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“Wow,” Teagan breathes. It’s only when she nudges me that I realize she is trying to get my attention. She’s been muttering things like that since we walked in.
I follow the direction of her gaze, and it lands on the man I just acknowledged. “You actually looked friendly for a second there.”
“I can put on a show when I need to.”
She giggles, but I can’t allow myself to indulge in her. There could be eyes watching me right now—watching her.
“I think it’s time for a selfie.” I hold her flute while she takes her phone from her purse, then hand it back so she can include the champagne in the shot. “Do me a favor and don’t pout your lips like a duck.”
“I wasn’t going to, but now I think I might. You’ve inspired me.” She doesn’t, but does manage to capture a large group of well-dressed people behind her in a wide shot while she raises her glass and smiles brilliantly.
“Don’t forget to tag the organization,” I remind her as she types up a post.
“Done.” She blows out a shaky breath before draining her flute. “No biggie. Now, I think I saw a tray of stuffed mushrooms I’d like to become acquainted with.” We make our way over to the food table. If she’s eating, she isn’t wandering off and getting into trouble. I go through the motions of sampling a few dishes while we explore the items up for grabs in the silent auction, but I’m always checking out the people nearby.
It’s another half hour before the ballroom opens, and the lobby clears out a little. I make a point of lingering near the displays set up for the event, keeping an eye on Teagan as she heads back for another puff pastry filled with something that made her moan when she tasted it.
In front of me are images of vets and their families, some of whom suffered permanent injuries in combat. A woman dripping with diamonds clicks her tongue as she walks past and shakes her head in sympathy. I wonder if she has any idea how many more vets walk through life with invisible wounds. Unfortunally, those are the ones who are often forgotten even though they need the most help.
It’s safer to linger near the bar, pretending to nurse my champagne while Teagan delicately sips more of her own. She’s playing it safe, I’m glad to see.
Dallas slows in passing. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”
Was this a waste of time? I was so sure we would flush them out here. It could be all I did was force myself to be surrounded by people with nothing to show for it.
“Do you want to go inside and find our seats?” Teagan eyes the open doors leading to the ballroom. Dallas raises an eyebrow, waiting for my decision.
I’m not sure I could stand it, especially if there hasn’t been a hint of a threat in close to two hours. Dallas has a nose for things like that. He would’ve sniffed out if there was any trouble here. It seems like it’s time to cut our losses.
“Let me check in with Griffin and get the car back here,” Dallas says before crossing the cavernous room.
My attention drifts away, and I observe people wandering in and out of the ballroom, returning for more drinks.
“Well, at least I got the chance to wear this gorgeous dress. And these hors d’oeuvres are so filling, I don’t mind missing dinner. I’d probably split a seam if I tried to eat another bite.”
I’m only vaguely aware of Teagan’s voice now that my body has gone cold and my heart has momentarily stopped beating. There’s no way. It can’t be. Of all the times to be reminded of her… my mother. The familiar-looking woman disappears in the crowd faster than she appeared. Tricking me into seeing something that isn’t there.
“Hey. What’s up? I’m sorry this didn’t work out.”
I shake myself slightly. Teagan gazes up at me with sorrow in her eyes. “Oh, it’s all right. We tried.”
“You seem upset, though.”
There’s no harm in telling her what startled me. “I saw a woman who reminded me of my mother.”
“Really?” Naturally, she looks around like she wants to catch a glimpse.
“She walked away. You can’t see her now.” I wave it off and wish I hadn’t said anything when I notice her staring at me with what looks a lot like pity. That’s the one thing I never want.
“I know how you feel.” Her hand slides against mine, and my fingers close around it as we begin to slowly cross the marble floor once Dallas lifts a hand by the door. “To this day, my heart will stop for a second whenever I see somebody who reminds me of my parents. The grocery store is the worst. So many people come in and out. One time, I dropped a carton of eggs on the floor because the lady at the register looked so much like Mom.”
