Catering to Three (8 page)

Julie held her breath, wondering what was next.

“It would please me if just for tonight, as my hostess, you call me Noah.”

Julie nodded, relieved. “If that pleases you, Noah, then I’ll do as you ask.”

Noah smiled and gave her his arm, and she took it. He was always a step ahead of her. He had to know that she would do whatever he wanted, so why the need to keep her in the dark? Was he actually unsure of himself where she was concerned? That, she thought, was totally out of character for him. However, now was not the time to be questioning him. There was too much at stake. She needed to accept her role and do what was expected.

They stood side by side, and together they greeted his guests. He introduced her to the elite of San Francisco society as his friend and also the woman responsible for their evening. It finally registered that these were potential clients. Noah had done this for her. She supposed she would have to thank him at some point for having the foresight to put her in this position and the forethought not to tell her. He knew she would have been a nervous wreck. As it was, she slid easily into her role at the last minute with a minimum of nerves. She had to admit, she was thoroughly enjoying standing by Noah’s side.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres were brought in by butlers. For those who wanted something different, the various mini bars were decorated in a Caribbean theme that she and Noah had chosen because it would be fun and that was the tone he wanted the evening to begin on. Each bar offered a variety of frozen drinks along with one that catered to those with a taste for hard liquor. She was happy to see that everyone appeared to be enjoying the party. The band played romantic music mixed with reggae that added a nice touch to the sophisticated-but-fun evening she had strived to create. She had thought about calypso music but knew she wanted something less intrusive. Later, another band would arrive for the dancing that would follow dinner.

She also appreciated that Noah had provided her with a dress that helped her to fit in. She would have never been able to afford to dress in the fashion of the other women who were attending. Noah thought of everything.

When they walked through the garden and down the path to the area near the pool for dinner, she had to take a moment to digest the scene before her. Even though she had been instrumental in its design, the end result was a feast for the eyes that surpassed even her expectations.

Every table had been draped in ivory-colored satin-weave tablecloths with intricate gold lace pattern table skirts. Lenox plates trimmed in a Tuscany-gold pattern rested on gold plate chargers. The crystal glassware was also trimmed in gold. Each table had an arrangement of lavender and cream flowers with small candles encased in crystal. Everything sparkled beneath the twinkling lights and minilanterns wired through the trees. Inflatable glowing balls floated in the pool along with an array of water lilies that enhanced the feeling of enchantment.

However, it was the covers of the best sellers from Noah’s publishing house presented in vintage gold frames that had been placed on easels like fine works of art throughout that she knew Noah was the most pleased with. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I’m more than impressed with everything I’ve seen tonight. You’ve made everyone here feel like royalty, especially my authors. You’re my fairy princess who, with a wave of her wand, made it all happen.”

“We discussed so many details, I can’t take all the credit. Your stamp of approval is everywhere. And if I’m the fairy princess, you’re Prince Charming. However, I feel more like Cinderella.”

“You belong in this world, Julie.”

“I’m not so sure about that. But whether I belong here or not, you’ve more than opened a few doors for me. I understand why you wanted me here as your hostess. Thank you, Noah.”

“So you’re not still mad at me then?”

“I don’t think anyone could be mad at you for long, especially when you’ve gone out of your way to help me expand my business. I’m sorry I didn’t see that before.”

“All of that aside,” he said, his lips so close to hers she had to fight the urge to lean into him, “I wanted you here with me, by my side, tonight.”

Not sure how to respond, Julie was relieved when a few of his guests distracted him as they neared their table. When Mark and Keith and their dates walked up to them, she smiled and extended her hand. She had met the two women during cocktails. They were both dark-haired beauties that seemed quite content to hang on to every word that Mark and Keith uttered. She knew it was unkind, but she was glad that neither Mark nor Keith seemed overly into them. The two women appeared more like accessories than potential wives.

But then again, how well did she really know any of them. Maybe a meek and mild but attractive woman was all the two men wanted. And, she surmised, with the way their dresses clung to their curves and bared their skin, they were both probably quite talented in the areas most men valued most. She really was being bitchy, and that wasn’t like her. At least Noah hadn’t brought anyone. Regardless of his earlier words, she knew he had allowed her into his world for one reason only, and that was to help her promote her business.

Julie watched every plate that was placed and then taken away from the tables surrounding them. She noticed, when the food was served, it became noticeably quiet. Her heart was in her throat, but with each new dish and the looks of delight she witnessed, she felt more and more confident. Mark and Keith raved over the sweet potato soup with lobster and orange crème fraîche. She had found the recipe and worked with it until she was satisfied with the outcome. The entrées were sea bass, filet mignon, and an Italian risotto. Each plate looked like a masterpiece of color and sophistication. She had ordered the sea bass, and it was cooked to perfection. Mark, Keith, and Noah had all ordered the filet. She watched as each of them nodded their heads in her direction with approval.

As the dinner plates were being cleared from the tables, she knew she should forego dessert. However, she was eager to try the lemon-apricot cake Kelly had worked so hard to prepare. Ever concerned about healthy choices, she had also asked Kelly to make sure there were diabetic and fruit-laden desserts for those who wanted something that wouldn’t send them into sugar shock. However, it was the cake that had ended up on her dessert plate.

Mark asked if it would be impolite to ask for another piece of cake. She laughed and said absolutely not. Keith and Noah both teased him about having to live at the gym the next week. Ignoring their teasing, he asked for a second piece and ate it with gusto.

The band started on cue as the dessert plates were removed. The bars had reopened, and the guests were beginning to filter into the ballroom for dancing. She felt Noah’s hand on her elbow.

