“And when was that?”
“Oh, a few months ago. Why?”
I was curious how far back their friendship went. Good. Not very far. But I didn’t have to admit that because it was our turn to get out. I handed the valet my keys and a generous cash tip, murmuring, “I’d love a quick getaway when the time comes.”
He mistook my meaning, smiling when he looked over at Blaire standing there like a Greek goddess. “I got you, man.”
Actually, the closer my car was parked, the less time I’d have to spend trying to leave this place, and the sooner I could drop her off at home.
I held out my arm for Blaire to take, and together we walked up to hand our invitations to the attendants at the door. Once inside, the gentle murmur of voices and light orchestra music met our ears. Out in the lobby, they were serving drinks and canapés. The drinks were flowing, but it looked like most people preferred conversation over eating.
I took a tiny appetizer that looked like it might be fishy or garlicky from a passing waiter. But alas, the pastes on top of the tiny crust of bread, one dark and one light, tasted like bitter dark chocolate and citrusy cream. Apparently, the creator of this event had even considered things like keeping our breath fresh for mingling. It tasted good, but I also didn’t want another one.
“See anyone you know?” Blaire asked. She held a pleasant smile on her face, but her head was on a swivel. She wanted to be introduced to people. If there were any eligible bachelors to be had under the age of sixty in this place, I’d find them for her, but I couldn’t find any. The electric-green tuxedo guy was nowhere in sight.
I walked us around the edge until I saw Charlie Trevino, a long-time friend from business school, standing with a drink. His red hair and full red beard made him hard to miss. Tonight, in a navy double-breasted suit, he looked like a sophisticated Viking.
“Let me introduce you to my friend Charlie,” I said to Blaire, leading us over.
Charlie saw me coming and raised his eyebrows, a question about who I was with. He’d find out soon enough.
“Did Olivia come with you tonight?” I asked. He was in an off-again, on-again relationship with his business partner, Olivia. Somehow, they made it work. They split the profits from their pool and spa renovation company right down the middle and were never serious about anything except making money.
“She’s on a date, actually. The guy had a concert tonight and asked her to come watch. He’s in a band.” He shook his head, letting me know what he thought of that. And yet, not a lot of jealousy. Those two were weird.
“Anyone I would know?”
“Not likely. Their music is terrible. I looked him up.” He turned to Blaire and held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Charlie.”
Blaire shook his hand and introduced herself, and I listened to them talk for a few minutes while taking in snippets of conversation around us. A lot of business talk, none of it serious. Mostly, people were talking about themselves.
I sensed Blaire’s interest in Charlie fizzle out after he told her he’d gotten his ticket to the gala from a rich older client who was pleased with his pool renovation. Then he pointed out the faint tan line around his eyes from wearing sunglasses while he worked outside all day.
I shook my head at him, and he gave me a tiny wink before focusing back on Blaire. Charlie had no patience for social climbers, and he must have detected it in her. Like me, Charlie had rich parents who were the real reason he was here tonight. I’d take Blaire away from him soon enough so he could stop trying to un-impress her.
I spotted my mother standing with a woman in a gold sequin gown with an unfortunate train. She kept glancing behind her to make sure no one stepped on it. Mom turned and raised an indignant eyebrow as she was speaking, throwing a mean look at someone across the room. I followed her gaze.
Ah, she was staring at Dad. He must have come with a date. That decision hadn’t worked out so well for him last year. I’d wrongly assumed he wouldn’t repeat it. As he’d told meafter last year’s disaster, real luxury is sitting in a great pair of underwear and having all the sports channels to yourself.
After saying our goodbyes to Charlie, I led Blaire closer to my dad, curious about who he might have brought. There was a couple blocking us from seeing the woman standing next to him. “Have you met my dad?” I asked Blaire.
“I haven’t. I’d love to.”
“I’m dying to know who he brought as his date. He’s so nice that he assumes everyone else is, too.”
“Women take advantage of him?”
“Well, they try to. He swears he’s never marrying again.”
“How many times has he been married?”
“Only once.”
Blaire glanced up at me. “Your parents never remarried? Do you think they’re still in love with each other?”
“Pretty sure they’re not.” I wove us around several people in animated conversation, dodging elbows and drinks as politely as possible.
Blaire tsked. “Oh, she’s very young.”
