The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(3)
“Better now.” The older man winked at her, and then shut the door behind Kate as she entered the large lobby of the building.
Kate stopped in front of the mirrored elevator doors and waited among the gathered men in suits. Looking at her reflection, she found herself wondering whether she should have opted for her classic black heels instead of bold red pumps. But so far, nothing about this trip had been exactly standard for her.
She took in a deep breath and pressed her nervous palms over her black and white, sleeveless dress.
As the elevator doors dinged and opened, her phone buzzed in her purse. Not now, Dad. She couldn’t handle talking to him before the meeting. She knew what he would say. She ignored the call and turned off her phone as she stepped with weak knees into the elevator.
Knowing there was a chance she may see Michael Maddox again today had her tossing and turning in bed all night. She played out various scenarios of what she would say to him if they were to meet again.
Planning. Always.
Well, almost always. If she’d gone to bed early like she should have, she would never have spilled her drink on Maddox.
Focus, Kate. You’re a professional. She ran a successful event planning business and had a fantastic track record with clients, although Maddox would be the biggest client she had landed to date. And the sexiest.
When the elevator doors opened, Kate entered a bright white lobby, which boasted beautiful splashes of color in the modern art that hung on the walls.
“Hi, I have an eight o’clock appointment with Julia Maddox.” She eyed the secretary, wondering why a pretty young woman felt the need to wear such over-the-top makeup.
The secretary studied her and picked up the phone. “Julia, your appointment is here.” The woman waved her hand in silence, gesturing for her to have a seat in the lounge area.
“Thank you.” Kate placed her bag by the chair and attempted to get comfortable. She looked out the large wall of windows to her left to see the corporate Bank of America building beside her.
“Kate!” Julia’s voice sang through the lobby.
Kate’s attention shifted as she rose to her feet. Julia Maddox was an impressive woman, just like her brother. Tall and lean, but with curves where they should be. Her long, black hair settled in soft waves to mid-back, and her bold, blue eyes lit up the room.
“Hi.” Kate reached for Julia’s outstretched hand.
“I’m so glad you could make the trip here on such short notice. Thank you so much.” She smiled. “Cindy, hold my calls for the morning,” she instructed. “Please, come with me. Can I get you some coffee or tea?”
“I’m fine, but thank you,” Kate replied as they went into Julia’s office. The wall was made of glass, and the room was swank, mirroring the contemporary furnishing and colorful abstracts from the hall.
“Have a seat.” Julia motioned for her to sit at a large, wrought-iron-framed table near the floor-to-ceiling windows. “I know you mentioned on the phone your schedule is pretty jammed, so I really appreciate you taking the time to come here.”
“Hosting an event for the Maddox Group would be an honor.” Kate opened her bag and retrieved her tablet.
“I know I didn’t give you too many details on the phone, but I’m in a bit of a bind. My brother Michael fired the last three event planners—the best in the area. Our company has locations in both New York and Charlotte, however, and we really need someone who can spearhead events in both locations.” She paused and set her hands on the table. “Kate, when I read that article on you in The New York Times last week, I just knew you were the one.” She shot Kate a contagious smile. “It’s no small thing to get that kind of recognition. And I have to admit, I see myself in you.”
The New York Times had recently done a feature story on successful business owners who were women under the age of thirty.
“I love what you’ve done with the business since you took over for your mom.”
“Stepmom,” Kate corrected.
Julia nodded. “You expanded to Boston, and I understand you are even contemplating opening a third spot here in Charlotte.” Julia clasped her hands on the table and leaned forward, somehow maintaining her poise.
“I’m thinking about it.” Would three locations be too many? She wanted to give Charlotte a chance. “May I ask . . . why now? Mr. Maddox is not exactly known for throwing lavish social events.” But he’s known for other things, Kate thought glibly.
“You’re right. He deplores the idea of even attending fundraisers or balls, let alone hosting one.” She inhaled before releasing what appeared to be an exhausted breath. “Michael hasn’t actually agreed to have the event. Not yet, at least.”
Kate’s shoulders arched forward enough to show her obvious surprise.
“Michael believes in paying it forward, but he doesn’t like to get the media involved—to take advantage of the spotlight. I assume you know, but Michael was in the Marines, part of a special operations team. He’s been a civilian for five years now. And in his time home, he’s witnessed a lot of veterans struggling.”
Kate had read the Maddox company profile after she’d taken the call from Julia, but somehow hearing it firsthand made it more real.
Michael was a military hero. A patriot. And now a millionaire.
Julia stood and faced the window. “Three years ago, he launched a small business initiative for veterans. He’s very passionate about his projects, but it would be nice to garner support for our vets from others as well.” She turned back around and eyed Kate. “I’ve already sent the invitations and secured a location for the gala. It’s scheduled to occur one week from tomorrow.”