“I could bore him with almond talk.”
“I haven’t heard you talk much about almonds.”
“Because I’m determined not to bore you.”
“You’re definitely not boring.” Lettie’s words zip around the small space in the car between us. And for the first time, I begin to hope. My eyes dart over to her. She’s exactly what I never knew I wanted. I really like her. I can’t screw this up.
***
As luck would have it, we bumpinto Caroline Bingham on the steps of the home hosting the party. Home seems inadequate in this situation. Mansion or palace or fortress seems a more fitting description for this tech investor’s residence.
“Darcy!” She runs up to kiss me on the cheek. “Love that tux on you, especially with that coat.” She looks at Lettie. “Don’t you agree? Betty.”
“Caroline, this is Lettie Benson, my date.” I place my hand on the small of Lettie’s back, currently covered in the white fur wrap. “I believe you met at the Pemberley Holiday Party.”
“Silly me, I’m terrible with names.” I don’t buy this for one minute. Caroline’s great with names. I’m guessing she said the wrong name on purpose to put Lettie in her place. I’m not impressed.
Caroline narrows her eyes, studying Lettie’s dress. “Is that Christian Dior?”
“Yes, vintage. The fur is fake, though.” Lettie seems just a little nervous.
“And how? . . . where . . . did you get this dress?” asks Caroline.
“It belonged to my aunt.”
“She had great taste; who was she?” Caroline follows us closely as we walk into the mansion, which resembles a French château.
“Just an Iowa farm girl who married a TV star. Have you ever seenKellylynch Farms?”
“OMG! Yes! Buck Harrington can get it.”
Lettie winces. “He’s my uncle. Dean Elliot married my dad’s sister.”
“No freaking way!” squeals Caroline. “Buck Harrington is your uncle? Wait!!! That means... ”
“Yep, April Rain is my cousin.”
“You... and April Rain... are related?” Caroline is kind of falling apart here. And I get it. April Rain is a big deal. “Have you met her?” Caroline sputters.
Lettie gives her an incredulous face. “Um, yeah, she’s my cousin. We were roommates in college.”
Caroline quickly pivots. “Does she have a stylist? Do you think she’d like one?”
“She did, but not right now. She’s finishing up her senior year at Iowa State. She mainly wears sweats and hoodies.”
“Maybe after she graduates, you could mention me.”
Lettie smiles and nods. “I’m not certain what her plans are, but I’ll keep you in mind.”
“I do the shopping for Darcy, you know.” Caroline puts a hand on my cashmere coat. Lettie’s eyes flash with disdain. Is it for the coat or for me paying someone to dress me? For the record, my mom hired Caroline “to spiff up my wardrobe” right after my dad died. I think she hoped if Caroline and I spent more time together, we’d find we were made for each other. Which was ridiculous since Caroline has a longstanding boyfriend. They broke up around Thanksgiving. But they’re back together again, which explains why Caroline’s paying more attention to my date than me. Fine by me; it’s clear that we were never a good fit. For one, I don’t want her to dress me for the rest of my life. Her taste is a bit expensive. When I balked at the price of some items, including the coat I’m wearing tonight, she tattled on me to my mom, who in turn reminded me that I need to look like a CEO to convince the board I can be one.
After my dad’s death, I took over his position, but only as an interim CEO. I don’t know who else the board wants for the job—if anyone at all. I think they’re just concerned about my age and inexperience. If it had been up to me, my mom would be the new CEO. But she’s made it clear that she’s finished with the family business. I still hope that Georgiana will change her mind and want to help me lead the company, but after the whole Noah debacle she’s lost her confidence.
We stop at the coat check. As I help Lettie out of her wrap, Caroline stops to admire Lettie’s dress all over again.
“I just can’t get over it. The beadwork—everything. Oh! and the shoes. Can I get a better look?” she asks.
Lettie lifts her leg and points her toe, pulling up the hem as she does so. I notice that the dress has a thigh slit and Lettie’s wearing black fishnet stockings.
