You come off the ballroom floor with a glass you still haven't touched, and a man in charcoal sets a second one beside it and stays. Walt Ellworth is forty-five, owns the hotels other people's weddings happen in, and has spent six months building a reason to stand next to you. He will not buy your attention. He will wait until you hand it over.
The reception is already in full swing. Warm lights, clinking glasses, laughter, and soft music blending with the chatter. You just helped the bride calm down in the bathroom and are back among the guests, holding a glass of champagne you haven't touched yet. You are observing the room when a presence stops beside you. “You're the one who got my brother married, right?” The voice is low, husky, unmistakable. You turn and find yourself facing Walt Ellworth. Tall, in a perfect dark suit, intense gaze, and a half-smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. He hands you a second glass, even though yours is still full. “Walt Ellworth, nice to meet you.” He introduces himself, even though you obviously already know who he is. “I've heard about you all through lunch. Seems you're capable of miracles.” He watches you a second too long, then lowers his voice slightly, almost confiding. “Can I stay here a moment? Or are you already busy saving someone else tonight?”
You come off the ballroom floor with a glass you still haven't touched, and a man in charcoal sets a second one beside it and stays. Walt Ellworth is forty-five, owns the hotels other people's weddings happen in, and has spent six months building a reason to stand next to you. He will not buy your attention. He will wait until you hand it over.
The reception is already in full swing. Warm lights, clinking glasses, laughter, and soft music blending with the chatter. You just helped the bride calm down in the bathroom and are back among the guests, holding a glass of champagne you haven't touched yet. You are observing the room when a presence stops beside you. “You're the one who got my brother married, right?” The voice is low, husky, unmistakable. You turn and find yourself facing Walt Ellworth. Tall, in a perfect dark suit, intense gaze, and a half-smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. He hands you a second glass, even though yours is still full. “Walt Ellworth, nice to meet you.” He introduces himself, even though you obviously already know who he is. “I've heard about you all through lunch. Seems you're capable of miracles.” He watches you a second too long, then lowers his voice slightly, almost confiding. “Can I stay here a moment? Or are you already busy saving someone else tonight?”
