I wrapped my fingers around his bicep and squeezed, appreciating the muscle hidden under the expensive fabric of his suit.
"Go and do your schmoozing," I said. "I'm going to go to the ladies’ room first."
I finished my champagne and placed it on a tray as a server walked past.
The restrooms were easy to find. Nestled in the corner, antique doors and calligraphy signs marking which was for men and which was for women. Honestly, I was slightly surprised they bothered having one for women, but chances were there wouldn't be anyone else in here. The only women were on the other side of the room, doing some schmoozing of their own.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Everything in here looked both new and antique. Either reproductions or carefully restored.
Each of the three sinks was wide, topped with an ornate faucet. The stalls were each the same dark timber as the walls. Even the toilets looked fancy. Of course they did, they wouldn't spare any expense even in the restrooms.
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, checking my hair and makeup before I headed into the cubicle.
While I was finishing up in there, the door opened. I almost missed it at first, it was so quiet. No creaking, just a swish of timber on the floor.
Footsteps entered.
Heavy ones, not the clicking of heels on the floor.
Which of my guys had followed me in here? Woody or Leif? I suspected it wasn't Forrest. Not if he had people he had to speak to.
I couldn't peer under the door to tell. There wasn't a gap at the top or the bottom, not even in the side where the lock engaged. I appreciated whoever built them for their privacy, but nerves skittered across my spine.
You're being silly, I told myself. I'd step out of the cubicle and see Woody or Leif leaning against one of the wash basins. Maybe reclining against the door, looking smug.
They knew not to mess up my dress, but there was plenty I could do with my hands.
Suppressing a smile of anticipation, I pulled open the cubicle door and stepped out.
CHAPTER 11
LEIF
"And then she said… Excuse me for a moment." I held up my finger. "There's someone over there I need to catch up with." I gave them an insincere smile and stepped away, towards Woody as he headed toward the bar.
He looked as happy to be here as I was.
"This is bullshit," he said with a grunt. "I'm starting to think you were right. This was a stupid idea."
"I knew I was right all along," I said with a shrug. "I'm going to need a hot shower after being in the same room with these people."
"Yeah, me too." He nodded to the bartender to refill his drink and jerked his head towards me.
"Another water coming up," the bartender said.
"Shut up," Woody snapped at me before I could say anything. "Someone has to be sober."
I raised my hands. "I didn't say a word."
"You were going to."
I couldn't argue that point. I asked the bar attendant for another champagne and stepped away, the glass in my hand.
"I'd feel better if I could see her," he said.
"I know, so would I." I resisted the urge to look toward the restroom door. How long had she been in there? Two minutes? Three minutes? Too long. Another minute and I was going in there after her.