Birdie was an attractive man with graying hair and a small paunch he hid well behind his fifteen-hundred-dollar sport coat. Money had a magical way of concealing most imperfections.
“Hi, Evangeline.” He dropped a light peck on her cheek, then stood back to give them a once-over. “You two look lovely.”
“I’m gigantic, Dad,” Hannah said.
“How’s my grandson doing?”
Joy radiated in Hannah’s eyes. “My little guy is so busy in there.”
“Busy growing.” Birdie shifted his attention to Evangeline. “I haven’t seen you at work. DOJ isn’tthatbig of a building.”
Birdie was a muckety-muck at the FBI. He’d worked his way up the ranks and had himself a nice, plush office on the executive level.
“I like chasing the sewer rats in the dungeon,” she replied.
“Text me or call my assistant and we’ll roll out the red carpet for you.”
What on earth for?“I’ll remember that the next time I find myself bored at work.”
“Who’s bored at work?” asked a familiar voice behind her.
Evangeline couldn’t be more different from the flashy woman who had joined their conversation. As standard operating procedure, Evangeline kept things on the down low. Charlene Caraway, on the other hand, commanded an audience wherever she went and loved being the lead story on Page Six. Everything she said and did created a local media frenzy. From her glittery red nail polish to her perfectly styled updo and the giant diamond pendant dangling around her neck, this woman was the star of the show…always.
“Hello, Charlene.” Evangeline accepted Charlene’s air kisses with as much graciousness as she could muster.
Pausing, Charlene made it a point to stare at Evangeline’s empty hands.Right, a party. I should have brought a bottle of wine.
“I see you’re busy snagging Birdie’s attention.” Before Evangeline could offer a retort, Charlene gave her stepdaughter a warm hug, then gently tugged on Hannah’s chin. “How’s my favorite girl and herperfectbundle of joy? Taking your prenatal vitamins?”
Hannah’s cheeks flushed. “Of course.” In all the years Birdie and Charlene had been together, Evangeline had never once seen Charlene give her sister more than ten seconds of her time.
As Birdie turned to greet new arrivals, Charlene raised her arm and snapped her fingers. An attentive wait staff hurried over. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Spring water for my stepdaughter.” Shifting her focus to Evangeline, Charlene asked what she’d like to drink.
Evangeline was primed for that fancy vodka, but the booze, coupled with the lack of sleep, would have her passed out in fifteen minutes. She didnotwant to miss the wedding. “Water works.”
With a dismissive wave, Charlene sent the server to fetch their drinks. Despite being as tall as Evangeline, Charlene rose up on her stilettos and peered around the kitchen. “Hannah, I have a special guest I want you to meet.”
“Oh, yeah?” Hannah looked genuinely interested.
Since Evangeline had no interest in the chum Charlene was hurling in their direction, she said nothing.
“I’ve been to over a dozen social events and holiday parties this month and I can’t remember where I met him.” Pausing, Charlene tapped her finger against her lips. “Anyway, he’ssofull of holiday spirit that I invited him so he could spread his Christmas cheer and message of goodwill.”
“He sounds wonderful,” Hannah cooed.
Evangeline wished her sister wasn’t so doe eyed around Charlene.
“You’ll love him,” Charlene said, patting Hannah on the back.
Inwardly, Evangeline cringed. Was Charlene playing matchmaker?I hope not.
“Thank you again for the crib, Charlene,” Hannah said. “And the bedding is so adorable.”
“Let’s see if JT can help you with all of that,” Charlene said.
“We set up the crib a few days ago,” Hannah said. “You really didn’t need to buy me the most expensive one.”