Violet groaned. “Please don’t. I’ve got this. I’ve had my eye on a banging white jumpsuit for a while now, and this will be just the excuse I need to wear it.” She hung up and left them all in silence for a moment as Mrs. Benning, the shop’s owner, came over. “So, Lily, what do you think? Is this dress all you hoped it would be?”
“It is,” Lily said, turning to get one more look at herself in the three-way mirror. With her family as her backdrop she could already see her photos and sadly, for all her bravado, see what was missing. Maybe she should hold off and try on a few more dresses before making a final decision. But then Mama Dee smiled and met her eyes before speaking up. “Yep, that’s the one, Cora. Order one up on my account. She’ll need some alterations, but I know you’ll have everything done perfectly and in time for her big day.”
Lily turned and looked at her grandmother while blinking back tears.
“Girl, don’t you dare start,” Mama Dee admonished. “We may be loud, irreverent, and a bit out of hand, but we’re not ones to cry in the middle of the afternoon over silly dresses.”
Lily sniffled loudly as Peggy handed her a tissue. “Aren’t we just the type, Mama Dee?”
Chapter 12
Lily sat in her small downtown office space, which was more of a glorified closet really. A subdivision of a subdivision of an office space, but it gave her a cool New York address and the cache she needed to project an air of legitimacy in the events game. It had a small window that afforded her a glimmer of the Hudson River and the Freedom Tower. The view always bolstered her spirits, but this afternoon she was distracted from the view as she flipped over the invitation to the party at 202 Park for Crystalline Entertainment’s new artist’s launch, and once again thought about just trashing it. When she’d finagled the invite, thanks to her connection with Eva Ward, through Thomas she’d been thrilled. Of course she’d have been more thrilled to get the contract for the party herself, but she could understand that Ward Group would go with their tried-and-true event planners. She was still small in the grand scheme of things, but she was well on her way to building her client list. Which was why she couldn’t skip going to the party, even with the possibility of running into Thomas.
Lily held the invite in one hand and her cell in the other. Not that she was really weighing her options. She knew what she was going to do as soon as she picked up the phone. But that didn’t stop her from being nervous; what if he got the wrong idea? Worse yet, what if he got the right idea? Just as she was having that thought, her phone vibrated in her hand and she jumped, dropping the invitation and flipping the phone between her hands like a hot potato. Righting it and swiping at the screen, she tried to calm her voice.
“Lily Perry,” she said by way of greeting.
“Vincent Caro. Now that we have that out of the way, why do you sound so breathless? Did I catch you at an inconvenient time?”
Shit. Of course it was him. He would be the one to have some sort of crazed mental telepathy and be able to catch her thinking of him from across waterways and bridges. She forced a smile to her voice. “Of course not. Well, I mean yes; I’m working, of course, but I can spare a minute.” Lily looked at her ceiling. “Spare a minute. What the hell?” She let out a frustrated breath. “What can I help you with, Vin?”
“Well . . .” It was then that she caught a bit of hesitation in his voice and for a moment wondered if he was just as apprehensive as she was. “I was calling to see if you’d gotten in touch with your client. I’d been thinking about your party idea. I know the date is soon, so I’d have to get to planning and putting in any special requests with my suppliers.”
She nodded, slightly disappointed that it was purely a work call. “I have, and as a matter of fact I was going to call you. My client really liked the idea and is just about ready to give the go-ahead, though she’d like a quick walk through next week to finalize plans. Is that all right with you?”
“Of course,” he said in a way he probably thought was light and easy, but she could catch the tension threaded in his tone.
“Don’t worry, it’s not a test. She’ll love your place. And it will be fine.” Lily was about to let him know about the Crystalline event and see if he wanted to tag along. She wanted to go at it delicately so that he didn’t confuse it with actually being some type of date, but Vin spoke up first.
“I’m not worried. It’s just that I don’t like the idea of having to jump through hoops for the business.”
