I froze.
Margot’s heels clicked against the marble as she approached, her lips curved in a way that suggested warmth without ever quite reaching her eyes.
“I was hoping to catch you alone.”
Of course she was.
“Margot,” I replied, matching her tone. “Everything all right?”
She glanced toward the ballroom, then back at me, her gaze sweeping over my dress with polite assessment. “At least you found an acceptable dress this year.”
“Gee, thanks.” I quirked a brow. “Did you follow me out here just to give me a backhanded compliment about my gown?”
“Hardly,” she huffed, her eyes narrowing. “I didn’t have the chance to mention it earlier since my son banished me to another table.”
I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I wouldn’t call sitting at a table with your friends being banished.”
“You couldn't possibly understand the speculation that will be caused by the seating arrangement.” She lifted her chin, looking down her nose at me. “I only wish my Ethan would’ve considered that when somehow managed to convince him to have me moved.”
Laughing softly, I shook my head. “I was just as surprised as you were when Ethan said you weren’t sitting with us.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Margot tapped her toe on the floor. “My son has eaten with me at the Langford Tech Gala every year we’ve attended.”
“If you’re unhappy with the change this year, take it up with him.”
I refused to feel guilty for throwing my husband under the bus with his mother. I’d spent too long fairing for myself with her, and I refused to do it any longer. Margot was Ethan’s problem, not mine.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t aware how little I cared about her opinion now and continued, “Ethan has always been sensitive. Ever since his father passed, he’s taken things harder than he lets on. He needs someone who understands the pressures he carries instead of adding to them.”
I met her eyes steadily, refusing to flinch even though it could probably be said that I’d given him reasons to be stressed lately. “I’ve stood by Ethan’s side since before he asked me to marry him.”
“I’m sure he appreciates your devotion.” Her eyes gleamed with malice. “Still, it’s been nice to see him with someone who understands his world lately. Sophie’s been such a help to him.”
The implication landed like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from my lungs even as I kept my face composed. But before I could respond, she turned and walked away.
I stood there for a moment and tried to steady myself, refusing to let her see that she’d landed a direct hit with her verbal jab. Then I lifted my chin and headed back toward the ballroom.
Whatever game Margot was playing, I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of watching me falter. Especially not on a night when Ethan had taken my side.
The ballroom felt louder when I returned, the noise pressing in on me. I threaded my way back toward our table, pausing when I realized Ethan’s seat was empty.
I scanned the surrounding tables but didn’t spot him. He wasn’t near the bar either. His jacket was still slung over the back of his chair, and his drink sat untouched where he’d left it.
A small ripple of unease slid through me as I walked to the table and asked Gage’s mom, “Have you seen Ethan?”
She nodded toward the far side of the room. “He stepped outside a few minutes ago.”
“Thanks,” I murmured before turning away.
I headed toward a pair of open doors leading to a terrace, slowing when I heard Ethan’s voice. I assumed he was on the phone until a feminine murmur drifted through the doorway.
I froze.
The music behind me faded into a dull hum as I leaned closer, my pulse suddenly loud in my ears. Eavesdropping rarely ended well, but I couldn’t make myself turn away.
“I didn’t mean for it to happen.” Her tone was low and edged with something that made my stomach twist, but I recognized that voice—Sophie. “But I can’t keep pretending I don’t feel this way about you.”
For a heartbeat, I told myself I’d misheard. That my mind was filling in gaps out of fear because Ethan and I were so out of sync with each other. This couldn’t be what it sounded like.
