The valet pulls up with her car.
“Ainsley Pembroke is in town through the holidays,” she adds. “If you'd like, I could?—”
“No. I'm not interested in Ainsley.”
“Then what are you interested in, darling?”
“Holly.”
“You're serious about her.”
“Yes.”
“Does she know that?”
I don't answer.
“I see.” She kisses my cheek. “Just be careful. Make sure whoever you bring into this world understands what they're stepping into. And make sure you're not confusing professional admiration with something more.”
* * *
HOLLY
Evan returns troubled.
“Everything okay?”
“Fine.”
“Your mother hates me.”
“She doesn't hate you.”
“I insulted your father in front of everyone.”
“You got us a seven-figure donation.” He offers his hand. “Ready to go?”
The drive back to my apartment is loaded with everything we're not saying.
I've twisted my clutch strap into a knot without realizing it. When I notice, I smooth it out, then start twisting it again.
He pulls up in front of my building and turns toward me.
“You were incredible tonight,” he says.
My impulse is to deflect, to minimize, but he’s looking at me like he means it.
Instead I say: “You know, you should have worn that suit for Halloween.”
“What?”
“The blue. With your eyes doing that glowing thing. Very sexy vampire.”
His eyebrows go up. “Sexy vampire?”
“I mean—you know what, I'm going inside now.”
I fumble for the door handle.
