“I've never met him, but I read he's Gregg Miller's son. He is going to be starring in a movie with Anderson sometime next year.”
“Interesting. My mom loves Gregg Miller. I don't think a movie or television show exists that he's been on and she hasn't seen.” Leah's friend waved to someone across the lobby. “My mom and sister just got off the elevator. I can't wait to tell her whose son will be up on the stage tonight,” she continued before touching Leah on the arm. “Let's get together soon.”
Tory watched her potential competition walk away. Maybe she should've included more than two bachelors on her final list.
They stopped to chat with people three more times before entering the hotel's grand ballroom. Like the rest of the hotel, the room showcased the grandeur of a different era, and if Tory had been in charge, she would've selected a more contemporary location for the event. While she couldn't deny the ballroom was beautiful, it seemed better suited to hosting more elegant events, such as weddings.
Like in the lobby, she recognized many people already seated. One particular person she hadn't seen in months. “I'm going to say hello to Milan. What table are we at? I'll meet you there.”
“Three. If someone comes by taking drink orders, do you want me to order you anything?”
“Sure. Get me whatever you're having.” Her cousin knew what Tory liked.
A few years older than her, Milan Novak was a highly sought-after model who'd appeared in some of the biggest runway shows in the world. And when she wasn't modeling a designer's most recent creations, she was posing for magazine covers. She'd first met Milan about two years ago when she'd been dating Tory's older brother. And even after Milan and Adam went their separate ways, they'd stayed friends. But since Milan always seemed to be off to either some photo shoot or an exotic gateway, they hadn't seen each other in a while. At the moment, Milan was alone. Tory knew from past experiences that wouldn't last. And before Milan's mom, Scarlet, who usually joined her daughter at social events like this, showed up, she wanted to at least say hello. Scarlet Novak was a former model turned talent mogul and, to put it nicely, a difficult person. When possible, Tory preferred to avoid her. Milan's father was even worse.
Pulling out the empty chair next to Milan, Tory sat. “How are you?”
“Never better. You?”
“Still settling in, but overall, I'm doing well.”
“That's right. I forgot you were moving to Boston. How do you like the city so far?”
“It's growing on me.” While she missed some things about California, she was coming to love her new home. “I meant to call and ask if you were attending tonight.”
Smiling, Milan picked up her cocktail. “I had too much fun last time to miss it this year.”
“Do you plan on bidding or just watching this time?” Tory asked.
Unlike Tory, Milan had not only bid on a bachelor but walked away with Ryan Keene, a quarterback in the NFL. Despite the way their relationship had started, they'd ended up dating for nine months before going their separate ways.
“Just watching is no fun. And I already know who I'm bidding on. Right now, my first choice is Junior Morris.”
Wow, big surprise. Milan had a thing for professional athletes, and Tory had seen her linked to several over the years.
Opening the fundraiser's program, Milan flipped through the pages. “But Tucker Pierce is a close second, followed by Duncan Ferguson and Bradford Mulligan.” Milan turned the program so that Tory could see Tucker's glossy headshot and bio. “What about you? Just watching again this year, or are you going to have a little fun?”
Getting into a bidding war with a stranger was one thing. Going head-to-head with a friend was another. “No, I'm bidding tonight.”
“Good for you. After all, the worst thing that happens is someone outbids you and you go home empty-handed.” Milan shrugged one bare shoulder.
Tory disagreed there. In her book, it'd be far worse to win and then have the guy turn out to be a complete jerk. But she wasn't going to start a debate with her friend.
“I know you'd never be interested in Junior, but if you're considering anyone on my list, just say the word, and I won't bid on them.”
Milan might have her quirks, but she was a good friend. “The only one I'm thinking about from your list is Duncan Ferguson,” Tory replied.
“Well, you have one less person to compete with now.” Then, closing the program, Milan placed it on the table. “I'm going to be in the area all month. So let's plan on getting together soon.”
Tory spotted Milan's mom and her sister Paris walking toward the table. “Sounds great. I'll call you. Good luck tonight.” Standing up, Tory grabbed her clutch and fundraiser program off the table.
“You too.”
She got pulled into two other brief conversations, and by the time she reached table number three, there was only one empty chair.
“Bachelor number five,” the woman seated next to Alec said as Tory pulled out the chair next to Leah.She was the only person at the table Tory wasn't somehow related to; she'd seen the woman at Brett's wedding in the summer. But, unfortunately, she couldn't recall her name.
“What about number five?” Tory asked. “I'm planning to bid on him. And, if I don't win, I might try for number eight.”