Cain picked the corsage box up off the floor and took out the ruffled white orchid. “I know this is old-fashioned, but I wanted to bring you something pretty.”
Jenny smiled. “It’s beautiful.”
Cain pinned the flower on her shoulder. “Ready?”
Jenny smiled and took his arm.
* * *
After a brief ride up the hill in Cain’s Jag, Jenny walked next to him into the Grandview, down the hall into the Grand Vista Salon. The room was large, but they weren’t using all of the available space. The party was intended for a very select crowd. Forty or fifty couples, no more than a hundred people.
Millie had suggested minimal decorations, and Jenny agreed. With its dark wood paneling and art deco chandeliers and wall sconces, the room was lovely on its own, and the idea was to feature the elegant hotel itself.
Jenny picked up the black, feathered mask that had been set aside for her and held it up, covering the top half of her face as she looked at Cain.
“You are a true temptation,” Cain said. “I don’t know how I’m going to make it through the evening without dragging you into a closet somewhere.”
Jenny laughed and ignored a little curl of lust at the thought.
Cain chose a black-and-silver mask in the style ofThe Phantom of the Opera. When he put it on, covering half his handsome face, Jenny’s knees felt weak.
She turned to survey the room. In sky-high, teal-blue satin heels that matched her dress, Millicent walked toward them across the room, a handsome man with a touch of gray in his hair at her side.
“Everything seems to be in order,” she said. Peacock feathers waved from the mask in her hand. “Cain Barrett and Jenny Spencer, I’d like you to meet Mark Ellison. Mark is CEO of Ellison-Price Manufacturing.”
“Mark.” Cain pulled off his mask and extended a hand, which the man shook.
Millie smiled. “We have a good deal of Ellison-Price furniture in the hotel.”
“I thought I’d seen the name,” Cain said.
“Good to meet you,” Mark said. He turned. “Ms. Spencer.”
“Jenny.” Smiling, she shook his hand.
They made small talk. Jenny could see the interest in Millie’s face as she looked at her date, a look returned twofold by her handsome escort. Inwardly smiling, Jenny excused herself to check on the setup of the bars at both ends of the salon. It wasn’t really her job, yet she felt a strong sense of duty when it came to the success of the Grandview, and especially the party tonight.
The bartenders wore tuxedos, as did all of the servers. Since the party would be more lively if the guests kept moving and talking, there were linen-draped high-tables scattered around, along with a few regular tables for older people.
Long, black, plumed feathers mixed with brilliant purple waved from silver vases in the center of the tables. Elegant and simple, the opulent purple provided color for the affair, adding to the gala mood created by the masks.
Satisfied that everything was running smoothly, Jenny returned to Cain’s side as guests continued to arrive.
“You did a great job, Millicent,” Cain said, using the name she preferred. “Everything looks perfect.”
Millicent smiled, clearly pleased.
“Now, if you’ll both excuse us, I believe we’re needed at the door.” Cain took Jenny’s hand, and they headed for the entry.
Having studied the guest list, Cain personally greeted each person as they arrived. Then partygoers chose one of the beautiful handmade masks from the display on the table. Feathers, sequins, velvet, and satin shimmered. Servers circulated the room, silver trays sparkling with stemmed glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Others carried trays of hors d’oeuvres: cold paté, potato napoleons with caviar, smoked salmon on cucumbers, and various other canapés. A light buffet was being served featuring small plates, easy-to-eat items like antipasti, oysters, shrimp, chicken, and filet mignon kabobs.
Fruit tarts and profiteroles were among a variety of small desserts. The Scottsdale caterer, with Opal’s assistance, had done a magnificent job.
Most of the guests had arrived by the time Cain’s grandmother showed up at the door. Emma left the wheelchair in the hallway, and Nell, with the use of her cane, walked proudly into the salon. Cleo walked with a swaying motion into the room beside them.
Upon seeing the women, Jenny’s pasted-on smile turned sincere. “I’m so glad you all could make it.”
