ChapterNineteen
Rosalia
I don’t like the way my heart expands at the sight of Sebastian. We aren’t a real couple; everything between us is built on deceit and dirty deals. Yet, I have to grip the counter to keep from coming around and hugging him when he reaches me.
He sets a tray of take-out drinks in front of us, and I blink, taking in the vibrant hues of three cups filled with smoothies.
One is deep purple for mixed berries. Another is a soft green.
The last is bright orange. “I stopped at that new smoothie bar around the block. These are the top recommendations.” He places the deep purple in front of me and hands the green kale and banana to Paige.
Scanning the flavors, Paige asks, “How’d you know I’d be here?”
“Rosalia mentioned you usually stop by after your bakery closes.”
That heart-expanding feeling intensifies. Why does he have to listen to me when I talk?
He takes a sip of his and looks at me. “Do you have plans Saturday night?”
“No. Why?”
“Want to do me a huge favor?” he asks.
“Ah, were these smoothies a bribe?” I tease, intrigued. What could little ol’ me do for a powerful Blackstone?
His head tilts slightly, and his grin widens, popping a dimple. “Maybe.”
“What is it?”
“Attend Bits and Barrels with me.”
“What’s that?”
“A gala. Which is like prom for adults,” Paige whispers.
“I know what it is.” I bump my friend with my hip, hiding my sudden distress.
The thought of attending makes me nauseous.
I can already hear the whispers and sideways glances from Sebastian’s wealthy peers.
They’ll wonder what he's doing with someone like me, a small-time bookstore owner who’ll stick out like a paperback novel in a rare manuscript collection.
And if they ever learned about my deal with Thorne, they’d brand me a gold-digger, a manipulative opportunist. The scandal would not only embarrass Sebastian but could also turn the community against me, jeopardizing the business and programs I’ve worked so hard to build.
“The party officially kicks off the derby season,” Sebastian says, oblivious to my distress. “And my mother is hosting the fundraising dinner.”
I smile and hope it looks genuine. “That’s right. All the fun is about to begin and I finally get to take part in it.”
A child runs from the kids’ section, followed by a harried man. The toddler chucks the book he’s holding with all his might, letting out an exuberant squeal of delight. The guy apologizes, picks up the board book and the kid, and retreats into the rows of shelves.
“You’ve never been to any of the derby stuff? Didn’t you come here all the time as a kid?” Paige asks.
“Yeah, but we were here in the summer, months after derby. And last year, I was too busy settling in and opening the store to go to any of them. This year, Dad and I are going to the Balloon Races. And I definitely won’t miss the parade.
And the fireworks. Oh! And the bed races.
” I clap my hands, then tell my inner child to settle down.
“Sorry. I’ve heard my dad talk about these different goings-on, and this is the first time I’ll get to take part.
“Oh, my brother, Noah—the one I told you about, who lives in Ohio, he’s visiting. We plan on going to the Balloon Race,” Paige says. “You should come with us.”
“Okay.” I take a sip of my smoothie. The cool, tangy sweetness of the berries is amazing. “Are you attending?” I ask Sebastian.
“No. I’m not a fan,” he replies, looking at his drink.
“Who’s not a fan of pretty, colorful balloons?”
“They’re fine, but if I go, I’ll be expected to ride the Blackstone Bourbon balloon.” He shudders. “I have no interest in getting inside something that is kept in the sky with a flame and highly flammable nylon.”
I nod. “Can’t argue that logic.”
“When my sister’s here, she goes in the balloon. It’s her favorite.” He smiles, and the love I see there makes him even more handsome.
“Let me guess,” Paige says, “Your favorite event was last week’s Bourbonville.”
“That was a lucrative day for Blackstone, but no, my favorite is Thunder Over Louisville.” He steps around the counter, and the faint scent of his cologne, a blend of sandalwood and citrus, fills my senses as he leans closer. “About the fundraiser…”
From my high school years at a wealthy private school, I know what’s expected at these events. I tally the cost and my gut twists. Even a cheap dress is impossible on my budget, let alone the other necessities like hair, makeup, and nails .
