Page 114 of Anton

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

THORA

By the time Greer and I arrive at the gala, the ballroom is already packed and glittering beneath the chandeliers.

A string quartet plays near the far side of the room, soft classical music drifting beneath the steady hum of conversation while waiters move through the crowd with gold trays. Everywhere I look, everyone who’s anyone smiles at one another like they’re here out of the goodness of their hearts instead of the far more honest reason: a favor from my father down the line in return for their hefty donation.

That’s how these things work, even when everyone pretends otherwise. Businessmen, politicians, celebrities, and anyone else who wants to grease Daddy’s palms are here for a good time.

Even Savannah and her family are here, though I’m shocked she came. Her father doesn’t surprise me. He’s always tried to get in good with Daddy, but Savannah has preferred to keep her distance.

I lift a bacon-wrapped date from a passing waiter’s tray, thankful no one has pushed me into Zachary’s arms yet.

A few feet away, Greer looks gorgeous in a black strapless silk gown, completely uninterested while some hedge fund guy talks her ear off. She gives him a polite smile, but I know my sister well enough to see she’s already mentally removed his spine and filed him under necessary social suffering.

Since rescuing her would only put me in his direct path, I decide this is the perfect time to get a drink. The bar stretches along the back wall beneath an arrangement of white roses and greenery, and I’m halfway there when one of the mirrored columns catches my reflection.

At first, I see only myself, the soft lace of my navy gown skimming my body. Then my attention shifts past my shoulder and my heart jumps hard enough to steal my breath.

Anton?

He’s standing a few feet behind me in a waiter’s uniform, dark eyes on mine through the reflection while people pass by him.

I turn so sharply that a man walking by with a tray of champagne nearly falls, his polite smile faltering as I stare past him like I’ve lost my mind. But when I search the room, Anton is nowhere to be found.

Pressing a hand to my stomach, I exhale slowly, trying to get a grip on myself. He wouldn’t come to Texas. He has nothing here, and I don’t want him here anyway.

But even as the thought forms, my gut tightens because it’s a lie. I’d do anything to see him just one more time.

As I make my way toward the bar, a familiar little voice cuts through the music.

“Aunt Thora!”

Rue comes barreling toward me, her baby-pink puffy dress swishing around her knees as Savannah follows behind her with a grin, looking effortlessly beautiful in her pale yellow silk gown. Over Savannah’s shoulder, near the edge of the crowd, Jace stands with a glass in his grip, watching them.

Well, mostly watching the woman he pretends he doesn’t want.

My brother may act indifferent, but when it comes to Savannah, there’s nothing indifferent about him. He doesn’t like to talk about it, but they had a thing once when they were teenagers—first kiss and all, and no one forgets that.

“Hey, Savannah. It’s so nice to see you.”

She reaches over for a hug. “You too. It’s been forever.”

“It has. How are Wren and your dad doing?”

“Hanging in there.” She drags in a long breath, pushing her dark auburn waves off her shoulders, her brown eyes shadowed with a hint of melancholy.

It hasn’t been that long since her mother passed away, and she and her sister have done what they can to help their father get through it.

“Doesn’t Savannah look pretty?” Rue grins, staring up at her with stars in her eyes. “I think Daddy thinks she looks pretty too.”

“Of course he does,” I say, just as Savannah gives me a look that says she’s in for it now.

“Have you said hi to each other yet?” Rue grabs her hand.

“Um…” Savannah clears her throat, silently begging me for help, but I’ve got nothing. Not against Rue.

“I think we should all go say hi. Look at him just standing there, looking sad. Come on, guys.”