I smile at my reflection in the mirror. I’m ready.
It’s time for a much-deserved night of fun, relaxation, and partying. I haven’t been out in over a year. In fact, the last time I went out for a night on the town was this same event last year. Though, tonight will be more interesting with Ryker there. My erratic heartbeat concurs. And hey, I’m killing two birds with one stone: a date (sorta?) and a business event.
I walk down the stairs and call over to Dagny as I walk toward her cage, “How do I look?” I twirl around, and she twitches her tiny nose at top speed like she’s trying to smell the dress, and then she goes back to eating her cilantro. “Thanks, darlin’.”
Honk! Honk! I hear mom beeping her horn from my driveway. I grab my small, sequined, leopard-print clutch. The perfect pizzazz for my dress.
I head outside, and the evening is balmy. The sun is setting, with only a few clouds in the sky, brushing it with tones of purples and pinks. It’s romantic. And for a second, that realization makes my heart heavy. Sunsets are romantic. And when do I have time for romance? Never. And when will I have time for romance over the next couple years? Never.
I sigh heavily, knowing I chose this path and knowing, deep down, this is the right way. Otherwise, I’ll end up like Mom. I get into her car, and she senses my weighty thoughts. “What’s going on, honey?”
I don’t want to talk about it right now, so I smile and say, “Nothing. I’m looking forward to tonight. You?”
“Absolutely!” she says as she pulls onto the main street leading into town. “And we should make a plan, to figure out who will talk to who at the party.”
I turn down the music in the car. “That’s a good idea. Let’s think of the top ten people we want to make sure we get excited about The Rose. You go after five of them, and I’ll go after the other five.”
After we brainstorm the names, we divvy up the list.
“Did you settle with the Chamber of Commerce about your donation?” she asks.
“Yes, I told them we’d donate twenty pies to the highest bidder.”
Once we’ve strategized about the evening, I pick at the sequins on my clutch, lost in thought about Ryker. I’m excited to see him, but now I’m kind of wishing that he wasn’t going to be there. It’s the same reason I never gamble at the casinos… I’m afraid I’ll become addicted. And after that kiss with him…
I could be in big trouble.
We’re stopped at a red light, and I didn’t realize Mom has been staring at me. “So, are you going to tell me what’s going on between you and Ryker Miles?”
I’m caught off guard, but I recover quickly, with the same answer I’ve been telling myself. “There isn’t anything to say. You know my policy. I’m not getting involved with anybody. Not until I make it on my own.”
“Aspen, you know, not every situation is like mine was. I regret some of my choices, but you’re different from me. I don’t know if Ryker is the right guy for you, but you can’t assume he’s like all the men I married.”
“I don’t even have time to date. Please tell me where I can squeeze a man into my schedule?”
“I know, I know, Aspen, but don’t live your life in a way you’ll look back at later with regret. Take some time to stop and smell the roses. He sure seems interested in you. And how sweet is it that he placed a standing food order for the summer for his whole law office? Seriously, Aspen, that’s cute. And he’s a billionaire! I still can’t believe it…” her voice trails off as she shakes her head, and the light turns green.
There it is. She had to mention the billionaire part.
“Mom, his money means nothing to me. If anything, it makes him less desirable to me. He thinks he can just throw around his money and solve my problems with it, but that just makes more problems.”
“I think that’s where you’re wrong,” she says. “It’s true, money can’t solve every problem. But believe me, not having money causes far more problems. Anyway, honey, I just want you to be happy. And I want to make sure you’re taken care of.”
“That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Mom and I walk into the event, which is being hosted at a local art gallery. It’s a great way to feature the gallery’s artists with so many business leaders that’ll be here tonight. I see several people perusing the walls, talking about the colorful paintings. Off to the side, there’s a simple bar set up with wine, beer, and sparkling water, plus a table of hors d’oeuvres. That’s where I see Cheryl, the woman in charge of organizing this event.
I head over to say hello, while Mom heads in another direction to start working on her list of folks to rub elbows with. On my way to the bar, I glance around to see if Ryker is here, and I’m disappointed that he’s the first thing I think about, and that I don’t see him. I hope he still plans on coming tonight. Maybe he’s just running late.
I’m waiting for my turn to chat with Cheryl, when Charlie from the real estate office comes up to me with a grin as wide as the Mississippi River. “I have something for you, Aspen.”
I’m confused, since all the paperwork has been han… and then it hits me, just as he pulls the keys out of his jacket pocket.
“The keys!” I hold my hand out to him, shaking, and he drops them into it. I close my fingers around the keys and blink
