Chapter 21

Ethan leaned back in his seat while I remained frozen in mine.

“Ethan.” She said coolly. “Can we talk?”

“I’m occupied right now”

“Surely, you can make time for an ‘old friend’, just a few minutes.” He watched her quietly like he was considering it, and then to my dismay, he stood up. I felt the spindly claws of jealousy wrapping its fingers around me.

“I’ll be back, beautiful. “ He told me, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. Ava’s eyes darkened at the gesture but she said nothing.

I watched them walk away before I realized how alone I was at the gala. I was grateful the room was dark around me, so no one could see me or my embarrassed face. I emptied my glass of wine and looked around for Cartwright and Wynona. I could not find them anywhere on the floor. That was just great.

Maybe they were hidden among the other dancers. As I contemplated leaving the comfort of my chair in search of them, a waiter approached me with a bottle and fresh glass in his hand.

“Gift from Mr E