FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 13

The Regency Hotel was breath taking in the evening. It was one of Nicole's favorite hotels in Boston. It had classic elegance with antique crystal chandeliers even boasting of it's exquisite dishes. It was the right setting for the Charity Ball the mayor was hosting. Although she knew most of the people she didn't go for much socializing preferring cocktails with friends. But for Tuscany she was wiling to make all their hard work a success.

East felt an uptightness inside him not knowing what to expect from the elite people they were going to meet. He was done with the socializing stage. The un endless parties that kept him alive when he was still young. Lately he had prepared quiet dinners, movies or just staying at home. He had outgrew that feeling a bit nervous deep inside which he tried not to show to Nicole.

Ready? Nicole asked as she reached for his hand which was very cold. She looked at him quizzically quite surprised.

Don't tell me you're nervous East. Your hands are so cold. she said looking at him. A first for her seeing a different side of East after all these years. A less confident side.

East gave a shaky laugh. Haven't gone much to parties for years. Some part of me don't crave for it anymore. It's just work that keeps me going. he admitted.

And you need not feel nervous about a thing. You're with me. They're good people East. One you would enjoy meeting. We're doing this for Tuscany too. Your masterpiece. she said with pride in her voice.

East grinned. Our masterpiece Nicky. You, Ben and me. It's all of our hard work coming true. So let's get the show on the road then. And I'm so lucky to have such a beautiful woman beside me. He turned to her eyes twinkling.

East linked her arm tucked into his. Nicole had no heart to resist. It felt good to have East's arms securely into hers. With his 6'2 frame he looked exceptionally handsome in his tux. Nicole knew she would be the envy of all the girls. She thought of Kevin suddenly. He should be the one in her arms. He seem to be always off flying away somewhere. Business was foremost for Kevin she sighed. Having him had it's plus and cons. She was not going to think of him. She was going to concentrate on Tuscany instead.

The Grand Ballroom of the Regency was beautiful each table seated about 8 people with beautiful flowers surrounding the place. High society people were every where as they mingled about with waiters serving cocktails and delectable appetizers.

Among the crowd she had finally spotted Rick Burton, Boston's city mayor. Alone. Talk about perfect timing. He noticed her smiling broadly

and looking at East right beside her holding his hand.

Dear Nicole. Happy you can make it. The Whitman's not with you? Kevin? he asked.

They had to fly to New York on an urgent meeting so they asked both of us to come instead sir. Nicole replied.

I'd like you to meet East Kelly Mayor Burton. He is the Senior Architect for our project Tuscany. He's the man to run the show.

It's an honor to meet you sir. East said to Mayor Burton who shook hands with East. He was a man in his early 60's hair graying at the temples but with laughing eyes. East was at once was relax at the jovial personality of the mayor.

So you're the Senior Architect. Very young may I say and good looking too. Gives Kevin a little bit of competition right Nicole? he chuckled at his joke just as East blushed feeling slightly embarrassed.