“I’m getting an agency nurse in tonight to stay with Anika. I need you to come to a dinner party with me,” Ray says, shrugging into a fresh shirt.
I watch him from the bed, propped up on my elbows, still warm from where he’s been lying beside me.
“I’ll have a dress sent over,” he adds, buttoning his cuffs. “Be ready for seven.”
“Okay,” I say slowly. “Whose dinner party is it?”
“Vinn’s. A few judges, some other rich bastards.” He glances at me briefly. “It’s good to mix with the right people.” I nod, even though my stomach tightens slightly. He notices the hesitation on my face. “Don’t worry,” he says. “It’s nothing major. Just smile and look good.”
Something about the way he says it makes my chest pinch. Like that’s all I’m there for. Something pretty to stand beside him.
He leans down, pressing a kiss to the top of my head before heading for the door. “Any plans for today?”
I shake my head. “Anika seems a bit down, so I’ve picked out some uplifting films.”
He smiles, kissing me again. “Have fun.”
By seven, I’m ready and waiting for Ray.
The dress he sent is something else. Black, fitted, with a slit up the leg that feels far too daring for someone like me. It’s stunning, there’s no denying that, but when I catch my reflection, I barely recognise the girl staring back.
But I don’t exactly have anything else in my wardrobe that would come close to fitting in at a dinner like this, so this will have to do.
Anika looks me over and smiles. “You look amazing.”
“I feel uncomfortable,” I admit, smoothing my hands down the fabric for the hundredth time.
“You’ll have a great night,” she says gently. “Just relax and enjoy it.”
I let out a small laugh. “Anika, I don’tdothis. I don’t socialise with rich people. Judges . . . mafia . . .” I shudder slightly.
She laughs, shaking her head. “You’re overthinking it. Just stick with Ray and don’t worry about anyone else.” Her gaze drifts slightly, her smile softening. “I miss those days,” she adds quietly.
The words hit me hard, and I wince. Guilt rushes in, sharp and sudden. “Oh god, I’m so sorry,” I blurt, immediately regretting everything about this moment.
“Hey,” she says quickly, her tone reassuring. “Don’t be. I didn’t mean it like that. I just . . .” She trails off, searching for the right words. “I don’t even know what I meant.”
She forces a brighter smile. “Go. Have a great time. I expect a full report tomorrow.” I nod, though the heaviness in my chest doesn’t ease.
The door opens and Ray steps in. His gaze lands on me and he pauses for a second. Something in his expression shifts. “You look amazing,” he says, a grin pulling at his lips.
“Doesn’t she?” Anika agrees. “Now, go,” she adds, shooing us both away. “You’ll be late.”
“Remember,” Anika says softly, her eyes flicking between us, “I love you guys.” I frown slightly at that, something about it catching me off guard. She just smiles. “Have a great night.”
I nod, letting Ray take my hand and lead me from the room. But even as we leave . . .I can’t shake the heaviness sitting in my chest.
Dinner is . . . not what I expected.
Ray downplayed it.Massively.This isn’t a quiet dinner for a few rich men—it’s a full-blown gala. Glittering dresses, sharp suits, trays of Champagne flowing endlessly. Everything screams money and power.
I stick close to Sofia, grateful when Ray seats me beside her. He introduces the others at the table, but their names go in one ear and out the other. I don’t even try to remember them.
The dinner is served in quick rounds, small starters of soup that’s practically whipped away before I’ve barely laid my spoon down. It’s followed by some kind of creamy chicken, and then coffee and dessert. But the conversation flows, with the men discussing golf and other boring topics, then me and Sofia gossiping, with her giving me all the information on various women seated away from us.
I’m on my way back from the bathroom, when I spot someone who makes me stop dead.Joel.He’s hunched over a tray of drinks, stirring one with focused precision.
“Joel?” I say, stepping closer.