Free Irresistible You by Celeste O. Norfleet Page B

innocent expression instantly faded.
    “Juliet, he came specifically to meet her.”
    “Why her, why Juliet?” she demanded.
    Chester shrugged. “I don’t know. I got a call from his office requesting that I set up a meeting tonight.”
    “But Juliet’s not here, so he hasn’t met her yet.”
    “No, they met earlier in her dressing room. I introduced them right after her performance. I wonder where she is?” Chester began looking around through the crowded room.
    Vanya rolled her eyes. Again Juliet was the topic of conversation. “I want to meet him, introduce me,” she insisted.
    “Okay,” Chester agreed reluctantly. The two made their way across the room just as Richard was pulled away. “J.T.,” Chester began. “I’d like to introduce you to the company’s next great star, Vanya Kastavah. Vanya, this is J.T. Evans of E-Corp.”
    Vanya stepped closer, eased and raised her hand for J.T. to kiss. He took her hand, lowered it and shook it. Her disappointment was obvious. “How do you do Monsieur Evans.” She added with a pert nod and fluttering lashes.
    “Nice to meet you Vanya,” J.T. said looking down on what seemed to be a mere child pretending to be an adult. He raised his brow knowingly. He’d certainly noticed Vanya earlier. She entered the room like a star. He also noticed how she connected with every wealthy patron in the room. And now, apparently it was his turn. This was a woman on a mission. She was definitely after something. He knew her type instantly. Young, hungry for more and eager to get it anyway she could.
    But J.T. was definitely not interested. She was far too young, too bold and too hungry for his taste. Besides he had recently acquired a taste for a certain prima ballerina, Juliet Bridges to be exact. Her boldness excited him and her brazen bravado enticed him. She said exactly what was on her mind and each time he looked forward to hearing more.
    “If you’ll excuse me,” J.T. said, turned and walked toward the doorway.
    Vanaya huffed indignantly as she watched J.T. walk away. She was so tired of Juliet getting everything. But not this time, this time she was going to have everything she wanted and deserved. She turned away as Peter and Chester began talking. It was time to get to work seeing that the perfect person had just walked in.
    “Phillip’s here,” Peter said as soon as Vanya left.
    Chester looked around the immediate area. He spotted Phillip smiling and greeting patrons as they passed by. Vanya, ever savvy, had attached herself to him like a Siamese twin. “I know I saw him earlier, he’s already asked for Juliet.”
    “I know, he asked me too.”
    “She is coming tonight?” Peter asked rhetorically.
    “I told her how important tonight was,” Chester insisted.
    “So, where is she?” Peter hissed gritting through his clenched teeth.
    Chester shook his head and shrugged. “I have no idea. I sent Roger to look for her.”
    Peter nodded and scanned the immediate area for Juliet. As he turned behind him Phillip appeared and stepped into his line of vision.
    Phillip Waverly, the Washington Cultural Center’s president approached, startling the two men. Carrying a glass of champagne but never drinking a drop, he smiled his customary Cheshire cat grim. “Gentlemen,” he announced with his usual grandness, “this is truly a great event. Carmen was an excellent choice for the shows finale this evening. What a profound experience, truly inspiring. I am truly pleased as were the patrons that accompanied me. We were all truly touched and truly blessed.”
    Then, as usual, he recounted every scene and act of the performance giving a full rendition of the various interpretations and putting the ballet in context for everyone. He critiqued the costumes, lighting, scenery and the dancers. He ended by giving his opinion about possible changes, making note of his years on stage.
    Smiling and thanking Phillip for his astute observations and excellent taste, Chester and