Confusion flashed across her features. ‘I don’t think so. When you say “came to me about a bracelet”, do you mean as a gift?’
‘No, not like that. It’s just somehow … probably amongst all the upheaval … my mother’s bracelet went missing, and I think that whoever found it may have found a connection to you through one of the charms – the egg one I think.’
‘Really?’ Jeff stepped forward, interested, and Greg nodded encouragingly at him.
Margot was frowning. ‘The diamond one? Of course I remember Cristina winning that at the Met benefit, wasn’t it? But really, I don’t recall anybody asking about anything like that, not personally anyway. I could check with my assistant though. She’d certainly remember something like that – never forgets a thing.’
‘Would you? We’d be most grateful.’
Obviously recognising the urgency in Greg’s voice, Margot continued. ‘Of course. I could do it now, if you like. Jessica, my assistant, is here.’
‘That would be wonderful, thank you.’
She pulled her iPhone out of her evening bag and quickly typed a text message.
Greg smiled at his father, hope and adrenalin surging through him.
This was good; this was really good.
70
Having safely moved all the coat rails to the designated cloakroom, Holly moved to the edge of the crowd in the Catalogue Room. Jessica had told her to go and take a breather until she needed her again, so Holly did as she was bid, anxious to see if she might be able to identify anyone who – from the picture she’d built up of her – might be the owner of the bracelet.
She’d been approached a few times by people thinking they knew her, and by a few men obviously looking to hit on her. Small talk was made, but the moment Holly began talking about the bracelet and if they knew anybody who might be missing one, she’d been rewarded with strange looks and protestations that they’d seen someone they needed to say hello to.
With the way things were going, she’d be lucky if security didn’t cart off the crazy woman propositioning people with mad stories about bracelets. She smiled. Oh well, she supposed there were worse ways to get on Page Six.
Looking at her watch, she took note of the time. Almost eleven o’clock, just over an hour until the ball dropped. She took in the happy couples and partygoers around her enjoying themselves, and suddenly wished she had someone to talk to. As much as she remembered her promise to Carole and the others to have a good time, and do the dress proud, she couldn’t deny that she felt a little lost, not to mention hopelessly out of place.
She strolled slowly through the crowd, and as she did was awarded with appraising looks from several dashing-looking gentlemen, as well as a few dirty looks from the women who were obviously said gentlemen’s dates.
She really didn’t belong here.
Holly moved towards the bar area, thinking a glass of water might soothe her dry mouth and calm her nerves. As she approached the bar itself, she again attracted the attention of an appreciative man. But this was one she recognised.
Holly smiled as she looked at Gennaro, the attractive Italian gallery owner. And he clearly recognised her.
‘Holly? I have your name right, yes?’
She nodded and smiled, happy to run into a familiar face, even if it was this shameless flirt. Although, at the moment, Holly realised he was looking at her rather strangely. She coloured, somewhat embarrassed. Did she lookthatout of place here?
‘Hello again – Gennaro, isn’t it?’ she replied. ‘Happy New Year.’
‘I can’t believe you’re here.’ He didn’t return her greeting, just continued to stare at her as if she’d just landed from outer space.
She blushed self-consciously. ‘Well, I’m not here as a guest actually. I’m helping out a friend, well—’
‘Do you still have that bracelet?’ he asked, cutting her off. She looked at him, surprised at the intensity in his voice.
‘Well yes … why do you ask?’
‘You do? Oh this is just wonderful … ’
So ithadbeen Gennaro who had come looking for her at Carole’s the other day after all, Holly realised. A surge of anticipation rushed through her veins. ‘Why? Did you find out who it belongs to? Was it one of your artists after all?’
But then Holly recalled what Tasha had said about the man saying the bracelet was important to his family, and confusion bloomed yet again.
‘Yes, and he is here tonight,’ Gennaro said theatrically.
