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"Good."
Hanging up, she sat with her head tilted back. She missed him, but seeing him on TV telling the world he was involved with someone else was going to make it easier for her to forget him. It had to.
*****
Maxwell stared in the mirror as he pulled the brush through his hair. He should have followed his instinct and headed out of town to New York where he was needed, but he’d promised Jackson Colby he would be there personally.
He knew she was going to be there, or at least, he thought she would be and that was the last thing he wanted. He didn’t want to see her.
It was going to be an outdoor event with the sponsors of local talents as well as a charity event geared to raising money for street kids. He was personally involved, or rather his company was, and he didn’t believe in just handing over a check and being done with it.
He’d been on the streets and knew what it was like. He was going to pick up Annie so they could go together. He realized that their 'relationship' was taking a toll on her and he should end things, but she’d insisted on carrying on with the charade. Turning away from the mirror, he went to grab his sports jacket and his keys.
He was just going to have to suck it up and pretend that he’d moved on.
*****
Alessia didn’t see him. She’d scanned the crowd gathered at the park where the opening was being held and told herself that it was a relief he wasn’t here. Her Dad had cried off at the last minute.
"You go and have fun, my dear. Your old Dad will just stay home and catch the game.”
“Are you sure you’re all right?" She’d asked him anxiously. "I could stay-"
"Absolutely not." He’d shooed her out. "Go and be with Mark. You deserve a break."
She was happy she’d worn something comfortable and flat since the area was uneven. It seemed everyone had turned out for the event and she was happy for it. The money made, every bit of it, was going toward children living on the streets.
A notation on the program mentioned that Maxwell's company was a major sponsor, that’s why she was surprised he wasn’t there.
Smiling at several acquaintances, she wandered over to a painting resting on an easel and felt herself drawn to it. She’d sent Mark to get her a drink and when the person came up behind her, thought it was him. "Oh, I just love the lines and symmetry. I think this artist is going places."
"I couldn’t agree with you more."
The deep voice was so familiar it took her several moments to compose herself before turning to face him.
"Maxwell."
"Alessia." She was the only one close enough to see the fire in his hazel eyes before it was ruthlessly extinguished. “How are you?”
“I-I’m fine. Thanks. And you?"
"Dandy. Where’s the boyfriend?"
"He went to get some champagne."
His eyes drifted to her left hand. "No engagement ring? He’s taking his time."
"I- we’re not ready. Are you-" She drew in a breath when Annie came floating over.
"Darling, here you are. Oh, hi, Alessia. Lovely dress.”
“Thanks. Mark!” She almost wept with joy as he came forward with two flutes. “I’m sure you know Maxwell and Annie."
"I do." Unaware or completely oblivious of the tension surrounding the group, he held out a hand to Maxwell. "How are you?"
For an agonizing second, it looked like he wasn’t going to take Mark's hand, but he shook it and briefly let go.
"I am a huge fan." Mark told Annie with a beaming smile.
