Page 33 of The Bridesmaid

‘Mark Li asked me to be here,’ I blurt. ‘I work for Liberation Law.’

As soon as the words are out of my mouth I regret them. I probably should have invented some clever excuse. I picture Fitzwilliam and Ortiz’s despair.

‘You’re a lawyer? Oh.’ She computes something rapidly. ‘Did Mark bring you in to replace Simone?’

‘I … um. Mark wanted an expert,’ I tell her. ‘So … I guess … Here I am.’ I let the phrase drift, rubbing the back of my neck uncomfortably.

She’s taking me in with new eyes now. ‘Well, well,’ she decides. ‘I guess Mark Li has finally found his backbone. Good for him. I was wondering when he’d finally stand up to my dad. Not sure his judgment is great, though.’

Georgia scans my figure thoughtfully, and extends a hand.

‘I’m Georgia Kensington. Sorry we got off on the wrong foot. You can’t be too careful where Adrianna is concerned. You would beamazedwhat people will do for a single picture.’

I shake her hand uncertainly as her fingers close with surprising firmness on mine. ‘I’m Holly Stone.’

I try not to stare at the ring on her finger.

‘Nice to make your acquaintance,’ she says matter-of-factly. ‘Word of warning: I’d keep out of my dad’s way, Holly. Mark choosing a bridesmaid without checking in is going to infuriate him.’

‘Wait … Bridesmaid?’

‘Didn’t Mark tell you?’ Georgia looks puzzled. ‘You can’t be thelawyer unless you’re the bridesmaid too. It’s a trust thing,’ she says, as if this is completely regular. ‘Wait … Adrianna knows you’re here, right?’

‘I’m not sure.’ This is mostly true, I decide. ‘We haven’t met,’ I add, wondering how long I have to keep this untruth going before I can escape with what I came here to find.

‘O-kay. So you’re waiting to find out if Dri approves you? If we put the right dress on you, you might pass.’ Her eyes drops to my waistline. ‘You’ll have to fit for the fashion sponsor too … We’ll need to see if Dri likes you,’ Georgia is opening the camera app on her cell and points it at me. ‘Smile.’

The camera flashes before I can rearrange my features.

‘Does she not like people in general?’ I ask Georgia, wondering what kind of grimacing shocked expression of me she just captured.

‘Would you?’ Georgia looks at me pointedly. ‘If a pack of paparazzi stalked you across the globe, and every cab driver and busboy sold your story for the highest bidder?’

‘Guess not,’ I admit. My eyes drift to where the elevator buttons are now lit up. Then I see it. A tiny circle. Glowing.

That’s where I need to fit the service panel key.

The doors of the elevator slide open, and Georgia strides out. It’s opened into a vestibule that looks nothing like the rest of the hotel. It’s been repainted entirely in black and gold, and eerily void of people. The only color is from rose-gold industrial-style clothing racks of colorful garments that are arranged in rows.

‘Whoa!’ I’m taking it all in, open-mouthed. Georgia glances back. I close my mouth and try to look sophisticated.

‘Silly me,’ I announce. ‘I forgot something in the lobby. I’ll just go back and get it.’

The doors close before I press the button. Someone else must be calling the elevator. The shaft buzzes and the carriage begins to descend.

Chapter Twenty-Six

ADRIANNA

My cell rings just as I arrive at the Plaza. It’s Georgia, speaking in hushed tones like she doesn’t want to be overheard. I drop back, gesturing for Petra and Ophelia to walk ahead.

‘Dri?’ Georgia says. ‘Oh good God, the new lawyer Mark hired. There are just no words.’

I frown. ‘Mark didn’t tell me he’d hired a lawyer.’

‘Her name is Holly. I just met her in the elevator.’

‘Does she fit the brand?’ I ask.