Elizabeth’s lips pressed together to restrain the fury that to this day arose at the very idea of what her parents had done. They’d had no right to interfere.
She took a deep breath, glanced around the crowded room. But she was over that now. She had her life back. Success belonged to her. The timing was right and nothing or no one would stop her from being with Carson this time. Her family would not stand in her way.
Carson still loved her. She was certain of that. The way he looked at her, held her when they hugged. Oh, yes, she was very certain.
“Elizabeth!”
She turned to greet Congressman Weller and his lovely wife. “Congressman Weller, what an honor to see you and Mrs. Weller here tonight.”
Elizabeth and the congressman’s wife shared the expected cheek-to-cheek hug; then the congressman took his turn. He always held on a little longer than necessary, crushing her into his chest. Elizabeth hated that about him. But he was a powerful man with deep, deep pockets, so she tolerated his annoying behavior.
“The fundraising work you’re doing for the center is astounding,” Weller beamed. “I can’t tell you how much your efforts mean to us.”
“Thank you so much. I’m pleased I can help.”
“You look particularly stylish tonight,” Mrs. Weller commented, drawing Elizabeth’s attention to her and her somewhat dim smile and less-than-pleasant expression.
“Thank you.” Elizabeth ignored the obviously insincere compliment. Older women always resented the younger ones. She supposed she would do the same one day. Or maybe the congressman’s wife recognized her husband’s fetish for young, firm breasts. Poor woman.
Elizabeth did feel especially elegant tonight. She had taken care with her attire. The strapless royal blue cocktail dress fit like a glove. The classic high-heeled, strappy sandals had been meticulously dyed to match. It had taken the cleaners twice to get it right. Too bad Carson wouldn’t see her in this outfit.
“It appears the gala is going well,” the congressman remarked, moving past his wife’s lack of tact and prodding Elizabeth back into the conversation.
“Extremely well,” Elizabeth parlayed. “I believe we’ll double our expectations.”
The congressman waved a finger at her. “Remind me to hire you as my campaign manager next go-round.”
Elizabeth beamed but didn’t respond to the offer. She liked her job. Already had a plan of her own that did not involve helping someone else attain his goals. “I hope you’ve already made your generous donation.” Might as well get the conversation back on track.
“I’m headed that way now,” Weller assured her.
Elizabeth ushered the couple to the table where pledges were being accepted before wandering through the crowd to mingle some more. Basically, that was her job this evening. See and be seen. Ensure everyone pledged a large donation.
She waved to her father, then headed for the bar. Her drink had gone flat. There was little time to indulge herself at these functions, but she kept a glass in hand throughout the night. When she did take the occasional sip she preferred the wine crisp.
Her mother’s hasty retreat drew Elizabeth’s attention to the other side of the room. What now? Dutifully she followed, leaving her unfinished drink on the nearest tray. Patricia Drake had escaped to the powder room. If her mother did anything to embarrass Elizabeth ...
No. She wouldn’t do that. Patricia Drake, of all people, understood the importance of appearances.
Elizabeth found her mother in the lobby of the ladies’ room. When Patricia looked up she immediately tucked her cell phone away.
“What’s wrong?” Elizabeth demanded a bit more sharply than she’d intended.
Patricia pushed her lips into a smile. “Why, nothing, dear.” She stared into the full-length mirror and pretended to check her makeup and hair.
Who had she been speaking with? “Mother.” Patricia didn’t look at Elizabeth as she moved up beside her. “What’s wrong?”
Patricia dropped her hands to her sides and met her daughter’s gaze in the mirror. “I’m just disappointed Carson wasn’t able to make it.”
No. No. They weren’t starting that again. “His work is important,” Elizabeth said firmly. “He felt terrible having to let me down at the last minute. But”—she gave her mother a pointed look—“I understand that his obligation to the DA’s Office has to come first.”
Worry lined her mother’s face. “Your father is certain this is a mistake, Elizabeth. There are things ...” She let her words trail off with a dramatic sigh.
Rage boiled inside Elizabeth. “I don’t want to hear it.” She took a moment, carefully chose her next words. “Mother, do not allow Father to interfere. This is between me and Carson. I will not pay the price for Dane’s mistakes. It’s time you made your choice.” She let her eyes reflect her determination. “Him or me? What’s it going to be?”
Uncertainty flickered in her mother’s green eyes before she blinked it away. “You’re right, dear. You deserve whatever makes you happy.” Patricia took her daughter’s hand in hers. “I’ll make sure your father does whatever necessary to help make that happen.”
“Promise?” Elizabeth prodded.