“I understand. Believe me, I really do. But you won’t be jumping alone.” She took a breath and decided to take her chance. “Speaking of hoops, I was wondering if you’d like to go to a thing with me.”
“A thing?” Lily could hear the question as well as the humor as it seeped into his voice.
She knew she suddenly sounded all of fourteen and told herself to get it together. To not goofily picture him walking and talking, loose and carefree in his second-skin tee and ass-hugging jeans, while she clumsily asked him to go with her to a party that her ex would be attending so essentially she didn’t look pathetic. Oh God, she did look pathetic. The more she thought about it, the more it was below her. “You know what, that’s okay. It was just a work thing. I’m not working the event, but I thought it would be good to check out the competition, as well as a way for both of us to possibly get some new ideas for the grad party and maybe my wedding.”
“Where and when is this event?” he asked, surprising her.
“It’s next week. Tuesday night. At a club, Distro on the West Side, for Crystalline Entertainment.”
“I’ll be there.”
Lily couldn’t help but smile. That was easy. “Thank you so much. I know it’s tough with the restaurant. Can you pre-prep and get someone to cover for you?”
“No, you don’t get it. I’ll be there. One of my boys, who is a silent partner in the restaurant, is engaged to Eva Ward, who’s running it. I was invited. I hadn’t planned to go, but now I guess I will.”
“That’s great.” Lily tried to keep her enthusiasm to a low simmer. “Then I guess I’ll see you there?”
“I could pick you up,” he said easily, as if offering to pick her up was the most normal thing.
Lily looked at her phone for a moment, dumbfounded. She hadn’t been picked up for a date in . . . she didn’t know how long. Did people actually do that anymore in this day of online and over-the-phone hookups? Not that this was a date or a hookup, but still. “I wouldn’t want to put you through any trouble,” she said. “I could just call an Uber and meet you there.”
“Is that what you do with all your dates?” he asked, throwing her into a tailspin.
“But this is not a date. This is just two colleagues meeting to exchange ideas and get some inspiration.”
There was a long pause before he finally spoke. “I’ve never heard it put quite that way. But fine. It’s not a date. I’ll meet you there. Expect the inspiration to begin around seven.”
Lily swallowed, then uncrossed and recrossed her legs. Inspired. She really walked into that one. “Good-bye, Vincent.”
“Till Tuesday, Lily.”
“If not before, Vin.”
* * *
“I just don’t know. A beach party? And a Mexican one at that? Out in Queens, of all places.” Lily took one look at the pursed lips and skeptical eyes of Chelsea Carlyle and knew she had to find another way. They were meeting in the Carlyle apartment, a Classic Six off Fifth Avenue that was beautifully decorated in a sleek, modern style with views of Central Park that were Instagram worthy.
Christie had just gotten in from school. The pretty young blonde seemed to be right on the edge of adulthood and playing with the fine line of kid and young adult. She was still in her private school uniform consisting of a plaid pleated skirt, the required kneesocks she’d nixed, and the coveted crested blazer was a no show too. Instead she was using a white, men’s collared shirt with the sleeves rolled as her outerwear, and underneath she sported an ironic T-shirt tha
t said IRONIC T-SHIRT, which made Lily feel ancient. And judging by the way she was quick texting, Lily could tell she was either bored with the whole idea of a party or not as into the beach theme as Lily’d hoped she would be. But as Lily looked at Christie a little closer she could see that, though Christie worked hard at putting on an over-it attitude, she wasn’t as far off from her ultrapolished mother as she pretended to be. One, her backpack was designer and the price of a month of Lily’s rent. Two, the same went for the chunky black shoes she was wearing. And three, she may not care about image or money but it didn’t stop her from wearing the monster rock earring studs that her parents, no doubt, gifted her with or blinging out her cell phone case in a diamond skull pattern to match.
