Novel Squares
Chapter 73
I got back to the conference room at about 7:40, twenty minutes before it was slated to start, after I had gone home to change and get myself ready for it. I had actually snuck into Natalie’s room to borrow a dress for the occasion, since she had so many nice ones that I never saw her wear more than once.
I looked at my reflection in the glass door of the room for one more look, to make sure everything still looked alright. I had told Logan I would keep a low profile, so I chose a simple black dress with a low v- cut in the back and paired it with some gold flats I had that I love. I was pleased with how well the dress fit and looked on me, almost like it had been made for me.
I walked around the room to give it a once–over and make sure everything and everyone was in place. The caterers were all set, the musicians were tuned and were already playing some soft jazz pieces, and the black and gold decorations were on point. Now it was time to greet the guests as they arrived and guide them to their seats.
Maria arrived at ten til 8 and stood with me at the front to keep me company and help guide the guests. “Have you seen Logan’s wife yet? I’m dying to check her out,” Maria said between guests.
I shook my head. I was also dying to see her. I still wasn’t entirely sure it wasn’t my sister. “It’s not Natalie,” Maria said, as if reading my mind.
“I’ll feel better when I know that for sure,” I said. Natalie hadn’t been home when I was there getting ready. which I took as a good sign. No way she wouldn’t be home getting herself dressed to the nines for a night like this.
That’s what I was telling myself anyway.
A middle–aged couple with an elderly gentleman walked through the balloon arch. I recognized the husband and older man immediately from pictures hanging in the office. It was the owner of our company, Michael Hatfield, and his father, Richard Hatfield, who was the owner before him. I assumed the woman was Michael’s wife; Logan’s mother.
“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield,” I said and extended my hand to the couple first. Then I turned to Logan’s grandfather. “Mr Hatfield.” I smiled. “Welcome!”
All three nodded at me and shook my hand in return, but said nothing. My heart began to pound a little faster. It was my first time actually meeting the owner and former owner of our company. I was more than a little nervous. I wanted to make the best possible impression I could.
“Your table is right this way,” I decided to take them to their table instead of pointing it out like I had the others. “My name is Hazel, I’m your son’s personal assistant. Please let me know if you need anything.”
Michael–pulled out the chair for his wife, and I did the same for Richard, who seemed very frail and was moving to the table pretty slowly, relying heavily on his cane.
“Thank you Hazel,” Michael finally said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Oh, no. “Ah, good things, I hope?” I said.
He gave a small chuckle. “Logan has nothing but good things to say about you.”
I beamed and blushed simultaneously.
“Tell me,” he leaned in closer to me and whispered. “What do you think of this wife of his, huh? He won’t tell us a damn thing.”
“Oh!” Had they not met Logan’s wife either? How strange that Logan would keep her from even them. “I’m not sure, sir, I haven’t met her myself.”
“Huh,” he said. “This whole thing is very curious. Well. I guess we’ll both figure out what she’s like shortly,” he smiled at me, and I could see where Logan had gotten his good looks from.