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“I’ll be back in a minute.” I touched his arm, and our eyes locked for something more than a teasing exchange. I noted a glimmer of concern in his eyes.
Liam was chatting with a guest when I crashed in. I smiled apologetically at the man before tapping on Liam’s arm.
“Excuse me,” he said to the older guest then followed me out into the dining area.
“Sorry about that, but I really need to talk to you,” I said.
“What’s happened?” he asked.
I nearly pulled a waiter by the arm for a refill. “Do you want one?” I asked.
He nodded, and I collected two glasses from the tray.
“You’re hitting it hard, Ives. That’s your third drink, and you’ve been here five minutes.” He chuckled.
“He really does want to introduce me to his parents. I thought he was only kidding.”
“Didn’t you meet them at the last party?”
“Yes, a year ago. But I was just Sara’s friend. Not Chase’s girlfriend.”
“What’s the problem? You’ve done nothing but pine for Chase all year. Now you’ve got him dripping all over you, and you look like you’re about to have a tooth pulled.”
I laughed nervously. “I don’t look that worried, do I?” I half drained my glass.
“Uh-huh.”
“He makes me feel crazy.”
“Crazy’s good. Crazy’s fun. What else is there, Ives?”
“You’re right, as always.” Sipping my champagne, I started to relax.
I smiled at my friend, who was wearing a jacket with golden musical instruments over his burgundy slacks. “That’s nice. Have you just had it made?” I stroked the sleeve.
While trying to process why meeting Chase’s parents had me wanting to hide in a corner, I welcomed a change of subject.
“It’s a hoot, isn’t it? I picked up the fabric at a bazaar and took it to Gino’s. You know that old Sicilian tailor I told you about?”
I smiled. Liam and his outlandish jackets.
My eyes caught Esme swishing about in her see-through dress, which was a cross between a fairytale princess dress and a negligee. I tilted my head in her direction. “She’s one of Chase’s girls.”
His brow puckered. “Really? An ex?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know if they were an item. But I’m pretty sure he slept with her. She was virtually unzipping his pants a minute ago.”
He laughed. “Well, she’s out there. I mean, the girl forgot to finish dressing.”
“That’s the craze. You of all people know that.”
“Oh, I do. But for a black-tie event?”
“Mm… I guess. It’s the latest, though, isn’t it? Wear as little as you can get away with.”
“Those are butt implants for sure,” he said.
“Or she’s a gym junkie addicted to squats.”
