He walked up and gave me a quick peck on the cheek.
“How’s Jules holding up?” he asked.
I shrugged. “She seems fine,” I said, pointing at the earpiece.
He laughed. “Seriously? You’re like the Secret Service.”
I grinned. “Way more intense than that. Jules is treating this like it’s actually going to save the world.”
“Who knows with her. It really might.”
“She can be surprising sometimes.”
“She sure can. Any clue where she’s off to?”
“Nope, none. Last I saw, she was hounding the drink staff.”
“Okay, kiddo. I’ll let you get back to work.”
I laughed. “I’m mostly just standing here looking important.”
“That’s the hardest work of all. See you later.”
He gave me a grin and walked off. I watched him disappear into the crowd, smiling softly to myself, as more and more people filtered into the space, filling up the seats.
Ten minutes dragged by with only a few questions from lost-looking elderly women. Twenty minutes and the flow of people had slowed down to a trickle. The room was mostly full with rich people in their finery sitting at banquet tables and drinking too much from the open bar.
I could have used a drink myself. But unfortunately I was on duty.
No Lincoln. I checked my phone again and typed him a message. Where are you? This thing is starting.
I hit send and sighed to myself as Jules chirped into my ear.
“How is it up there?”
“Mostly clear. Are we starting soon?”
“We sure are. Wait another few minutes. Then head on over to your seat.”
“Okay, thanks.”
She clicked off and I sighed. Unless Lincoln was about to stroll in through that door, he was officially a no-show. I don’t know why I expected any different, but for some reason, since it was a special favor, I figured he’d come on time. Instead, I was going to go sit at my banquet table next to an empty chair and feel like a loser.
The lights in the main room dimmed, and the front lobby cleared out except for the staff. I sighed again, dreading the awkward dinner portion, and glanced at my phone again. No text.
“Okay, Aubrie, close up those doors and head on in,” Jules chirped into my ear.
“Got it.”
Reluctantly, I turned and headed toward the main area, slowly pulling the doors shut behind me. Just as they were about to click shut, a bright light caught my attention. I watched as Lincoln, dressed in a tux, limped into the lobby, followed by Jess and a single cameraman, a high light shining directly into my eyes.
I squinted and looked away.
“Hey, Brie,” Lincoln said.
“You’re late.” I walked back into the lobby and out of the direct beam of light.
And stared at Lincoln. I had never seen him dressed up, but he looked incredible. The black and white clothes fit him perfectly, letting every lean muscle of his ripped body shine through, and his rain-green eyes stood out under his perfectly styled hair. He was still covered in tattoos, but they only peeked out through his shirtsleeves and the collar of his shirt. His face had his usual stubble, but it only made his clean look seem all the more desirable.
Suddenly, I regretted inviting him. He looked too fucking good.
“This is where I leave you,” he said, looking at Jess.
“Anything to say to your adoring public before you go in?” she asked.
He looked directly into the camera. “Stay in school and wear a condom, you fucking monsters.”
The cameraman stifled a laugh and I grinned. Jess rolled her eyes.
“Okay, Brent, that’s good. Let’s cut it there.”
“Are you guys staying?” I asked as Brent shut his equipment down.
“No. They weren’t invited,” Lincoln said, giving Jess a look.
“Just getting a shot of Lincoln in his most fancy attire.”
I laughed. “It is a little weird to see him in anything but workout clothes.”
He grinned. “I even brought my fancy cane.” He held it up, and I laughed. The top was a silver skull with little diamonds in its eyes, and the length was a shiny, polished black sheen. Jess shook her head.
“He’s been so excited about that cane.”
“Can you blame me? Look at this thing. It’s fucking fantastic.”
I shook my head. “Come on. We’re late already. Jules is going to scream if we’re not in our seats within the next twenty seconds.”
Lincoln grinned at me and gestured toward my ear. “Is that mother dearest?”
“Sure is.”
“Okay then. Let’s not keep her waiting. Jess, Brent, farewell and goodnight.”
“Have fun, kids,” Jess said, and Brent gave us a nod.