I step out, hand the keys to one of the valets, walk around to her side, and open her door.
Robyn lets me help her down. She slides the wrap a little tighter around her shoulders. Her heels are silver and high, so I slow my pace as we cross the cobbles.
A young woman with a clipboard at the door brightens the second she sees Robyn.
“Dr. Keller. We’re so glad you’re here. Good evening, sir.” The woman ticks her list. “May I take your wrap, Doctor?”
“No, thank you.” Robyn’s smile is polished. “I’ll keep it for now.”
“Of course. Please go through. I hope you have an amazing evening.”
We step into the main hall. There’s soft music playing, as well as the chink of glassware, together with voices that are low and well-mannered, layered on top of each other. The room is big, with high ceilings, and round tables draped in white. There’s a bar at the far end and a small stage to the right with a podium.
Heads turn the second Robyn steps into the room.
A woman in a navy gown breaks away from a small group near the bar and comes toward us with both hands out.
“Robyn, darling.”
Robyn’s whole face shifts. The polished smile gets a little warmer.
“Marlene, hi.” They do the cheek thing, both sides. “You look fantastic.”
“So do you. Look at this dress. Stunning.” Marlene’s eyes slide to me. “And who is this?”
“Oh, my apologies. How rude of me. This is Ridge,” Robyn says, still smiling. “Ridge, this is Marlene Saunders. She’s on the hospital board.”
I put my hand out. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Marlene shakes my hand, holding onto it for a little longer than is required. “How did our doctor manage to keep you a secret?”
“Easy,” I tell her. “She’s been busy.”
Marlene laughs. Robyn smiles.
We move on. Marlene hands us off to a man with silver hair. We do the rounds, and it’s damn near excruciating.
Robyn moves through the introductions with ease. She remembers names. She remembers wives. She remembers a charity gala from two years ago and a daughter who got into some important university on the Mainland. She’s good at this. Better than I would have guessed.
Somewhere around the third or fourth introduction, I excuse myself long enough to fetch us drinks. I bring her a glass of champagne and grab a beer for myself. She takes the smallest sip of champagne.
She’s impressive.
I keep my eyes moving. I make sure I know where the exits are, as well as the doors to the kitchens. There are two security guys posted near the stage. I clock the table layout.
She’s saying something to a couple about a new wing when someone joins us.
The woman at my elbow is tall. She’s in a sleek black gown that cuts low at the front. Her hair is short and platinum.
“Forgive me for interrupting.” Her voice is low and amused. She isn’t looking at Robyn, or the husband, or the wife. She’s looking at me. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Cassia Holt. I make sure most of the equipment in this hospital actually works.”
“I’m Ridge.”
“Tell me, Ridge, are you in medicine?”
“No.”
“Finance?”
