Put away the matchmaker ideas, she said quickly. Some days Becca cursed her rampant curiosity, fostered by her fathers habit of giving everything and everyone a fascinating backstory. Unwilling to explain how shed first heard Lawtons name, she gave Lucy the cover story. Hes local and hes had such success after his military service, she said breezily. Bills been trying to get him to sit down for an interview.
I expected Parker to be here tonight, Lucy said, her eyes traveling over the guests. I wouldve been happy to introduce you.
That derailed Beccas wandering thoughts. You did? Why?
Lucy tipped her head toward her husband, pure happiness shining in her eyes. Because Rush invited him.
For a moment Beccas mind reset the evening, inserting Lawton as her date, replacing tepid compliments with witty banter and a discovery of mutual interests. The man probably had a tuxedo tailored to his impressive physique. Stop it. His wardrobe wouldnt make any difference, she decided. If hed been here, as her date or as a guest, he would have harangued her for the name of her source. Still better than dodging Mr. Grab Hands all night, a small voice in her head pointed out.
How do they know each other? Becca asked.
Goes back to high school, I think, Lucy replied. Although I didnt get the impression they were particularly close then. If you need a character endorsement, Ill go on the record that Parkers a stand-up guy.
Huh. It seemed the safest response Becca could offer. Sticking a boot in her door wasnt a stand-up kind of move in her book, but Lucy didnt toss out character references willy-nilly.
Whats next for you at the network? I know you were eyeing a move up the ladder.
Becca mimed locking her lips and tossing away the key. Im happy where I am. Tell me whats next for you. Off the record.
Lucys lips curved into a smile packed with barely leashed secrets. She drew Becca
a few steps away from the nearest guests. Were expecting, she said, eyes twinkling. She smoothed a palm over her trim waistline as her eyes darted around to make sure no one was watching them. Ill be showing soon.
Thats wonderful, Becca said. You must be thrilled.
Were well beyond thrilled and floating somewhere in the galaxy of obnoxiously happy parents-to-be. I feel a little sorry for everyone who knows us.
Becca gave Lucy a heartfelt hug. Youll be amazing parents. The rest of us will have to get used to a new, impossibly high standard. When she saw Lucy tearing up, she added, I may just have to tip off one of the gossip sites.
As shed hoped, her friend laughed out loud and the sheen of tears vanished. You dont have such low friends.
Of course I do, she protested. I just keep them stashed in LA.
Lucy laughed again and, as Rush walked toward them, Becca promised to take her for a spa day soon.
Sipping the rest of her champagne, she made a game of staying out of her dates sight, making new friends as she worked her way around the room. She should just go home, though she wasnt ready to be alone and she didnt feel right about intruding on Lucy and Rush. Desperate for a distraction, she found a quieter spot and sent a text message to Bill, asking about the interview with Theo Manning.
Bill replied immediately, explaining Manning had been a no-show.
She should tell him about Lawtons visit and had her fingers poised to do just that when she changed her mind. Hed only insist she move in with him for a couple of days. Not happening. Shed be better off getting a room here at the hotel for the evening.
When Bill asked, she shared how well the evening was not going with Mr. Grab Hands. Welcoming the snarky replies, she was soon chuckling at herself for this latest failure at establishing a personal life. Her eyes landed on Rush and Lucy on the other side of the mezzanine and she sighed.
Love was lovely for them. Becca just wasnt cut out for the interpersonal stuff. She had her career to love. She had a stable of reporters who gave her plenty of ups and downs to juggle. Shed pit a moody reporter against the grumpiest toddler any day of the week. It might not look like a standard life, but it was hers.
Wishing Bill a good night, Becca went to find one more glass of champagne before going to the front desk to book a room. Better alone in a posh suite than home wondering when Lawton would come back and knock down her door.
* * *
AT HIS PLACE, Parker finished shaving and dressed for the gala. It seemed every breath was a new battle to keep his grief at bay. With a last check of his appearance, he decided it wouldnt get any better tonight. He grabbed the go-bag he kept ready in the coat closet, added another change of clothes and a rain jacket considering the season. Parker planned to be a much harder target for the assassin who had double-tapped Theo. Packing up his computer, he left his apartment, one eye searching for anyone too interested in the building or himself. He thought longingly of the SUV hed had armored and knew it was too soon to reveal that asset.
Tossing the gear into the small space behind the drivers seat of his black-and-silver Audi R8 Spyder, he headed out, arriving at the awards gala well past the point of fashionably late. One perk was the lack of a wait at the valet stand. Easing out of the low-slung sports car, he tossed the keys to the valet. He flashed a fifty-dollar bill and pressed it into the young mans hand. Keep it close. I may need a quick getaway, he said with a wink.