Lily decided to switch tactics as she flipped the screen on her iPad, pulling up a chart. “Ladies, I’ve done my research for this year’s graduation season and for Christie’s class in particular. So far, in your month alone, there will be six parties in the Paris salon and four in the Versailles room. Now just a few blocks away at the more modern West Hotel, there are eight parties booked in their Club West.” She looked at Christie. “I’m sure you’re invited to many of them and are exhausted over picking out yet another little black dress to wear to each.”
“Now in contrast . . .” Lily flipped the screen to the slideshow of the surfers catching waves and brought the images up of Vin’s restaurant—the view taken from the beach of the patio with its casual bohemian feel. Chelsea finally placed her phone next to her and leaned forward. “If you move your party to a destination like this, have a killer deejay, and keep it loose, you’ll be a trailblazer. You and your friends can cut loose, have some fun. Shoes can even be optional.” Lily turned to Chelsea. “And yes, though it may be in Queens, technically it’s Long Island, and you’ll be right on the cutting edge of discovering a hot, new chef who is just starting to get press.” She flipped to the feature of Vin, and his photo came up. He had his arms folded across his chest, and he was leaning on his motorcycle in front of Canela looking more like a bouncer than a restaurateur. But he was still hot, and the photo had both mother and daughter sitting straighter and moving in.
“And that’s the owner?” Chelsea asked, leaning in. Lily almost snorted. Not like she hadn’t been there when looking at the hunk of walking sex that was Vincent Caro.
“It is. I have to say, he’s a bit”—Lily paused for effect—“cautious about doing this sort of party. You know how temperamental creatives can be. But I have a persuasive connection through a mutual friend, so he’s willing to consider it.” Lily hoped she wasn’t laying it on too thick, but if she could just get Chelsea thinking she was getting a hot commodity that was exclusive, even to her set, then maybe she’d win her over.
Chelsea swiped the screen, quickly glancing at the article. She then went back to Vin’s photo and let out a husky breath before looking back at Lily. “Book him. Uh, I mean, yes. Book his place. Can . . . whatever it’s called. You’re right, we should stand out from the rest of this season’s parties.” She turned to Christie, realizing she hadn’t considered her daughter. She put a French-manicured hand on Christie’s thigh. “You think this is best, don’t you, honey? You know Daddy and I want to make you happy.” She rolled her eyes and chuckled. “And you know we don’t want another disaster like the year of your bat mitzvah season.” She turned back to Lily to explain. “I tell you, each party was more of the same, practically down to the entertainment.”
Christie picked up her phone as if bored again but then looked at Vin’s photo briefly before sweeping Lily with her eyes. She gave a shrug. “It’s fine, Mother. Whatever you want.”
Lily didn’t know whether to cheer or be annoyed. No matter, she had the job and that was the bottom line.
Exiting the Carlyles’ building, Lily shot Vin a quick text. Clients said yes. Sight unseen. We’re a go!
She stared at her phone for a few beats, hoping he’d see it right away. Silly, he was probably busy, but just as she was about to cross over toward Madison Avenue her phone pinged and she stopped to look down.
Great! We’ll have something to celebrate on Tuesday. You are fantastic!
Lily fought the urge to blush.
Nothing fantastic about me. You practically sell yourself.
She frowned as she waited for his response. Sell yourself? What was that? Lily stared at the phone ’till it pinged.
Sell myself? Now that’s comforting. Till Tuesday, Lil.
She rolled her eyes at her own ridiculousness. Till Tuesday, V.
Chapter 13
As Lily paced back and forth in front of Club Distro she cursed herself for both her punctuality and choice of footwear. She was early as per her usual, and Vin still had fifteen minutes before their appointed meeting time. She stopped pacing and once again checked the time on her phone. Twelve minutes. When she looked up, some of the people on line to get in the club were eyeing her as if she was some sort of sad case. Okay, maybe the pacing had to stop. Though her outfit was in no way overtly over-the-top sexy, at least not in her eyes, one did not pace back and forth in a drapey black minidress that hung off the shoulder while wearing what could definitely be thought of as questionable heels this close to New York’s West Side Highway. It just wasn’t done.
