Get You Good by Rhonda Bowen Read Free Book Online Page B

gawk as she took in the high ceilings of the banquet hall in the Blakes’s ten-thousand-square-foot home. The heels on her neutral pumps sank into the plush carpet, muting the sound of her steps as she wandered easily through the crowd. Lissandra had taken off as soon as the cake had been delivered, choosing to opt out of spending the night with a roomful of old white married men. That meant Sydney was flying solo. And even though the crowd was mixed in age and race, Sydney hadn’t seen a familiar face since Charlotte had disappeared to check on the drinks a half hour earlier. She didn’t mind, though. That just meant more potential business to drum up.
    â€œSydney, there are some people that I want you to meet.”
    She let Charlotte lead her through the crowd of mingling guests to near the front of the room.
    â€œCharles and Diane, this is Sydney Isaacs, the creator of your anniversary cake,” Charlotte said with a big grin. “Sydney, this is Charles and Diane Blake, the anniversary celebrants.”
    â€œNice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Blake,” Sydney said, smiling as she took the hand of the distinguished-looking man and then his slightly younger-looking wife. “And congratulations on your anniversary.”
    â€œThank you,” Diane said, her pale skin crinkling at the corners of her eyes as she smiled warmly at Sydney. “The cake is absolutely breathtaking.”
    She slipped her arm through her husband’s. “I was just telling Charles, it’s so beautiful that I’m not sure I even want to cut it.”
    â€œWell, you have to cut it,” Charlotte said. “Because I can assure you, it tastes just as good as it looks.”
    â€œListen to the event planner, honey,” Charles said. “She speaks wisdom.”
    As they laughed, a much younger couple, closer to Sydney’s age, joined them.
    â€œOh, Sydney, please meet our children, Will and Elise,” Diane said, beckoning the two closer. “Children, this is the woman who made our anniversary cake. Elise, you should think about using her for your wedding.”
    Elise nodded. “It is beautiful. I was just telling my fiancé that we should do something creative like that for our wedding, instead of the normal round cakes stacked on top of each other. I’ll definitely have to have my planner give you a call.”
    Sydney grinned. “I look forward to it.”
    â€œI wish we could give Will some similar advice, but unfortunately, he seems unwilling to give us the one anniversary gift we really want,” Charles said with a stern look at his son.
    Sydney swore she saw Will roll his gray eyes. But the dimple in his handsome face gave away the amusement with which he regarded his father.
    â€œI’ll leave the wedding talk to Elise,” he said with a small smile. “I think she’s putting you and your pocketbook through enough with that.”
    Elise slapped her brother playfully as their mother laughed.
    Another group of well-wishers approached them and Sydney nodded her exit as she made space for the new arrivals. She was about to step away when she realized Will was still in her path.
    â€œSo do pastry chefs know how to dance? Or are their skills limited to the kitchen?” he asked with a teasing grin.
    â€œSome of us are known to be multiskilled,” Sydney said, going along with him.
    â€œThen let’s see if you’re one of them,” he said, holding out his hand. “Shall we?”
    Sydney let Will lead her and her nude-colored dress into the space in the large room reserved for dancing. Most of the guests seemed to have the same idea and slowly the floor began to fill with waltzing couples. Sydney had almost run out of small talk with Will when she heard a throat clear behind her. She saw Will look over her head and grin.
    â€œCan I cut in?”
    Sydney turned around and rolled her eyes when she saw who it was.
    â€œHayden, my man,