Page 146 of The Other Side

“Thank you,” she says. A smirk forms across her glossy lips, her soft blonde curls bouncing over her shoulders.

“You’re welcome.”

I inch inside under the high ceiling. Lavish décor lines the perimeter of the lobby with a classic chandelier dangling from the center point.

There’s about ten to fifteen people scattered about when I park at the end of the check-in line. A couple minutes pass, and then I’m idled across from the two women behind the table.

“Name?”

“Brant Beckett. Nexis Architecture,” I answer.

“Beckett,” the woman mutters, her manicured finger trailing down the length of the roster. “Perfect, you’re all set.” She shines a beaming smile, her bob cut whisking with the motion. “Congratulations on your award.”

“Great, thank you very much.” I walk around the table to the corner of the lobby, searching for my place card.

“We meet again.”

My head rotates to the right, recognizing the blonde woman. Her blue eyes stand out from her fair skin, and she flashes a flirty smile as I return my attention to the place cards.

“Hi,” I reply through a smirk. “What’s your last name? Maybe I can help you find your table number.”

“Watson. But I don’t want to keep you longer.”

“Luckily, my reading skills and eyesight are pretty decent,” I tease before locating her name. I pluck the folded card just as a chuckle slips from her mouth.

She takes the tag from me, and I quickly switch gears.

“Are you receiving an award?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “No, I’m here to support my brother. He’s an engineer.”

I nod, pivoting to find my place card. “Awesome. Maybe I’ll get the chance to meet him inside. Talk his ear off about architecture or something,” I joke.

“Are you an architect?” she inquires cheerfully.

“Yeah,” I answer, finally swiping my tag. “I work for Nexis Architecture.” My body faces hers again, and I offer my hand. “I’m Brant. Nice to meet you.”

I guess it’s the gentleman in me, I don’t know.

“Gabriella.” Her eyes sparkle under the faint lighting from the chandelier, and she cradles her soft palm in mine.

“Congratulations to your brother,” I say as I peel my hand away. “I hope you have a great night.”

She only nods in agreement, almost stunned by my manners. It’s either that, or she enjoys what she sees.

“Sure,” she finally murmurs.

I turn to walk through the double doors of the ballroom, the expansive space engulfing me as I step onto the carpet. A huge skylight is stationed in the center of the ceiling, the sinking sun casting a glow onto the white marble dance floor. There’s a blend of modern and classic elements, colored in soft and neutral tones as clusters of people glide around their round tables.

My head flicks around, spotting Jared in his custom suit and Debra in her floral maxi dress. They wave for my attention, and we head to the cocktail room together.

Jared’s palms are kneading my shoulders from behind. He’s already praising me as we slip into the next area of the venue.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but please stop,” I say.

Jared laughs as he falls in step beside me, and Debra pipes up. “If you think I came here tonight to keep you humble, you’re mistaken.”

“When did humility suddenly become taboo?” I mutter.