“Yeah, sure,” I said forcing myself to smile and perk up.
“There were no problems with the Roarke anniversary party, was there? They were happy with everything, right? I mean there’s no reason why they wouldn’t want you helping them is there?”
I shook my head. “No. Everything went as planned.”
She studied me for a moment. “You didn’t…uh…you and Mr. Roarke spent time alone at the beach…you didn’t sleep with him, did you?”
“What?” I hoped I sounded shocked and offended. “No.”
“Good, because you know that would be grounds for firing. And if that got out while he was engaged to Ms. Winthrop, that would be a PR disaster for us.”
I was beginning to hate the word engaged, especially related to Devin.
“You don’t need to worry about that.” I waved a hand to indicate there was nothing to her concern.
“Good. I know I suggested something with him before, but it would be wrong as his planner. Plus, if he’s engaged, you don’t want him anyway. If he’s committed to someone and sleeping around, you don’t want him. Rich and sexy as hell or not, you deserve better. And of course, you have Andrew to think about.”
I nodded. “Yes, I do.” I appreciated the reminder.
She stood. “If there?
?s nothing between you too, you really should start talking to him about an engagement party and wedding. He can give you the introduction to the Winthrop family that you need for that.”
“I’ll get right on it.” Not.
“Good. Oh, one more thing. As you know, we got the St. Patrick's party at the Roarke. I’d like your team to help me with that. My team is meeting on it this afternoon. Can you and your team join us?”
“Absolutely.” The last thing I wanted was to be anywhere near Devin or a Roarke property, but I had to do whatever was needed to grow my career. If Andrew wasn’t going to have Roarke money, I needed to work my way up and get as many raises as possible to make sure he had everything he needed.
“He’s in Europe this week.”
Maybe he’ll stay, I thought. It would sure make my life easier, if not sadder, if he did.
“When he gets back, we’ll go over final St. Pat plans with him.”
“Okay.”
“Also, I’m hearing rumors that he and his sister are looking at opening a club, we’ll want to learn about that. I could be another venue for us to consider for our clients, and they’ll likely want a grand opening party, which we can help with.” She smiled. “Ah, Rena, it’s so fortunate that you knew him. You’re going to be at the queen of hill here with that contact.”
I smiled, or at least I hoped I was because inside I was dying a little bit. “Being a queen sounds nice.”
Fortunately, I was able to get through the rest of the day without comments or questions about planning an engagement party or wedding for Devin. I couldn’t imagine how I’d do that. Even though I knew I could never be with him, it still hurt to think of him with someone else. Plus, if I was his engagement party planner, did I warn his fiancé that he was a cheater or did she know? His sister made it sound like the fiancé was giving him space to sow his oats. The rich must be a different sort of people to put up with that.
When I arrived at my parents’ apartment to pick up Andrew, my mom invited us to stay for dinner. I was going to say no, but then Andrew said my mom had made his favorite dish, so I acquiesced.
As I finished putting chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes on Andrew’s plate, my father asked, “So are things at work picking up now?”
“What do you mean?” I asked putting green beans on Andrew’s plate and then mine.
“After doing a party for the Roarke family, I’d think you’d have more work,” he said.
Inwardly I rolled my eyes.
“The family probably has lots of events,” my mother said. “I hear Devin Roarke is taking over the business. It’s good that you’ve already worked with him. I bet he’ll have a lot of events he needs help with.”
“What is it with everyone wanting me to do events for Devin?” I snapped.
Andrew’s eyes widened into round disks as they darted from me to my mother.