Her Best Men

“You too,” Julie said.

“Mr. Smart.” Marcy turned her attention back to me. “The guests are beginning to arrive. The valet is directing them this way now. Are you ready to open the doors?”

“Of course,” I said. “Whenever you are.”

Marcy nodded and hurried forward. She threw open the doors to the ballroom and then stood back. I could already hear footsteps approaching.

“Marcy?” I said.

“Yes?” She turned to face me.

“Remember to have fun tonight, okay? You’ve earned it.”

Marcy smiled. Her entire body seemed to relax. Julie squeezed my arm, and when I looked at her, she was smiling appreciatively.

“What’s that smile for?” I asked quietly.

“You’re a good boss.” She shrugged. “It’s just surprising, is all.”

“You thought I’d be a tyrant?” I asked.

“Something like that,” she teased me with a wink.

In seconds, the entrance was crowded with people. I greeted everyone personally, keeping the line moving as quickly as possible. I tried to introduce everyone to Julie, but people were arriving so fast that I didn’t have the chance.

Soon, everyone was inside the ballroom, and the party could really begin. I led Julie around the room, stopping to show her off to my clients whenever possible. I loved having her on my arm. I brought a date every year, but none were as beautiful or charming as Julie. I wanted everyone to meet her, to see just how amazing she was.

Julie and I drank and laughed all night. We danced, spinning each other around the dancefloor. I’d never had so much fun at a company party in my life.

As the night began to wind down, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out with a frown. Who would be texting me now?

“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the party this year,” Josh wrote. “How’s it going?”

“Great!” I typed back. “I brought a better date than you.”

Josh replied seconds later. “That same girl?”

“Yup.” I pressed send and went to tuck my phone back in my pocket. Before I could, it vibrated again.

“When can I meet her?” Josh asked.

“I’ll set it up,” I typed, just to get him off my back. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but I’d deal with it later.

I sent the message off quickly and then turned my attention back to Julie. She was swaying slightly to the music, laughing with the wife of one of my client’s. It was amazing how easily she got along with everyone in the room.

“Having fun?” I whispered in her ear.

“I am.” She smiled at me, and her eyes swam slightly. I could tell the alcohol was having a strong effect on her. She wasn’t drunk, but she definitely wasn’t sober.

We said our goodbyes and headed upstairs to our room, giddy as two teenagers at Prom.

CHAPTER 15

JULIE

Michael had reserved a room on the top floor. We stepped onto the elevator along with three other people, but by the time we reached our floor, we were alone. My body was alive with the alcohol and excitement. Michael’s party was amazing. We laughed and danced for hours. It was as if the outside world just disappeared. We were alone, the only two people in a blur of blissful happiness, and I never wanted the night to end.

“Did you have fun tonight?” Michael asked as the elevator continued to rise.