buzz of expectation the next morning, whic

coffee in my small kitchen. I had spent years telling myself

the exchange. Mia was at the desk already, and she smiled cu

that was creeping up my neck betrayed me even as I rolled my eyes.

h," knowing, but happ

was able to divert my attention from Alexander for a time and concentrate on serving pastr

was a man in a fitted navy suit, his expression solemn yet k

is strong voice piercing the café's commotion. As m

pointed to his partner, saying, "This is M

ell, and he nodded ba

ring just enough to give the conversation a personal touch. "When yo

was. Upon my eventual break, I discovered Mr. Caldwell and Alexander seated at a corner table. I walked up

"Thank you." Alexander s

intently befor

t what to say, I folded my hands in my lap. "I see promise in you," he added, "unrealized, unadulterated, and remarkable. An

ot trying to be mysterious. I mean, I see someone who can do so much mo

s meet "You're right," he said, his voice suddenly gentler. I've been lucky i

nces, Mr. Caldwell produced a sophisticated envelope from his

invitation is being sent. Tomorrow evening, I'm throwing a formal gathering. I believe you might find it enlightening.

ng. If you agree, my staff will take care of the specifics. I laughed uncomfortably at the sheer

here I didn't belong, a place that might completely consume me. I then reflected on my little flat, my never-ending work sch

in a stupor for the

g at my limbs, but my mind was still racin

immaculate surface untouched, and I hadn't op

the city's most prestigious hotels-and I traced my finger over the intricate design, feeling a mixture hardly recognized the lady w

effective. I was distracted from my thoughts by a knock at the door.

art was racing when we finally made it to the motel. The event's magnificence was staggering. Warm light from crystal cha

appeared on his face as soon as his eyes met mine. With a compelling charisma, he excused himself

rm to me. "Should we?" I couldn't get rid of the sense that my l