Page 69 of A Searing Acquaintance
“Sorry…can’t take me anywhere,” Elizabeth mumbled. She walked over to her sister, hugged her, and gave Charles a kiss on the cheek.
I’d take you everywhere, Darcy thought.
“If this is what passes for an engagement party these days, who needs the wedding and reception?” Barbara commented.
Her husband snorted. “Those who can, spend. Those who can’t, hope for an invitation.”
Elizabeth stood nearby with Mary, watching Lydia whirl around the floor with yet another of Charles’s friends. Only a few partygoers, including an energetic Charlotte and Bill, were taking advantage of the small dance floor; most were happy to lean against a high-top table with drinks and small plates and chatter away. Charles and Jane floated from group to group. Many of the guests were business associates and tenuous social acquaintances who would not be invited to the more intimate wedding. Bill Collins, through his apparently happy association with Charlotte, would grace both events with his jujitsu-like dance moves. At least he fit in better than he had a few months ago, Elizabeth mused. He’d lost a few pounds, some new luxury shampoo had lent heft and body to his thinning hair, and without his glasses, his large Bambi-like eyes were almost charming. They were fixed exclusively on Charlotte as he catered to her every need.Geez, even Charlotte looks prettier than she used to. Guess they drank the same love potion as Jane and Charles.
She glanced at her watch: nine thirty. Her father had said they’d be leaving for Queens before ten o’clock, but his ex-wife had yet to make an appearance. Elizabeth wondered whether Sylvia had contacted anybody to confirm her arrival.
“Elizabeth, might I ask…is everything all right with you? With your book and with work?”
Elizabeth started. She had been quietly watching Darcy over the course of the evening and had made sure to compliment him on his graceful and funny toast to Charles and Jane. Although she’d noted with satisfaction that he’d never made an appearance on the dance floor, she hadn’t realized he had joined their small family group. She turned toward him and smiled softly. “Yes, thanks. Somehow, it’s all come out all right. Not to jinx it, but I think the book is even better now than it was before.”
“Really? Fantastic.”
“After I lost Stefan”—she peered at Darcy to see whether the nameregistered with him—“I was able to find some great replacements. In fact, once the company made it clear thatallprofits were going to charity, athletes contacted us! We even expanded the folio for extra interviews. Reggie Jackson,” she said, her eyes sparkling, “Derek Jeter and Mia Hamm.”
Darcy looked down at the floor and then met her eyes. “Well done. If I dare hazard a guess, Ms. Hamm is one of your personal heroes?”
She nodded.
“She was a Tarheel, right?” He smiled at her, his eyebrows raised.
Her eyes widened.Like his mother.
“The poster is still on our bedroom wall.” Jane stepped up from behind her sister and threw her arms around her.
Elizabeth blushed.
“That’s fantastic,” Darcy said. “I’m thrilled for you.”
Jane, giddy with love, excitement, and perhaps a few too many mojitos, burst out with more news. “And you know what? This book is all great and amazing, but Lizzy’s real book is even better.”
Elizabeth, slightly entangled in Jane’s vise-like hug, laughed nervously. “That’s a huge maybe. The agent that George had connected me with stopped taking my calls and blocked my e-mails after George was arrested.”
“Oh,” Jane murmured. “You never told me that.”
“I’m hoping that, when the heroes book comes out, I won’t be so toxic anymore,” Elizabeth added, her cheeks flaming. “There are four or five publishing houses that might be interested. I just need one.”
“I’d be interested in reading it,” Darcy said. “It’s a fascinating topic.”
Lydia stumbled over, pulling off her heels. “Ugh, you’re talking about books? Lizzy is so boring. Her boyfriends are boring.”
“Lizzy hates men,” Mary intoned.
A crimson-faced Elizabeth turned to her sisters. “Neither of you know a thing about my personal or professional life, and for good reason.”
“Now Elizabeth, that’s unnecessary—” Barbara began. There was a sudden eruption of voices behind them.
“Going to the chapel and they’re gonna get married… going to the chapel of love…”
Elizabeth froze and looked over at Jane, whose mortified expression matched her own.Dear God.Sylvia Bennet-LaRue had arrived, and she was a vision. Her blonde hair was piled up at least a foot inElizabeth’s estimation, and the neckline on her electric-blue dress plunged at least the same distance.
“Girls! Come give your mother a hug!”
Darcy took a step back, nearly bumping into Charles, who was clearly alarmed by the squealing and by the shocked, open-mouthed stares of Mary and Lydia.
