AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Nine
Vivian
The Stargazer function began at seven. I arrived at six o’clock with Daniel, feeling awkward for several reasons. Firstly, we looked like we arrived together as a couple even though I drove separately, and secondly, this crowd is a blast from my past.
My father dragged our family to who-knows-how-many business functions to celebrate his accomplishments. Whether it was a dinner or there was a podium or it was an excuse to get hammered like this one, they were basically the same. Rich folk like to see and be seen. They like other people to know who they are. I was one of them before my father went down in a blaze of shame. There’s a thought.
I sweep my hand down my dress and consider I’d fit in better if it had six more inches of length and fewer sequins. I stand out, but not because my dress is gaudy. Because it’s fun. No one here is dressed for fun.
It took two hours and a lot of sifting through racks before I found a dress that wouldn’t break the bank. The top is sleeveless, black sequins leading down to a skirt cut high in some places, low in others. It reminds me of the dress my salsa instructor wore when I was into that sort of thing. It’s a bit over the top for this event, but I couldn’t help buying it after I tried it on. It moves with me when I walk, the layers of skirt floating behind me. Pretty, if a little showy.
I didn’t pair it with the Louboutins. In the event Nate shows up tonight, I don’t want to appear overeager. I popped into a Lowz Shoe Depot and bought a gold pair of high-heeled sandals that loop at the ankle. They’re killing my feet, not gonna lie.
My hair is down and wavy, and my lips are muted pink. I’m approachable and friendly. Daniel meanders away from me, off to the side, and busies himself checking his cell phone every thirty seconds. He really is bad at this.
An hour into the event, I wish I would’ve worn the butter-soft Louboutins over the cheap, plastic-but-made-to-look-like-leather pair. This is the price of pride, people.
There are no chairs or tables, so guests mill around, drinks in hand and small-talk. I’ve been mingling for an hour. I’m bored, but not particularly pained by it. Evidently it’s like riding a bike.
“What was your name again?” Bob Londers asks me. He owns the golf course that’s been a Clear Ridge staple for over sixty years. He’s opened several courses in Florida. He once played Augusta. I nodded politely through each of his stories. I secretly wonder if he ever played on one of my dad’s golf courses. Walter Steele built several with his stolen money. Bob is trying to impress me.
“Vivian,” I answer. “I’m in the process of being certified as an inspector for the city, but I’ve been with the bureau for a while.”
“Well, you belong somewhere more regal if you ask me.” He smiles and a similar frisson of panic laces through me as when Nate said something similar. Am I so obvious? But then he continues and I realize he’s not calling me out. He’s hitting on me.
“I’m attending Jazzfest here in two weeks.” Bob’s eyes dip to my cleavage. “Will you be there, dear?”
“Ah, sorry. Jazz isn’t my thing.” I signal Daniel to save me but his eyes are on his cell phone.
“If I wasn’t married.” Bob shakes his head, his beady eyes traveling down my body. A pity date from a seventy-something golf course owner. Go me.
“I appreciate the offer.” I smile and hope it looks sincere. Told you this schmoozing stuff is like riding a bike.
I make a quick, polite escape and walk back to Daniel.
“Thanks for the assist with Bob over there,” I growl. “He asked me out.”
“Bob’s married.” Daniel tears his eyes from his phone and frowns at me. “Plus, what did you expect me to do? Rush over and say you were mine?”
“Ew, no.” I offer an apologetic half smile. I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud. “I expected you to mingle. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing here?” I’m growing increasingly uncomfortable the longer I’m here. Not only because of Bob, but that didn’t help. I’m suddenly itching to escape. Yes, small talk is second nature, but it’s also chipping away at my energy. I’m tired in my bones.
“I’m only here because my boss made me come,” Daniel says.
“Funny, me too.”
“All of these people”—he gestures around the room—“build things. They come to us for permits. Without us, they couldn’t succeed. Which means we come to these little circle jerks—”
“Gross.”
“—and kiss ass for a few hours.”
“How much longer should we stay?” I check the room again, just a casual sweep. No sign of Nate. I wonder if one of his brothers or someone else from the company came in his stead. Disappointment sinks into the pit of my stomach.
“Are you looking for Owen?”
I snap my head around and face Daniel who looks less accusatory than curious. “You two seem to have a connection.”
I prop my hand on my hip, defensive since he’s right. “No, you two seem to have a connection. By the way, is that a new watch?”
