“Already done,” I said with an answering smile and the delightful satisfaction I always felt when I was able to claim my own successes. “Dress is settled and with the tailor. Flowers and colors have been chosen, and Longbourne is already working on everything we’ll need. Cake tasting is on the books, and we have a tour of St. Patrick’s next week, thanks to the Felixes’ donation.”

It was obscene, the money they’d thrown at the church to secure a date. The tour and meeting with the priest was a formality, which was fortunate. Who knew what the Femmes would do to embarrass themselves—and by proxy me—when we were there.

“And Natasha’s birthday party?”

A sharp tear split my chest at the sound of her name, cold and unexpected. I swallowed. “We’re on track. Just putting the final touches on the family banquet. The club for her real party is rented out, and the waivers and liability paperwork are in hand.”

Addison’s office door opened, and Caroline Archer stepped in, smiling. She was a vision—shining blonde hair, silken tailored shirt and pencil skirt, graceful smile and kind eyes.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Caroline started, offering me a smile before turning to Addison.

Addisatan, the shapeshifter, morphed into an unrecognizable thing. Her eyes brightened, smile broad and lined with perfect, vividly white teeth. “I was just giving Lila some guidelines for the Felix events,” she said, her tone breezy and light.

Faker.

“One of our big ones,” Caroline said with a glance in my direction. “It’s going well?”

“I’ve got it under control. Don’t worry,” Addison said, laughing lightly.

“I’d never expect anything less, Addy.”

Addison didn’t even flinch at the use of her hated nickname. “Are we still on for dinner?”

“God, I hope so. I’m ready for wine. I was just coming to confirm. I had Lisa make us reservations for seven. We can share a cab.”

“Can’t wait!” She really did speak in exclamation points when Caroline was around.

It was one of the most unnerving, unnatural things I’d ever witnessed—Addison Lane being nice.

And yet, she sold it flawlessly, though I knew better. Caroline was at the top of the pile of bodies Addison had climbed to get where she was, and I was the poor sucker giving her a boost.

Someday, you’ll be her boss.