A waiter passed and we snagged a couple of drinks. I studied the dark blue concoction in the martini glass, an exotic flower floating on top. I took a sip and almost choked, the taste bitter and entirely too sweet at the same time.
“What the fuck is this drink?” Iwhispered.
“Didn’t you read the pamphlet?” Coen paused, brow raised. “Of course you didn’t. Forget I asked.”
“What does the pamphlet have to do with a drink?”
Coen leaned close, ensuring no one else overheard. “It’s a drink made especially in honor of Anya Thornheart. Supposedly it’s her favorite.”
“It’s revolting.”
“Utterly abhorrent.”
Another waiter passed and I set my almost full drink on his tray.
“Liam,” Coen chastised.
I shrugged. “I’m not drinking that.”
I scanned the room, hoping for a bar where I could find something better. There.
“I’ll be back.”
“Don’t do anything impulsive,” Coen urged.
I gave him a sly grin. “Untwist your panties and worry about yourself. I hope everyone in attendance is dying to speak with you and follows you around the entire night just to hear about this new plant or whatever you’ve created this time.”
“Fuck off,” he murmured before walking away.
Laughing to myself, I made my way through the crowd. I hadn’t seen Cerise yet, though I knew she had to be here already. Knowing her, she was probably one of the first to arrive.
Stopping before the dark wood counter, I leaned in to the bartender, an older man with gray hair and bright blue eyes. “Do you have any beer?”
He smirked. “Not a fan of that blue thing?”
“It’s an abomination. Have you tried it?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I do have a limited supply of beer. Here you go.”
Popping the top, he handed me an amber glass bottle. With a salute of thanks, I turned around. Only to come face to face with Cerise’s mother.
“Ah. Doctor Thornheart.” I tipped my head. “Congratulationson being honored tonight. I look forward to your presentation.”
She was a severe-looking woman. Her gray hair was slicked back and she wore a high-necked conservative black ballgown with matching gloves. Shorter than Cerise, she had to look up at me to meet my gaze. But though I was taller than her, she had the knack to make anyone feel small.
Glancing at my hand, she asked, “Have you tried my drink?”
“I have. But it was just a tad strong for my taste.”
“Clearly.” She scrutinized me, painstakingly slowly, as if trying to figure me out. “It’s too bad you and my daughter weren’t there when the discovery was made. You could be on that stage being honored tonight too.”
The nerve of this woman. “We were a little busy getting kidnapped by poachers, I’m afraid.”
She frowned at me. “Not surprising you would make light of such a perilous situation. No wonder the two of you were lost for so long. I’m surprised my daughter even made it out alive.”
For the first time in my life, I was speechless. No wonder Cerise was the way she was. Honestly, I was astounded she had any semblance of kindness or confidence after seeing how her mother treated her at our rescue and how she was behaving now.
A much older woman approached, calling Anya’s name. With one last cold look at me, she turned and greeted her, diving into a conversation.
