“Maxi!”
Chandler grabbed Maxi’s elbow and turned her away from James.
“Excuse me,” he said to James then turned back to Maxi. “I have someone you simply must meet.”
Maxi shot him an apologetic look as Chandler dragged her away. “Sorry, we can talk later.”
James was left staring. What had she been about to say? That it wasn’t necessary to apologize because she’d already moved on? His hopes plummeted. She’d rushed off with Chandler and left him there. That said enough, didn’t it?
He put his glass of champagne on the next passing tray and left.
Andie wasn’t scanning the crowd at the art gallery grand opening for anyone in particular. Certainly not for Shane Flannery. Talking to Jane about high school proms had brought up memories of Shane. She still had vivid memories of how he’d looked the night of their senior prom, still a kid but almost a man. He’d made everything magical—an orchid wrist corsage, a limo, dinner at a fancy restaurant then the prom, the beach later.
Oh well, that was all in the past. Andie sighed and sank into the shadows of the ten-foot-tall potted palm in the corner, where she’d retreated to be alone with her thoughts.
As she scanned the crowd, her gaze fell on Jane, Maxi, and Claire. They were clustered around one of Maxi’s paintings and looked to be having a great time. Maxi’s cheeks were flushed with pride, and Andie felt happy for her. She really was talented, and Andie had heard several of the attendees comment on how vibrant her paintings were. Maxi was going to have a successful career.
Maxi might have been right about Chandler, though. Andie noticed the way Chandler looked at her. Right now he was talking to a group in the corner, but his eyes kept straying to Maxi.
Where was James? Andie had seen him and Maxi talking earlier. It had looked serious, and Andie had hoped they were reconciling. But now she couldn’t find him. Hopefully James wouldn’t see the way Chandler was eyeing his wife.
The palm tree rustled, and Mike stepped out, his expression registering surprise when he saw Andie.
“Oh, hi. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here.” He peered out into the crowd warily as if not wanting to be seen.
“Are you hiding from someone?”
Mike’s gaze flicked back to Andie. He sighed. “Sort of. My ex is here, and I think she might not want to be my ex anymore.”
“You mean she’s still interested in you?” Was that the phone call Jane had been worried about? Protective feelings for her baby sister bubbled up. “Do you return the interest?”
“What? No! That’s why I’m hiding back here. She’s very... persistent. Practically threw herself at me when she saw me.” His gaze went back to the crowd, and his voice softened. “I don’t want it to ruin my chances with Jane.”
“Which one is she?” Andie knew practically no one there, and she was curious.
Mike pointed his chin toward a blond woman. She looked to be in her thirties, younger than Mike. She was batting her eyelashes up at a tall gentleman. “Looks like she might have found another victim.”
Mike let out a breath and leaned against the wall. “Let’s hope. I don’t know why she’s still after me. I broke up with her before I came out here. She usually goes for rich, prominent guys that can help her be seen around town. Not sure what I even saw in her. She’s nothing compared to Jane.”
Andie turned to study Mike. The guy was clearly distraught. “She usually goes for rich prominent guys?”
“Yeah, she likes the limelight. Sort of a social climber.”
“What’s her name?”
“Tiffany.”
Andie handed Mike her champagne glass. “I think I have an idea that might help you out and also solve another problem at the same time.”
The night had been like a dream come true, Maxi thought, as she stood with Jane and Claire in front of her painting.Herpainting! Hanging on the wall during an art gallery showing. Just two months ago she would have laughed if anyone told her she’d be standing here now with her two best friends. There was only one other person who she would want at her side.
“Have you guys seen James?” she asked.
“I saw him earlier but not in the last half hour. Did you talk to him?” Jane looked distracted. She was scanning the crowd, probably looking for Mike.
Maxi nodded. “We talked earlier, but Chandler pulled me away to meet one of the art gallery patrons, and I’ve been looking for him ever since.”
“Did you resolve anything?” Claire asked. She was wearing a chic pink tea-length dress that gave her a rosy glow and made her look like she was twenty-five. Or maybe she glowed because she had come on Rob’s arm. The two were clearly infatuated. Maxi had watched them as they kept looking through the crowd for each other, Claire’s cheeks turning pink every time they locked eyes.
