Page 77 of Hats off to Love

“Would you like a drink?” he asks, his hand slipping to the small of my back. I cut the back low, so low it’s almost to my waist, and his fingers divide time between my skin and the dress.

“Wine would be great.”

“What, no bourbon?” he teases, and I again marvel at how different this Stokes is from even just a few days ago. Between our talk at the tasting and the talk yesterday at his house on the farm, some unknown restraints that were still present seem to have been unlocked, and now he’s allowing me to see him in all his glory, just him. He’s relaxed. No airs, no pretenses, no expectations. It’s my favorite version of him yet, one that’s impossible not to love.

“No bourbon.” I smile at him and think how lucky I am to be here with him.

As we’re standing in line, we both spot Suzy at the same time she spots us. This time, she doesn’t get all dopey-eyed over Stokes, instead curling her lip up at him with what almost looks like hatred. Beside me, Stokes tenses. The two of them have a faceoff, and then in typical Suzy form, she flips her platinum hair over her shoulder, turns on her heel, and walks away. Tonight she has a date with her, and if I could, I’d give him my condolences.

“What was that all about?” I ask him.

“Nothing. Work stuff,” he says, effectively letting me know he doesn’t want to discuss it.

It’s at this moment that his mood shifts a tiny bit. I’m sure he thinks I don’t notice, but I do, and I don’t understand it. Yes, he’s still charming, and yes, he’s still attentive, but there’s something behind his eyes that makes me feel like I should be on edge.

Did something happen between the two of them? I can’t imagine that it did, but there was no mistaking the way she looked at him and his reaction in return.

Collecting our drinks, we decide to make one lap around the room for social niceties. We run into Stokes’s colleague Christopher, who has been invited to sit with the family tomorrow. We find Molly and Austin, who we spend a lot of time with, and then we keep walking, allowing people to say hello to us both.

“Hi, are you Rosie May?” asks a young woman in a black dress.

I turn toward her, and my jaw nearly comes unhinged.

“I am, and you are Katy Wilde,” I reply, using the most contained tone I can. Katy Wilde is the current “it” actress. This year she won an Academy Award for a role she played as the heroine in a historical romance in Cleveland during the Great Depression. There’s murder, mystery, family, life, and love. It was incredible, and from what I hear, there are rumors that her next release is going to be an even bigger hit.

She smiles, pleased that I have recognized her, but it’s completely the other way around. Katy Wilde recognized me! What is this life?

Stokes squeezes my hand, letting me know he knows who she is as well.

“I’m so happy to run into you here.” She reaches out and clasps my arm with excitement. Meanwhile, I’m trying to not pass out. “I saw the dress you made for Avery Layne, and it was sensational. I don’t know if you have the time, but I would love it if you could design and make a dress for me as well. I have a premiere in the fall. Do you think you could do it in time?”

“I can do it. With the Derby over tomorrow, things will slow down, so your timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

She squeals. “Oh my, I’m so excited.”

I laugh. “That makes two of us. Thank you for thinking of me.”

“Are you kidding? You are all my friends and I are talking about. We’ve seen your website, and I’m certain others will be reaching out as well.”

My website! I’m so sorry Molly isn’t here to hear this.

“I’m shocked, but I look forward to it. Just call the shop. I’m the only one there, or sometimes it’s Molly, my best friend, but I’d love to design something with you.”

“I’m so excited.” She beams. “Take a picture with me?”

“Of course.”

She shoves her phone at Stokes, who happily plays his part. The two of us stand together and smile, and then he and I watch her walk away.

“Did that just happen?” I look up to find him now watching me.

“Big things are going to happen for you. I know it,” he says, just before he bends down to kiss the corner of my mouth.

I lean into him and breathe in his clean familiar scent.

“Dance with me?” Stokes asks.

I pull back and look up at him. “Do you even know how to dance?” I ask, teasing him because I’ve never actually seen him dance before.