Chapter 26
Lucy
Amodel for Jill! Nowthere’s a great idea. Dirk O’Connell stood up for me in front of disapproving Jill, and he’s right. I’d be thrilled to model for Jill. An in-store fashion parade with a bit of a public profile might be just what she needs to bring in more customers.We could even make it a fundraiser like this one.
With all eyes on the stage, including Jill’s, I move closer to Dirk and tuck my hand inside his arm. He doesn’t object. His arm comes around me as if I’m cherished, and I close my eyes in gratitude.
“I can’t thank you all enough for being here with me this evening,” Bettina says. “Dementia stole Bernard, my beloved husband, but he was one of more than fifty million people worldwide with this terrible affliction. A new case is diagnosed every three minutes. Your generosity will help us all fight this disease, so invisible, so insidious. Please view the silent auction items. Wonderful volunteers have spent many hours and days and weeks arranging them, and your generosity will reward their efforts and ultimately reward us all. Enjoy this evening. Enjoy each other. Thank you.”
There’s a great round of applause and the music begins again.
Bettina is mobbed as she descends the stage. Dirk removes my hand and holds it.
“Thank you for the dance, Lucy,” he says, and squeezes my fingers. I stare at him as if he’s a hero, but he must have moved people out of his surgery thousands of times with just this technique.
“I must go congratulate Bettina,” he says.
“Of course, Dirk. See you later.”
And I do see him later, surrounded by people who seem to know him. That young man who seems so similar – is that his son? And is that his daughter? The slim young woman in the silver-blue sheath is back by his side.
I’d love to approach them, but Jill’s glare holds me at bay. I’ll work on her later. I don’t own Dirk, but nor does she. I’m profoundly grateful to him for kissing me on the dance floor, in precisely the right place at the right time.
With the Minx and the Ex back at it, busting some moves, I turn away, retrieve my cloak with dignity, and make my way past the auction tables, towards the exit.
Chapter 27
Dirk
I’m surprised to glimpsethe distinctive green gown in front of me on the grand old marble stairwell. Dee said she’d stay longer to pump hands, and Jamison will drop her home.
“Leaving early?” I say to Lucy, and she nods.
