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He pulled the door open for me. “You look stunning as hell in that dress, babe.”
“Thank you. You are pretty hot in that tux.” I eyed him, wishing tonight was the kind of night that was about romance. It wasn’t.
The elevator deposited us in the foyer. Paul and Aubrey were waiting for us at the exit. I saw the long black car parked out front.
“Kate,” Aubrey walked toward me. “You look amazing.”
We embraced, kissing each other on opposite cheeks. “I love that color on you. That was definitely the right choice.” She wore a floor-length deep purple gown that hugged her curves. Her hair was swept to one side. I admired the pearl choker.
“Is that new?” I didn’t recognize it from the afternoon we paired accessories with our dresses.
“It is.” She grinned. “Paul bought it for me.”
“He has excellent taste.”
Vaughn and Paul shook hands.
“Shall we?” Paul extended his arm to lead us to the car.
“Oh wait. I just need to drop something in the post.” My heels clicked on the marble as I scurried to the brass box. I pulled the envelope from my beaded clutch and slipped it inside. I plastered a smile on my face and returned to meet our hosts for the evening.
Vaughn offered his arm. “Feel better?” he whispered in my ear. Paul and Aubrey were already at the bottom of the stairs. Paul was explaining something to the driver.
I nodded. “It’s not much, but I hope it’s something that helps her when this blows up.”
We walked around to the street side of the car, where the chauffer waited for us to duck inside.
I lifted the hem of my dress and scooted across the seat. Aubrey and Paul held hands across from us. I watched as he kissed her knuckles affectionately.
I looked up at the third story of the building as the car maneuvered into traffic. I had left the lamps on by the vanity. The glow faded behind us and it was the last look I had of our bedroom. I squeezed Vaughn’s hand for reassurance.
Our entire lives would change tonight. I had to believe they would change for the better, because if I gave in to the alternative, I’d never get out of this car.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Ok. I want you to meet these people.” Aubrey pulled me close to her. “You’ll give me your honest opinion.” We wandered through the crowd in the ballroom.
I had to stop gawking at the dresses and jewelry. Everyone here dripped with wealth. I needed to fit in, not stick out. Not tonight.
“What kind of opinion?” I asked, fidgeting with my clutch.
“I’ve had this idea lately,” she mused.
My eyebrows rose. We stopped in front of a waiter, holding a silver tray of champagne glasses. We each took one. He moved on to the next patron.
“What kind of idea?” I tried to keep one eye on Aubrey and the other on Vaughn. He and Paul had wandered to the other side of the room. Our distance made me uncomfortable.
“I’ve been feeling a little lost since we moved. You know that. I’ve told you how useless I’ve felt in Paris.” She shrugged.
I nodded in agreement. It was something we shared—losing our purpose. We commiserated over bottles of wine about being supportive wives, looking for more.
“I started painting again,” she blurted.
“You have?”
She nodded. “Why not? This is Paris, right? City of light and art. I’m not ready to share the first couple with anyone other than Paul, but I had this idea to maybe start with a showing for the children’s home. I could combine my passion with Paul’s. Join forces.”
I sipped the champagne. I had vowed not to drink more than a few swallows. “I think that’s a great idea. I love it.”
