Only Leo would think that was the best compliment. I giggle and a lightbulb flashes. Leo’s hold tightens as he steers us away from the photographer. No matter how often it’s happened tonight, I flinch every time it does. I can’t shake the fear that if Ria and Elise saw my emotions so clearly, the pictures would too.

Closing my eyes, I don’t even want to think of that crazy private photo shoot. The things Graham said to entice a response, about Leo, for Leo. I can only hope since Leo hasn’t even made a passing mention of the pictures he didn’t see it then. Of all the things that has stayed with me that the women said was that Leo wasn’t ready to acknowledge his feelings. I’m more than willing to give him time. I just worry about what might happen if he sees it in print.

Elise and Dmitri leaving seems to have been a signal, slowly the store empties. Ria manages to get me away from Leo. “Do you hate me?”

“Hate you? Why in the world would you think that? You were so great tonight. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Elise. I love Leo, and Miguel is great, but you two were the ones who really helped settle my nerves tonight.”

She sighs with relief as she hugs me. “I’m so glad. I was worried you’d still hate me for making you cry about you and Leo.”

“No, if anything that was the best part of the night. What you guys said was worth all the stress and fear of tonight.”

“Good, I’m glad. I’m going to be calling you soon, we’ll do lunch. Elise can’t do dinners. She’s here in the city though and now that the kids are in school I actually leave the house during the day for things that aren’t kid related, and we do lunch often. Next time you’ll be there.”

“I’m already looking forward to it.”

Her phone goes off. “Sorry, we have to go. My kids are nuts. Drake, your son, set off the house alarm again. Gretta is threatening a long vacation.”

Drake laughs as he kisses my cheek. “You did a great job tonight, Alexa. Congratulations on your new book.”

“Thanks, and thanks for coming.”

“We wouldn’t have missed it. Leo, I’ll call you Monday about the Lincoln property and send some pictures over.”

Once Ria and Drake leave we turn to find the place is pretty much empty and clean up has begun. Miguel is directing things then spots us. “I told you it was going to be a fabulous night.”

Leo laughs and nods. “You did good. You will be getting that case we talked about. If there is anything left, feel free to take it home.”

Miguel sighs. “I love my job.”