, Emily.” Andy turns for the exit, taking the Holmes contract with him. “Just email me over a copy of the presentation deck once you’re done with it. I’ll be out for the rest of the afternoon,” he says before disappearing.
I take a seat behind my desk to hurry and get the presentation done so I can start looking online for a dress for Saturday night. It’s not a lot of time, but I’m sure I can find something acceptable. But before I can get too deep into my work, my phone vibrates loudly on my desk, and I startle. Picking it up, I sigh when I see another new message from Dallas.
