The Heir

Ch. 3: Mitch

"Lily!" I call out, disturbing half of the busy staff as they put the finishing touches to the extravagant party. Guests are already queuing up out front. Either to watch Lily succeed spectacularly tonight or spectacularly fail.

I move to intercept Lily as she glides authoritatively through the embellished room. Her gown gives her a softer aura, the silver of the dress harmonizing with the slight gray in her dark coif.

Lily glides right past me, her eyes moving through me purposefully. I keep my smile as she passes but let it fall as I stare at her back. Aware of the curious eyes in the room, I keep from making a catty face.

It's OK; the night is young. If I believed Lily could be won over in a night, she wouldn't have been my worthy adversary all these years.

Spying my manager following one of the caterer's trays, I head over.

"Hey." I catch Becca grabbing a canape from the tray she's 'inspecting'. "You're here early. You know you're a guest tonight."

"Mm," Becca shoves the treat into her mouth, talking behind her hand in between bites. "I had to come early and check for any suspicious Lily activity. You might be planning to play nice, but we can't jeopardize your show's second season."

Resolute Detective has already aired halfway through its first season and has been received very well. I smile to myself.

"She won't do anything tonight; she has too much pride." We both watch Lily give orders to stressed hotel staff.

"You give her too much credit."

"Game recognizes game."

Becca gives a short huff of laughter before a tray of stuffed mushrooms calls to her from across the room.

Watching Lily solo, I notice when one of her assistants rushes over to her. Lily smooths her dress and heads for the exit. She throws one glance around the room, giving me a smug look before she's gone.

Is Skyler here?

A spike of excitement makes my heart race. I run my hands over my jacket and bowtie. Our calls, texts, and one short visit weren't nearly enough of that man for me.

Following Lily's path, I cuss her out in my head for planning this stupid party right after Skyler's flight comes in, forcing us to meet here. It's not as if someone like me can casually pick him up from the airport in a tux, no less.

Stepping into the hall, I see the train of Lily's dress disappear around the corner.

Dammit, she's going to get to Skyler first.

A strong hand clamps around my forearm.

"Ah! What?" Whirling around, Skyler is there.

He raises one finger to his lips, silencing me. The hand on my arm slides down to entwine his warm fingers with mine. He tugs me down the hallway opposite his mother's exit.

Shaking myself free of disbelief, I hold onto him with both hands. "Skyler!"

"Shh," he whispers, pushing through the staff doors and heading straight for the service elevators.

"Why are we sneaking around? Oh, god, I'm happy to see you." I try to wrap my arms around him, but Skyler steps back, arranging my arms at my sides.

"Not yet. I don't want anyone to see me stealing you away."

"It's your welcome home party; it'll look like I'm stealing you away." I follow him onto the elevator, my feet bouncing.

Skyler pulls me into his embrace as soon as the doors slide closed. I buy my face into his suit jacket, inhaling its scent. "I missed you so much."