Libby’s blood turned to ice and her stomach nearly dropped out of her body. Grabbing the phone from her pocket, she started to text Taylor until Imani gave her a chilling side eye. She wanted to explain that she wasn’t just messing around on her phone at such an important moment, but interrupting Reagan’s speech would only make things worse. Libby donned her most serious expression and slipped her phone back in her pocket.
I guess the damage is done anyway.
“I don’t mean to be too precious about it,” Reagan joked as she strode to one side of the curtain and looked right at Libby, “but this collection really has my heart. I hope you all love it as much as I do.”
In response, Libby’s entire body ignited with heat. Her chest ached and it was all she could do not to break free from the crowd and tackle her. Thankfully, Reagan drew back the curtain before she leapt.
There were a dozen pieces of various types on pedestals arranged in a semi-circle, but all Libby could see was the enormous dragon at the center. It was easily as long as she
was tall, and its serpentine body curved in a huge s-shape. It was so delicate and so huge she couldn’t fathom how Reagan made it without it breaking. Painted dark blue with a design along its belly, it was easily the most fantastic thing she’d ever seen.
As Libby neared it with a group of other guests, she realized that it was the Miami skyline as viewed from her balcony against the night’s sky complete with the swirling Miami River as the Dragon’s belly.
She rushed to Reagan and wrapped her arms around her neck. “I have no words for how amazing you are.”
Reagan’s response was a chaste kiss. “You inspire me.”
All of the sound and chaos melted away. Libby was lost and hoped no one would send a search party.
“Libby, can I get a few with you two?” Her reporter friend from the New Times interrupted as she snapped a picture of them in each other’s arms. “This is a nice show, and I want to add a little human to my piece.”
“Yeah,” Libby cleared her throat. “Of course.”
After the interview, Libby made a beeline for her family, who was still mingling with the Sotos. Despite her apprehension, they were getting along rather well. She stayed with them until her grandmother decided it was time to leave just in case.
When she was free again, Libby found Taylor. “Here.” She slipped her the black American Express card in her pocket.
“Please buy everything that’s left, but first get me the dragon,” she whispered into her ear.
Once the food and booze ran out, the crowds thinned and some of their volunteers promised to return in the morning to set everything back in order. Reagan and Libby refused with the utmost appreciation for the o ers. Everyone had worked hard enough.
As Reagan went to lock the door, Libby retrieved the bottle of wine she’d stashed and waited for her in the courtyard to properly thank her for the heart-stopping dragon.
C H A P T E R 3 4
SITTING on a stretched-out tarp on the artificial grass with the sound of fountains and crickets filling the night’s sky, Libby poured two glasses of wine before peeling the tight shoes o her swollen feet.
“I am wiped,” Reagan said as she collapsed onto the floor next to Libby.
“I’m surprised you didn’t lose your voice! That was a schmoozing marathon,” she joked before taking a sip of red wine and o ering Reagan the glass she’d poured for her.
Reagan sat up, resting her weight on the arm stretched out behind her as she eagerly took the plastic cup. “You know it’s kind of all a blur. Did you have a good time? I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you.”
“Please, don’t apologize for that. You were working and so was I. Plus, it gave me a chance to talk to the ex-wife I didn’t realize you were quite so close with.”
Reagan winced. “I’m sorry. I should’ve given you the head’s up. I know this sounds weird, but sometimes I forget we were married. It was so brief compared to how long we’ve been friends, but still, that must have been awkward. That’s my bad.”
Libby shook her head. “It was fine. I can tell how much she cares about you.”
“Oh no, did she give you a speech about not hur
ting me or she’d hunt you down?”
“Not quite such an open threat,” Libby chuckled, “but I would definitely be afraid of a crowbar to the knee if I broke your heart. I’m not sure if that was more or less surprising than seeing my family here.”
“I forgot to mention that too, huh?” Reagan asked coyly.
“At first I thought it would be a nice surprise, and when I realized I should tell you, I got so caught up in preparations it slipped my mind.”