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Reaching into my purse, I dig out a card and place it on the table. I really mean it when I say I’d like to spend time with her.
Inhaling, I make my way back toward Odin. He watches me as I approach until I advert my gaze to the floor. I come to a stop behind Mother’s chair just as she stands to greet someone a few feet away. Odin joins her, putting his arm around her waist. I frown, looking away. Will I ever get used of seeing them together?
“Anna,” Grandmother says.
That’s all she has to say, and I move, going to her side.
“Yes, Grandmama?”
“Are you having a good time?”
No. “Yes, ma’am. Are you?”
She huffs. “I loathe engagement parties, but they must happen so we can remind people where the power lies. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Grandmama.”
“Good. Fetch me some wine and don’t dillydally.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Crossing the room, I meet Freja at the bar. Her eyes are glassy, as if she’s had a lot to drink.
“God, this is the most boring party. If I ever get married, I’m going right to Vegas.”
“Are you sure about that? Isn’t that where you met your ex?”
Her nose crinkles. “You know we don’t talk about he-who-must-not-be-mentioned. But, yeah, you’re right.”
She’s never told me the guy’s name, only that he was from a big Family in the Mafia world, making me speculate who he could be.
“I better get this wine back over to Grandmama.”
“Oof. Better you than me.”
I snort, carrying the wine to Grandmama. Odin and Mother are making their rounds around the room, and I feel like I can breathe for the first time.
Grandmama touches my arm.
“Anna, who is the woman with Kieran Van der Zee?”
Looking around, I spot Mr. Van der Zee with a pretty redhead at his side. A woman who is noticeably not his fiancée, Jane Ursuland.
“It’s Ariel Triton.”
I’m surprised Grandmama doesn’t remember her. It’s hard to forget someone who has naturally red hair like Ariel.
“That’s right. What in the world is she doing with Van der Zee? She’s supposed to be with Max Erics.”
I don’t have time to answer because the two come to a stop in front of us. Poor Ariel looks like she wishes she were anywhere but here. Same girl. Same.
Kieran says, “Elsa, I’d like you to meet my friend Ariel. Ariel, this is Elsa and her granddaughter, Anna.”
I turn to Ariel, speaking without thinking. “You probably don’t remember me, but we met when your father came on a trip with Midas when we were kids.”
I resist cringing at my faux pas. We’re not supposed to speak before Grandmama. Ever.
Ariel’s face lights up. “Oh my goodness! How could I forget? You gave me your cherry popsicle when one of my older sisters took the one I wanted.”
