“Don’t do that. Your mechanics are all off.”
She giggles, and I wrap my arm around her waist as we venture farther into the room.
Giant chandeliers hang overhead, the light reflected by thousands of crystals cascading from them. Massive windows overlook a stone patio and, beyond that, an expansive lawn with at least two fountains that I can see.
Tables are placed equidistant from one another, arranged so perfectly that it feels staged. Flower arrangements decorate so many surfaces. And, knowing the cost ofonedozen roses, the price tag for the flowers alone must be enough to buy a small car.
“I’m not sure that this is the right time to point this out,” I whisper, “but you were making a big deal out of an eighty-dollar bra. Look at this place.”
“It’ll make sense when you meet my mother.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
We meander through the room, stopping to say hello to a few people who approach Audrey. She’s amazing to watch as she works the room. I’m not sure where the shy woman I originally met is. This woman is a genuinely gifted social butterfly. She’s pure class with nothing fake.
“It was nice to meet you, too,” I say to a man and woman dripping in diamonds. “I’m going to have to ask you for a favor.”
“Sure.”
I run a finger across my mouth. “If you spot a Lewis Lemon in the vicinity, you need to make a decision.”
Her head swings to mine. “Why?”
I just stare at her.
“Gianna,” she says, groaning. “Gianna mentioned Lewis.”
“So, if that happens,” I say, blowing out a tight breath, “you can steer me away from him, and we’ll all have a great night. Or you can point him out to me, and I’ll accompany him to the emergency room.”
She smacks my chest. “You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, Doc, I would.” My jaw clenches just thinking about anyone hurting her. “But this isn’t about me. It’s about you. Just let me know how you want me to handle it.”
“He’s not here. At least, I haven’t seen him. If I do, I’ll point him out, and you can avoid him, please.”
“Okay.”
Her cheeks flush, and she leans in. “But if you want to make a horrible face at him that makes him need the bathroom urgently, I wouldn’t be mad.”
I laugh, pulling her closer to me.God, I think I might love this woman.
“Darling girl!” A woman who must be Audrey’s mom comes around a corner. “You made it.” She pulls her into a hug, kissing both of her cheeks. “Hugo said he came to pick you up, but you were running late. Is everything okay?”
Oh, she’s more than okay, Mrs. Van. Your girl had two orgasms before we could get out the door.
“Yes, of course,” she says, slipping her arm around me. “Mom, I would like you to meet my boyfriend, Brooks Dempsey. Brooks, this is my mother, Jessica Van.”
Jessica turns to me and makes no bones about assessing the situation. She looks me up and down—quickly. Tastefully. Then a smile like her daughter’s stretches across her face.
“Well, Brooks, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she says, her eyes sparkling.
“The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Van.”
“Please. Call me Jessica.” She looks at her daughter and winks. “Come. Let’s find your father. He’s been waiting for you to arrive.”
Audrey laces our fingers together, and we follow her mom through the crowd.
“She likes you,” Audrey whispers.
