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“I’m afraid I’ve lost my name tag, but here’s my business card if you need ID.”
The three women quieted and studied his card.
“I thought you’d moved to Texas after your wedding,” Brenda mused.
“He’s divorced now,” Hanna supplied. “Jacquie, call Jocelyn over. She’s right behind you, but don’t say anything.”
Matt didn’t smile anymore. The last person he wanted to see was his ex-wife’s cousin. As blonde as Cybil but less flamboyant, Jocelyn set her drink on their table.
“D’you know this guy?” Hanna giggled, all heads turning to the newcomer.
Jocelyn’s lip protruded arrogantly. “Hi Royce, standing in for your brother?”
“Hi Jossie.” He crossed his arms and peered at her.
“He’s Matt, Jocelyn,” Hanna said. “We didn’t recognize him either.”
“Oh my God, if Cybil saw you, she’d flip. She complained often enough about you being too starchy, too old-fashion.”
“People change.”
“So, you’ve moved on. Cybil has, too. She remarried and had a baby two months ago.”
A muscle tensed at the end of his jaw. Cybil had refused to start a family with him, claiming he couldn’t offer her a comfortable life.
“Good to hear she’s finally found happiness.”
“Matt, are you working in your father’s clinic?” Brenda glanced at his card.
“My father left five years ago to open a clinical center on St. John Island. My partner and I are directing the Winston Clinic. We have a large staff, and we’ve expanded to include a greater variety of surgeries.”
After studying his card, Jacquie patted her neck. “Do you do facelifts and…huh, other surgeries?”
“Yes, ma’am, all kinds of plastic and reconstructive surgery, although we deal mostly with post-accident surgery, burn patients, and kids born with defects. Call the office and request a brochure for more information.”
“I will.” She raised her eyebrows in Hanna’s direction and slid Matt’s card into her Cartier purse.
Royce would have the shock of his life learning that rather than enhancing his love life, Matt had successfully promoted his clinic.
The loud speaker announcement interrupted their chat. Dinner would be served soon and guests were urged to take a seat at the dining tables.
“Nice seeing you again, Matt,” Hanna said. “Jacquie and I have to join our hubbies.”
“Me, too,” Jocelyn added.
He turned to Brenda, arching his eyebrows. “Anyone waiting for you?”
“I came alone.”
He smiled. “Would you join me for dinner?”
“I would love to.”
She stood. Her purse dropped.
Matt crouched to pick it up and found his name tag under her chair.
“Your purse.” He handed it to her and stuck the tag back onto his shirt, smoothing it out to make sure it wouldn’t fall again, then indicated she should walk ahead of him.
