“Actually, I’m launching my own cosmetics line this fall.” Eve smiled brightly and wondered how many seconds it would take for disapproval to shine in the man’s eyes.
This guy was smooth. Politician smooth. A merest flicker was the only indication of his surprise.
“That’s wonderful. I wish you only the best.”
“Good luck with the Havelock Park project.”
Surprise skittered across Elsner’s face. “It’s a small project. I’m surprised you’re even aware of it.”
Small? Seriously? He obviously thought she didn’t keep up with local news.
Elsner’s construction company, which had won the bid to build the park, was approaching a million dollars over budget. His son’s wife, a representative for the district where the park was located, had supported the deal.
It was messy already and bound to get even messier.
“Denver is my hometown. What goes on here is important to me. A good memory for important details is essential in business and in politics.” Eve glanced up at Anson. “That’s why I know Anson has a wonderful future ahead of him. He’s got a terrific grasp of events and people, and he genuinely cares about making their lives better.”
“As long as he keeps his eye on the prize, he’ll go far.” Elsner’s eyes lit up. “Appears your grandparents have just arrived. I’ve been wanting to speak with Johnny, but he’s not an easy man to reach. If you’ll excuse me.”
Elsner added a few social niceties before hurrying off.
“Get the hint, Elsner,” Eve murmured in a low tone for Anson’s ears only. “If Pops is difficult to reach, it means he doesn’t want anything to do with you.”
Anson snorted out a laugh. “Truer words.”
“Landon Rhodes is here.”
Eve jolted and realized Jerome Strong, Anson’s campaign manager, had lingered behind them while Elsner strode off.
“He’s hoping for a few minutes of your time,” Jerome said.
Anson glanced around the room. “I don’t see him.”
“He and Tom Harvey are out on the terrace. I said I’d send you out.”
Eve recognized the names of two businessmen who were influential in Denver politics.
When Anson cast a glance at Eve, Jerome smiled at her. “I’ll keep Eve company. We have some catching up to do.”
Eve gave Anson a little push. “Go. I’ll catch you later.”
Jerome, a balding man in his midforties, waited until Anson was out of earshot to speak. Though that phony smile remained on his lips, the look in his eyes reminded her of a snake assessing its prey. “May I speak frankly?”
Eve wasn’t sure why he bothered to ask. By the gleam in his eye, he would go ahead with or without her permission. While she knew Jerome had a reputation as a political genius, she didn’t particularly care for him. Or his phony-ass smile. She grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter. “Sure. Say your piece.”
“I admit that you and Anson have an abundance of star power,” Jerome acknowledged almost reluctantly. “The public loves the two of you together.”
Eve knew her millions of social media followers were “the public” Jerome referred to. Followers who, when Anson had made a few appearances on her channel, had gone bonkers over the thought of the two of them being a couple. She heard a but in Jerome’s unexpected compliment. Eve supposed she could help him out and ask what concerned him. Instead, she took another sip of wine.
“But the majority of those followers don’t live in his district.”
“Probably not,” Eve conceded. There were many points she could have raised to counter what she sensed was coming next. It would be a wasted effort. From the look in his eyes, Jerome had made up his mind. “If you have more to say, say it.”
“You are a liability to Anson’s campaign. You are too young and too frivolous.”
Her heart might have given a slight kick, but her expression remained placid as she chuckled. “Is that right?”
“Let me be blunt.”