I’m a businesswoman.
I repeat that to myself as I put the finishing touches on my outfit and through the entire drive to Norfolk.
Finn's penthouse is in a newly redeveloped section of the city. A rich part of the city. When I pull up, someone is pulling out of a space directly in front of the building. I quickly pull in and cut the engine. I look up at the impressive gray structure and have to swallow against a sudden attack of nerves. The first time I saw Finn arrive at Tank and Emma's place in a black Bentley that probably cost more than the duplex I live in, it was surreal.
Now I'm going to his penthouse.
I wonder if he has cool rich guy toys like a real life version of Batman or something. It's hard to believe that I know people with this kind of wealth. It's the kind of thing you see on television or in movies but is so far removed from your normal existence that it doesn't even register. However, it'll be different seeing it up close and personal. But this isn't just a social visit. This party has the potential to change my life.
As I gather my things, I remind myself to keep my cool when I get up there. No gawking. I need to be cool and sophisticated.
I walk into the lobby and falter when I see a guard behind a desk. Am I supposed to check in or what? Luckily before I can work myself into a state of anxiety, Emma walks in. She waves to the guy behind the desk and then holds out her arms for a hug. With her long blond hair and blue eyes, she looks so innocent. It's hard to believe that we bonded over our crappy jobs at a strip club, where I was singing and Emma used to wait tables.
"I'm so glad you're here! My sister just texted me that she's running behind so I really need the help." Emma planned this surprise engagement party for her future brother-in-law and I know she wants everything to be perfect. "Eli and Kay are still coming, right?"
"They plan to. Kay told me they were when I talked to her a few days ago."
Emma visibly relaxes. "This is going to be so much fun. Finn and Rissa are going to be so surprised!"
"Where are they anyway?"
"Tank got them dinner reservations at that new French place. They should have just arrived so we have at least two hours before they get back home."
We ride up to the penthouse and she opens the door with a key. Emma immediately puts me to work crafting crepe paper bows and hanging the small banner she had rolled up in her bag.
"So, who is this guy? The businessman?" I add when she looks at me blankly.
"Actually, I'm not sure. Finn said he knew a few people but had to check to see if they could do it. I've invited all his friends so I just assumed whoever it is will be here. Since the party is a surprise, I couldn't exactly ask Finn."
"Right. Of course."
She stops fiddling with the streamers she's unrolling. "You're really nervous about this, aren't you?"
"Well, yeah. I really need help. I just found out yesterday that my family is pulling their investment money.”
Emma pouts. “Sasha, you know Tank and Finn will invest. They’d love to help.”
Before she even finishes her sentence, I’m already shaking my head. “Thank you but I really want to do this on my own. The only reason I let Kay and Eli invest is because she’d badger me until I gave in. She knows all my weak spots. That’s the hazard of knowing someone since grade school.”
“I understand. I didn’t even want to let Tank pay for my school fees so I get it. But you know we’re happy to help if you change your mind.”
The most amazing thing is that I truly do know. Emma doesn’t have a self-serving bone in her body. She truly wants the best for everyone around her. It’s what makes her such a great friend and I suspect, what makes her so perfect for Tank.
“I do know that and it means
a lot. It’s just that I’m so close. I know I can do this. But I just need to figure some things out first. I’ve never owned anything before. I need advice. Badly."
Emma comes over and squeezes my arm. "Don't worry. Finn mentioned that he had several people in mind so you'll have more than one to choose from. Get them drunk enough and you can ask them all the questions you want."
The intercom buzzes. Emma winks and then opens the door for the caterers.
In less than half an hour, the place looks ready to go. Most of the guests have arrived. Tank arrives finally and Emma greets him with a relieved sigh. He waves at me from across the room and then sets the case of beer he's holding on the counter.
Emma taps a spoon against her flute of champagne. "Thank you for coming everyone. Before the guests of honor arrive I just want to say—"
The front door opens and a woman with a head of curly red hair stumbles through the door backward, her arms and lips attached to Finn. The crowd grows silent and the couple freezes when they realize they aren't alone. Finn looks surprised but not guilty so I figure the woman in his arms must be his fiancée.
Emma turns to glare at Tank.