by Dara Girard
“I’m glad you came.”
Jessie raised her brows, surprised by the compliment. “Thank you. It looked like you were expecting someone.”
He shrugged. “Yeah, she didn’t come. I only came to see her. I hate parties.”
“Me too.”
“I don’t like crowds.”
“Me too.”
“Give me a machine any day,” Rodney said warming to his subject.
“I prefer balls of any shape and size.”
When Rodney stared at her shocked, Jessie realized what she’d said. They burst into laughter.
Rodney spun her around a few more times then said, “Why don’t we get out of here? We could go for a drive or something.”
“I’d love to, but my escort wouldn’t like it.”
“Who brought you?”
“Kenneth Preston.”
His expression dimmed. “Oh, I guess I can’t compete with someone like that.”
“Why would you want to?”
He shrugged. When the music stopped, he said a hurried ‘Good-bye’ then disappeared into the crowd.
Wendy jumped into her path and shoved a tray under her nose. “You look amazing.”
“Thanks.”
“You offer hope to all of us little people. Susan stared at you in shock.”
“Like she is right now?”
Wendy glanced over her shoulder to see Susan gesturing to get to work. She swore under her breath. “Must dash,” she said. “Have fun.”
Jessie finally found Kenneth, leaning against the wall like a Byronic hero—gloomy and brooding—with a crowd of women fighting to get his attention. She saw one rather bold woman drop something between her breasts. His eyes lit up. Jessie pushed her way through the crush of women, grabbed his hand and dragged him onto the dance floor.
“Gentle, gentle,” he warned, biting back a groan.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you—?”
“Don’t ask me.”
She shut her eyes as he pulled her into a dancer’s embrace. She let the music sway over her and rocked to the smooth rhythm of his body, drinking in his scent and solid presence. With Nathan her mind raced on different thoughts, but now she could only think of the man who held her. She could distinguish his footsteps in a crowd; his tone in a cacophony of voices.
His hand slid to her hip. “This dress fits you like a second skin.”
“It might as well be. I didn’t want a panty line so I only wore stockings.”
His voice deepened into huskiness. “There’s only you under there?”
“Me and Color Me Beautiful.” His breathing suddenly became shallow. “Are you okay?”
He abruptly pulled away. “Let’s go get a drink.” He headed towards the refreshments.
He gulped down two glasses before the fire in him began to die down.
Jessie held out another glass, concerned. “Are those pain pills making you dehydrated?”
He nearly laughed. “No, Jas. I just need to cool off.”
She looked confused then her eyes widened in realization. “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to mention about—”
“It’s okay.”
“Mum would have been horrified. I might as well have said, ‘In less than a second you could take me in the garden.’”
“Jas—”
“Or that I’m only wearing pasties too.”
Kenneth pulled at his collar and swallowed painfully. “Will you—”
“But to tell a man—”
He pushed her glass to her mouth. “Drink it and be quiet.”
Jessie took a sip and watched as a woman dressed in black with amber eyes like a cat, came towards them. She bumped Jessie with her hip, pushing her aside.
“Hey Ken,” she purred. “That dance floor looks empty without you.”
“Too bad because I’m fine right here.”
“Fine is right,” she murmured, undressing him with her eyes.
“Are you finished with your drink, Jasmine?”
“Yes, thank you,” she said.
The woman turned around and looked up at Jessie as if she were a giant, her head barely reaching Jessie’s shoulders. The woman burst into laughter.
“You’re with her?” She laughed so hard tears formed in her eyes.
“Yes,” Kenneth said.
She pointed a finger at her. “Weren’t you one of the waitresses at the Donovan function?”
Jessie nodded her jaw too tense for speech.
The woman’s eyes darted between them. “Nice to meet you.” She went over to a group of women by the window and whispered something to them. The group looked in Jessie’s direction, turned to each other then began to giggle.
Jessie ground her teeth, tears stinging her eyes. “And the clock struck twelve.”
Kenneth took the glass from her before she crushed it in her hand. “Temper, temper,” he softly warned.
She felt her new found confidence slipping away. “They’re laughing at me.”
“Jealous women tend to do that.”
“Jealous?”
“Yes. None of them have me.”
She stared at him. It was an obscenely arrogant statement, but it made her feel better.
“Let’s mingle,” he said.
By mingle he meant network. To her surprise, she discovered that Kenneth actually liked people. His hundred-watt smile wasn’t for show, but a genuine display of pleasure, which explained why people were drawn to him. In a world of fake grins and half-hearted compliments, genuineness was a gift and Kenneth definitely had it.
Jessie couldn’t match his pace, however. After the tenth series of introductions, Jessie’s smile began to wane. She had never had to chat with so many people. Because she was used to moving through a crowd like a ghost, her face was beginning to hurt and she was running out of things to say.
