a
ck-taking. My coworkers chuckled at the unexpected ringtone, courtesy of my best friend Ta
rich and famous, aren't you?"
instantly wiped the grin
y voice. We'd been inseparable since middle
e hospital," Tammie rep
surrogate grandmother to me, too. "Oh,
e's words were laced with desperation. "I
ut it's an emergency. They
really need the money for hospital b
but loyalty kicked in.
tude was palpab
on, worry and nerves swirling in my stomach. A Lyft ride late
I asked, em
e replied, her voice
ingly. "Grandma Rose is a fi
"We need to be strong for her. And
." My voic
eared. "Relax, you're not goi
my anxiety. "Better n
. "People need to see what they
"But weren't you meas
nce we were twelve," Tamm
ammie reassured me, "Your metab
ie tapped the pin on my fist. "Y
determination. "I won't let yo
odded. "
sser. An hour later, I barely recognized myself. My assigned assistant guided me through
the assistant asked,
ed, steeling myself. Tamm
it mentally, clinging to my lucky pin. My feet protested the un
u're
walk. My thoughts racing, I missed a step. Strong arms cau
s deep voice sent sh
rcing blue eyes, and effortless charm left me breathless.
mmered, wavi
," he observed, his g
ing a joke. "Part of my presentati
eyes crinkling. "S
placing a hand over my heart. "First pe
ned. "I think i
relaxing in his presence. His casual at
," he said, releas
I resisted anot
to the stage
"Crawling'
Probably not t
uck," I sai
gaze lingering. "Y
through me. As I walked a
ning the crowd. Everyone was dressed
Guy taking his seat in the front row.
beside him, I watched, intrigued. His
t skippe