Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
“Thank you. Same to you, Rainey. Be well.”
I watch as he walks down the street, and I hope that’s the last I see of my ex.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Rainey
A few weeks later, the day of the Thunder anniversary party arrives, and I thought I’d be a nervous bundle of energy. Instead, I’m calm and determined. I’d slept at Lucas’s last night and we took two cars to the club this morning. He lets us inside where I wait for Kaylee, Ashlynn, the two assistants we use for parties, and the electrician and handyman who will help with setup. The florist is due to show up in a few hours before the party begins. It’s a well-choreographed affair, one we’ve done before, but never with so much at stake, at least for me.
The girls are setting up the goodie bags on a large table. I’m still excited about the vintage merch we’ve put inside each. Kaylee and I watch the handyman set up the banners, and I do my best not to get upset we don’t have the tapestries because they would have been stunning. But when the banners are set around the room with the spotlight over each, I take it in and I can breathe. They stand out just as I’d hoped and everyone who walks in will notice them.
“Looking good!” Kaylee puts her arm around my shoulders. “I have to say, glitches and all, this place is perfection.”
“It is, isn’t it? Once the florist arrives, it’ll look even better.” I envision the tables with bouquets with team colors on each and can’t help but smile.
As we admire our handiwork, Ashlynn walks up to us. “The florist is here. He’s going to bring things in from the back. The caterers also just showed up. The kitchen has their own doors so they won’t conflict with the flowers being brought in.”
I nod. “That’s good.” I walk to the back delivery entrance and greet the florist.
“Rainey!” Adrian says, wrapping me up in a big hug. “Always good to see you.”
“Same here! We’re ready for you, so go do your beautiful thing!” I gesture toward the inside of the club and leave him to it.
As I pass the hallway, a hand reaches out and grasps my wrist, pulling me back against a hard chest. I never panic. I recognize Lucas’s familiar, spicy scent and relax into him.
“The club looks fantastic,” he says, his deep voice in my ear.
I grin. “I’m pretty pleased. The florist is here and so are the caterers. I’m going to check the kitchen next.”
“Want company?” he asks, kissing the side of my neck. A tremor ripples through my body at his touch.
“Always,” I murmur.
We walk side by side to the industrial kitchen in time to see the food laid out on the counters. I glance down and freeze. “What is this?” I ask of what appears to be vegetarian appetizers. My heart begins to pound double time.
“Are you okay?” Lucas asks.
I shake my head as the caterer, a woman named Sherri who I’ve never worked with before, but who’d been excited about offering a variety of selections for a football anniversary party, walks over to me.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, as she lifts the wrapping off the top of one of the trays.
My mouth is dry so I gesture to the food containers. “They’re all vegetables,” I manage to say.
She nods. “Yes. That’s what you said you wanted when you called to make changes to the menu.”
I stiffen and glance at Lucas. “I assure you I did not call. This is a party with football players attending. More men than women. They’re going to want meat. The glamour burgers we discussed. Tacos handed out. Not cauliflower and broccoli!” I say, my voice rising.
Lucas places a calming hand on my back, but it doesn’t work. I’m shaking with panic.
The caterer’s eyes open wide. “I don’t understand. I spoke to you.”
“It wasn’t me! Why didn’t you send me a new confirmation and menu list?” I ask.
“I did send one.” She walks to the counter and begins looking through her tote. “Here.” She pulls out the contract with an amendment, then a separate menu, and hands me both. “You signed them.”
My head is spinning as I accept the papers and look through them until I reach the signature page. I compare the original contract with my signature to the amendment and though at a glance, it’s close enough to mine, there are subtle differences. Besides, I know I didn’t receive or sign it.
“It’s not my signature.” I hand her back the paperwork.
“But—”
I blow out a long breath. “I’m not saying you could know. But something’s very wrong.” I glance at Lucas. “Can we talk?”
He nods. The blood rushing to my head, I follow him out of the kitchen, through the club, and down the hall to his office.