Page 243 of Enthrall Shadows
The music changed to a ballad by Lauren Daigle with “You Say” rising over the chatter.
I wasn’t going to own those lyrics and admit defeat. I was braver than that.
“Follow me,” said Shay.
We went to the bar and I set my purse near me, trying not to glance back. Reaching for a cardboard coaster, I twirled it around until Shay rested his hand on mine to prevent me from fiddling.
The barman poured champagne into two crystal glasses, slipping the bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Rose 2000 into a silver ice bucket and sliding the cooler toward us.
“Oh, lovely,” I said, picking up a crystal flute.
Hmmm.
I enjoyed the taste of the light, crisp drink, bubbles kissing my lips.
I sat on a barstool and people watched. Shay did the same, both of us staring out at the ebullient crowd. Guests were starting to settle at their tables. Some couples were already slow dancing in the center.
Henry wasn’t that far away, but I missed him.
Being in the same room and not talking with him was the hardest thing I’d done in a while. Our chemistry was natural. Our relationship forged during a difficult time.
Maybe I was in denial.
I’d wanted to find a way forward for us.
But now, staring at a table full of strangers sitting with Henry, I questioned everything and it broke my heart.
I made the mistake of glancing over at his table again.
Henry locked his sights on me.
My pulse faltered, heart fluttering.
He looked so regal in his black tuxedo. His gaze met mine and that gorgeous man’s face lit up in a smile.
Reese noticed and leaned toward Henry to ask him something, stealing back his attention.
“You’re doing great,” said Shay.
Externally, maybe. Inside, I felt like a mess.
I noticed one empty seat at their table. Then I realized that they must have reserved it for Shay.
“Go on and join them,” I said. “I’ll be fine.”
“You sure?” He gave me a sympathetic glance.
“Yes, of course. I’ll find my table.”
He used his chin to point to the table farthest away. “You’re over there. I’ll eat and come back to check on you.”
“Go.” I gave his arm a friendly pat.
Then I turned around and signaled to the barman to pour me another drink. I’d have poured it myself, but etiquette ruled in places like this.
Guests would soon be eating a lavish meal served at their tables. I wasn’t sure I could even swallow anything other than liquid. My throat felt that tight.
“You’re the most beautiful woman in the room,” said a deep voice.
