Sleepless in Manhattan (From Manhattan with Love 1)

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. “We’re building up a list of preferred vendors and suppliers. We can handle anything.”

“Good. In that case I can guarantee you’re going to be busy.”

Matilda hugged him impulsively. “You’re the best.”

Chase kissed the top of her head. “More champagne?”

“I had a full glass a moment ago. I have no idea what happened to it—” Matilda looked around, confused, and Chase laughed.

“It landed in the fountain. It’s fine. Jake Romano can afford to lose a little champagne. And talking of Jake, I should introduce you to him. Good meeting you.” He nodded to Paige. “If you need anything at all, call me.”

He and Matilda strolled away, and moments later Eva and Frankie joined Paige.

“Well?” Frankie’s tone was sharp. “Is he good enough for her?”

Paige stared after them, feeling a tug of envy. “Yes.”

“That,” Eva said dreamily, “is what love looks like. Frankie, how can that not melt that stone in your chest you call your heart?”

“I’m not in a melting mood. He’d better not mess her around, that’s all.”

Eva gave her an exasperated look. “He’s not going to mess her around. Did you see the way he looked at her? And the way he calmly rescued her glass of champagne. He adores her. He fired Star Events because of the way they treated her. What more does the guy have to do to convince you? I love him to bits already.”

“You love everyone to bits.” But Frankie’s voice was softer than usual. “Yeah, okay, I admit they were cute. And I liked the fact he seemed to find her clumsiness adorable.”

“And for once she was wearing heels because he’s even taller than her. I’m so excited she’s back in New York. It means we’ll see more of her.” Eva danced off across the terrace and Frankie stared after her in disbelief.

“She thinks life is a fairy tale.”

“No, she doesn’t.” Paige watched as Eva circulated, serving food and beaming smiles in equal measure. “She knows how to make the most of the moment. She believes in love. She knows bad things happen. She was devastated when her grandmother died, but she got out of bed every day and went to work. And even when she’s feeling low she still tries to find the positive in every day. It’s true that she’s a dreamer, but she’s also fiercely loyal and her loyalty is real. When Eva loves, she loves forever. I guess that makes us lucky.”

Frankie stirred. “I guess it does. Friend-love I believe in.”

“Me, too. Friends are the best thing. Thank you.” Impulsively Paige hugged Frankie. “Thank you for doing this with me, for taking the risk. I know how big a risk it was for you. I love you.”

“Hey—enough.” Frankie’s voice was gruff but she hugged Paige back before stepping away. “Don’t you get all emotional, too. It’s enough coping with Eva. People are leaving. I’ll go and do farewell duty. Goodbye is my favorite word after a long night.”

Paige stood for a moment, thinking how unpredictable life was.

Who would have thought that getting fired would have been the best thing that could have happened to Matilda?

Who would have thought that her, Eva and Frankie losing their jobs would have turned out so well?

Urban Genie existed only because life had laid a twist in her path.

Change had been forced on her, but it had proved to be a good thing.

Instead of fighting it, she should embrace it.

What had Jake said?

Sometimes you have to let life happen.

Maybe she should try and do that a bit more.

She needed to find time to date other men and hope that one day she found someone that made her look the way Matilda did when she smiled at Chase.

And maybe one day she’d look back and realize that not being with Jake was the best thing that could have happened because if she’d been with Jake she wouldn’t have met—