Page 35

“What is Veronica doing here?” I asked, shooting my mother a look.
“Oh, honey. She’s like family.”
“No. Not really, Mom.”
“Oh, hush. Just go. You don’t want to be rude.”
I clenched my fingers into fists as I walked over to the bar where Veronica stood sipping champagne in a backless black dress. She looked good. There was no doubt about that. But I felt nothing for her. Not anymore. I wondered if I ever really did.
We were young when we met. I was infatuated with her and she was infatuated with the wealth of my family. We got married after only three months of knowing each other after an impromptu trip to Vegas. One too many bottles of champagne and reckless sex in a private corner of a casino ended in a wedding chapel.
We tried to make it work, but ultimately it didn’t. We were too different. She wanted the spotlight, and I wanted to be taken seriously as a businessman. I had asked for a divorce, which she didn’t want. My family either. They probably didn’t want a divorce tarnishing their outstanding reputations. Despite divorcing years ago, Veronica wouldn’t let it go. She kept trying to claw her way back into my life in whatever way she could.
“Hello, Veronica,” I murmured, barely looking at her as I motioned for the bartender. “I’ll have a whiskey neat.”
“Troy,” she said, her voice sing-song. “I was wondering when you would show up.”
“And here I was, not knowing you were showing up at all.”
I took the whiskey from the bartender and took a long sip.
“Oh, don’t be like that,” she purred, putting her hand on my arm.
“I didn’t realize you and my aunt were so close,” I said sarcastically before finishing my drink and holding my hand up for another.
“You’re such a sourpuss,” she said, crossing her arms and pouting.
“I’m going to go find my aunt.” I took my drink and crossed the room.
I found Aunt Gertrude sitting in an ornate floral armchair and holding a plate of appetizers as she looked around the room with glee. My heart thawed slightly after my encounter with Veronica and I gave her a big hug. She deserved to be happy on her birthday, and whether this party was actually for her or just an excuse for my parents to entertain, she did look happy.
“Did you come alone?” she asked, looking around the room disappointedly.
“Afraid so.” I shrugged.
“Oh, Troy. When are you going to settle down?” she asked, patting my hand as I knelt on the floor beside her.
My thoughts flashed to Monica, but I quickly shooed them away.
“Someday,” I assured her, and stood up to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
I scanned the room for my sister. She would be the only one who understood my annoyance over my ex-wife being invited, but there was no sign of Erica. I frowned slightly as I carefully made my way through the crowd. Maybe she was up in her old room. I ascended the stairs and walked down the familiar hallway.
I pushed open the door and was disappointed to find the room empty. I turned to leave and came face to face with Veronica, who had a glass of champagne in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.
“I figured you needed a refill,” she said with a coy smile, pushing me further into the room. She closed the door behind her with her foot.
“I’m good, actually,” I said.
She set the drinks down on a nearby dresser and wrapped her arms around my neck. My eyes couldn’t help but wander exactly where she wanted them to, down the deep cut of her dress. My eyes snapped back up to hers and I shook my head.
“We’re not doing this.” I removed her arms from my neck and stepped back.
“I think a part of you wants to,” she whispered as she reached up and untied the thin strap that held her dress in place at the nape of her neck.
Her dress fell to her waist, revealing her creamy, voluminous breasts. I swallowed hard as I tried to keep my head above the whiskey I had drank. I reached for the bed and grabbed a blanket, tossing it at her.
“Cover up and get out,” I said sharply.