The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

13. Drew

13

DREW

With a startling ding, the elevator ground to a halt, and the doors swung open.

All of Drew’s nerves melted away when they were greeted by a mostly empty space.

“Thank god,” Drew muttered as they ran their hand through their slicked-back hair, a few snowflakes speckling the brown locks.

Giggling, Rose nodded. “I had the same thought.”

The couple stepped out of the elevator and into the suite. Past the elevator, the entire skyline opened up in front of them. It felt like floating in a cloud and despite the falling snow outside, the skyline was clear as day from up here.

“Wow.” Rose gawked as she looked around the space, Christmas music playing from the DJ stand.

Striding across the room, Cass laughed. “Right? Ari did amazing work.”

“No kidding.” Drew teased as they shook Cass’s hand.

“Don’t be silly, we’re friends.” Pulling them into a hug, Cass squeezed Drew before going in to hug Rose too. “Happy holidays, you two. And thank you for being willing to come tonight.”

In unison, Drew and Rose nodded. “Of course.”

Clapping her hands together, Cass looked them up and down. “You clean up nice.”

Drew looked down at their simple outfit, a well-fitting pair of black trousers, black Chelsea boots, and a clean, white button-down. Around their neck, a camera bag dangled.

Now, there was no question about how good Rose looked. She’d opted for a black pantsuit, hugging all of her curves just right. Drew had hardly been able to keep their hands to themself on the way over to the party.

Rose shook her head, tucking a red hair behind her ear as she adjusted the messenger bag on her shoulder. “Thank you, so do you. That red is magnificent.”

Waving off the compliment, Cass shrugged. “Make yourselves comfortable. If you need anything, don’t be shy. The guests should start arriving soon.”

They’d arrived with just enough time to set up some lights around the elevator’s entrance. From the doors, a white carpet led the guests to the main party area, creating a faux press area for new arrivals. This was where most of Drew and Rose’s work would be done.

Once Cass was out of earshot, Rose let out a heavy sigh. “God, I’m so nervous. When am I supposed to hand this portfolio over while we’re working?”

Drew smiled, squaring themself with Rose. “I promise there will come a point in the night where there aren’t really guests arriving. At that point, you can hand it to your target agent and I’ll cover anyone who might come in. Okay?”

All Drew could hope was that the plan was reassuring, that it gave Rose some security. But it would be a big night, no matter what.

Once she nodded, Rose started to pull her camera out of her bag. Drew followed her lead, attaching their flash to the camera shoe at the top of the body. It clicked into place just as the elevator started heading back downstairs.

“Okay, just about show time. Most of these people will be agents getting here a little early.” Rose tried to shake her nerves by reminding herself of all the details she already knew.

Before they knew it, the doors were sliding open again. This time, a few agents stepped out.

Once the guests walked toward them, Rose and Drew released a flurry of photos. The lighting was great, the fluffy clouds diffusing a perfect soft glow over the guests as they entered.

After the first few agents, Tommy pressed down the walkway. She paused just long enough for the duo to take some good pictures. “Just getting my money’s worth since I represent so many broke artists.” She winked before stretching out her hand to shake Drew’s hand.

“Good to see you, Tommy.” With a sturdy shake, Drew laughed.

Turning to Rose, Tommy leaned in for a hug. “Pleasure as always, Rose. I hear you’re carrying a hefty portfolio tonight. If you need an intro, say the word.”

Rose hid her blush. “Thanks so much, Tommy.”

As soon as Tommy left, Drew watched the nerves flood back to Rose’s face. But before they could do anything to comfort her, the elevator was moving again and they had no choice but to prepare for another gaggle of guests.

No matter what happened, Rose would be good. She was an undeniable talent and any agent could see that.

And Drew would do anything they could to make it happen.