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I walk around and grab a glass of champagne from a passing server.
Dim lights illuminate the back gardens, and special flowers have been planted in intricate vases for this event. The area looks sophisticated, serene, and organically elegant, like they didn't try too hard.
Kendall said her husband, Sebastian, hired a crew to organize this party.
I sigh.
Will I ever have good news of my own that has nothing to do with a kind favor she bestowed upon me?
I’d love to.
I like working as the manager at the daycare center. It’s decent money, and I love children. If I had continued with my ex, Brandon, I probably would have two by now, despite my age.
Sighing, I stroll around, my gaze fixed on the impressive Olympic-sized pool. A trail of lush bushes cut in swirls surround the pool for privacy. I wish I could take off my shoes and dip my feet in the water. But we’re in the middle of a fancy party. How weird would that be?
Then I hear a couple of voices from behind the bushes.
“Are you serious?” says one of them, and I recognize it as Sebastian Green, my brother-in-law.
“Yes,” says the other deep, male voice. “I asked you because I heard that’s how you met your wife.”
I frown as my curiosity slips into active mode, and I lean into the bush carefully so I won’t fall on the other side or be seen.
“No. Kendall worked for me… Sure, she was on the site, but there’s more to that,” Sebastian says.
“Well, sure. I just need someone to go to a wedding with,” the other man says.
“Can’t you get a date?”
"It's a bit more complicated than that. My ex, Tamara, will be there as a bridesmaid. She'll bring her new man, and it'll be awkward as fuck if I'm there alone. But it isn't only the wedding. My sister turned it into a three-day event. So if I show up with a date, I won't have to listen to my mom telling me how I need to date or trying to set me up with every woman in sight."
I shove a couple of branches out of the way, intrigued. Does the other guy look unattractive? Why would he be in a bind to find a date? I see the outline of his figure but can't make out his face because he's standing away from me. Damn… he must be at least six foot three with broad shoulders and a muscled body.
“Sounds annoying,” Sebastian says.
“Yeah. That’s why I considered Sugar & Silk. I know one of the partners. I thought I'd run the idea by you first since you do so well investing my money. I figured I could get solid advice.”
“Well, you need more of an escort service. I don’t think you should join Sugar & Silk just to get a date to fly for a wedding with you. Given the woman is a stranger. It could get messy later.”
The hot stranger shrugs. “Well, I’ll tell her all about it. Make a deal.”
Sebastian shakes his head and jams his hand into his pocket. “A deal? No. You’re in a tough situation, but you don’t want to expose yourself. You're known—making a deal with a stranger on such short notice is a liability, man.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever say this as a forty-one-year-old… but do you have a better suggestion?”
The buzz of a cell phone alerts Sebastian, who fishes it out and glances at the screen. “No, but listen, you should—Oh, crap. The social manager is after me again. Hold on, let me go see what she wants,” he says and scurries away.
Leaving the hot stranger who desperately needs a date alone.
2
Grey
I sip my scotch and shove my free hand in my pocket, watching the full moon cast its glow over the well-manicured garden.
At the far end of the backyard, I see a soccer goal and some sports gear. I heard Sebastian’s daughter plays in a little league.
I sigh.
