The banquet hall silenced save for the rogue clinking of silver as attendees turned their focus to Brenda. Wilder reached beneath the tablecloth and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight. I’d worked my ass off that year, making Wilder’s investment company my main priority. I scoured the city and investigated leads and tips, finding him quick flips and a few great long-term ventures.
“Thank you all so much for being here with us tonight,” Brenda said as microphone feedback stung our ears. “I know we all have a million and one engagements this time of year, and it’s snowing pretty good outside. We’d all rather be cozied up in our brownstones and condos with a glass of brandy and a warm fire. Perhaps you’d rather be looking out from the windows of your pied-a-terres as the sparkling snow decorates the city we all hold dear.”
The crowd erupted in polite laughter.
“But at the end of the day, we’re all here for a reason. We love what we do, and we want to honor our best colleagues. Each year, only a select few can hold the coveted title of top one percent, and even a smaller few can be recognized as the top one percent of the top one percent. This year, I am pleased to announce that the top agent in all of Manhattan is one of my own.”
Wilder squeezed my hand, and I glanced down at our interlocked fingers, the brilliant, cushion-cut stone on my left ring finger catching the dimmed light of the flickering candles that donned each tabletop around us.
“I’ve worked with this young woman since she started as my assistant a few short years ago. They always say the cream rises to the top, and ladies and gentleman, let me tell you, Addison Andrews is the crème-de-la-crème. Everyone, please give a warm welcome to the Manhattan Association of Listing Professionals’ agent of the year, Addison Andrews!”
Wilder released my hand and rose to a standing position as I swept my long gown behind me and headed up to the podium to accept my award. I was convinced I wouldn’t receive the award that year. There had been rumors of a few other agents sealing last-minute contracts that would blow my final numbers out of the water, but they must’ve fallen through.
“Wow,” I said, clutching the polished gold in my sweaty palm. The small award, a gold depiction of a high-rise building, felt heavier than I imagined it would. “Thank you so much, everyone. I did not expect this.”
The applause ceased and my eyes searched the dim room for my Wilder. He took his seat and leaned back, watching with a proud smile across his sexy lips.
“I’d like to thank Brenda Bliss, for taking me under her wing several years ago. She took a chance on me, and it means the world to me to make her proud right now.”
I swallowed, my throat dry. It was the moment I’d worked so hard for. Why didn’t it feel as amazing as I always imagined?
“I’d also like to thank my fiancé, Wilder Van Cleef, for always believing in me and never giving up on us, even when things got hard. I’d also like to thank my sister, Coco Bissett.” I glanced over at our table where Coco was seated across on the other side of my chair. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her. We made a promise to each other when we were little, to always help each other achieve our dreams no matter how hard it might seem. I can say wholeheartedly, I would not be standing here today if it weren’t for her support and everything she’s done for me.”
A man standing stage left motioned for me to wrap it up. I smiled, feeling like I was an actress at the Oscars or something. I supposed to many, this trivial little real estate gala was a farce. Meant nothing. But to me, to have reached the pinnacle of my career at such a young age and against all odds, it meant the world.
“Again, thank you.” I held my trophy up in the air and gathered the silk organza fabric of my navy dress in my hand as I stepped down from the stage. I wanted to remember the sound of the applause for as long as I lived.
“Well done, lovely,” Wilder said as I sat down. He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I knew you could do it.”
“Thanks,” I said, nuzzling into his neck.
As Brenda Bliss stood at the podium doling out awards for the next half hour, I lost myself in Wilder’s aquamarine eyes and the rest of the world faded away.
Shortly after dinner was served, a live band began playing Sinatra classics and patrons circled the room, socializing.
“Addison.” Brenda rushed up to our table, giving me a warm hug. “I am so proud of you. You have no idea how hard it was for me to keep that a secret. I’ve known for a week!”
Wilder shot me a look and I nodded. I’d given her the news that morning.
“I’m so sorry to hear you’re leaving me, but I can’t say that I blame you,” Brenda said, referring to the bomb I’d dropped on her earlier that day. I was starting my own agency, which would be under the umbrella of Wilder’s corporation after we married the following year.
We’d already set the date. May eleventh. Approximately a year to the date we found out we could officially be together again. I had five months to plan a wedding and get my company off the ground. Life was about to get all kinds of chaotic, but in the best of ways.
“I know you’ll do well,” Brenda said, rubbing my back. “And if you ever need help or want to talk, I’m always a phone call away. Just don’t poach any of my agents!” She laughed, though I knew she meant business. I’d never poach from her. It wasn’t my style, and the last thing I needed was a big, red target on the back of my brand new agency.