Page 38 of Faking it for Gran's Sake

“Good luck.”

Brielle moves through the crowd, and I spot Ethan. He smiles at me and comes my way. “Good turnout tonight. Want to join the event planning team?’

“Huh? When did we have an event team?”

“Since you gave me the idea about renting out the theater.” He cracks his knuckles. “Could you handle some time out of the sun and water?”

“I’ll think about it.” I tilt my head. “I can’t remember giving you an invite to Gran’s party?”

Ethan grips his chest. “Yeah, and it wounded me deeply.” He looks past my shoulder. “But Mason said I should be here. Big announcement or something.”

I frown. “Not that I know of. And you took the liberty of inviting Damien, I see?”

“Yep. He knows Granny Brooker. I want him to feel at home now that he’s back in Georgetown. This was a good opportunity for him to reconnect.”

“Sure.” I sip my drink and place it on the table.

Ethan snatches two canapés from a passing tray and shoves one into his mouth.

“How many of those have you had tonight?”

“You’re just like my receptionist. Has my wife put you to the task of watching what I eat too?”

“Where is Emily?”

Ethan wipes his mouth on the back of his hand. “The pregnancy makes her tired. She’ll be asleep already.”

“You must be excited about becoming a dad.”

“Can’t wait.” The joy beaming from his face is contagious, and I find myself smiling too.

I sigh, and my gaze drifts about the room. Mason is there again, watching me. He curls his finger for me to come. I turn to my boss. “I’ll see you around.”

Ethan wiggles his brows, and I roll my eyes and give him a glare that says nothing is going on between Mason and me.

He nods and squints like he doesn’t believe me.

I smooth a hand over my satin dress and approach Mason.

He takes my hand. “Let me introduce you to my new secretary.” Mason turns and waves to a man. “Jonathon, come and meet Lauren.”

I open my mouth and shut it again. His secretary’s name is Jonathon?

Mason leans forward and whispers into my ear. “I thought you’d appreciate me hiring a male secretary since I’ll need to collaborate with him a lot.”

I’m about to remind him his business arrangements have nothing to do with me when Jonathon sidles up to Mason and grins. “Nice to finally meet you. Mason doesn’t stop talking about you.” He pats Mason’s shoulder. “Good things, of course.”

I cross my arms and give Mason a cautious smile. “Is that right?”

A ting, ting, ting on glass has our heads turning. Mason’s mother calls over the mumbles of conversation. “Can I have your attention, please?”

There’s a hush about the room, and people turn to face Mrs. Brooker.

“Gran would like to say a few words and thank you for being here. Mason will give a speech afterward. Please, make your way toward the stage and take a seat in the first few rows.”

There’s a bustle of activity as guests become a flock of sheep, leave the open foyer, and fill the middle aisle of the theater. Gran rolls her wheelchair to the base of the stage, and Mrs. Brooker hands her the microphone.

Mason nestles next to me, and I breathe his delicious scent of soap and heavenly cologne. After tonight, the torture will end. He will continue his hectic business life, and I will . . . I will jump on another inflatable boat and ride the current wherever it leads.

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