Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
When Damien had first mentioned Opal, it had been just like that night in high school when she’d stood at the side of the stage, watching his girlfriend Melody put her arms around him like she owned him, and kiss him for all the school to see. Jealousy. That’s what she’d felt then, and for a second, what she’d felt during the hike. But as he talked about mentoring a young musician, she’d realized her jealousy had been misplaced. It sounded like a mutually beneficial arrangement. Damien could give something back to the music community, and the young woman would gain invaluable skills that would hopefully launch her career.
But why did he want her to meet Opal? Was he trying to prove there was nothing going on with the young musician? Or was he trying to show Crystal that he wanted things to go back to the way they were before—just old friends hanging out?
Either way, meeting Opal would involve seeing Damien again and she couldn’t deal with how much that would make her yearn to be back in his arms.
While she was having this fruitless conversation with herself, Mila called. Perfect timing. She could return her focus to Mila’s wedding and put thoughts of Damien out of her head. She picked up right away and could hear the smile in her own voice as she said, “My favorite bride. I was just going over some of your ideas. I love the concept of putting water and air together as the theme. I think we could really have fun with that.”
Mila said, “I’m super excited too. And I really want to talk to you about this, but I think we have a problem.”
Crystal sat back in her chair. “A problem already? I haven’t even started planning the wedding yet. You haven’t broken up, have you?” She was half joking, but the truth was, it wouldn’t be the first time a couple had broken up within days of committing to a wedding planner.
Mila let out her throaty chuckle. “Breaking up is not something I ever worry about. I think Hersch and I are lifers.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” She liked these two and believed in them as a couple.
“No, the problem is Damien.”
The words jerked her upright so that her spine instantly straightened in her chair. “What’s wrong with Damien?”
“Nothing like that. A paparazzo snapped a photo of him picking up this hot-looking girl at the airport.”
Crystal felt her heart sink. Opal. Hadn’t she warned Damien to be careful? Now the poor girl was going to be swept up in a media frenzy before her career had even started. She’d forever be known as one of Damien’s flings rather than as his protégée.
“Arch says it’s some woman he’s mentoring. But you know what the gossip sites are like when they get hold of something like this.”
Now it was certain that Damien would leave town early to avoid the press.
As though she’d read her mind, Mila said, “His life will be misery and the peace and quiet he wanted at home in Carmel will disappear.” Even when she’d been a minor celebrity, Mila had had to deal with some negative press, so Crystal knew she had some experience in this kind of thing.
“I just wonder if there’s something we could do to help,” Mila said, a note of sadness in her tone. “That’s why I’m calling. I’d like my brother to stick around and no one knows him like you do.”
Crystal had worked with enough celebrities in her time and been around the Davenport family with its famous offspring long enough to know that this kind of gossip would wreak havoc with Damien’s peace. Even though she still felt utterly confused about their kiss, she needed to put aside her confusion and help her friend.
She made a snap decision. “Okay, Mila. I’m putting your wedding aside for today. I’ll go over there and see if there’s anything I can do. I know about Opal, and Damien’s already asked if I’ll go over and meet her.”
“Thanks. I’d go myself, but I’m with clients right now. They’re planning to spend an awful lot of money on a waterfront house. I love my brother, but not more than a huge commission.”
Crystal chuckled. She knew that deep down, Mila would give everything up for her family in an instant. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you so much, Crys. Call me later.”
Crystal grabbed her bag and let her assistant know she’d be out for a couple of hours. As she left the office, she gave her appearance a once-over. She was wearing a pair of black slacks and a sleeveless cream top with a chunky silver necklace at her throat. Her hair was loose and her makeup light. It was her everyday workwear and yet she knew she looked good. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, she cared how she looked in front of Damien. And this hot young musician he’d brought into his life. She took a breath and got into her car, ready to help with a problem that was about to be bigger than either of them.