“Marlen’s going to have a quick swim,” I tell her.
“No, no, I don’t have time. I just came to invite you to tomorrow night’s gala. The Persephone Benefit, the charity auction for the two families in the city,” he reminds me.
“Oh, shit, is that tomorrow? I completely forgot it was coming up soon.”
I sip my beer, suddenly realizing that the Marcas family usually attends those events, and they will most likely be there tomorrow night. “I’ll go,” I answer quickly. “I can do some networking and show my face,” I add, hoping I didn’t sound too eager when I answered. I usually don’t enjoy these things, and Marlen knows it.
“Oh, great, I thought you were going to give me some random excuse. That’s great. I’ll RSVP for you when I get home. And Blair, would you like to go to the gala? The girls usually love it because they get to dress up.” He looks down at the pool, smiling at Blair.
My stomach knots. If Jaco is there, I don’t want Blair anywhere near him. I don’t even want her near his family. Iwant to keep her as far away from him as possible and as safe as possible.
“Oh, wow, I’ve never been to anything like a gala. I wouldn’t even know what to wear,” she says.
“I’m sure Simon can help you choose the right dress,” Marlen says. “Right, Simon?”
“Uh, I don’t know. Maybe she should wait this one out. There are a lot of dangerous people there. Also, we would have to go shopping, and there isn’t much time…”
I am tripping over excuses, trying to think of a good one that would keep Blair home and safe.
Marlen knots his brows at me, confused why I wouldn’t want her with me.
“Uh, okay, well, talk to Blair about it and let me know,” he says, frowning.
“Yeah, will do, I say awkwardly, glancing at Blair, who is quietly biting at her lip and fidgeting with her drink as she leans against the side of the pool.
Marlen downs the last of his beer and hands me the empty bottle. “Thanks for the beer. I’ve got to run,” he says.
“Cheers, man, thanks for stopping by,” I say.
Blair smiles, says goodbye, and I walk Marlen to the door.
When I get back out to the pool, Blair is out, wrapping a towel around herself.
“Are you done swimming? Should I order the food?” I ask cheerfully.
“I’ve never been to a gala before. It sounds like it would be fun,” she says cautiously, watching my face to read my reaction.
“Blair, it’s not fun at all. It’s crowded and packed with pompous people who all think they are more important than everyone else. I’m only going to network, and I’ll be in and out within the hour. It’s pointless for you to go. You’ll be bored out of your mind.”
“No, I won’t be. It’ll be a new experience.”
“Let’s rather wait and go to a better event together. In winter, they have the Winter Fairyland Ball. That’s something you’ll really enjoy,” I say with a hopeful smile.
I really don’t want her there tomorrow night. I don’t want her in danger.
Blair presses her lips together and nods. “I see. Alright. Um. Let’s order some food then,” she sounds disappointed. But I’d rather have her a little annoyed with me now than around Jaco and his family tomorrow.
“I’ll order us the mixed platter?” I ask, relieved that she’s let it go.
“Actually, no!” she huffs. “I’m not really okay with it. Are you embarrassed for me to go with you? Is that what this is about?”
“No, not at all! Not even close. I just don’t want you there.”
Fuck that came out wrong.
“You don’t want me there? Why? Are we not supposed to be the perfect husband and wife, or are you over that now?“ she says with hurt in her voice.
“That’s not what this is about,” I try to explain.
