Page 97 of Glass Spinner

Marise smiled, feeling the weight of the moment. “I’m happy to support Kathleen. It’s a big night for her.”

Rhonda studied her a beat longer. “And what do you do, Veronica?”

“I consult on compliance and risk,” Marise said without a pause. “Project management and operational oversight.”

Rhonda raised an eyebrow. “Sounds useful.”

“She’s very good at what she does,” Kathleen said, stepping in quickly.

“We’d better see our host,” said John, taking his wife’s arm. “We’ll catch up later to talk.”

After they left, friends and colleagues began coming up to Kathleen to congratulate her. Marise stepped back to watch, not taking any part. After twenty minutes, she sidled back to her side. “Do you want to go outside for a bit?” Marise asked softly. “Might be quieter on the terrace.”

Kathleen’s relief was palpable. “Yes please.”

They slipped through a set of French doors that led onto the rear terrace. The air was cooler there, touched by a light breeze. Tiny string lights laced the wrought-iron railing, casting a gentle glow over potted ferns and a few guests who had retreated from the main crowd.

Marise leaned on the railing and looked out over the garden. “How did that feel?”

Kathleen joined her, her shoulder brushing lightly against Marise’s. “Surreal.”

Marise glanced at her. “Your parents are nice.”

Kathleen exhaled, her breath fogging faintly in the night air. “They’re great. But I don’t know if we fooled my mother. She’ll give you the third degree later. She’s good at probing.”

“She was definitely sizing me up.”

“She’ll like you,” Kathleen said softly. “Only she doesn’t know it yet.”

Marise smiled at that. “Well, I’ll take what I can get. You look like your mother but I’m guessing you’re more like your father in temperament.”

“I am. He’s the same as me, hates fuss and crowds.”

“Yet he’s a doctor.”

“A surgeon. When he operates, he’s fine. Like me, I guess,” mused Kathleen. “In the lab, I’m happy and relaxed.”

They stood in companionable silence, the city faint in the distance, their reflections wavering in the glass.

“This is a big deal for me,” Kathleen said suddenly. “I’ve never brought anyone to these functions before.”

Marise turned to her. “It’s a big deal for me too.”

Kathleen’s hand found hers. They didn’t say anything else. They didn’t need to.

Marise heard the terrace door open behind them but didn’t turn. She stood beside Kathleen, shoulder to shoulder, eyes on the skyline. The night was clear. Wind touched her skin, the hum of traffic below like a distant tide. For a moment, she could pretend it was only the two of them. That she’d come as Kathleen’s partner. No aliases. No history clawing its way back into the present.

“Well,” said a familiar voice. “I might have guessed you’d be hiding somewhere. Your mother told me she saw you slipping out here with your friend.”

Kathleen swung around and cried out delightedly, “Edith. I was wondering if you were going to turn up.”

Marise froze and didn’t turn around. She’d been dreading the moment and it had finally come. She’d let them have their time together before she made herself known.

“I wouldn't have missed it for the world,” Edith said. “You deserve all the accolades, love.”

“Thank you. It wouldn’t have been a celebration without you. Um…is Darlene here?”

“She’ll be out in a minute. She’s getting us drinks. Are you here—” the words died in her mouth when Marise finally forced herself to turn around.