“Well, the Halona Moana may be the perfect place then.” I walk him through the players who seem interested, the guest list, and the plans for the weekend, which people may extend through the week, if they’re able.
We then discuss the plan for rooms and my backups if I need them.
Nate laughs. “I like the way you think.”
“We thought having dealers from the Shangri-la would be wise. They’re more experienced, plus they’re aware this isn’t a game that needs to get out to the tabloids. I’ve spoken with Gillian, and she’s willing to help us manage the game and the guests.”
“Great.” He talks about a few other minor details and gives me some additional player ideas if we need them. “When are you thinking—date wise?” he asks.
“The estate is undergoing renovations, and I’ve ordered some new beds and linens so everyone will be comfortable. We think everything should be done in the next month, but we’re pushing for Memorial Day weekend to be safe and also give people a better reason to fly so far. We thought we might put you and the girls up in the second master suite. And I have a place for your nanny, if you want to bring her.”
“Actually, your timing is perfect. That weekend my sister-in-law is taking the girls on a weekend trip, so it would be just me. Is that okay?”
“Of course. I thought I would send you the invite for approval. And I’m happy to run menus by you and timelines, if you’d like. I don’t want you to feel like I’m overtaking your party.”
Nate releases a big sigh. “No, this is perfect. Cecelia took care of a lot of this with Gillian, so I’m glad you’re willing to take it on. Just do me a favor and make sure Jackson has some Mitchner’s. I’ve become rather fond of that for our games at the Shangri-la. If you can’t find it easily, reach out to Jonathan Best, and he’ll tell you where to find it.”
“No problem. I think I have your email address.” I recite it to Nate. “You should see an invite soon.”
“Yes, that’s my email. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Thanks, Nate.”
I hang up and quickly put together what I think the invitation should say. Then I send it off to Nate.
He sends it back with some redlines. Despite the fact that we’ve already determined where people are staying, Nate’s added that the better rooms will go to those who respond quickly. I add my name and contact information, reminding everyone that I’m on Hawaii time, and then it’s ready to go.
I’ve been sitting all morning, and I wander into the kitchen looking for a drink and a snack or maybe lunch.
I’m not a foot outside the library when my phone rings.
“Hello?” I answer.
“This is Caroline Arnault. Do you remember meeting me at Cecelia Lancaster’s service?”
Of course I do. She could call anyone, and after saying her name, they’d know who she is. “Yes, I remember you. How are you?”
“I’m great. Mason just forwarded me the invite. We’re looking forward to coming. Do you need any help with the planning?”
An idea hits me. Caroline knows these guests’ expectations better than I do. “Actually, if you could be a bit of a sounding board for me on occasion, that would be so valuable. Nate has left the menus, entertainment, and whatnot for me. Would you mind helping me look over my notes to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything?”
Leilani appears with a sandwich and a drink for me. I look at the time, and it’s already past two thirty. Where did my day go? I mouth thank you to her, and she leaves me to my call.
“Food and entertainment? Perfect. Count me in. I’m a great sounding board, and I’m also very good at getting people to help, so let me know if you need me to wrangle some extra hands for you.”
That takes a massive weight off my shoulders. “Thank you.”
I no more than disconnect the call, and my phone rings again. I bounce from call to call for the rest of the afternoon, and by five, I’ve heard from everyone except Jackson. I decide to call to tease him a bit.
“Hey, beautiful,” he says in his sexy, deep voice that makes my lower body clench with eagerness, despite the distance.
“Hey, you. I’ve talked to all your friends and gotten their preferences for alcohol, as well as a few Keto, lactose-free, and vegetarian requests.”
“I got a call from Landon asking if you were single,” he counters.
I laugh. “And what did you tell him?”
“To keep his fucking hands to himself.”
“I never pegged you as a jealous guy.”
He lowers his voice. “Trust me, you’re mine, and I don’t share.”
I’m a little stunned by his alpha-maleness. I don’t really know what to say to that, so I shift subjects. “Any word from Hydro or Jeff Wong?”
“Funny you should ask. My understanding is that Jeff Wong was apprehended coming into San Francisco through customs with samples of his solar film this morning. Apparently, ICE doesn’t take well to corporate theft, and he was arrested for importing stolen goods.”
“You’re kidding. How did customs know he was coming?”
“Wellllll, a little bird may have told them.”
I can tell Jackson is incredibly happy, and he deserves to be. “That’s fantastic news. I’m so happy for you.”
“This is a big deal. Jeff Wong’s not a US Citizen and was here on a permanent resident card. That has been revoked, and he won’t be able to return.”
I’m stunned. “Jeff Wong’s been banned from coming to the US?”
“Yep. The government views him as trafficking in stolen goods.”
“This is really amazing news.” My stomach does a few turns. “But how do we prevent Hydro from just giving
