Yup. That was absolutely perfect.
Sighing, she forced the frown lines between her brows to relax and curved her lips up into a smile.
“I’m fine.” She shoved the coat at him, mentally promised that she’d give him a big tip for being weird later then hurried off with a cheery, “Thank you!”
“Get it together, Hart,” she muttered under breath once she was out of earshot. “You’ll go in there, say hello, have a bite to eat, a drink, stick around the requisite amount of time, then GTFO.”
Feeling better after reminding herself of her plan, Kay lifted her chin and walked through the double doors. Inside, the ballroom had been filled with round tables. They were adorned with gleaming white tablecloths, glittering candles, and gorgeous floral displays.
Each table had a different theme, and the accessories—flowers, vases, and other decorations—had been carefully selected to fit in with that theme.
How did Kay know all of that, just by striding through the door?
Well, the proceeds from tonight’s benefit were going to a local literacy charity and because of Kay’s experience in publishing, Heather had sicced her assistant Rachel on her. Together they’d selected a different genre of book for each table before going crazy with theming the items.
Kay hadn’t minded, however.
The one thing she’d never been able to get enough of was books, and getting to arrange an entire party around the love of her life?
She couldn’t lie. It had been the most fun she’d had in ages.
Besides the silent and live auctions, all the centerpieces would be sold. And she had her eye on table ten, which held the historical romance wares. Kay wanted that early edition of Pride and Prejudice, dammit, and she didn’t care who she had to take down in the process of getting it.
Heather walked by her then did a double take, jaw falling open.
“Kay?” She stopped, backed up a few feet. “Holy shit. You look amazing! That dress is incredible.”
“Thanks—”
Clay, Heather’s husband, walked up. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but—Kay?” he exclaimed. “Wow. That’s a beautiful color on you.”
Kay blushed. That was the reaction she’d wanted from getting dressed up, of course, but she wasn’t used to people noticing the way she looked. Still, she was going to take the confidence booster and leave it at that.
Look at her, all mature and shit.
“Go do what you need to do,” she told Heather. “I’m going to grab a drink. Are we still sitting together? Or did you bump me for someone more important?”
Heather grinned. “Would I do that to my favorite author?”
“For more donations?” Kay asked. “I would hope so.”
“And that”—Heather squeezed her arm—“is why you’re a good friend. I’ll see you later. Table ten.”
Kay waved before heading to the bar.
Once there, she ordered her normal Cosmo before leaning back against the bar top to look around the room. Rachel had worked her magic, turning what could have been a bland ballroom into a really beautiful event. And, though she’d only played a small part in it with the tables, Kay had to admit she was proud of her contribution.
“Here you are,” the bartender said.
She turned around, tipped him, and then returned to leaning against the bar, only this time with her Cosmo in hand.
Yeah, she thought as she took a sip, that was so much better.
“This must be up your alley.”
Kay froze, martini glass at her lips, eyes darting to her left.
She knew that voice.