Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
ROSE
Ipull up to the nearly completed Wise Fox Lounge and kill the engine, the hum of the car fading into the quiet afternoon street.
My heart thuds against my ribs like it’s trying to make a break for it.
Leaning toward the rearview mirror, I touch up the sharp line of my winged eyeliner and smooth a hand over the loose waves of my dark auburn hair.
No smudges. No stray strands. I have to look composed, even if inside I’m anything but.
This is it. The biggest gig of my career since graduation.
For Angelique DeThistle herself—the Angelique DeThistle—renowned owner of not just this lounge but half a dozen other hot spots in the supernatural world.
The call she’d made weeks ago still replays in my mind like a dream.
Me. Of all the event managers she could’ve chosen, she’d asked for me.
I should’ve said no, considering the mountain of work at the event hall and the tail end of another project already eating my nights alive.
But how could I? This wasn’t just a job.
This was the opportunity—the kind that cracks open doors to national gigs, maybe even international ones, if I play my cards right.
And so I’ve lived and breathed this project for weeks: sketches, proposals, sleepless nights perfecting details. We’d met briefly twice for lunch to go over ideas. Otherwise, every free moment not taken up by the city’s event hall has gone into making the Wise Fox’s grand opening flawless.
With a deep breath, I slide out of the car, tugging my pencil skirt straight before reaching for my purse.
Tilting my chin, I glance at the club’s sign catching the sunlight, its looping script promising decadence even before it’s lit.
In two weeks, that sign will glow neon violet and indigo, summoning guests like moths to a flame.
For now, it draws curious stares, as though the building itself whispers of secrets waiting inside.
The lounge is meant to be a haven for the supernatural—and for the humans privy to our world.
I’d have to ask Angelique what the plan was for those humans who might be drawn to it.
Would there be spells to deter them? Or would they be allowed inside, glamoured to see other patrons in humanoid form?
I’ve heard of clubs across the country taking different stances, since not everyone knows magic exists.
The heavy double doors are propped open, faint music spilling out. I inhale, steady the flutter in my stomach, and step inside, heels clicking against the polished floor.
“Hello?” My eyes adjust as I walk further into the dim space.
Low tables with plush blue velvet benches line the edges of the room.
A stage anchors the back, ringed by a wooden dance floor.
To the left, a bar stretches wall to wall, polished wood gleaming, shelves already half stocked with bottles and crystal.
Behind it, a portly man with ruddy cheeks and peppered grey hair waves as he unpacks tumblers.
“Hello there. I’m looking for Angelique,” I say, returning his wave. “I’m Rose. She asked me to meet here—”
“Yes, you must be the event coordinator. My name’s Charlee.” He gestures to the room. “She should be back any minute to show you the changes. I’m sure it looks a lot different from the last time you were here.”
I set my purse on a nearby table and look up at the painted ceiling, dotted with thousands of glittering stars. Constellations sweep overhead, dancing across the roof. More than I imagined walking in.
“Yes, quite a bit different. Last time it was little more than bare walls and a dream. I’m surprised it looks so…
finished.” Relief loosens the knot in my chest. A part of me had feared we’d still need to rent furniture, but now it’s clear the grand opening will run far more smoothly than I’d expected.
“Angelique leaves no room for error.” Charlee shrugs, still unpacking. “She wanted the remodel done early so you’d have time to work your magic.”
“No kidding. I thought I’d be scrambling to make this place presentable, but it almost looks like we could open tonight without half the plans I’ve made.” I tug my notepad from my purse, already jotting ideas.
“Now, where would be the fun in that?”
I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of her voice.
“Angelique!” I whirl around, smiling despite myself at the beautiful woman framed in sunlight, her aura as golden as the light behind her.
“Hello, Rosemary. I’m so glad you could make it. Quite different from the last time you were here, isn’t it?”
“It looks better than I could’ve imagined. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” I incline my head.
“The pleasure is all mine, my dear.” She steps forward.
I extend a hand, but she bats it away, pulling me into a deep hug.
My magic hums at the contact, a rush of her emotions sweeping through me before she pulls back and gestures for me to follow.
Some people project so strongly it only takes a brush of contact to feel them.
