The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

7. Ari

7

ARI

“Not over there,” Ari waved down her decorator as she walked through the space.

It was hard to imagine the massive, sterile-looking venue turning into the chic winter wonderland Ari had in mind for the party.

But the decorator had done a stellar job so far.

Looking around the private suite at the top of a midtown skyscraper, the bright, December sun shone through each window and into the space. Ari knew that the entire city skyline would be visible as soon as the sun set, twinkling in all its metropolitan magnificence.

That alone might be magical enough to get some new clients.

But when the elevator dinged behind her, Ari swung around to see who had come up.

“Surprise.” Tommy grinned as she exited the metal box and stepped into the near-construction zone that would eventually become a holiday party setup.

Rolling her eyes Ari strode across the space to meet Tommy, who was dressed in an elegant pantsuit with her hair in a bun. In her arms was a collection of decor boxes she had picked up on her way.

The visit wasn’t much of a surprise considering Ari had basically begged Tommy to make the stop for her. Planning a Christmas party with two weeks' notice was a fool's errand.

Tommy shoved the boxes into Ari’s arms. Putting her hands on her hips, Tommy wandered around the space, moving effortlessly around the decorators as they hung twinkling Christmas lights and puffy clouds overhead.

The clouds, made of fabric store stuffing, covered the twinkle lights and created a soft overcast glow over the space.

Ari watched on as the sound of Tommy’s heels clacked against the polished concrete floors.

Tommy nodded. “Not too shabby. Is the agency covering any of this?”

Lifting her exhausted eyebrows, Ari shook her head. “Not a cent. But with any luck, I'll land enough clients to make it worth the money out of pocket.”

Scoffing, Tommy shrugged. “You're a better woman than me. The group is on my last nerve right now.”

Of course Ari was aware of Tommy's discontent. She was getting antsy for a new challenge but Ari wasn't sure that she could find it at SDO Management.

Tommy walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that surrounded the venue and admired the view. “If nothing else, it'll be one hell of a view.” She stared out like that for a moment before whipping around and snapping her fingers. “By the way, I have a lead.”

Those were exactly the words that Ari wanted to hear. She had put out a subtle call to the industry connections she trusted to see if anyone knew how to get Hazel Ford to New York for this party. Not wanting to alert the other agents to her plan, Ari had only been able to tell Tommy and a couple of the trusted assistants at SDO.

It was pretty easy to spot who was willing to go behind their assigned agents’ backs for a leg-up with one of the company’s lead agents. And Ari wasn’t afraid to call in favors.

Ari gasped and walked closer. “Are you serious?”

With a nod, Tommy continued, “Yeah. She'll be in town for the holidays visiting friends. So now, you just need to figure out how to get her here.” Pointing down at the floor, Tommy admired the pristine floors.

With a parade of heels and dress shoes, they’d certainly be scuffed by the end of the party. But for now, they looked immaculate. And by the time the guests would be leaving, they’d all be too drunk to notice the mess they’d made.

Ari could hardly contain her excitement. This was a far more manageable problem to have. Convincing an esteemed, A-list actress to travel across the country for an agency party when she was already signed would have been nearly impossible. But now, all Ari had to do was get her into this gorgeous skyscraper a little over a week before Christmas.

It might still take a Christmas miracle to make it happen, but Ari wasn't ready to give up.

“Oh, and one other thing,” Tommy interrupted Ari’s thought, “I'm pretty sure she and your girlfriend graduated the same year from the same college.”

Ari’s forehead wrinkled, unsure how that could be true. Surely Cass would have realized they’d gone to school together.

But the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Cass had gone to a prestigious university and worked with a lot of up-and-coming stars who were also getting their degrees.

Have I even said what actress I’ve been eyeing?

Shaking herself out of it, Ari nodded. She already loved going home to Cass, but today she couldn't wait another second.

She grabbed Tommy's shoulders and pulled her in for a rushed tight hug. “You're the greatest agent at this goddamn place.” Ari released her grip and headed for the elevators, nearly breaking into a jog.

“You're fucking right about that.” Tommy hollered as she crossed her arms, watching her friend bolt across the venue.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Ari stepped inside, leaving her team to do the work she trusted them to get done.

There was work to be done that only she could do. And she needed answers as soon as possible.