“Oh, you know I do Miss Tannen.” He groans in frustration. “Too bad there’s a couple hundred people waiting on us or I’d rip that dress right off of your luscious body.”
“There’s always later.” I drag a hand across his chest and head out of the bedroom. I hear him curse under his breath and exhale as he follows me to the door.
Jane flew in yesterday to help out with coordinating everything today so it will go smoothly. Drew visibly relaxed when she arrived at the hotel last night and stopped by our suite to go over the schedule for the event. She meets us downstairs in the lobby as our unusual looking group exits the Four Seasons, drawing tons of stares and quite a few cell phone pictures.
Apparently, Drew and I require three massive, tuxedoed bodyguards, a driver, and a personal assistant in a fancy gown just to go to a charity ball at a restaurant on the south bank of the Charles River. I want to roll my eyes at the ridiculousness of it all, but it’s pointless to get upset. I’ve resigned myself to doing things Drew’s way, and his way is to go over the top. Every. Single. Time.
Bruce had the foresight to trade the new SUV for a limo, because there was no way I was getting up into the Suburban in this close-fitting gown. Plus, we would never have all fit.
The ride to The Basin, the restaurant that the charity reserves every year for the Fourth of July fundraiser, is about fifteen minutes. After only five minutes in the car, Drew begins to freak out.
“Steve, did you check the place earlier like I asked you to?” He calls out to Steve, who’s sitting all the way up in the front seat with Bruce.
“Yes, I went. Everything checked out. There’s no way anyone can get in without us knowing.”
“Good.” Drew rubs his hands nervously on his thighs.
I put my hand over one of his. “Drew, nothing is going to happen tonight.” He says nothing, just squeezes my hand in his. He’s already asked Steve about the restaurant two other times.
“Sal, Evan, you both know what to do, right?” Drew continues to drill them the entire ride to the restaurant. My poor, sweet man. Torn up by guilt even though the attack at his premiere had nothing to do with him. It was a sick, obsessed stalker who had been following me for years before I went into hiding in New York. The fact that I had been pregnant destroyed Drew.
I remain quiet and let him attempt to control the situation. New Sydney wants her boyfriend to be protective and caring, not stifling and annoying. Anything that makes him feel better works just fine by me. I have to admit, that as we pull up to the restaurant and I see the photographers lining the entrance, my newfound courage leaves me and I feel like running far away.
Drew turns to face me and presses his forehead gently against mine. “Are you ready for this?”
I smile, knowing I can do anything with him. “Yes, let’s do it.”
He slides across the seat to the door when a valet opens it and steps out to a barrage of flashbulbs. Reaching back for my hand, he helps me get out of the limo. As he pulls me up to my feet he leans in close. “I love you Syd. Always.”
I grin and face the paparazzi, holding on to my lifeline the entire time.
We get through the small line of reporters quickly. Drew stops to chat about his charity and how much this night means to him. A few less legitimate journalists yell out rude questions regarding Kiera and the eavesdropping crimes against the studio. We ignore them and head into the party.
Once inside, Drew gets mobbed by different patrons who wish to meet him. He attempts to introduce me to everyone and refuses to let go of my hand until I have to threaten him with bodily harm. Miffed, he gives me a dark look and leans in, “Evan and Steve are not to leave your side. Not once Sydney, I mean it.”
“I know, it’s fine. I told you I’d be good. I want to go find Leah and your family.” Drew turns to Steve and tells him something I can’t quite hear, but I can guess it’s along the lines of ‘don’t let her out of your sight or else’.
I cross the room with two ridiculously large, tattooed SEALS, one on each side of me, to see my best friend and her boyfriend. Of course, Ryker is getting mobbed by fans too, so Leah and I are left to our own devices. We grab a couple of drinks and head outside on the patio, Evan and Steve just a few feet back.
“It’s beautiful out tonight,” Leah says, looking out over the river.
“I know, it really is perfect for outdoor events. Drew said that they shoot the fireworks off from a barge on the river.” I look out from our fourth floor vantage point and watch families and couples walking along the banks of the river trying to find a spot to watch the show.