“You only say that because you got knocked up by one.”
“Shut up,” Daisy said, but she smiled.
Anna arched her brow. “Careful it doesn’t happen again.”
“It won’t.” Daisy hoped her voice sounded more certain than she felt.
“Mm-hmm. I’ve seen this film before, the Jameson and Daisy saga. No one is fooled.” Anna took a sip, eyes glittering. “You’re already radiating. He is growing on you.”
“Who’s growing on you?” Lenny’s voice sounded from behind them, Jameson by his side.
Anna played it cool.
“Well, if you must know, I was hoping that any one of these eligible hotties would begrowingon me tonight, if you know what I mean.”
Lenny didn’t find it amusing. “If you don’t recall, I’m your date and it would be rather distasteful to leave with any of these ‘hotties.’”
“Don’t worry, Lenny, I’ll let you join in on the fun. Now come and start introducing me to your rich and famous friends.”
By the time dinner service was ready to begin, Daisy’s head spun. So many hellos, so many polite smiles. Through it all, Jameson stayed easy and kind, making space for her in every conversation like it was instinct.
It felt… right.
That was until Daisy sawher.
She had aged well in the way money can buy, smooth where it shouldn’t be, and sharp where it should’ve softened. She approached with a cunning smile etched onto her mouth.
Harley Luxor.
Daisy’s heart stuttered. Old nausea, and the same anger.
“Well,” Harley purred, “isn’t this a cute little reunion.”
Jameson’s smile collapsed. He shifted, the smallest step in front of her, as if his body could shield Daisy. “What are you doing, Harley?”
“Saying hello to old friends.”
“You came to stir up shit. Keep walking.”
“Is that how you speak to the woman who made your career?” She patted his shoulder with two fingers. “The woman who ensured your success.”
“Harley,” he warned.
Her gaze slid to Daisy, mouth curling. “I hear you kept that littlebastardafter all. Surprising. You always were so weak-willed—”
Jameson’s voice dropped, sounding lethal. “If you ever refer to my child or her mother like that again, I will—”
“What? Ruin me?” she cooed. “Bit late for that. Remember?”
Before Jameson could cut her with his words, she pivoted on six-inch Louboutins and said, “Enjoy your night, now,” and vanished into the room.
Daisy blew out an unsteady breath. “She’s still the worst.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should’ve known she would emerge from the pits of hell.”
She bubbled a laugh. “Don’t apologize. I’m fine.”I think.“Let’s just go find our table.”
“She said what?!” Anna yelled as Daisy recounted the exchange with Harley. Anna wanted to march across the room and rearrange Harley’s face. Daisy had to physically anchor her in her chair until the auction began. This was not the time or place. It was, after all, a charity event.
