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“Not quite like this. My current assistant is very capable and has done a great deal to alleviate the burden on me.”

“You’ve always had an assistant.”

“This one is different.”

Nito hummed thoughtfully. “The others weren’t quite up to snuff then?”

David chuckled. “They were capable, well, most of them were anyway. However, this one is above and beyond and very dedicated to ensuring everything is done precisely.”

He had yet to catch sight of Christian, though he had received a message from the younger man when he’d arrived. It had been followed by more messages, updating David on everything Christian was up to and what he was focusing on. It brought him no small amusement to think of Christian out of sight, checking every little detail.

“So, no problems then,” Nito said.

David shook his head. “None to report.”

Then again, he suspected Christian wouldn’t pass them along. In David’s experience, he tackled problems head-on rather than bring them to David’s attention. Only when Christian was unable to think of a solution on his own, or because of his lack of authority or access, did he bring the problem to David. Sometimes, David worried that Christian was taking too much on himself, but he couldn’t argue with the results.

“Well, everything certainly seems to be moving smoothly so far. I will give you and yourwunderkindthat,” Nito said with a glance around the spacious room.

“I agree. I can’t say I have any fault to find.”

“And it certainly looks grander than usual in here. Were the rugs meant to give the idea of the sea, or was that accidental?”

David smirked. “Intentional.”

And the green cloth covering the tables, hemmed with a tawny brown, were intentionally meant to give the idea of little islands. It was a far more subtle idea than the god-awful tropical theme the year before.

“Whose?”

“My assistant, of course. Christian has an eye for that sort of thing.”

“Oh, on a first-name basis, are you?”

David forced a smile, cursing himself inwardly. “The man has been at my side for almost a year now. A certain level of familiarity and camaraderie is to be expected.”

“True, though I don’t think I’ve heard you refer to any of your former assistants so informally.”

“None of them have been quite as remarkable.”

“Well, if what you say is true, this one is certainly worth keeping around.”

David looked sidelong at his friend. “Please tell me you aren’t about to start fishing for his transfer to your office.”

Nito laughed. “No, no, I won’t poach your precious assistant. And if he’s as dedicated to his job as it sounds, it would be poaching too. I can’t imagine I could convince him to transfer willingly.”

“No, you couldn’t,” David said with a knowing smile.

Nito looked around. “Speaking of casual, where is Philip?”

David kept a straight face. “I believe he is currently entertaining the other esteemed guests in a private room. I’m sure they will show up within the hour.”

“Half-drunk just in time for your speech.”

“Undoubtedly.”

“Good that Philip is doing his part.”

David nodded but said nothing. In truth, he should have been able to rely on Philip more than Christian for thearrangements. While Philip’s job description centered around the base’s operations, it should have also included setting up the Gala. Oh, sure, Philip had sent him a long list of ideas and suggestions, but most of them had been absurdly expensive and ostentatious. There was no need to bring in the best of the best, from decorators to food companies, just for the Gala. The Gala was a show, of course, and it was meant to display what Fort Dale had to offer while also providing a night of socializing, fun, and free refreshments.