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“Beautiful,” Mulberry said.
“Yeah, hopefully, my mother is happy.”
Music played from a quartet, off to the centre of the stage, people stood in clusters, talking. Livia Laurent noticed them and rushed over, the glow of the chandeliers glinting off her gold and diamond earrings.
She kissed both of Mulberry’s cheeks. “You look stunning in that dress. Nicky, you cleaned up okay.”
“Thanks, Maman. Nice crowd.”
“Yes, now go mingle” Livia squeezed Nick’s arm and moved on to greet other guests.
Mulberry tried to settle as Nick said hello to pretty much everyone in the room.
Nick’s father, dressed in a black tuxedo, strode over to him.
He clapped Nick on the back. “I am so happy you are here, Nick. Mulberry, you make him look good.”
She blushed. “I’m looking forward to the evening.”
“It’s been a long time coming,” Henri slapped Nick’s, grinning.
“I know, Dad.”
Henri took Mulberry’s arm. “Do you have a set of Earpods? If not, I’ll send one over to you right away.”
“That’s so kind, thank you,” Mulberry smiled.
Someone called Henri away, and he nodded at Nick. “You’re eating dinner at my table and dessert at your mother’s.”
“All right,” Nick smiled.
He took her hand, making his rounds through the room, nodding and shaking hands with people. When there was a space in the chit-chat, he took her hand against his chest. Leaning in, he whispered in her ear. “My parents are so nervous.”
“It’s a big deal,” Mulberry said. “I thought you didn’t get along with your dad?”
“It’s been chilly between Henri and me for a long time, but I think me helping with the launch of the Earpods helped his thaw. And seeing me here, with you.”
“That dress is an absolute killer,” Colette said, coming over to them with outstretched hands, Phil following behind her.
“Thanks, Colette,” Mulberry said. “You’re stunning.”
Her mauve gown suited her fair colouring, and Mulberry felt oddly out of place.
“You’ll come with Maman and me for brunch next week?”
“Yes, of course.”
“You’re going to keep her, Nick?” Colette raised an eyebrow.
“Ha, ha, Colette. Phil, how do you even put up with her?”
Phil shook his head.
“I’ll catch up with you and Phil later. I’m going to take Mulberry to get a drink.” Nick slipped her arm around his and marched her to the bar across the room.
“My sister can be overbearing,” Nick mumbled. “What do you like to drink?”
“Sparkling water,” Mulberry said. “And your sister is fine.”
