Her Boss by Arrangement

She met Lauren’s gaze, saw the figures were already running through her head. Really? A small, intimate affair would be one thing, but an anniversary party? That sounded huge.

Time for a dose of reality.

“It’s going to be really difficult to find a venue for a party that size. Between the film festival and the holidays everything is booked up.”

A knock sounded and the door swung open. A plump redhead with amazing skin and a slender African-American woman with a mass of braids drawn up in a high ponytail entered the room. Garrett stood and introduced the public relations manager, Irene Allan, and Kira respectively, and then caught them up on the details discussed.

“I don’t understand, sir.” Kira sat braced on the edge of her seat as if ready to hop into action or flee at a moment’s notice. “We have a yearlong campaign planned for the ninetieth anniversary ready to launch in January.”

“Yes, and the film festival gets a lot of national coverage. The anniversary is actually in December. I want to take advantage of the celebrities and exposure already provided by the event.” He focused his silver eyes on Tori. “Surely something is available.”

“Possibly,” She tried for optimism. “If you’re willing to go outside of Hollywood Hills—”

“No.” Black gave an emphatic shake of his head. “It has to be in Hollywood Hills. I want there to be no doubt the party is part of the film festival. And we have to find a place quickly. I talked to the head of the film festival. We have a week to provide the venue information for it to be included in the program.”

“Garrett.” Pale eyes narrowed. She cleared her throat. “Ah, Mr. Black, nothing is available in Hollywood Hills. I received two calls this week asking if our plans were finalized because they were looking to take over our space.”

“I got the same calls,” Kira confirmed.

“Mr. Black,” Lauren began in her conciliatory tone, “considering our time constraints, perhaps we can compromise. There are some very nice hotels in Beverly Hills within ten miles—”

“The Old Manor House,” Tori blurted.

“—of the film festival.” Lauren turned an inquiring glance Tori’s way. “Excuse me?”

“Sorry.” She sent her sister an apologetic smile. “I just thought of the perfect place. The Old Manor House.”

“Absolutely not.” Black cut her off. “That’s not an option.”

“Thanksgiving is this week, which means we really only have four days. The Old Manor House is perfect,” she repeated. “It’s in Hollywood Hills. It’s iconic Obsidian Studios. And people will flock to the event to see it.”

“I said no. The place is in no shape for a party.”

“We have three weeks. If we start now—”

“You have my answer.” He stood and buttoned his jacket. “Find me a venue close to the film festival.”

* * *

“Mom and Dad will be here in an hour.” Lauren propped a shoulder against the door of Tori’s office. “We should head home. Any luck with the venue?”

“Two. One that exceeds our approved budget and one that’s below our usual standards. I have a third but it’s outside the perimeter Black set. The man is beyond stubborn.”

“Look, I agree The Old Manor House is no-brainer the best option for the party. But Black is living in the house now and according to you his father was living there at the time he died. I can understand why he might not want to have a party there.”

“I suppose.” Okay, Tori grudgingly acknowledged she hadn’t considered the father angle. Hard to when Garrett appeared so closed off emotionally. “That doesn’t change the fact he’s set an impossible task.”

“He’s the client.” Lauren crossed her arms over her chest. “Have you gone over the pros and cons of the venues with Kira?”

“Yes. She’s as frustrated as I am. This has been a colossal waste of time.”

“Tell me about it. Forget the need to know for the program, we need to know what we’ll be working with.”

“You’re right.” Tori turned to her computer, picked up the email she sent to Kira with the venue links, made a couple of changes and hit Send. “It’s in his hands now.”

Lauren rolled her eyes. “Tell me you didn’t do something rash.”

“Just gave our client his options. Besides tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Time was up.” She closed down her computer and felt around for her shoes. She refused to think of Garrett Black and his impossible demands any longer. “Let’s go home. I’m anxious to see Mom and Dad. I’m really looking forward to a family Thanksgiving. I thought we were going to miss it this year.”

“Me, too.” Lauren linked her arm through Tori’s and drew her over to Lauren’s office, where she grabbed her purse from the corner of her desk before they headed for the door. “Are you sure you’re up to cooking? I can still call in a favor and put in an order for turkey and all the trimmings, but tomorrow it will be too late.”

“No.” Tori locked up. “I miss cooking. Plus I did a bunch of prep work here today. It’s already packed in the car. And I plan to put you to work to give Mom a break.” She laughed as Lauren cringed. “Relax, I’m keeping it simple.”

“Good. Because I plan to be on the couch watching football with Dad and Nick.”

Tori’s turn to send her eyes rolling. Her thing with Dad was cars, Lauren’s was football. “You can peel potatoes while sitting on the couch.”

“Oh. You’re too kind.”

“Remember that when it comes to cleanup.”

* * *

“Mom put that knife down.” Tori took a paring knife from her mother on the way to removing the turkey from the oven. “You’re a guest this year. Oh, this smells great.” She set the roasting pan on a wooden cutting board on the granite island.

“I want to help,” Liz Randall protested. “I’m family, not a guest. What a beautiful bird.” Mom squeezed Tori’s shoulders.

“We need to let this rest. You always cook.” Tori turned and gave Mom a real hug. The kitchen light bounced off the golden highlights in her new short bob. Tori thought her mother was beautiful. Young and vital, she took good care of herself and Dad. “I want you to enjoy yourself today.”