“I’m sure it is,” Daniel said, his eyes twinkling slightly. “Are you looking forward to it?”

“I bought a dark green dress,” I admitted. “I haven’t dressed up like that in years.”

“I’m sure you will look stunning, Victoria,” he said.

We spent the rest of the afternoon talking, the warmth of the house keeping the cold rain at bay.

When it was time for me to leave, Daniel walked me to the front door.

He leaned down and kissed my cheek, his lips soft and warm against my skin.

“I’ll see you soon,” he said.

I drove back to my apartment in the fading light.

The rain had stopped, leaving the streets of Boston shiny and dark.

I unlocked my front door and stepped into the quiet hallway.

I set my keys on the counter and took off my coat.

My phone buzzed in my bag.

I reached in and pulled it out, expecting a message from Daniel.

Instead, there was an email from the Harborview Gala committee with the final seating chart and VIP list.

I opened the attachment and scrolled through the names.