Chapter 47

forty-seven

BEN

Even before I walked into the room where the award ceremony was taking place, I was overwhelmed with all the glitz and glamour of the Rockefeller Center. Talk about the country bumpkin coming to the city. Everything about New York was beyond anything I'd expected. And the Rainbow Room was no exception.

A huge chandelier, dripping with crystals, hung above the dance floor. The design on the parquet floor reminded me of a compass or an enormous star. Vases of red orchids decorated every table, and linen, as fine as anything I'd ever seen, covered each of the round tables.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Manhattan spread around us like a sprawling sea of buildings. I'd never felt intimidated by anything, but the opulent setting was almost too much.

Patrick, Daniel's grandfather, touched my arm. "Are you okay?"

"I feel like I've stepped into a royal palace." Even when I'd lived in Los Angeles, my parents deliberately chose to lead a simple life. Extravagant parties in exotic locations weren't part of their lives, even for special occasions.

I looked across the room. Daniel, on the other hand, didn't look out of place in the shimmering ballroom. He smiled and chatted with the guests, clearly comfortable in the role of chief executive.

"Don't worry about all this," Patrick said as he waved his hand around the ballroom. "It's all window dressing. Take away the fancy lights and flowers, and you're left with a big room on the top of a tall building."

I smiled. "You have to admit that it's an impressive building."

"Bricks and mortar," Patrick whispered. "But don't tell the owners of the Rockefeller Center I said that. Let's find the finalists' table, then chat with a few people I know."

I was glad Patrick and Owen were with me. In a lot of ways, Daniel's granddad reminded me of my grandfather. They shared the same brisk, no-nonsense bravado that hid a heart of gold, and the same sense of humor that disarmed the prickliest situation.

"I've seen the seating plan," Owen said. "Our table's to the right of the dance floor. Follow me."

As we walked across the room, I admired the jewelry being worn by the other guests. Knowing how much some of the pieces must have cost made my mouth go dry. The people here weren't your run of the mill shoppers. They had lots of money and weren't afraid to show it.

"Here we are." Owen pulled a chair away from the table.

I smiled at the other guests who were already seated. When Patrick introduced me to Diana Fraser, my eyes widened. Diana was a celebrity jewelry designer, creating exclusive collections for her Rodeo Drive showroom and private commissions for clients. She'd built her brand as a powerful symbol of celebrity, and I was in awe of such an accomplishment.

It was just as well Owen and his grandfather were with me. It'd be embarrassing to have a fanboy moment, especially when Diana was telling everyone about her inspiration for the stunning diamond pendant she was wearing.

While Owen and Patrick chatted with the people on either side of them, I looked across the dance floor. Daniel walked between the tables, greeting each of the guests.

This was a side of him I'd never seen. I could see why he didn't want to leave Manhattan. His apartment was luxurious, he had a successful business, his staff was exceptional, and his brother and grandfather lived in the same city.

Daniel thrived on everything I'd turned away from. Being part of the hustle and bustle of the city gave him energy and focus. For me, it drained the joy from my life.

"Would you like a glass of champagne?" Owen asked.

I shook my head and smiled. "No, thanks. I'd prefer water."

"Wise choice."

As Owen filled my glass with mineral water, I looked back at Daniel. He was talking to a famous actor I'd seen on TV last week. "Is that Francis Jonas?"

Owen followed the direction of my gaze. "It is. The woman beside him is?—"

"His wife, Gabriella Manderas," I whispered. "Last year, she won an Oscar for one of my all-time favorite movies."

"You should ask Daniel to introduce you."

"I couldn't. They're here to enjoy themselves, not talk to a stranger."

Owen raised his eyebrows. "After tonight, you won't be a stranger to anyone. If Daniel has his way, you'll be as much of a celebrity as anyone in the room."

That was the last thing I wanted, and Daniel knew it. "No one will recognize me from the photo beside my jewelry." I studied Owen's face, not liking what I saw. "Do you know something I don't?"

"I must have misunderstood what Daniel said," he muttered.

"What did he say?"

Owen looked across at his brother and frowned. "It doesn't matter. Have you been to the Rockefeller Center before?"

I shook my head. Whatever Owen heard must be important. I hadn't spoken to a lawyer before I signed the contract with Wilson Enterprises because I didn't think it was necessary. I'd read most of the clauses, and they seemed okay. Daniel knew what I was prepared to do and what I wasn't.

But from the look on Owen's face, I might have trusted his brother a little too much. "What's in the contract that I might not like?"

"Probably nothing."

"But you said?—"

"Ladies and gentlemen." Daniel's voice filled the room. He stood on a platform, holding a microphone. "Would you please be seated as we celebrate the work of the Wilson Award finalists."

My gaze shot back to Owen, but he was staring at the large screen behind his brother. I nudged his leg under the table and sent him a questioning frown.

Owen pointed to the data show and held his finger to his lips.

I looked at Patrick, but his attention was also focused on the pictures flashing across the screen.

When I could, I'd ask Daniel what Owen had meant. But for now, I'd sit back, enjoy the photos, and pray I didn't make a mess of my speech.