Page 92 of All That Glitters

“Yup,” Tony said.

“But, I thought you guys were...” Eli said, motioning between Tony and Carrie.

“That was just show to make his friend jealous,” Carrie said.

Eli did another double-take. “Wait. You were helping him get a girl?”

Carrie gave him an amused look. “Don’t look so surprised.”

“This is my utterly shocked look,” Eli corrected her.

Carrie laughed lightly. She knew her reputation.

“Where are your folks?” Tony asked, looking around.

Carrie laughed, nodding toward the bar. “Dad’s over there trading stories with Craig and the guys. I think they’ve officially adopted him into the Rif Raf clan. We may never be able to drag him away.” She turned back to Tony. “Go talk to the news crew. I’ll find Debbie and explain everything.”

“Thanks, Carrie,” Tony said as Eli led him off.

When they were a short distance away, but still within earshot of Carrie, she heard Eli say, “Who was that girl?”

Carrie let out an amused laugh as she headed off in search of Debbie.

Debbie emerged from the cellar and headed onto the patio to wait for Tony. Along the way, she passed the irate Society Woman whose dress she had ruined.

The Society Woman fumed as she watched Debbie go. As soon as Debbie was gone, the Society Woman walked over to a stern-looking Security Guard near the entrance.

“Excuse me,” the Society Woman said, “but are you the one I’m supposed to report crashers to?”

The guard straightened up. “Is something wrong, Miss Crandal?”

“There’s a brunette in a black dress on the patio,” the Society Woman said, her voice dripping with false concern. “I heard her tell someone that she snuck in.”

“Can you show me this person?”

“I sure can,” the Society Woman said. “And if she gives you any lip, I think you should just shoot her.”

Carrie spotted Debbie on the patio pacing around the pool, her arms wrapped around herself. She was muttering to herself, rehearsing something she was going to say. Before Carrie could walk over to Debbie and let her know there was nothing between her and Tony, the Society Woman and Security Guard stepped out onto the patio.

“That’s her,” the Society Woman said, pointing at Debbie.

“Thank you, Miss Crandal. I’ll take it from here.”

“Just remember,” the Society Woman added. “She’s probably dangerous.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The Security Guard headed off across the patio toward Debbie. “Ma’am,” he said, his voice firm as he approached. “Can I have a word with you?”

Debbie stopped pacing and looked over, startled. “What is it?”

“I was told you don’t have an invitation to this party.”

Debbie’s face fell in confusion. “What? Who said that?”

“That’s not important, ma’am. I need to see your invitation.”

“I don’t have one,” she said, her frustration growing. “Tony Harding invited me.”