The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(28)

“Unfortunately, no. She’s out of town. But she would love your work, I’m sure.”

Okay, maybe he’s normal. But I’m not moving here. I’m wasting my time. “I had been thinking of opening a location in Charlotte, but I’ve changed my mind. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, well, I have offices in New York, Boston, and Chicago.”

She smiled. “I would be happy to assist you with any event planning needs you may have in New York and Boston.”

This was exactly what she had wanted to happen, although she’d hoped the networking would be to drum up business for a new Charlotte location. “When you’re in New York, please give me a call. I run Marissa Adams Events. I’m Kate Adams.” She took a step back from the gentleman to hold out her hand and shake his.

“I just have to ask you a question,” he said while reaching for her hand. “Are you related to Elizabeth Merrill?”

She pulled her hand away from his without thinking and took a step back. “How do you know about her?”

“You look like her. I was a pre-law student at UNCC years ago. Elizabeth and I were classmates.” He rubbed his hand over his jaw while shaking his head a bit. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe the uncanny resemblance.”

“I’m her daughter.” She placed her hand on her chest, wondering if her lungs and heart were still functioning in proper order.

His eyes narrowed on her, and his lips parted. “I’m so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman.” He gripped the back of his neck, and she could see the look of pity in his eyes. It was such a familiar look.

“Are you okay? I’m so sorry.”

She cleared her throat and found her voice. “No, that’s okay. It’s nice to meet someone who knew my mother.”

“My name is Erick Jensen.” He reached into his back pocket and retrieved his wallet. “Listen, I would love to get together sometime. Perhaps I can share some funny stories about our college days.”

Kate reached for the business card he held out in front of her. She wasn’t quite sure what to say. She felt like so much of her mother’s past was a blank page because her father hated talking about her. She only knew stories of her mother’s childhood, which had been told by her grandparents. “I think I would like that.”

“I’ll be in Boston next week, working out the details with the mayor for this season’s winter ball. I’m one of the main sponsors for the event. Perhaps I might be able to interest you in throwing the event this year?” Erick was offering her the gig of a lifetime.

Kate longed to bite her lip, to do something to release the tension of paddling through such deep waters. But she resisted. She held her cool and remained professional, wishing she could do the same around Michael.

“So, what do you think?”

“Yes, that would be incredible.”

“Great.” He patted her arm and smiled. “How’s your father, by the way? I’ve seen him a few times in the New York courtrooms, but it’s been years.”

Of course, he would know her father. Her dad had been a pre-law student, as well. “He’s good. Busy.”

“Well, until we meet again.” He tipped his head at her and walked away, blending into the crowd.

She needed a distraction—something to ease her mind from the heavy thoughts of her mother. She looked around the dance floor for Michael but noticed he was gone. Before anyone else could ask her to dance, she hurried to the main stage.

“You good?” she asked Julia, who was near the stage. “Speeches are about to begin.”

“I’m ready,” Julia said with no evidence of nervousness.

“Perfect. Go ahead up on stage.” She looked over at the clock. The timing was flawless. The band stopped playing, and the spotlight lit on Julia. Kate gulped down a wave of nausea as she realized she would soon be under the same shining light. What had she gotten herself into?

She watched as Julia stood with poise behind the microphone. She began speaking with obvious passion about the foundation, gesturing toward Michael from time to time. He was standing across the stage from Kate, hands in his pockets—and he was looking at her, not his sister. She wet her lips and forced her gaze back to the center of the stage, away from the man who was making her shake with desire.

“I would like to present Johnathan Reese: a former, and highly decorated, colonel in the Marines,” Julia said, motioning toward the man in uniform who stood behind her.

He smiled at Julia and walked toward the microphone. “I have known Michael Maddox for many years,” Johnathan began. “He’s like a brother to me. He had my back in Iraq and Afghanistan, always putting his life on the line to save a fellow soldier. As I’m sure you all are aware, Michael doesn’t like to talk about himself. I’m amazed we’re even here tonight.” He grinned and looked over at Michael as the room murmured in agreement. “But I’m very grateful to this man. He saved my life not only in combat but at home as well. I felt empty after my military life ended. I felt hopeless. But Michael refused to let me drown. He threw me a lifeline and helped me through some of the most challenging times in my life. His organization is why I am now the successful business owner of eight fitness centers in New York City. And I’m able to help other veterans as well, now. Paying it forward.”