Page 55 of Royal Trouble
She quickly gave Lucy the rundown, her stomach twisting itself in knots as she recounted the details Xander had given her. It sounded even more impossible the second time around.
Lucy hummed, a sure sign she was in planning mode. “Food and entertainment will be easy enough. All you have to do is drop HRH’s name. Money is no object, so that will help.”
“He didn’t actually say that,” Everly cautioned.
“Honey, he doesn’t have to. Trust me, it’s implied.” Lucy clucked her tongue. “Listen, I left my little black book in the top drawer of my desk. It has all of my contacts, and everything’s alphabetical with sections labeled for entertainers, caterers, and the like.”
She hopped up and went to the tiny home office. The book was in the top drawer, just as Lucy had promised. She flipped through it, giving silent thanks her friend was the queen of organization. “I can’t believe you keep a little black book. Wouldn’t it be easier to store your contacts electronically?”
Lucy laughed. “The black book is a backup. Perfect for emergencies like this one. Call Top Chef for catering and let them know you’re working with me. They owe me a favor, and they won’t gouge you on pricing. Oh, and there’s this divine new burlesque club—Le Scandal—I discovered a few months ago. They aren’t filling the house yet, so you might be able to work out a private show for the right price.”
“Luce, we’re talking about the crown prince here.”
“Don’t worry. They’re very tasteful, but sexy enough to satisfy a bunch of rowdy nobles.” Lucy sighed. “The location is going to be the biggest challenge. What you really need is a country house or an estate, some place with privacy that’s easily secured. But on such short notice, I think your best bet will be a hotel. It’s not ideal, but…”
Everly’s heart sank.
Lucy was right. Liam was the crown-freaking-prince. Even if she could find a hotel with enough space, security would be a nightmare. There was no way she could figure this out. Not in two days. Unless…
An idea began to take shape in her mind, and though her stomach swirled with uncertainty, she steeled her resolve. She could do this…for Xander.
She thanked Lucy for her help and promised to text with updates. Then she disconnected and scrolled through her contacts, stopping on the number she’d promised herself she’d never dial. Sucking in a steadying breath, she pushed the call button.
The phone rang only twice before it was answered.
“Good afternoon.”
Her pulse thundered at the sound of his smooth, cultured voice. It was exactly as she remembered it from her childhood. “Hello, Father.”
She nearly stumbled over the word, but it had the desired effect.
“Everly?” he said, sounding unsure for possibly the first time in his life.
“Got it on the first try.”
“It’s been a while.” There was a long pause. “How have you been?”
Were they really going to do this? Pretend he hadn’t been MIA for the last twenty-six years? Pretend they were a normal father and daughter playing catch up?
You don’t owe him anything.
“I know you’re busy,” Everly said, striving for a professional tone, “so I’ll just get to the point.”
“All right, then.”
“I need a favor. I wouldn’t be calling if I had any other options.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and forged ahead. “I’m helping His Royal Highness Prince Alexander plan a stag night for the crown prince, and they need a country house with lots of space and lots of privacy to host the event. This weekend.”
“That’s quite a tall order.”
“I’m sure the royal family would appreciate your generosity.” She tried to stop there—kill ’em with kindness and all that—and failed. “It’s the least you can do for me after all this time, don’t you think?”
“Everly—”
“I’ve never asked you for anything,” she said through gritted teeth. “I’m offering you an opportunity to ingratiate yourself with the future monarch. Surely you aren’t going to deny me?”
The silence hung between them, but Everly would not be the first to speak.
“IfI agree to this,” he finally said, “it certainly won’t be for the gratitude of the royal family.”