He wore a sequined blue suit jacket and black pants. It actually suited him. “I make a ridiculous amount of money designing clothes for the filthy rich,” he added with amusement while scanning the crowd.
She laughed. “I’m a nurse. Plain and simple. I make enough money to pay my bills.”
That got his attention. “A nurse?
“Yes.”
“Wow. I’m surprised. Marianne can be such a snob.”
“I don’t think she wanted me here, but I came with Lance.”
“The gorgeous piece of masculine heaven?”
She giggled and nodded. A perfect way to describe him.
“Lucky girl. Now I know why he paid so much for you.”
“You were at the auction?”
He nodded. “Darling, I designed half the dresses there. Including our hostess’s”
“I think it’s beautiful.”
He watched her for a moment. “Don’t worry about her. I saw how he looks at you.”
“Thanks Eli. That helps.”
“Marianne just wants something she can’t have.”
“She seems nice.”
“She can be. I’m her friend, and I have no problem telling her to behave.” He lifted his hand and waved another man over. “I’m going to introduce you to one of New York’s upcoming modern painters. His name is Ambrose Oglethorp and he’s adopted this weird Andy Warhol attitude, so bear with him.”
She giggled.
Soon she forgot about Lance and Marianne. Eli’s company soon had her laughing. They were all very entertaining and unique.
Then she felt an arm move around her waist as Lance stepped next to her. They all swapped greetings and Eli swirled a long gold chain between his fingers while licking his lips. She laughed at his lack of restraint and introduced them. Lance was very cordial. “We should go,” he finally suggested.
She nodded and said her goodbyes.
“Whenever you come to New York again, I want to see you,” Eli said.
“I will definitely look you up.”
Lance never said anything until they were back in the car. “You made friends.”
“I did.” She watched him wondering if he was upset with her. He didn’t appear to be.
“I’m glad.” He pulled out his phone and checked his messages. He seemed rather preoccupied.
“Are you?”
He tucked his phone away and looked at her. Then he reached over and removed her hand from her lap, kissing the palm while still keeping his eyes on hers. “I’m just tired.”
“Me too.” She started to feel disappointment.
“However, not too tired to do what I promised.”
