Right on cue.It never failed.It was all I could do not to congratulate her on her consistency and predictability.
“It’s really not flattering.”
I took a deep breath, but before I could say anything Asher spoke up.
“I hate to disagree with you, Mrs.Palmer, but Emma looks absolutely perfect.”
I glanced at Asher with a silentthank you.
Asher grinned.
“Maybe, but still, that’s a lot of skin on display.”
Really?I shook my head.
“It’s very modest considering some of the dresses other women are wearing.Yourself included.You have more skin showing that Emma does.”
“Her name is Emelina.”Mother’s voice dripped with disdain.
“That may be her given legal name, but she has said she prefers Emma, and I think it fits her perfectly.”
My body twitched at Asher’s words.No one, and I meanno one, hadeverdefended my choice of clothing or preferred name to my mother.I glanced up at Asher.He was smiling, but his features were tight.
He pulled me closer to his side as if to let me know I wasn’t alone.I’d let him know how much I appreciated his support later on.For now, I was interested to see just how far this would go before my mother hung herself.Asher was proving to be a worthy opponent.I’d stopped defending my choices to her years ago.
Someone called my name out in a high pitch voice.“Emelina.”I barely restrained my cringe.
“Incoming,” I whispered to Asher as my two sisters flounced toward us.
“Magnolia, Seraphina,” I said as we exchanged air kisses.
Magnolia openly gawked at Asher.“Hello, handsome,” she practically purred.“I’m Magnolia.”She held out her hand.
“Ms.Palmer.”Asher held it briefly.
“And I’m Seraphina.”Not gawking, but definitely an expression that screamed Asher wasn’t even as good as the dirt under her shoes.
“Ms.Palmer.”Asher was polite, cool, but not quite enough to freeze water.His eyes narrowed as he spoke to my sisters.
Magnolia turned to Seraphina, her mean-girl smile plastered firmly in place.“Why don’t I give Asher a tour while you talk with Emelina.”She reached for Asher’s arm.
Asher took a step back.“While I thank you, I think I’d rather have a tour with Emma.”The neutral, completely unemotional, professional businessman.
“But she’s never been here,” Magnolia commented.She was right; I hadn’t been here before tonight.Dad bought this overblown castle after I was out on my own.The thought of showing up here ranked somewhere beyond anathema.
Asher smiled, but I could see it didn’t reach his eyes.“All the more fun for us, exploring together.Now, please, excuse us, I’m sure we’ll see you later.”Asher tightened his arm around my waist and guided me away from my family.
“I spied an escape,” he whispered.
Together, we walked through the foyer and main ballroom, out the back door.Several guests were gathered around the bar and buffet set out on the slate patio.Cloth covered tables and slip-covered chairs were set at random distances.The candles in the hurricane lantern centerpieces had been lit.
On the lawn, tents had been set up with more cloth covered tables with fresh flowers and candle centerpieces and chairs.Waiters flowed through the crowd with food and drink.Asher led me down the stairs and to the left, then down another set of steps to where the pool was lit up.
There weren’t any people here.He guided me closer to the pool house and then turned to me.
“Emelina?”
I giggled.“You’re hung up on my name?”I expected something else.When he stayed silent, I continued.“I really dislike my full name.”
