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I smiled and sidled up to my mother’s side. “Sorry to interrupt,” I said. “Hi, Imogene.”
“Hayden!” She beamed. “You look incredible! You’re positively glowing.”
Mom examined me and raised her brows. I shot her a warning look and smiled.
“It’s good to see you,” I said, embracing Imogene.
“And you,” she said. “I just got a new thoroughbred. You should come out and ride him. And see the solarium I just had remodeled.”
“Love to,” I said. “How’s married life treating you?”
She waved her left hand, flashing an extravagant ring that didn’t look at all too big for her finger. “Pure bliss.”
“I’m so glad,” I said.
“Hayden is actually dating someone. Where is Royce, darling?” Mom asked.
“He had to take a phone call,” I said. “Actually, I need to talk to you about the seating arrangements. Do you have a moment?”
Mom looked at Imogene. “Excuse us?”
“Of course,” she said with an understanding smile. “A hostess’s job is not done until the caterers are paid.”
“You understand it well,” Mom said.
Imogene took her glass of wine and whisked away, leaving me alone with my mother.
“That empty seat we left open at our table? Walker Anderson is going to join us.”
“Fabulous.”
“Next to Charlie,” I specified.
“Well, isn’t that interesting,” she said with a wide grin.
“Don’t say anything to Dina, okay?” I said. “You know she’d support it and once that happens Charlie will do anything to sabotage it.”
“You’re right.”
I had my own reasons for wanting Charlie and Walker to hit it off. She wasn’t going to forget about Savage until a new man entered her life. As much as Charlie claimed she wanted a bad boy, I knew she’d get tired of her rebellious stage and eventually settle down.
“Where’s Arnold?” I asked.
Mom frowned. “I don’t know, actually. The last I saw him he was taking a phone call, but he hasn’t come back yet.”
“When were you going to tell me Tyler was coming?” I asked.
“Tyler’s here?” She looked around. “I had no idea. You were there with me when we finalized the seating chart. He wasn’t on the list.”
“Maybe he’s crashing the party.”
“I can get security,” Mom insisted.
“No, it’s fine. I don’t want your event ruined with scandal. Leave him be.”
“I would’ve told you if he was coming. I never would’ve clobbered you with that out of the blue.” Her expression clouded. “I’ve never forgiven him for how he treated you after the funeral.”
“It’s done now,” I said. “I don’t want to think about that time in my life. Not when I’m…”
