“How’s it going?”
“It’s more than I thought, but I can handle it.” They had promoted one of the managers to take over Brandon’s current position and he had been working on detailed notes for when they met later in the week.
“Just so you know, Faith is coming to the retirement party. From what I understand, her parents will be here, too. So, it might be a good time to bring out all that irresistible charm you’ve always bragged about.”
He chuckled. “The only problem with that approach is that she seems to be immune.”
Siobhan laughed. “Well, there’s only one thing left to do.”
“What’s that?”
She placed a hand on his heart. “Tell her what’s in here. Oh, and remind her what she’d be missing without you. That’s a little advice from Mom.”
“Mom?”
“Yep. How do you think I got Justin back after I messed up? And this time, listen to Faith.”
Brandon hugged her. “Thanks, sis.”
“No problem. If you need some help, let me know.” She tossed him a wink and left.
He smiled. There may be some hope for him after all.
Over the next two weeks, between daily meetings with his dad, training his replacement and packing, Brandon was so busy that he didn’t have a chance to figure out a game plan to win Faith back. By the night of the party, he decided to take Siobhan’s advice and just speak from his heart. It was all he had left.
* * *
Faith was nervous as she entered the hotel ballroom with her parents. There had to be at least five hundred people in attendance. She glanced around the elegant space with its high ceilings, stunning crystal chandeliers and walls appointed with gleaming dark wood and expensive fabric panels. There was even a dance floor in the center and a bar set up on the far side of the room.
“Do all these people work for the company?” her mother asked.
“I have no idea.” She spotted Thad coming toward them, looking very handsome in his black tuxedo. She heard her mother gasp softly and smiled at her.
He held out his arms. “Faith, I’m so glad you came.”
“Hi, Dad.”
Thad turned to her mother. “Francis, it’s been a long time. You’re as beautiful as ever.” He kissed her cheek.
“Thank you. It’s good to see you, Thad.”
Faith introduced her stepfather.
The two men shook hands and Thad said, “William and Francis, you did an outstanding job raising Faith. She’s amazing.”
Faith’s mother visibly relaxed and she reached out and hugged him. “Thank you, Thad. And thank you for the invitation. Congratulations on your retirement.”
“Yes, thank you and congratulations,” William echoed.
Thad took them over to meet Nolan and DeAnna Gray and Faith went to get something to drink.
“Hi, Faith. Glad you could make it,” a voice said behind her.
She spun around. “Hi, Morgan.”
“This is my husband, Omar Drummond.”
“Nice to meet you, Faith,” he said.
“Same here, Omar.” The football player was gorgeous with his towering height, bronze skin and flowing locks.
One by one, all the Gray siblings drifted over to say hello. She also had a chance to meet Siobhan’s handsome husband, Justin, the inventor. She saw everyone except Brandon, but didn’t want to ask about him. They all stood there talking while sipping champagne.
A few minutes later, Faith spotted Brandon across the room and choked on the drink. In his formal wear, with his sexy good looks, he was hard to miss. More than a few women stopped him and one particular woman sidled up to him and pressed her body close, making Faith see red. She was tempted to march over and snatch that weave out the woman’s head. She drained the drink, set the glass on the table with a thud and went to find a bathroom, muttering under her breath. Why did seeing another woman with Brandon make her so angry if she claimed to be moving on with her life? Faith had lied to herself. She didn’t want to move on, not without Brandon. She loved him. As her emotions bubbled up, she closed her eyes. Composing herself, she went back to the ballroom. Everyone was headed to his or her table for dinner. She went to go sit with her parents, but Siobhan stopped her, directed her to the head table and seated her next to Brandon.