She checked her phone again and let out a sigh. Ten minutes. Maybe she should just meet him inside. She was on the list and, as she’d pointed out multiple times, this was work. It was not a date, so she didn’t have to desperately wait for him outside like it was one. She’d just text him and let him know where she was.
Lily was focused shooting off her text so she hardly heard the motorcycle pull up in front of her until it was right there. “What the hell!” she yelled, jumping back.
Vin took off his helmet and met her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just saw you as I was pulling onto the street and, well, maybe I hit the gas a little too hard.”
Lily raised a brow. “You think?”
Vin laughed, and Lily couldn’t help but smile before taking him in on his bike. And it was a lot to take in. A lot of good to take in. Lily let her eyes wander. Black leather boots; great-fitting dark jeans that, though not as worn as what she was used to seeing him in, fit well; and a finely knit black tee that hugged him perfectly. His shirts did not look like any typical T-shirts she’d seen on a man, and Lily was starting to think that Vin may have them knitted right on his body; they showed him off so well.
Vin cleared his throat. “Would you like help taking that picture?”
Lily met his eyes. “Very funny.” But then Vin’s eyes raked over her and everything went all warm. She knew she had planned to say something else but for the moment forgot what that statement may have been.
“You’re looking great, Lil. I’m thinking I may not be worthy to walk in with you.” He reached behind him and patted the back of his bike. “I did bring a jacket to jazz myself up a bit.” The compliment brought her back to earth.
“Oh, please. Thanks, but I’m not all that and you’re fine. These are entertainment people. It’s not so formal.” By way of proving her point a sprinter van pulled up and a group of young women teamed out, followed by an up-and-coming hip-hop artist who was wearing a bright green Adidas sweatsuit. Paparazzi seemed to jump out of nowhere, and candid pictures were taken before the group slid into the club.
“See what I mean?” Lily said. “Now, where are you going to park this thing so we can go inside?”
Vin looked up and down the block, then back at her. “Just give me two minutes.”
Lily watched as Vin did a quick turn and slipped into a spot that most New Yorkers could only pass and dream about. He slipped on his jacket and jogged back over to her all in what may have been a minute and a half. “Ready?”
Lily gave him a nod. “Wow, if I wasn’t totally uncoordinated and deathly afraid of killing myself, I would trade my Buick in for a motorcycle. Slipping into a spot like that is the stuff of legends.”
They turned to head into the club, and as they did Lily didn’t miss the out-and-out envious looks she got from some of the women in line. It could have been because Lily and Vin bypassed the line and went straight to the bouncer, giving their names, but these side-eye looks were clearly due to rooted jealousy and to the fact that Vin had casually slipped a hand onto her lower back as he steered her toward the door. Good thing this wasn’t a date, or she would read more into it than there was.
This wasn’t Lily’s first visit to Club Distro. She was immediately impressed by the way the normally dark and slightly seedy club had been transformed into a sleeker, more modern space with the use of cleverly designed lighted cubes on the tables and the intricate spotlighting. The cool look went along with the vibe of the smooth hip-hop that was being pumped through the club’s invisible speakers.
Though Lily liked the room’s décor, she couldn’t help scoping out the problems with the space and the party. As usual, there were huddled groups of people, in some cases very close together, in the rectangular banquettes, but there were hardly any people on the dance floor. Not to mention that, though there were waiters sailing around with trays piled high with some gourmet treats, the bar was by far where the action was. It looked as if the people were at least three deep, and for a space that size, that should not be happening. Lily thought that if it were her, she would have come up with a signature cocktail and had that on half the food trays. Especially since this was more of a drinking than eating crowd.
“Earth to Lily.”
Lily looked over and up at Vin. “I’m sorry, I was just taking the lay of the land,” she said loudly, trying to be heard over the music.
To Me I Wed Page 14
