Beyond Ruin by Crystal Cierlak Page A

expelled a loud breath as she leaned back into her chair, eyes casting up at the ceiling for inspiration. "Something unhealthy. You decide. I'm going to take a quick rinse off."
    "Pizza it is," he called after her as she ran upstairs to her bathroom suite. She quickly typed out a text to Quinn wishing she was there and needing to talk before jumping into the shower and getting momentarily lost in the hot spray of water, imagining the events of the day rinsing away from her body and down the drain. If only it were that simple. When she was clean she donned a pair of cream colored silk shorts with lace trim and an oversized tee shirt that was as soft as thousand-thread count sheets. Her phone pinged with a reply message from Quinn just as she headed down the stairs.
    'Quinn: Celebrating w/a friend from college who just got engaged. Will be back tomorrow for details and drinks!'
    It was just as well. Natalie tossed her phone onto the couch and went to the kitchen in search of wine. She pulled a bottle of chilled moscato out from the fridge in time with the doorbell ringing.
    "Pizza's here!" she called out into the living space towards wherever Joe was. That was fast . She must have taken a longer shower than she thought.
    "I ordered carryout," Joe yelled from the direction of the loft bar.
    Natalie opened the door and came face-to-face with Audra.
    "Hey!" She greeted, trying not to show her surprise. "I thought we were going to get together on Monday?"
    "We are," Audra said through her usual cool smile. Her eyes swept down the length of Natalie's body, lingering at her mostly bare legs before coming back up to her gaze again. "I'm here in an official capacity."
    Natalie flushed at the visual assessment and the glint in Audra's eyes that followed. "Come in. I thought maybe you were the pizza delivery."
    "Sorry to disappoint you," Audra joked as she crossed the threshold and followed Natalie into the kitchen. Joe descended the stairs from the loft two at a time and threw a skeptical smile Audra's way when he saw her.
    "Audra. To what do we owe the pleasure?" He, too, gave Natalie a quick once-over. She might have second guessed her choice of clothing if it weren't for the fact that she was in her own home about to enjoy a rare evening off.
    Audra set her expensive purse down onto the marble island and helped herself to a barstool. "It's about The Golden Palm . Natalie I assume you've filled Joe in on some of the finer aspects of the place?"
    "I did." Natalie poured herself a glass of wine before grabbing for two more glasses. "Though as you know my sole experience is from the perspective of a Candidate."
    Audra nodded. "Of course. But you have to agree it does give you a rather interesting advantage. You and Quinn both. I want you to use that."
    "Use that how?"
    "I'd like for you to present your ideas for the anniversary celebration to us at The Golden Palm . It will provide a much more appropriate setting than our offices at Fitson. Since Joe has never seen the place before I thought a private tour first would be helpful."
    "We'd be happy to," Joe interjected, looking quite like an excited child finding out he's been invited to play at his favorite toy store. "When did you have in mind?"
    "I'd like you to present something Friday night and, if your schedule permits, come for a tour on Tuesday."
    "Was this James' idea, or yours?" Natalie asked. Both Audra and Joe turned to look at her, but she only kept her eyes on Audra.
    "Ours for the proposal. Mine for the tour. I think, given the nature of the club itself, after hours would be the most ideal. The four of us can sit down for dinner as well so we can answer any questions you may have."
    "Sounds great!" Joe beamed. His eyes scrunched together when he looked to Natalie. "Red?"
    Natalie forced a smile and a deep inhale of breath. "I think it sounds great," she concurred.
    " Great ," Audra emphasized the word with a smile. "We can lock in a time when you come into the office on