Love Script Read Free

jump and clumsily try to regain control of the drinks clutched in their hands.
    Nick excused himself, preferring to scan the rooms alone, mental y making a list of al present.
    Richie had been right; tonight’s attendance level was nearly double its normal size. The mood in the home was one of eager anticipation. The stage had been set, and they were now waiting for the star performer to arrive.
    Nick weaved his way through the crowd, speaking briefly with business associates and several competitors. He’d been there for nearly an hour before he heard Richie’s thunderous voice welcome a newcomer. Nick looked up just in time to see their host walking beside the very man whose rumored appearance at tonight’s soirée was the reason for such an enthusiastic crowd.
    The carcass had just entered the lions’ den.
    Nick hung back for a while, observing the man at Richie’s side. His expression was guarded but certainly not intimidated. Nick watched as the man acknowledged
    a
    select
    few
    and
    expertly
    sidestepped others. He managed to free himself of Richie’s company and joined a smal group of men clustered near the back of the living area. When Nick was certain the man had committed himself to this spot, he decided now was the time to make his move.
    He made a large loop along the perimeter of the room, not wanting to appear as if he were making a direct path toward the group. As it turned out, he had little fear of being observed. Everyone was too busy casting furtive looks at their special guest. The cluster of men were doing such an excel ent job of ignoring the room at large, neither of them noticed Nick until he was upon them.
    “Gentlemen,” he said, nodding to each before turning to the man at his left. “Mr. Zelman, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Nick gave the elder man a firm handshake. “Nice of you to join us.” Nick had come to tonight’s gathering for the sole purpose of talking to the man. He was determined to make a positive impression.
    Wil iam Zelman gave him a cool look. He was a power player and he knew it. He also knew every marketing firm on the West Coast would kil to take over his account, al owing him to be reserved in al dealings.
    “Sinclair, isn’t it?” Zelman asked, clearly uninterested. “What a surprise. I didn’t know you would be here tonight.”
    “This is a bit of a last-minute stop for me,” Nick said, working hard to hold on to his smile.
    “Interesting,” Zelman said in a bored voice. “I wasn’t aware you were affiliated with Ritchie Benson.”
    “We socialize from time to time,” Nick said.
    “He’s good friends with my father.”
    “Right, how is Sheldon?” Zelman looked down at his watch, not long enough to actual y check the time but just long enough to let Nick know his time was just about up.
    “He’s wel , thank you.” Nick could feel himself losing steam. “I’l be sure to tel him you asked.” Zelman nodded. “Glad you could make it.” Properly dismissing Nick, Wil iam Zelman turned to the man at his right and began a conversation.
    Despite his obvious indifference, Nick was surprised Zelman remembered his name. They had been to many of the same events, but Zelman never had much to say to him. There were times when he outright ignored him. Zelman was the type of man who rarely spoke, and when he did, it was with cautious forethought. Never one to give too much away, he was always watching his surroundings, careful to note even the smal est and most insignificant of actions. He’d created quite a reputation for walking away from business ventures for the oddest reasons. One rumor claimed Zelman backed out of a huge sale because the guy smacked his food during the celebratory dinner the night before signing.
    Everyone was talking about the shakedown between Zelman and Proctor, Sinclair Corp’s competitor. The buzz was Zelman’s soup campaign had recently bombed due to an il -timed marketing strategy launched by Proctor, Inc. Zelman