Page 98 of Bling

“Miss Alvarado just step over here and we’ll get you and Mr. Oliver in safely.”

She nodded and waited for Garrett to round the car and offer her his arm. The two security guards, dressed much the way she imagined the secret service dressed, ushered them into the building and through a maze of hallways until they came to the lobby. Isabelle could see the press they had been warned about. She was grateful for Garrett’s foresight to send the security team ahead. They checked in with the hostess staff and were directed to their table.

Just like in Dallas, they were stopped multiple times as people spotted Garrett and wanted to ask questions. Some tried to engage Isabelle in conversation, but for the most part they just nodded her way, complimented her dress, and turned their attention back to Garrett.

They were almost to their table when a woman stopped them and wrapped her arms around Garrett. Isabelle took a step back as the woman gushed.

“Garrett, it’s so good to see you, darling. You’ve stayed away too long. When are you coming to the governor’s mansion for dinner again?”

Then it hit her, Isabelle recognized the woman from television. She was standing in front of the governor of Colorado’s wife. Was there anyone this man didn’t know? She spotted no less than a dozen actors in the room, all with Colorado roots. The longer she looked around, the more out of place she felt.

“Isabelle.” Garrett’s voice shook her out of her spiral.

“Sorry. I was lost in thought,” she said when she realized he was trying to introduce her.

The woman smiled kindly. “It’s quite alright, dear. These things can be overwhelming at first, but you get used to it. I’m Elaine Andrews. It’s nice to see Garrett bringing a date to these things.”

Isabelle smiled back. “I’m happy to be on his arm,” she said politely.

“You must come to dinner with Garrett next time he’s free.”

Garrett pecked the woman on the cheek. “We’ll set something up soon, Elaine. I’m working out of Colorado for a few more weeks at least.”

The woman clasped her hands together. “Wonderful. I should get back to my husband, but you two enjoy the party.”

"She seems nice,” Isabelle murmured.

“I like her well enough. Her husband and I were roommates in boarding school.”

“He’s young then.”

Garrett smiled. “I suppose he is. Age of candidacy is thirty.”

At their table, he pulled her chair out for her, bending to kiss her on the cheek as she settled.

“I have to go and speak to some people. Will you be OK here?”

She nodded and waved her hand around the room. “The place is filled with security. I’m fine. I enjoy people watching.”

He squeezed her shoulder and turned to walk away. Pausing, he faced her again and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Have I mentioned how gorgeous you are tonight, Doll? I can’t wait to take that dress off of you later.”

The room suddenly felt ten degrees hotter as she watched him walk away in his bespoke tuxedo. That was certainly a sight she could get used to.

She picked up the water goblet on the table and took a sip as she let her eyes wander the room. People milled about talking and laughing in expensive clothes as they sipped on cocktails from the bar. It occurred to her that she should go get a drink. A little alcohol might make the small talk with strangers at their table a little easier.

Standing, she scanned the room looking for the path of least resistance to the bar. When she spotted the least crowded area, she made a beeline for the back of the room and stood in line.

“What’s a lovely woman like you doing getting her own drinks?” She turned at the sound of a rich masculine voice behind her and smiled at the stranger.

“Surprisingly, it’s something I’m quite capable of, I assure you.”

The man threw his head back and laughed. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to imply that you weren’t capable. Allow me to get your drink for you as an apology.”

Isabelle smirked. “It’s an open bar but you can leave the tip.”

He shook his head, a half smile playing at his lips. “What will you have?” he asked as they approached the bar, waiting for one more person to place their order.

“Dirty vodka martini, please,” she said.

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