Page 72 of The Wedding

The hostess of the party flitted around in a black dress and diamonds sparkling in her bun. Jamie knew whenever Adele was in the vicinity, since her heels echoed more than anyone else’s and her voice pealed like the social butterfly she was. Trailing behind her wherever she went was a young man with sandy hair and a dark suit. Also, the most babyish face any man over twenty-five had.

“That’s her new personal assistant,” Etta muttered in Jamie’s ear when they had a lull in guests. “I don’t know if she hired him because she was sleeping with him, or if it happened the other way around.”

Jamie did a double-take.Is that her type?The man looked barely out of college. He also had the smarmy kind of self-satisfied smile that meant he was also the kind Jamie would have avoided in college. “Are you sure they’re…”

“Oh, yes. She told me herself.”

“I see.” Jamie didn’t detect jealousy on Etta’s behalf. Just a huge pile of annoyance.“Would be nice if she got some work done instead.”

Jamie rolled her eyes. “Says the woman who hired assistants she wantedto sleep with.”

“That’s different. I never let it get in the way of my work.”

“No, of course not. That would have been unprofessional.”

“You were unprofessional more than once, as I recall.”

Jamie’s retort was cut short when two familiar faces waltzed up to them, all smiles, even though one nudged the other the moment they made eye contact.

“Congratulations on your engagement!” said the girl who sounded like a hyena. Jamie did her best not to falter in front of these bullies. “Always a pleasure, Ms. Coleman… Ms. Jamie.”

“Pleasure is mine.” Etta shook hands with both girls before they retreated into the country club and hit the open bar alongside Monique and her drinks fit for a pregnant woman.

Jamie patted Etta until she lowered her ear. “Those were the ones I was telling you about. From the restaurant the other day.”

“Oh?” Etta looked over her shoulder. “I know their fathers. One of them does occasional business with me. What should I do about it?”

“Don’t do anything…”

“That’s not fun.”

“I didn’t realize that sort of thing was supposed to be fun.”

They didn’t get to go inside until a few minutes later. Any late guests would have to concede to no formal greetings.Serves them right.Besides, wasn’t Jamie supposed to enjoy her engagement party at some point? She was only supposed to have one in her life.

Etta led her inside, but they didn’t stay for long. The country club staff had set up most of the party outside, overlooking the expansive golf course and the man-made lake fit for boat rides. Jamie and Etta had the table of honor by the edge of the balcony, where a friendly breeze kept Jamie searching for Etta’s arms because she forgot to bring a sweater with her.

“You are absolutely stunning in that dress,” Etta said, as a waiter pouredthem champagne and left them with a plate of hors d’oeuvres. “Is it new?”

Jamie straightened herself up in her chair, showing off her cleavage in the royal purple cocktail dress she wore. “No. I dug it out of my closet since I love it so much. My hair is different, though.” She bounced a curl in her hand. Raul had taken her waves to a new extreme, and Jamie had pulled her hair back behind her ears. “You like it?”

“I love it.” Her hand covered Jamie’s knee beneath the tablecloth. “You should wear dresses that show off your figure more. Or don’t. Sometimes I must focus on other things besides you. Although…” Etta’s forehead came closer. “I don’t have to focus on anything but you today.”

“That sort of thing doesn’t happen enough,” Jamie admitted. “I’m glad things are finally getting easier at work for you.”

“I don’t know if I would say easier…” Etta held her champagne glass up for a toast, “but things are slowing down on my end, now that Adele is taking on more responsibilities. For one thing, I get to avoid a lot of boring meetings that she is absolutely divine at leading.”

“Avoiding meetings means more time at home with me. Or at least taking me out for a good time.”

Etta’s finger dug into her thigh.Whoa, there.Not only were they in public, but they were the center of attention while people dined and drank around them. As soon as the food course was over, there would be croquet on the nearby lawn.I suck at croquet, but it might be fun.Until then, Jamie was content to sit at her table with Etta, listening to her flirt.

“Where would you like to go?” Etta asked.

Jamie pretended to think about it, complete with a finger on her chin and eyes pointing toward the blue sky. “Hmm! Well, maybe a certain someone with means could help her future wife be more cultured. We never go to the opera. Also, I could be more uncultured and go to the movies with you.”

“Places that are dark and quiet? You speak my language.”

“Uh-huh. Remember, that goes both ways.”