Flo blushed, and Troy found it charming.
“Thank you,” she said. “I appreciate your saying so.”
Troy agreed that Flo had worked miracles with fabric and thread and talent. But though Michaela’s dress was beautiful, she was the one who made it shine, rather than the other way around.
Then, looking past Fernsby’s shoulder, Michaela couldn’t seem to help herself. “Is that Smith Sullivan?”
Troy answered nonchalantly. “Yes. And his wife Valentina.”
He hadn’t thought of Michaela as the starstruck type, especially since she worked with billionaires. Though he hadn’t asked, he was sure she’d matched movie stars and other high-profile celebrities.
Flo said in a dreamy voice, “He’s one of our favorite heroes in our favorite romantic movies.”
Susan added wistfully, “He’s a darling.”
She waved, and Smith and Valentina headed their way. Troy had met the couple at a few events. It was hard not to in the upper echelons of San Francisco Bay Area society. He’d always liked the man and felt he was down-to-earth despite his fame.
Susan gave Smith a quick kiss on the cheek. Though a tall woman, she still had to go up on her tiptoes. Then she hugged Valentina. “It’s so wonderful you could both come.” She reached for Flo’s elbow. “Allow me to introduce you to my new friends. This is Michaela Killian and her mother, Flo.”
Was Michaela swooning when Smith shook her hand and spoke to her? No, no, that was Troy’s imagination. Flo, on the other hand, looked a little faint.
Susan went on, “And you already know Troy Harrington.”
Smith nodded and held out his hand to shake. “Good to see you again.”
“And this is Fernsby.” Susan put her arm around Fernsby’s shoulders. Good God, the man didn’t even flinch. He looked almost like a purring cat.
Smith smiled that drop-dead movie star smile of his. “I know Fernsby. Everyone,” he confessed, “knows Fernsby.”
The ever-so-modest Fernsby put a hand to his chest. “Of course, sir. There can be only one.”
Smith let out a loud laugh that turned heads—and not only because he was a handsome movie star.
Trust Fernsby not to be intimidated by fame.
Susan smiled at Valentina. “Your dress is lovely.”
“Thank you.” The beautiful woman stroked her abdomen.
Susan’s eyes went wide. “Is there something you need to tell us, dear?”
Valentina’s smile could light up a dark room. She took Smith’s hand. “I’m so glad you like the dress. It’s my first maternity dress.”
Susan squealed like only a grandmother could when she heard she was to have another grandchild, even if Valentina wasn’t related to her. She hugged the woman tightly, and stepping back, she said, “I’m so happy for you both.”
Flo asked, “When are you due, dear?”
Valentina gave them all a high-wattage smile. “November.”
Flo seemed to glow. “A holiday baby. How wonderful.”
Then Susan asked, “Do you know if you’re having a little girl or a boy? Or maybe you’re keeping that a secret until the baby’s birth?”
Valentina caressed her belly, though Troy could hardly make out a baby bump. With a smile for her husband, she said softly, “A baby girl.”
Susan squeezed Valentina again amid a flurry of questions. Had they picked out names? Did they think pink for a little girl, or would they choose all the colors of the rainbow? Had they started on the nursery?
The celebrity in the group, Smith Sullivan, was completely forgotten. Meeting Troy’s gaze over their heads, he mouthed, Baby talk.
