Page 21 of Take the Wheel

‘Idolike that. But no, that’s not it.’

‘What is it?’

Ari smiled. ‘Not sure exactly. But something about you is very… comforting.’

Nancy’s mouth was a straight line. ‘I possess the qualities of a fleece throw blanket. Good to know,’ she said philosophically.

Ari felt annoyance. ‘Don’t underestimate the compliment.’ She wanted to add that hardly anyone in her life had ever managed to be a comfort to her. Because no one ever treated her like she needed it. But she didn’t want to make it weird. So she smiled her easiest smile and said, ‘You’re atleastcashmere, darling,’ with a wink.

Nancy laughed. ‘I’ll give you this, Ari. You’re an amusing date. Don’t let anyone tell you different.’

‘Oh, theyneverdo,’ Ari said.

Fifteen

Nancy had decided not to worry about Helen. Or she’d decided not to allow herself toadmitshe was worried, anyway. There were enough people around to keep a reasonable distance. It might be OK if Nancy was careful. And she believed Ari had her back, which was more comforting than she expected it to be.

But then people started getting shifted indoors. Nancy barely had time to register the shift in atmosphere before it started. Subtle at first, a shift in the staff’s movements, the way conversations softened as guests realised they were being ushered towards the next stage of the evening. The garden drinks had been languid, filled with polite laughter and champagne that never seemed to stop refilling. But now, as uniformed staff began murmuring invitations to follow the path towards the great hall, Nancy’s stomach twisted.

Not just from nerves. She hadn’t eaten any canapés during the drinks portion of the day, too worried that the moment she had a mouthful, Helen would appear and demand to know what she was doing here while Nancy tried to swallow dry pastry. Now, with a multi-course meal looming, the idea of sitting still, playing nice, and dodging scrutiny for hours made her fret.

As they stepped through the entrance and into a large hall, the sheer scale of the dinner hit her. The tables were a sea of silver and white, glinting under chandeliers that cast a soft, flattering glow. Hundreds of guests filed in, finding their places.Staff weaved effortlessly through the space, directing the flow of human traffic.

‘Find our table yet?’ she murmured to Ari, resisting the urge to fidget.

‘If we look confused long enough, someone will seat us,’ Ari replied.

Nancy exhaled, adjusting her dress. ‘Confusion shouldn’t be too hard.’

Nancy let out a breathless laugh, but her eyes kept moving, scanning for Helen, scanning for Paris, scanning for any sign that her cover was already wearing thin. As they reached their table, she forced her best effortless smile and took her seat.

The place settings were meticulous, gleaming silverware arranged with military precision, menus printed on thick, expensive card stock. Nancy barely glanced at hers, more focused on the people settling around them. No Helen. Just a middle-aged couple who ignored them and their two teen kids, who were ignoring everyone to look at their phones. Helen hadn’t taken her seat yet, which meant Nancy would have to watch like a hawk until she did.

Ari nudged her. ‘It’s OK to breathe.’

Nancy scoffed under her breath. ‘I’m just—’

‘Freaking out? Yeah, I can see that.’ Ari reached for her wineglass, taking a deliberate sip. ‘Relax.’

As the meal began, Nancy noticed something else. Ari was looking a bit furtive, her eyes scanning the room in a way that wasn’t just casual people-watching.

Before Nancy could comment on it, Paris’s unmistakable voice rang out nearby, effortlessly charming as she schmoozed guests she was passing. Nancy’s shoulders went stiff, and she plastered on a pleasant expression as Paris arrived at their table.

‘Darlings,’ Paris purred, squeezing Ari’s shoulder before turning her attention to Nancy. ‘Enjoying yourselves?’

Nancy nodded, summoning what she hoped was the correct amount of ease. ‘Sure.’

Paris’s gaze lingered on Ari for what was almost an uncomfortably long time. Then she smiled, and the moment passed. ‘Wonderful. The first course should be out shortly. Let’s have a fabulous evening, shall we?’

‘You know me. I can do no other.’ Ari shrugged.

‘Absolutely. It was the thing you were best at,’ Paris said. She turned away on the comment, moving to the next table.

Nancy shot Ari a quick look. Ari just smirked and murmured, ‘Shereallyhates me.’

Nancy was desperate for more details. But she didn’t think they were quite there, so she didn’t say anything to that.

As the main course was being served, Ari suddenly stood, smoothing down her dress. ‘Back in a sec.’

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