“I’m not really a gala girl,” I say, fidgeting with the straw of my smoothie.
A flicker of disappointment crosses Sebastian’s face and his grin falters. “If you don’t want to go, I understand,” he says softly, his tone tinged with resignation.
My heart clenches at the sight of his crestfallen expression.
“It’s not that I don’t want to go with you.
It’s just that I don’t have anything suitable to wear.
The last time I wore a gown was at my senior prom.
And that outdated dress is in Michigan.” And it is probably way too basic for any event Mr. Billionaire attends.
“Not a problem. I’ll get you one,” Sebastian replies.
“What?” I scoff. “You’ll get me a gown so that I’ll go.”
“Yup. Whatever you need.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Listen, you’ll be doing me a huge favor. These events are torture, whether I go with someone or alone, but I’m certain if you’re there, the night will be tolerable.”
“Wow, tolerable,” I laugh. “Aren’t you a charmer?”
“Fine. Fine. I can do better.” He clears his throat. His brown eyes sparkle with warm humor, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. “The night will be magical if you attend, lovely Rosalia. A fairy tale come true. Better than Christmas when I was a kid. How’s that?”
Paige clutches her heart. “That’s good.”
I agree. I am one hundred percent charmed but pretend to be unaffected. “Much better. But it sounds like you’d rather skip it. Why don’t you?”
“That was the original plan. I was supposed to be out of town, but things had to be rescheduled. Now I’m expected to go. If I don’t, my mom will guilt me until the next one. No thanks.”
“I don’t know…”
My gaze moves to Paige, who mouths, “Do it.”
“How about I book a spa day for you and Paige on Saturday? There’s a place my sister loves that has it all—hair, makeup, nails, and massages. I’ll have Hanna, my PA, arrange everything for the day of the event. My treat for helping me out.”
“I—”
“She’ll do it,” Paige says. “Just tell us where and when. ”
“Paige!” I sputter through my laughter. Looking at Sebastian, I ask, “When is it?”
“Saturday.”
“This Saturday? Today’s Wednesday. My store is open every day until the gala. And while I don’t mind closing early—I can stay open a little later on Sunday—how will I find a dress or book a hair appointment in such a short time?”
“Do these questions mean you’ll go?” My lingering ambivalence vanishes at the happiness in his voice.
“Yes, but there’s no way I’ll find a gown in two days. Plus, my store’s open both days until most dress shops close.”
“I’ll take care of that. Hanna will schedule a Saturday morning appointment at the dress boutique where most women buy their gowns.
Let me know your favorite colors; they’ll set them aside for you to try on.
The same goes for hair and makeup. Hanna will book a spa for anything you and Paige want done.
“ He pulls out his phone. “I’ll call—” His cell rings, and a slight frown touches his perfect lips.
“I have to answer this and get to a meeting, but I’ll call Hanna in between. ”
He nods goodbye while answering the call. I watch him leave, rocking on my heels. Why had I agreed to go? Galas aren’t for women like me. And why is my pulse sprinting because I get to spend an entire evening with Sebastian?
I turn to Paige. “What just happened?”
“You’re going to the ball, Cinderella.”
I bite my lip, my gaze dropping to the counter. “Because of my damn deal with Thorne I should be looking at my time with Sebastian as a business arrangement, but I can’t. It feels like so much more. What if I’m making a mistake by going with him? What if I end up hurting him?”
Paige shakes her head, her expression softening.
“Rose, it’s okay to have feelings for him.
If you find another way to save your bookstore, he’ll never have to know about your deal with his brother.
And, maybe for now, don’t be afraid to embrace the magic of the moment.
Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. You deserve to feel like Cinderella for one night. ”
I nod, but I don’t agree. I can’t help but wonder if the fairy tale will disappear when the clock strikes midnight, leaving me with nothing but a broken heart.
And if I hurt Sebastian, that’s exactly what I deserve.