“That seems like the ideal spot,” my father said.
It’s true that ideas often were sparked like light bulbs. “Let me plan it,” I said.
My mother stared at me with suspicion in her eyes. “Why?”
“Because it’s crass to organize your own anniversary party,” I said, not knowing if that was true. “I’ll take care of everything.” Including hiring a certain, sexy, event planner.
I could see my mother was wary about putting her anniversary plans in my hands, but my father supported the idea with the sideways remark that it was time I appreciated my family. Finishing my breakfast, I headed to the Roarke building to start my day. I began by emailing my sister the space I was eyeing for a club. Then I questioned the administrative assistant who I inherited from my father about what my parents would like as a thirtieth anniversary party.
“I was thinking of having it at the house in the Hamptons,” I told her. “I think it would be good for them to get out of the city.”
She eyed me. “Do you plan to leave them there and take over?”
“There’s an idea,” I said jokingly. “No. But I do think my dad does need to start recognizing that he needs to look ahead. He needs to find something to occupy his time when he does retire.”
She nodded. “Good point. I like the Hampton house idea. Do you want me to call any planners?”
“No. I’ve got one in mind.”
She quirked a brow. “Back a week and you already know the event planners.”
“Her company is doing the Gallagher party tonight at the Roarke.”
“Okay, so maybe you do,” she said, with a shrug.
“Look, I know when I left here five years ago, I wasn’t the most focused person—”
“Sure, you were,” she said with a smirk. “It was just on the ladies.”
“Touché. The point is, I’m not that man anymore. I’m here ready to work.”
“I know everything you did in Europe, and while I’m sure your father is scarce on the praise, he’s proud of you, Devin.”
“I won’t let him or the company down.”
She patted my hand as she stood. It was the type of thing an older grandmotherly type would do w
hich told me I still had a little work to do to make her see me as the head of the business. That was okay. At least she was on my side.
“By the way, I’m going to the Gallagher party tonight,” I told her before she got through my doorway.
“Do you need me to make any arrangements for you?”
“No. I just wanted to let you know. Dad knows as well.”
“Very well,” she said exiting my office.
I worked through most of the day, and then in the afternoon, I headed down to the Roarke to check on the final set up for the party.
At first, I didn’t see Serena and was worried she wouldn’t be there. But then she came bustling out from the kitchen with a clipboard handing out orders. She looked fierce and confident, much like she’d been when I first met her.
I watched her for a minute, once again trying to decide why I felt a pull to her. Sure, five years ago, we had fun and I’d wanted to spend more time with her, but now, all this time later, surely all those feelings were gone. That and the fact that she had zero interest in me should have put me off. Yet here I was, gawking like a dumbass as she moved through the room with her staff.
She stopped short when she saw me. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. She said something to one of the people on her team and then came to me.
“Is everything okay, Mr. Roarke?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ve seen you naked. It seems to me we can use first names.”