Page 110 of You Make Me Feel
“Well, that leaves you and me,” Autumn says, not commenting that it’s morning and Francie is suddenly feeling sick.
“Then let’s do this,” I say, smiling warmly at her. And as we walk over to look at her list I realize something.
Thanks to this family, I’m finally starting to feel like I belong somewhere.
And I love it.
twenty-nine
ZACH
“So what’s the plan for tonight?” Wyatt asks down the phone line. I can hear the rumble of conversation in the background. “I just landed. Gonna grab a bite to eat and get a cab to the dock.”
“You mean Autumn hasn’t laid out a complete itinerary for you?” I laugh, because she has for every other member of the family.
“She did but I conveniently left it at home,” Wyatt says, completely unfazed that he’ll be incurring our sister’s wrath. “She had me arriving on Liberty early afternoon, which was completely impossible since my flight didn’t land until three. I should be arriving early evening.”
I smile, because I’m looking forward to seeing him. The two of us are the closest in age. Growing up, we shared a bedroom, spent most of our time together. “Well, I do have my itinerary, and I’m apparently hosting the pre-dinner get-together for her biggest donors at six.Then the gala starts at seven. Want me to arrange for a car to pick you up at the dock?” I’ve already ordered one for Sadie and Romy, because I can’t be there to drive them over.
“Yeah, that would be good. I’ll send you my ETA. Thanks man.” He clears his throat. “I’ll be staying for a few days.”
He doesn’t say it, but I know what he means. He’ll be here tomorrow, when I tell the family about my RP. About the need to gene test them all.
“Okay.” I nod. “That’s good.” It will be good to have his support.
There’s a pause followed by a thud, like he’s put his luggage down. “It’s gonna be okay, you know?” he says softly.
“Yeah, I know.”
He laughs at my lack of enthusiasm. “Let’s go out sailing once you’ve told them,” he suggests. Because that’s what we used to do whenever we had problems. Leave the world behind, face the horizon. Pretend that we had no worries in the world.
“That sounds good,” I tell him. “I’d like that.” And maybe then I can talk to him about Sadie. Because if I’m telling my family, I have to tell her.
And I have no idea how to do that.
“Listen, I gotta go. I’ll see you in a few hours. All dressed up as per Autumn’s instructions.”
“Take care,” I tell him, ending the call.
For the next couple of hours I check the art placement in the hotel, making sure it fits the plans Sadie and I made. Then I calm Autumn down when she starts to panic that everything’s going wrong.
Finally, I head back to my apartment, take a shower,and put my dinner suit on, ready to head to the hotel library at six to welcome the VIPs.
These are the high rollers. Mostly people I know through the art world. A few of Hudson’s guests, some that West has brought in. But it’s mostly my contacts, which is why she wants me there.
And once I’m ready, having checked my tie in the mirror to make sure it’s straight, I pick up my phone and send a photo to Sadie.
I want one back. – Zach
No can do. I’m still getting ready. You’ll have to be patient. You’ll see me in an hour. – Sadie
I shake my head and smile, because I’m counting the damn minutes. And when I walk back out into the hotel reception, it’s like stepping into a casino in Monte Carlo. The place is thronging with people dressed to the nines, with security personnel installed by Asher who’s gone so over the top it feels like I’m on the set ofFBI: Most Wanted.
But the one person I want to see is still at the bookshop. And I have to wait far too long before I can see her.
Rolling my shoulders, I head toward the library, readying myself to be the host with the most.
Because tonight, I’m playing the role of art expert, bon viveur, and the most easy-going man in the world.