She stopped a passing waiter. “You will love these tarts,” she said to the president and vice president of Homebound. They needed Radson’s support in their annual fundraiser. She handed them a plate. After a brief hesitation, they graciously accepted their plates and thanked her. The waiter gave her an odd glance and left.
Later, Kenneth suggested walking towards the bay; Jessie agreed, nearly collapsing with relief.
“Kenneth Preston!” a hearty voice called.
He glanced over his shoulder and groaned. “Oh, no.”
Jessie followed his glance. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Roger Farley. He owns an insurance firm. He’s a slapper.”
Jessie didn’t know what that meant until she witnessed Kenneth stop the man from slapping him on the back. He grabbed Roger’s hand and gave it a firm handshake.
“It’s good to see you,” Kenneth said.
“And who’s this?” Roger asked, leering at Jessie through pale green eyes.
“Jasmine Clifton.”
He bent over her hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”
She forced a smile. “Likewise.”
“Hey, I see the gloves, Ken. Heard you got yourself caught up in a fight.” Roger swung a playful punch at him.
Kenneth expertly dodged it. “Yes.” He quickly switched the topic to business and Kenneth was successful in avoiding Roger’s enthusiastic elbow nudges and hearty back slaps from making contact with his bruises. Unfortunately, his luck ran out. After making a rather poor joke, Roger hit him full force in the chest. Kenneth doubled over holding his sides.
“Are you okay, son?” Roger asked concerned.
“I’m fine,” Kenneth wheezed, straightening. It was a lie. He had to blink to stop seeing double.
“That’s good!” Roger said ready to give him a friendly slap on the back.
Jessie captured his hand before he did so and shook it. “It was a pleasure talking to you. I think I see a woman over there trying to get your attention.” Roger turned and went in the direction she pointed. Jessie led Kenneth to a seat in the hallway and knelt in front of him while Kenneth tried to focus.
�
��You’re not okay, we need to go home.” She checked her watch. “We’ve been here long enough.”
He squeezed his eyes shut. “Wow, Roger is stronger than I thought.”
“Kenneth, are you listening to me?”
A light bulb flashed. Jessie turned to see the photographer, she’d seen earlier, running away. “If I get my hands on that guy—”
Kenneth focused on her, his brows furrowing. “Jasmine, get off the floor. People are beginning to stare.”
Jessie turned around and saw that a number of people were watching them curiously. Kenneth caught her hand before she spoke. “Don’t.”
She bit her lip, stopping her words. “You’re not well.”
“Get off the floor, Jasmine. You’re going to get dirt on your dress.”
“I don’t care. We need to leave.”
“Have you seen Deborah yet?”
She rose to her feet. “I’m taking you home.”
His mouth twisted with amusement. “By force?”
They both knew that was ridiculous. Jessie sat down on a chair and sighed in defeat.
“I’m having too much fun. You wouldn’t deny me that, would you? With you I’m able to get things done. I don’t have to worry about you feeling neglected, bored or jealous.” He grinned. “I wish we’d done this years ago.”
He still held onto his side, but he looked so happy she relented. Only she could see the pain mingled with the pleasure in his eyes. She opened up her purse and handed him one of his prescribed pain pills. “Take this. It will help the pain, but for god sakes don’t drink any alcohol.”
He nodded obediently. “Yes ma’am. Go and enjoy yourself.”
She caught a man’s eye then flashed Kenneth a wicked grin. “Don’t worry, I plan to.”
He caught her wrist. “Not that much.”
She slipped out of his grasp and laughed.
Jessie enjoyed herself with many different dance partners. She had convinced herself that she was not going to see Deborah then she nearly crashed into her coming out of the ladies’ room.
“Well, well, well,” Deborah said, giving Jessie the once over. “Look who’s actually here.”
Jessie tried to keep her voice cool. “Hi, Deborah, Tracy.”
Deborah encircled her like a cat trapping its prey. Her silk silver dress hugged her form and revealed a lot of leg. “You look…interesting. Almost feminine. I can’t believe you pulled it off.”
“Looks like you lost,” Jessie said.
“Did you pay him or something?”
Jessie’s lips thinned. “No. Is that how you get your dates?”
Deborah narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t really win, you know.”
Her confidence wavered. “What?”
“Stephanie told him about the bet. He probably asked you out of pity.”
“The deal was that I never tell him. I followed the rules, he asked me.”
“Only because of Stephanie.”
“You told her, didn’t you?”
Deborah laid a hand on her chest offended. “Now why would I do that?”
“Because you can’t get the pendant for me, can you?”
“I can get whatever I want.”
“Except some integrity.”
Deborah’s eyes flashed. Jessie glared back.
“That’s a beautiful necklace,” Tracy said to break the tension.
“It’s just the customary gift,” she replied flippantly. She couldn’t believe that Deborah wasn’t giving her the pendant.
Tracy looked confused. “Customary gift?”
She didn’t want to make a big deal of it. “He gives it to all his dates. I’m sure Deborah has one too.”