“This is only a taste of the magic that’s changed since your last visit, my little witch.” Angelique’s heels click like a metronome as she sweeps ahead, her voice lilting with excitement. “You gave me so many ideas at our last luncheon!”
“Yes, about those…” I snatch up my purse and hurry after her, trying not to trip over her breakneck pace. She waves to Charlee as we breeze through a wide archway that, last I remember, led into one of the smaller ballrooms.
Only—it wasn’t a ballroom anymore.
The music from the lounge fades as we step into a hallway lined with tall arches. Beyond each opening stretches a room, every one of them dressed in a different theme. I pause at each doorway, admiring the setting and decorations. How had she managed to pull all this together so fast?
I slow, blinking. “Wait. You took my suggestion and turned the ballroom into smaller rooms?” When we’d gone to lunch, I’d mentioned using blue as a theme for the grand opening because of its emotional impact.
I’d also suggested having separate spaces for people who wanted the lounge atmosphere without being swallowed by the throbbing main room.
I never expected her to implement all of it.
“Exactly!” Angelique beams, sweeping an elegant hand down the corridor. “Intimate conference spaces—perfect for small parties, private gatherings, or patrons who want the energy without the chaos. I even had speakers installed so they can hear the live music.”
I shake my head, still absorbing it all. “I… should remind you, I’m not really an interior designer. I just plan events. Those ideas we discussed at lunch were just that—ideas. I’m only here as the grand opening coordinator.”
“Oh, please.” She scoffs lightly, glancing over her shoulder. “I’ve never seen someone with such a sharp eye for color. Your skills are being wasted if you don’t use them.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks. My fingers twitch toward the hem of my blouse, but I curl them into a loose fist. “I only expanded on what you’d already started. You’re the one with the vision.”
“Nevertheless,” Angelique says with finality, striding ahead, “it was your suggestions that pushed me to do it.”
Before I can protest further, she pushes open a door, and we step into a gleaming kitchen. Stainless steel counters line the walls, packed with ovens, stovetops, and a massive sink. A walk-in freezer gleams at the far end like a vault.
Angelique claps her hands together. “Of course, it won’t be fully operational for the grand opening, but eventually I want full service here—light food, appetizers, something to keep guests lingering. Remind me, darling, what were our catering options again?”
I flip to the next page in my notebook. “Padre Campos is providing sandwiches and charcuterie boards, and we managed to score macarons from Maisel’s.”
Her mouth ticks up, head tilting in approval. “Yes, good. We’ll handle drinks here. Charlee assures me the first shipment of alcohol has arrived, along with most of the glassware. What do you think of the cerulean blue?
Cerulean. The same shade as Carter’s bike. The same shade as his eyes.
My stomach flips. I plaster on a smile and try to think of anything but the wolf.
“It’s as cozy as a fox’s den,” I say, clearing my throat.
“A color known both for its calming ability and for sparking creativity. Exactly the mood the lounge sets, as we envisioned. It’s fresh but familiar, especially compared to the trend of burgundy and gold. I think it’ll get people talking.”
“Indeed. You have a sharp eye for color theory, Rose. Keep it up and you’ll never find yourself without work again.” She straightens a pot on a shelf, then glances back. “And the decorations?”
“I’ve spoken to two local florists about bouquets. I still need to pick up the ordered décor from the supply store, but everything will be ready well in advance. Flowers and food will be delivered that morning.”
“And the music?” She crosses her arms, acrylic nails tapping her sleeves.
“The band confirmed for opening night. They’ll rehearsal the night before for sound check. I’ve already let Charlee know where to set up if I’m not here when they arrive.”
“Fantastic. I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me.
I have very important guests flying in for the grand opening.
” We exit another door on the far side of the kitchen, coming out behind the bar.
“As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I have a client dinner.
Please do another walk-through, take notes as needed, and inform Charlee if you require anything.
Otherwise, I’ll see you the evening before the grand opening.
She turns on her heel with a wave. I sigh, shoulders sagging.
“You must’ve done something to really impress her,” Charlee remarks. “She doesn’t usually hand over the reins. I’ve been with her nearly fifteen years, and she’s always the one calling the shots.”