“Would you like to dance, Julie?”

She smiled as he led her up the small hill into the ballroom. She noticed that many of the other guests were following them. Noah took her into his arms. They fit well together as he danced her across the floor. It felt so right being in his arms that she was disappointed when the music ended and he released her.

Mark and Keith both insisted on twirling her around the dance floor, too, as Noah took turns dancing with their partners. She and Noah continued changing partners with a number of his guests, some of whom she wished had held her a little less tightly. She had hoped to have another chance to dance with Mark and Keith, but they had disappeared with their dates. She figured they had left to begin more intimate activities. She knew it shouldn’t bother her, so why, she wondered, couldn’t she just put it out of her mind?

Noah had just finished dancing with the wife of one of his authors when he signaled her to meet him through the French doors.

“I need a little break,” he said. “I’m not as young as I used to be.”

“Me either,” she said with a grateful nod of her head. “I could use a break myself.”

They sat on a bench and watched his guests through the open French doors.

“I think everyone is having a good time. At least that’s what they’re telling me,” Julie said, turning to Noah.

“You’ve impressed a lot of people tonight.”

“They’ll forget all about me tomorrow.”

“No one is going to forget about you. Least of all me.”

“You always seem to know exactly the right thing to say,” Julie said, gazing into Noah’s eyes.

“For a woman who took on an event of this magnitude, and I might add without a lot of time to pull it off, it baffles me how little confidence you seem to have at times.”

The idiosyncrasies of her personality baffled her at times, too. However, this was no time for a therapy session. Changing the subject, she said, “I thought Mark and Keith would have stayed a little longer. They didn’t even say good-bye. Not that it’s any of my business,” she quickly added.

“They had a couple things they needed to do, but they’ll be back. You like them.”

“Of course I do. Keith led me to you, I mean managing your event, and without Mark, I’m not sure I would have been able to pull this off, as you put it. ”

Noah took her hand in his, and for a brief moment she thought he was going to take her into his arms. Instead he stood up, bringing her with him. “Let’s dance.”

She followed him back onto the dance floor, where he brought her body close to his, holding her tightly as they danced around the room.

Julie let herself enjoy the dance and how good it felt to be in his arms.

He whispered in her ear, “Just to let you know. Mark and Keith were both quite happy that you had relented for tonight and called them by their first names. You can be so formal at times.”

“Well, this is a party and you were right. It would have seemed strange to your guests for me to continue addressing you or them by your surnames. However, you’re still my business associates and I know my place.”

“And what place might that be?”

Julie looked over Noah’s shoulder. His arms had tightened. He was holding her so close she was having a difficult time breathing. Not because he was cutting off her air supply but for other reasons she knew were even more dangerous. “You’ve been wonderful. I can’t thank you enough for all the introductions. You’re an amazingly generous man. But I’m not unaware that these people are in a totally different social class than I am.”

“Are you a snob, Julie?”

“Goodness no,” Julie said, taken back. “Why would you say that?”

“Seems to me that they all like you and accept you for who you are. And yet, you don’t seem to be able to do the same?”

“I didn’t mean…” she stuttered. Had she really come off as a snob when it was so far from the truth, she thought, embarrassed.

“Not to worry. I’m just teasing. I know you’re not a snob. You’re so easy to tease and to work with. I love the fact that you blush so easily.”

“I’m hoping you’ll want to use me again.”

“I’ll use you, Julie, of that you can be sure.”

She trembled slightly. She was enjoying herself way too much with him. She hoped Mark and Keith would be returning soon. She missed them. Startled by her own thoughts, she realized she needed to step away from the enchanted atmosphere of the evening and get back to the real world where she belonged. Her attraction to all three men was a fantasy she needed to get under control.

“I really should go upstairs and change. I’m going to be needed in the kitchen. I have to help clean up. There’s so much to do when an event ends.”

“What if I tell you I don’t want you to leave me? That I need you to stay right where you are until the last guest has departed?”

“I would say that sounds lovely except I’m not really a guest, am I? I’m the hired help, and it’s time for Cinderella to get back to the kitchen.”

“I have plans for you, Julie. And they don’t include washing dishes,” he breathed into her hair.

At a loss for words, Julie continued let Noah guide her across the dance floor. Maybe a few more minutes of living the fantasy wouldn’t hurt. She felt her eyes drawn to the other side of the room. She caught her breath as her eyes met those of Mark and Keith. She smiled back and waved. Their dates were nowhere to be seen. She was suddenly happier than she thought possible.

The evening continued to be everything she could have hoped for and more, with Noah never letting her stray too far from his side unless it was to dance with Mark or Keith. When the last guest had said good night, he reluctantly permitted her to check on the kitchen.

She was delighted to see that it was cleaned and shining. Most of the staff had already left. The three chefs she had hired were sipping a cup of coffee together. She broke out in applause. They each stood and bowed.

“You three were absolutely magnificent. I can’t tell you how pleased Noah is with the food. From everything I’ve heard, every dish was perfection on a plate. I’m in awe of you.”

Chef Anders smiled. “We couldn’t have done it without your input and explicit instructions. We are in awe of you, Ms. Larson.”

“Thank you. However, I feel bad I wasn’t here to help you clean up. It was the least I could have done. I didn’t mean to desert you. It’s just that Noah had other plans for me this evening. He introduced me to a lot of potential clients. I’m hoping I can count on you three again.”

Chef Carlton nodded his head. “It would be a pleasure to work with you again, Ms. Larson.”