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“There are always others.” She smiled as Bernard came back with a tray. “Thank you. We’re waiting on the others to join us before we order.”
With a slight bow, he moved away.
“Maxwell was also missing in action.”
She had to force herself to remain impassive. Taking up her glass, she had a sip of the water,
“I heard he was out of town.”
“The gossip mill said he came back on Friday.” A smile touched the woman’s red painted lips. “I’ve been trying to get him to come back to my place but he isn’t budging.”
Alessia felt the anger simmering inside her chest.
“Aren’t you a little old for him?” She asked spitefully.
“Darling, I’m forty and age doesn’t matter.” She leaned forward confidentially as if she was imparting a trade secret. “I have it on good authority that he’s been with women a lot older than he is. Remember Janie?”
“Yes.”
“He had a thing going with her that lasted a month.” Sitting back, Melanie smiled slyly. “He isn’t one to stick around for long, but based on what I hear, it’s well worth it.”
“I don’t feel comfortable- “
“Oh darling, you’re such a prude.” Melanie waved a delicate white hand, the nails matching the color of her lipstick. “Oh, the others are here.”
It took every bit of composure for her to carry on the conversation. She was head of the tea-party committee, a charitable event that was geared towards raising money for children suffering from cancer.
They’d highlighted a particular child who was eight years old and whose parents were unable to afford even basic care.
“She’s all the way in Oregon.” Melanie pointed out.
Their meal had arrived and they were digging into the Caesar salad as they brainstorm.
Alessia found herself picking at the meal, her appetite nonexistent.
“We’ve already arranged the airfare.” Gracie reminded them. “All we have to do is get the medical team together. Time is of the essence and we’re running out of it.” She glanced at Alessia. “Darling, you spoke to the parents, what’s their reaction?”
“The mother is terrified, of course, which is understandable. They have two other children- a boy of two and another daughter barely four years old. They’re worried about leaving their home and wondering what to do with the children.”
She let the conversation and debate flow around her as she took small sips of her water. She was about to politely excuse herself when she heard Melanie exclaimed softly. “I thought he wasn’t seeing anyone.”
Alessia looked up from her glass idly and went still as if turned to stone.
It was Maxwell, looking very different from the casually dressed man she’d left at the cabin. His charcoal suit was impeccable and beneath the jacket he wore a shirt of the palest pink. His jet-black hair was brushed back from his face and he was holding the arm of a stunning brunette she recognized as the star of a hit television series.
Of all the restaurants, she thought dully, as she watched the manager rush forward eagerly to greet them. He hadn’t seen her and she was praying that she would leave before he did. Luces was a very popular restaurant and the lunch hour was exceptionally busy.
He was across the room from her, surely- Suddenly he looked up and over as if her presence had made itself known. Their eyes met and held and for a minute, she saw the startled look on his face, or was it guilt?
Whatever it was, it was shielded immediately as if a shutter had come down. She saw when he hesitated as if wondering if he should come over. Turning away, he slid the chair out for his date before taking his seat.
“No wonder he wasn’t taking me on.” Melanie’s voice was sulky with disappointment as she watched the couple.
“It’s impolite to stare, darling.” Gracie chided. “They look good together.”
She had to escape. There was no way she could bear to be here while he was across the room with another woman.
“I just remembered I have another appointment.” How she managed to stay composed was beyond her. Without waiting for them to comment, she shoved back her chair and rose. “Just send me an email with the rest of the arrangements.”
