There’s Meg Cassidy, the famous actress who just wrapped that critically acclaimed limited series everyone’s been talking about. A cluster of big-time investors I’ve seen featured in Forbes.
Unless I’m mistaken, I even spot Mayor Gonzales himself chatting and laughing with what looks like a young socialite.
Ronan seems immediately irritable beside me. He’s always been one to dread social events, especially those crawling with the rich and famous.
Tonight’s no different as he radiates hostile energy and his jaw clenches in a scowl.
Good. Let him suffer.
“Sim! You came!”
Chantal’s giddy shriek reaches my ear only half a second before she reaches me, dragging me into a sisterly hug where she then pulls back and assesses my outfit.
She’s obviously put a lot of effort into hers, which is a given since it’s her special event. She’s in chunky high heels that boost her usual five-foot-two frame, paired with a red-velvet mini dress that features a giant bow perched on the small of her back.
It’s perfectly feminine and playful and so utterly Chantal I can’t help but smile.
“Cute fit,” she gushes. “Love the earrings.”
“Love the dress,” I reply. “Very tongue-in-cheek.”
“You know me. It’s how I do. But I didn’t think you’d come!”
“I promised, didn’t I?”
Her eyes briefly flit over to Ronan before returning to me. “I know. I guess I just thought stuff would get in the way.”
“Tell you later,” I say quickly.
She nods in understanding, then loops her arm through mine and tugs me forward. “Ooh, now seems like a good time to introduce you to Greg!”
She leads us toward a man standing near one of the featured installations. He’s dignified in an old-money way, still blessed with a full head of hair in his late fifties even though it’s gone stark white.
He’s no GQ model, but there’s a refined appeal to him, passably cute for his age, and he’s wearing a tailored suit with a crimson tie that matches Chantal’s dress.
“Greg, this is my best friend, Simone,” Chantal announces proudly. “And her husband, Ronan.”
Gregory takes my hand for a gentle shake, his eyes crinkling with warmth. “A pleasure to finally meet you. Chantal talks about you constantly. Though she failed to mention her best friend is as beautiful as she is.”
I laugh politely and thank him, but when he extends his hand toward Ronan, the warmth in the air evaporates.
Ronan keeps his hands firmly in his pockets, making no attempt to accept the handshake. His eyes have hardened as he studies Gregory with thinly veiled suspicion.
“LaMalfa,” he repeats. “You’re a hedge fund manager, right? Send my regards to the Ferreras.”
Gregory’s smile falters, though he offers no rebuttal. Chantal loudly clears her throat, her arm loosening from mine.
“Well! You two should take a look around and enjoy yourselves. We’ll catch up later, okay Sim?”
I watch them disappear into the crowd, then turn to Ronan with a sigh that comes from the depths of my soul.
“Do you have to be so unbearable and awful to everyone we meet?”
I don’t wait for his answer, striding off into the gallery without him. But, of course, he follows, falling into step beside me like a shadow I can’t shake. His long legs help.
“We’re in public,” he mutters discreetly for only my ears. “We have to behave, princess. Besides, why should I be nice to a scumbag like LaMalfa? He’s a piece of shit, and you shouldn’t want your friend dating him.”
I slow my pace, curiosity getting the better of me despite my irritation. “What, exactly, makes him such a piece of shit?”