Page 14 of The Christmas Plan
Tommy walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that surrounded the venue and admired the view. “If nothing else, it'll be one hell of a view.” She stared out like that for a moment before whipping around and snapping her fingers. “By the way, I have a lead.”
Those were exactly the words that Ari wanted to hear. She had put out a subtle call to the industry connections she trusted to see if anyone knew how to get Hazel Ford to New York for this party. Not wanting to alert the other agents to her plan, Arihad only been able to tell Tommy and a couple of the trusted assistants at SDO.
It was pretty easy to spot who was willing to go behind their assigned agents’ backs for a leg-up with one of the company’s lead agents. And Ari wasn’t afraid to call in favors.
Ari gasped and walked closer. “Are you serious?”
With a nod, Tommy continued, “Yeah. She'll be in town for the holidays visiting friends. So now, you just need to figure out how to get her here.” Pointing down at the floor, Tommy admired the pristine floors.
With a parade of heels and dress shoes, they’d certainly be scuffed by the end of the party. But for now, they looked immaculate. And by the time the guests would be leaving, they’d all be too drunk to notice the mess they’d made.
Ari could hardly contain her excitement. This was a far more manageable problem to have. Convincing an esteemed, A-list actress to travel across the country for an agency party when she was already signed would have been nearly impossible. But now, all Ari had to do was get her into this gorgeous skyscraper a little over a week before Christmas.
It might still take a Christmas miracle to make it happen, but Ari wasn't ready to give up.
“Oh, and one other thing,” Tommy interrupted Ari’s thought, “I'm pretty sure she and your girlfriend graduated the same year from the same college.”
Ari’s forehead wrinkled, unsure how that could be true. Surely Cass would have realized they’d gone to school together.
But the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Cass had gone to a prestigious university and worked with a lot of up-and-coming stars who were also getting their degrees.
Have I even said what actress I’ve been eyeing?
Shaking herself out of it, Ari nodded. She already loved going home to Cass, but today she couldn't wait another second.
She grabbed Tommy's shoulders and pulled her in for a rushed tight hug. “You're the greatest agent at this goddamn place.” Ari released her grip and headed for the elevators, nearly breaking into a jog.
“You're fucking right about that.” Tommy hollered as she crossed her arms, watching her friend bolt across the venue.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, Ari stepped inside, leaving her team to do the work she trusted them to get done.
There was work to be done that only she could do. And she needed answers as soon as possible.
8
DREW
Drew wasn’tsure their heart had ever raced so fast in their entire life. But as they shuffled over to the edge of the ice-skating rink, the plush padding of the landing squishing under their blades, Drew felt like they might be having a cardiac event.
“I promise it’ll be fun.” Rose giggled from behind them.
Whipping around, Drew rolled their eyes. “Do you understand how much I love you?” With her red locks and flushed cheeks, it was almost impossible to say no to Rose Miller. Drew had learned that just a couple of weeks after meeting the stunning woman.
Walking ahead of them, Rose smiled as she let her skates meet the ice. “I’ve got you.” She held out her hands, ready to help them get on the ice.
Drew took in a deep breath and nodded, lifting their foot and setting it down gently on the slippery rink. As soon as they made contact with the ice, a teenager zoomed by and sent a gust of air through Drew’s short hair.
“Jesus.” Drew cowered as their feet started to slip on the ice.
Grabbing the sleeve of their bomber jacket, Rose giggled. “Easy.”
Drew let themself be steadied by Rose’s hands, the gentle pull easing them onto the rink. One deep breath didn’t feel like enough, so Drew tried to take another.
“There we go.” Rose smiled as she slowly moved alongside Drew. “It’s fun once you get the hang of it, I swear.”
Raising an eyebrow, Drew scoffed. “I don’t do well with things that stop me from walking. Any other sport and I’m game. But something on my feet… nope.”
Rose looped her arm through theirs, trying to provide some stability as they moved around the outside edge of the crowded rink. In the middle of Central Park, Wollman Rink was full of New Yorkers and tourists alike out for a nighttime skate.