Page 65 of Rafe: Sins of the Father

But it’s not Rafe.

I descend the stairs, trying to paste on a smile. I’ll be pleasant. I’ll be polite. I’ll do all the gracious things society demands, but I won’t let Alex close, and I won’t let him make more of this than it is.

“Tori, my dear. You look stunning.” Alex takes my hand and brings it to his mouth.

I pull free. “Thank you.”

“Would you like a brandy before you leave, Alex?” my father offers.

“No, Father. We need to go,” I say, but really, I want to limit the amount of alcohol my date consumes. I’m hoping we can make an appearance and leave early. I want this entire evening to be over with as soon as possible.

“Tori is right, Raymond. We should go.” Alex escorts me to the car and holds the door for me. This time, he’s driving a much more luxurious car.

I slip inside, sweeping the flaring skirt of my black lace dress in, and Alex closes my door.

“What kind of car is this?” I ask as he gets behind the wheel.

“A Bentley. Do you like it?”

“It’s very luxurious. Is this another quarter of a million-dollar car?” I tease.

“No. This one’s more.”

“More?” My eyes widen.

“It’s on loan. I’m trying it out, so-to-speak.”

“The dealership let you take it for the night?”

“I’m a very good customer, and I told them I had a lady I wanted to impress.” He flashes me a smile. “Did I succeed?”

“I’d say so. It’s very nice.”

“Good. Perhaps I’ll have to buy it. If my Tori likes it, that’s good enough for me.”

“My Tori?”

“A man can hope, can’t he?”

I turn my head to the scenery flashing by. “Tell me about this event.”

“Childhood cancer research. The McDowell Fund. I’ve been a supporter for years. It’s important I make an appearance. Thank you for being my date tonight. Your presence will make the whole thing bearable.” He gives me a wink. “Much more than bearable.”

“Where is it being held?”

“The San Francisco Opera House, in the Green Room. It’s a lovely setting. It’s an hour's drive. I would have flown us in my helicopter, but your father told me you hate them.”

“I do. Thanks for driving.”

“Of course.”

We make chitchat and luckily don’t get stuck in traffic. Soon we’re pulling up to a valet set up for the event.

Walking into the function, I’m in awe of the room with its soaring cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows draped in gold brocade tie-back curtains overlooking a terrace. The room is a lovely shade of pale green with gold accents.

Five enormous chandeliers hang above. The room is set up in a seated dinner style with large round tables and gold Chiavari chairs. There’s a small dance floor at the far end and a string quartet in the corner softly playing.

Servers are making the rounds with silver platters of long-stemmed champagne glasses. I’m introduced to several couples as Alex makes his way around. I can honestly say I’m the youngest person in the room, except for a redhead escorted by a man who looks forty years her senior.

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