The men laugh amongst themselves. Greg tips my chin towards him with his fist.
“I’ve got to go and chat up these old farts. Dominic Webster owns one of the largest international banks that is based in Switzerland. So, you know it’s a good move to chat to him. Less tax here means more in our pocket, baby!” Before I can answer, he kisses my forehead and opens his arms to the group of menwho are awaiting his company.
“Let’s get fucked up, boys,” he shouts as he embraces one of the older men who is chuckling to himself.
I awkwardly stand there alone for a moment until I spot Lauren heading in my direction. She looks incredible that’s for sure. She’s wearing an emerald green ballgown which could easily hide a couple of people under there. Her hair is long, swishing down her back, and tiny diamonds have been placed through it, so it shines whenever it hits the light.
“Harri! Darling! I’m actually surprised to see you.” She smirks and looks me up and down. “And actually dressed like a human being today and not a dosser, I see.”
I smirk back. “Well, I wouldn’t miss your ‘charity’ ball, would I?”
She laughs, stifling her embarrassment. We all know this isn’t about the charity, but God forbid bringing it up and letting the host know how selfish and uncharitable they actually are.
“Always funny, Harri.” She rolls her eyes then rests her hand on my forearm, leaning in slightly. “Talking of funny, your parents are over there. We must go and see them.”
My stomach drops. I try to avoid my parents at all costs. I knew they were going to be here, but I was hoping to fly under the radar and miss them.
“Mr and Mrs Montgomery,” Lauren calls over and waves in their direction, before pulling me through the crowd. “Guess who I found…” She shoves me forwards presenting me to my own parents.
Both look a little shocked to see me out of my pit and back into society. Worry falls across my mother’s face, but not worry for her daughter’s welfare, worry that people will find out that I’m struggling.
“Harriet, baby.” My mother kisses my cheeks and brings me into an embrace. “So glad you could make it. With how busyyou’ve been wedding planning, it’s a miracle you’ve had some free time. But that’s my Harriet, so charitable.” She looks around her to make sure listening ears hear her lies.
So that’s what she’s been telling people who haven’t seen me out recently. I smile and nod, so as not to give Lauren any more satisfaction or drama. She looks disappointed it wasn’t a juicier introduction.
“And Lauren, looking gorgeous, darling. And emerald green in late summer? What a brave choice.” My mother looks Lauren up and down. I can always count on her to be the bigger bitch when she thinks someone is trying to undo the family image.
“Thank you, Cassandra.” Lauren smiles awkwardly. “Best go and mingle with all my many guests. See you later, Harriet.” She sashays off into the crowd.
My mother turns to look at me. “You know, darling, that girl has always been jealous of you. I’d be extremely careful in what you share. You were the person people picked, sweetheart. She was just there in your shadow waiting to take over.”
I stare at her blankly. Did my mother just compliment me?
“I’ve not told her anything, just that I’m taking some time out, but thank you, Mother, I’ll keep it in mind,” I assure her.
My father breaks the silence. “Where’s our handsome Gregory? I’m assuming he came with.” A man of few words, my dad, but his love for Greg always makes him pipe up.
“He’s somewhere. Schmoozing most likely.” Trying to hold my eye roll takes a lot of restraint.
“Good for him. I’ll go and find him. You girls catch up.” He kisses my mother’s cheek and squeezes my hand before leaving to find my fiancé, the one I don’t think I even want to marry anymore.
I let my father leave before pulling my mother closer to me. “Can we talk, Mother?”
“If it’s about your ‘blip’, then no, dear, here isn’t the place.”She smiles at those around her so as not to draw attention to what is coming out of my mouth.
“Mother, I just don’t know what I’m doing…” I say, lowering my voice.
Her eyes turn wide and angry. “Harriet, not the place nor time. Stop it right this instant.” Her tone becomes stern and hushed so as not to alarm anyone standing near us that something is wrong.
“I’m sorry. I’m just… You’re right, not the time nor place.” I pull myself together for the sake of my mother, Greg, my father and the rest of the guests who didn’t come here to see a twenty-five-year-old break down at a charity ball.
She composes herself quickly, smiling at someone who waves at her in the background of the party. She pulls me closer and picks the tiniest piece of lint off my dress. “Good girl. Now, Alexandra Berkshire has invited us to an afternoon tea tomorrow and since you’re now out and about, I think this would be a perfect opportunity to show that there isn’t anything wrong going on and time you get over this little episode and get on with it.”
Panic starts to arise in my chest. I don’t want to go to Alexandra Berkshire’s tea party. I don’t even want to be here. My hands become clammy. A strange tingle flutters inside me, like fear but hot and slightly painful.
“I need to find Greg.” The lump is back in my throat. It was a mistake coming here. I’m obviously not myself and shouldn’t have pushed it this far to come out with these people. These selfish fucking people.
I walk past my mother into the crowd, completely ignoring her request to go to a tea party. I spot Greg and my father talking with the same group of men Greg left me to go and speak to earlier. They’re all laughing obnoxiously loud. I pull on Greg’s arm and smile at the men around us.
