Page 102 of Devious Corruption

“She’s done a great job here.” Megan moves to stand beside me, getting out of the way of the customers still getting into line. “I didn’t even know this place existed.”

“You don’t live around here,” Elana nudges her.

“It’s not that far from the apartment Mira and I shared. Maybe half a mile north.”

“Don’t remind me of that place.” Alexander frowns.

“Were you here the whole time?” I ask him, checking behind him for anyone else.

“There were only two seats left when we got here. Thegirls sat, and I was by the door.” He raises a brow. “You were too engrossed to notice.”

“Dmitri is at the front door, and Vas has someone at the back. No one’s getting in here who shouldn’t be here,” I defend.

“I’m not talking about that.” He gives a pointed look at Maxine.

The author’s team has everything moving along smoothly. She stands off to the side, in case she’s needed. Or if she sees an opportunity to pitch in.

It’s going to take time for her to realize she doesn’t have to be everything to everyone in order to be important to them. Years of vying for a place at the table can’t be undone with one conversation. It’s going to take a few more lessons. But I can be patient when it’s called for, and with her I’m willing to take my time.

Maxine lifts her gaze up from the table and catches me staring at her. The professional, customer service smile that’s been plastered across her lips for the past hour changes into something softer. Something genuine.

The room is lighter, brighter now.

After saying something to the author’s assistant, she wiggles out from behind the table and makes her way toward us. She’s stopped twice by customers thanking her for putting together the event.

“Wow. I didn’t realize how much of a following Dante really had around here,” she says as she gets to us.

“I can see why. I looked him up while he was reading,he’s huge in the crime novel world. I’m not usually a true crime girl, but I think I might give him a try,” Megan says.

“Thank you guys for coming out. I’m sure you had way better things to do tonight.” Maxine pushes up her glasses.

She needs a new pair. Even with me fixing the temples, they continue to slide down her nose. I make a mental note to get an appointment made in the morning.

“Of course we came. You did a great job with this.” Megan hugs her.

Maxine looks at the line slowly moving as the author makes his way through the books to be signed.

“Yeah, it was definitely a better turn out than I thought I could pull in.”

“Is this what you went to college for? Event planning or something?” Elana asks.

“No. School wasn’t an option for me but turns out you can learn a lot online. I’ve just been reading as many blogs and business articles as I can.” Maxine glances at the back of the store.

“Whatever you’re doing, it’s working.” Elana shuffles closer and lowers her voice. “I heard one of the guys sitting in front of us saying this place nearly closed a year ago. I guess the owner wasn’t making any money, and the place was drowning in debt. He seemed really impressed with the turnaround.”

“It’s all her doing.” I roll my shoulders back, locking my eyes on her. “Without her, he’d probably have lost the place.”

“Lev, you don’t know that.” Maxine blushes. It’s not a self-deprecating gesture; she’s not the type. She genuinely doesn’t like too much praise.

Years of not getting enough of it.

Well, that’s going to fucking change, too.

“I do,” I say firmly.

“I’m sorry. I need to get back over there. He’s almost done, and I want to make sure he’s all set for the night.”

“Before you go,” Elana holds onto her arm. “We’re going out tomorrow for lunch and some shopping. Come with us.”