“I heard you spoke to the permit department. I know someone who works there,” the woman added.
“You’re going to do this sort of thing regularly?” Carla asked, her brows pinching together. “When were you going to tell us about it?”
“I’ll be talking through all the options with the tenants on the pier as soon as I have a plan,” Autumn said, trying to keep her voice patient. “But right now the charity event is my main concern. And I can guarantee it won’t adversely affect your business.”
Another hand shot up, this time at the back. She couldn’t see who it was. “Um, yes, the person at the back?”
Griff stood, his lips curling into a smile as his eyes met hers. “As a tenant of the pier, I just wanted to say how refreshing it is to see the owner so involved in the community. Myself and my crew will be at your disposal to help with the event.” He leaned on the back wall. “We love a party.”
Carla rolled her eyes.
“Well that’s wonderful. It’s good to see some community spirit,” Frank Megassey said, walking across the stage to join Autumn. “And thank you very much for all your work on the charity event, Autumn. I for one am very much looking forward to it.” He gave a little laugh when he saw Carla’s scowl. “And of course I’ll be eating at Delmonico’s afterward. Now, let’s bring this meeting to an end. Please go help yourselves to coffee and baked goods in the corner, and if you have any questions about the pier, come and talk to Autumn or me.”
There was a scraping of chairs as people stood, then a murmur of conversation that increased as friends greeted each other. Autumn felt a hand on her back, and turned to see Ally grinning at her. “Here, take this,” she said, passing her a plate of chocolate cake. “You look like you need it. I’d have brought wine, but Frank would have had a fit.”
Autumn grinned at her. “I’ve had worse responses. Try telling a whole building of bankers that their executive bathrooms will be out of operation for a week. Until then, I’d never seen a man in an Armani suit cry.”
From the corner of her eye, she could see Carla talking furiously to Griff. “I think I might have caused some problems there.”
Ally followed her gaze. “Carla always has a problem with Griff.” Her voice dropped. “Has she said anything to you about him?”
“She told me to steer clear and that he’s a womanizer.” Autumn shrugged.
“I guess she hasn’t found out about you guys then?”
Autumn blinked. “What about us?”
Ally’s smile melted from her mouth. “Oh shit. I just assumed you two had a thing going on. I saw you at the beach the other day. You looked way too close to only be friends or workmates, or whatever you are.”
“We are just friends,” Autumn told her.
“It’s really not my business. I’m sorry for mentioning it.”
“With a few fringe benefits.” Autumn winked and Ally laughed, relief washing over her face.
“Still none of my business, but for what it’s worth, Griff is a good guy. Ignore what Carla has to say about him.”
“He is. But it’s nothing serious. Carla can think what she likes.”
“Does that mean you’ll come out with us for his birthday?” Ally asked, her shoulders relaxing.
“When is it?” Autumn asked. Griff hadn’t mentioned it to her. They’d been way too busy to talk dates of birth.
“On Saturday. Lucas and the guys are trying to persuade him to go to a club in White City. He was kind of reluctant. I
guess now I know why.”
“But it’s his birthday!” Autumn said. “He has to celebrate. Let me make a plan.”
Ally nodded happily. “Sure.”
“What’s the name of the club in White City?” she asked. “I’ll call them. Make some arrangements.”
“I guess that’s one of the fringe benefits you were talking about,” Ally said, still grinning. “Sex and birthday parties. Griff’s a lucky guy.”
16
“So what’s this all about?” Griff asked, as they climbed out of the black limo that had driven them to White City. It was almost nine at night, and a soft breeze tickled at Autumn’s bare shoulders and played with her hair, even though the air still held a hint of the daytime warmth.