Nothing of relevance, perhaps a nice bonus.
A way to seal a deal, show a gesture of goodwill.
Ugh.
The older men are old to me.
They’re in their sixties, judging by their salt and pepper hair and ridiculous demeanor.They look like art collectors about to bid on a rare find.
I feel like I’m about to faint.
More sweat trickles down my back as I look around for anything that could help me.
I grab a cold glass of champagne, press the condensation-covered glass against my forehead, and take a sip under my best friend's worried eyes.
I put on such a brave face when I had talked to her earlier, and now I’m losing it.
I drink half of my champagne and quickly feel the warmth of the alcohol sweeping through my veins.
It’s probably not the best idea.
And I might also need something stronger.
I signal to one of the servers and ask for hard liquor.
The man barely nods in acknowledgment when a voice rings behind me.
“Bring her a glass of water,” Sylvia says, gesturing at him. “And hurry.”
She grabs my arm and pulls me away from Rory, who witnesses everything helplessly.
“What are you doing?” she asks under her breath, the irritation in her voice hitting me like a ton of bricks.
I knew tonight was important. I didn’t think it wasthatimportant for her to stage a solo intervention.
“I need you to keep it together for once, Leilani,” she says quietly but just as firmly as she shakes me. “You can’t make an ass of yourself.”
Annoyed, I yank my arm out of her lock and turn to face her.
My eyes have no filter when they shoot fury in her direction.
“Can you just, for once, let me do what I want? It’s my birthday party, and I want to have a drink. I don’t need your permission for that.”
Her lips slide into a firm line as she stifles a retort.
I see how hard it is for her to keep her temper under control. I notice how difficult it is to compel herself to perform a little longer so that I fall into the trap they set for me without a fight.
“It wasn’t my idea to bring these people to my party. And for sure, it isn’t my idea to look for a husband. I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”
Her dark expression thickens for a second before something happens, and she slowly relaxes, a soft smile curling her lips.
“Sweetheart, you do need a man. Have you seen what’s out there? Giorgio and I will be gone at some point. The money won’t be powerful enough to protect you. A man, and not any man, will give you what you need and keep youalive,” she says, gauging my reaction.
I can’t believe her.
Does she think I’m that stupid?
“Why don’t you let me worry about that then?” I throw at her before gesturing at Rory to follow me inside.
