I bristled slightly, hating that I had told her some of the more intimate details of my life, including my forced relationship with Greg.
“Yeah, well I invited mymother. Greg is just a part of the package deal,” I muttered.
Just then, Greg pulled up to the valet, letting himself out of the car and rushing to open my mother’s door. He ignored the attendant as he did so, proving that he could do something so mundane himself. I rolled my eyes and watched as he reluctantly handed over the keys to the attendant, who stood there awkwardly.
“Hey, Mom,” I said, giving a little wave. “Greg.” I gave him a firm nod.
They approached hand in hand, my mother’s gaze lifting to the estate behind me. It was a sprawling white mansion with tall pillars and large paned windows. The place was surrounded by trees and cobblestone walkways that weaved around the property. A stark contrast to the city we had escaped from, though you could see the Manhattan skyline from here.
“This place is amazing,” she said, her eyes wide as I offered her my hand up the cobblestone steps.
“It’s a country club,” said Greg gruffly, as if he’d seen it all before.
“Hello,” said Gabriella, stepping in gracefully. “I’m Gabriella Harold.”
My mother looked at her in surprise and then a look entered her eyes. I realized she probably thought Gabriella was my date to this event.
“We work together,” I said quickly as my mother shook her hand, followed by Greg. “Gabriella has been showing me the ropes of her father’s company, since I took the reins.”
“Oh,” said my mother, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice, but then she smiled warmly. “I’m Sandy. And this is my fiancé, Greg.”
“Ahh, I heard the news. Congratulations,” gushed Gabriella. “Can I see the ring?”
My mom lifted her hand and showed off the simple diamond proudly. My stomach was hit with a wave of nausea as Greg looked on smugly.
“Wow, you did a great job, Greg. It’s stunning,” said Gabriella.
He smiled at her with so much pride. Part of me wanted to smack the expression straight off his face. I glowered at Gabriella, unsure of why she was being so overly nice to two people she had just met.
“Shall we?” I asked, motioning toward the large entryway.
I let my parents lead the way, stewing in my pissed off thoughts as Gabriella and I followed behind. We entered into the sprawling lobby that had been transformed for today’s event. A small red carpet was to the left and an open bar was to the right, with a large table of items to be auctioned off in the center.
“Mr. White! Mr. White! Please! A photo!” a photographer said loudly when he saw me, waving me over. I knew this would piss off Greg, even though this wasmycharity event.
“Duty calls,” I said with an arrogant shrug, looking directly at him before heading toward the red carpet.
“Ms. Harold! You too, please,” the photographer called.
I heard her apologize to my mother and Greg, telling them to help themselves to the bar or peruse the auction items. It was something I should have done as host, but was too irritated to. It had been a mistake to invite them, and they had only just arrived.
I took a few photos on my own, my eyes adjusting to the flashes of light as the loud clicks of the camera sounded. The photographers asked Gabriella to join me, and I could see how much she wanted to say no, but she put on a dazzling smile and made her way toward me.
“Ahh, the future and the past together,” said the photographer. “Smile.”
I felt Gabriella bristle as she stood beside me. I was sure that comment just pissed her the hell off. The tension between us was thick as we avoided brushing against each other.
“Okay, now, Ms. Harold, just you.”
I walked off the carpet, letting out the breath I had been holding and joined Greg and my mother at the bar.
“Enjoying yourselves?” I asked, glancing toward my mother’s glass of white wine and Greg’s beer.
“This is so wonderful, honey,” my mother gushed. “You’ve put on an amazing event, and I haven’t even been outside yet.”
Greg took a sip of his beer, staying quiet. I smiled in quiet satisfaction that the compliment ate away at him.
“Now thatthat’sover,” said Gabriella with a smile as she approached, unaware of how many eyes were drawn toward her, including mine.
