“Oh no?” Maddie raises her eyebrows. “You’re really into this guy, huh?”
“I’m more than into him, potentially,” I confess. I know it’s soon, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot—what it’ll be like to have him in New York long-term, the kind of future we might have together. “He’s smart, and wry, and secretly a softie. And also fully the best lay I’ve ever had.” I sigh longingly. “When we can see each other, at least.”
“Well, he’ll be at the party tonight, won’t he?” Maddie asks. “All the more reason to look absolutely smokin’ hot.” She holds up a killer black jumpsuit with an open back and a plunging neckline. “What do you think?”
“It’s incredible,” I say, a slow smile spreading across my face as I picture Liam’s expression when he walks into the Griffin Hotel. “How much does it cost?”
Maddie shrugs. “Whatever it is, you’ve more than earned it,” she points out, then slings an arm around my shoulders and steers me toward the dressing room.
I swing past the blow-dry bar before heading back to my apartment to finish getting ready, spending extra time on my makeup and slipping on a pair of gold hoops that used to belong to my grandma. I wish she was here to read Verity’s new book—and to know I had a part in bringing it into the world—but wearing her jewelry helps me feel like maybe she’s with me in spirit.
This is a big night, for Verity—and for me, too. Me and Liam.
I grab an evening bag from my closet, sending off one more quick text to Liam before I go. Meet you at the party, I tell him. Better hurry before I get swept off my feet by some other handsome, dashing publishing heir.
Still breezy, right? Totally cool.
The party is at the bar of the Griffin Hotel, all sleek marble floors and deep leather booths, crystal chandeliers glittering overhead. It’s real old-fashioned New York glam, which I know Harry would have loved. Plus, thanks to Poppy’s boyfriend Dylan, it also won’t make Liam faint over the promotional budget. I show up early to make sure setup is going okay, checking in with the florists and the bartenders and the DJ. “It’s like a wedding!” the caterer comments, and as I watch a tuxedoed waiter wheel an enormous cake in the direction of the kitchen, I have to agree. I can’t help but think it’s exactly the right vibe for the evening—a happily ever after, for Verity and Sterling and me.
I make my way to a linen-covered table near the front of the room, where an editorial assistant is just unloading a box of Rock Hard. It’s the first time I’ve seen finished copies of the book in person, and I feel my face break into a wide grin at the sight of it. I reach out and pick up a copy—running my fingers over the cover, turning it over and feeling the weight of it in my hands. I’m not some kind of purist who hates e-books and thinks it’s a sin to write in the margins or to dog-ear the pages of your favorite novel. After all, books are meant to be read! Still, I can’t deny that there’s something that feels a little sacred about the object in my hands.
“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” There’s Verity swanning into the bar, resplendent in a floor- length silk gown and a feathered headband. Dot follows behind, looking dapper in a fitted suit and heels. “That cover! Eliza, you’re a genius. I know I wanted a gorgeous man, but I think you’re right—the diamond necklace is much more mainstream.”
“I think we both know who the real genius is here,” I demur, my voice getting muffled as Verity envelops me in a Dior-scented hug. “But the book is beautiful. And the reviews have been amazing so far! Everyone’s saying it’s a real return to form.”
“Are they?” Verity smiles serenely. “Oh, darling, I never read reviews.”
“Sure she doesn’t,” Dot says with a wink, reaching out and squeezing Verity’s hand with obvious pride. “Sweetheart, can I get you a drink?”
“Champagne, if you don’t mind,” Verity says, turning and dropping a tender kiss on Dot’s cheek. “We’re celebrating, after all!”
“We certainly are.”
Once Dot is gone Verity lays a hand on my arm, her expression turning serious. “Eliza, my love, I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you and your little peach of a boy-toy have done for me.” She offers me a conspiratorial wink. “I know this couldn’t have been the most straightforward editorial assignment you’ve ever undertaken.”
“It was a dream come true,” I tell her honestly. “A total career bucket list moment.” I smile. “And I’m going to be calling you on Monday to set an appointment to talk about your next book.”
“My next book!” Verity laughs out loud, full and throaty. “Honey, I’m going to need a month in St. Tropez just to recover from writing this one.”
Dot returns with the champagne just then and the two of them are absorbed almost immediately into the crowd of delighted well-wishers who’ve begun to arrive. Suited waitstaff pass oyster shooters and potato chips topped with caviar while the DJ spins a playlist of upbeat love songs. I grab a glass of sauvignon blanc and mingle with my colleagues, who—judging from the eager way they’re clustered around the open bar—are planning to take full advantage of Sterling’s now-rare largesse. I can’t say I blame them. We’re all in the mood to celebrate tonight. It feels like a dark cloud that’s been hovering over the company since Harry’s passing has finally lifted. We did it—got this book out into the world.
We saved Sterling, once and for all.
The party spirit is infectious. I help myself to a plate of fancy cheeses and catch up on industry gossip with friends from other publishers. I even sneak a quick tequila shot with the copyeditors. Still, I can’t help keeping an eye on the door for Liam. I feel my whole body flush when he finally walks in. He looks positively climbable in a tailored suit and a deep blue tie that makes his eyes look extra bright, his dark hair swept back off his forehead. I watch as he scans the crowd, his serious face breaking into a slow, private smile when we lock gazes across the room—and oh yeah, this jumpsuit was definitely the right call.
“It’s you,” I say, tilting my head to the side.
“It’s me,” he agrees. “You look incredible.” He takes my hand, his smile fading just the slightest bit. “We should find somewhere private to talk.”
“Funny, I’ve been saying that same thing all week.” I grin. “You’re a hard man to track down, Liam Sterling. Come on, let’s get a drink.” I take his hand and start to tug him in the direction of the bar.
But Liam shakes his head. “Eliza—”
“Trust me, you’re going to want to fortify yourself with a little liquid courage,” I warn him with a grin. ‘The girls from the marketing department were talking about doing the electric slide.”
“Eliza—”
I hesitate. It’s clear he’s trying to tell me something, and I know I should take him out into the lobby where we can be alone. But then I think of how hard he’s been to get in touch with this week, and the creeping feeling I’ve had that he might be avoiding me. There’s a tiny part of me that’s worried he’s about to tell me he’s going back to San Francisco, and I just can’t bear to hear it right now.