Deborah blinked. “No...” She shrugged her creamy shoulders. “I’m sure that it’s fake anyway.”
Jessie fingered the jewelry around her neck. Why hadn’t Kenneth given Deborah one of these? “Of course,” she agreed.
“Oh my God. What’s that?” Tracy asked, seizing Jessie’s left hand.
Jessie tried to tug her hand free. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s gorgeous. I’ve seen this ring before I’m sure.” She brought it closer to her face. “Isn’t that the Preston family ring?” Tracy’s eyes widened. “You two are engaged?”
“No, he—”
Deborah snatched her hand. “Let me see that.” She closely examined the ring then looked up at Jessie with reluctant admiration. “I guess I’ll give you the pendant as a wedding present.”
“But, I’m—”
“Hey girls, look at this!” Tracy called, to a group of women near by.
Before she knew it, Jessie’s hand was being passed around under envious and admiring eyes. The group finally broke up when dinner was announced. Jessie watched them go, resting her head against the wall.
“What are you doing out here?” Kenneth asked, coming towards her. “I’ve been looking all over for you. What’s wrong?”
Jessie clenched her teeth and gripped the lapels of his jacket. “What’s wrong?” She repeated giving him a little shake. “What’s wrong?” Her pitch rose. “What’s wrong is that they think—”
“I don’t care what they think,” Kenneth interrupted, taking her arm. “I’m making some really good contacts and there are some people who want to talk to you.”
She stood still. “Will you just listen?”
“Later,” he promised. “Come on. I’ve never been able to get so much business done before.”
He introduced her to Mr. and Mrs. Davidson. They talked about developing a computer class for both the community center and the homeless shelter. Although she found the endeavor interesting, Jessie couldn’t pay attention. What if the women began to talk? Kenneth would be furious if he found out.
“May we speak to you for a minute?” Michelle asked. She formed the statement as a question for the sake of appearances. Jessie knew it was a command.
“Sure.”
“Excuse us,” Michelle said to Kenneth and the couple. She and Teresa lead Jessie away each holding one arm. They stopped in front of the large doors, leading out to the back garden.
“Okay, what’s going on?” Michelle demanded, tapping her foot.
Teresa spoke up. “We heard that you and Kenneth are engaged.”
Jessie groaned as if in physical pain. “It’s all a mistake. Tracy saw this ring—”
Teresa pounced on Jessie’s hand and held it up to her eyes. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Michelle nudged Teresa’s paralyzed frame. “Why did he give it to you?”
“Because he wanted to give me good luck, I guess,” Jessie said. “He doesn’t know yet.”
“He doesn’t know?” Teresa squeaked.
“I didn’t get the chance to tell him.”
“Well, you had better tell him soon because the news is spreading like a bush fire.”
“Michelle, you tell him.”
She rested a hand on her chest. “Why me?”
“Because he’ll listen to you.”
“He’s your fiancé.”
Jessie scowled. “That’s not funny.”
“One of you had better tell him quick,” Teresa warned, staring in the distance. “Or Deborah will.”
Michelle and Jessie turned in that direction. They watched as Deborah made her way to where Kenneth was standing.
“Oh, no.” Jessie pushed and shoved her way through the crowd, hoping to get to him first. She failed.
“So when’s the happy occasion?” Deborah asked, smiling up at Kenneth.
He rubbed his chin. “What are you talking about?”
“Kenneth, I’m thirsty could you get me a drink?” Jessie asked, tugging his arm.
He patted her hand. “Sure, in a minute.”
“Oh, come on,” Deborah urged. “No need to keep it a secret.”
“Keep what a secret?”
“Your engagement of course.”
Kenneth furrowed his eyebrows. “My what?”
Jessie inwardly winced. She looked at the ground, wondering if there was a hole somewhere she could crawl into.
Deborah’s smile grew wider. “I couldn’t help noticing the beautiful ring Jessie had on. I just assumed...” She let her sentence trail off.
Kenneth lifted Jessie’s hand and studied the ring. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“So are you engaged or not?”
Jessie held her breath. He met her eyes and an easy smile spread on his face. She couldn’t read his expression, but immediately knew he was up to something. “Of course we are. Aren’t we darling?” He kissed her lightly on the mouth. “Now what did you want to drink? Something light and fizzy I imagine. I’ll be back in a minute.” He turned and strolled away, with a bounce to his step, leaving both women with their mouths open.
Chapter 24
“What have you done?” Jessie asked, hitting Kenneth on the arm once they were alone outside. The sound of voices floated through the warm evening, as the calm waters of the bay reflected the hotel’s lights and the stars.
“What?”
She fell down on a stone bench. “I can’t believe this.” She curled her hands into fists. “You told her we’re engaged? Do you know what this means? ” She paused as a thought struck her. “Oh, I get it. This is my punishment for using you as a trophy.”
Kenneth rested a foot on the bench. “Yes and no.” He took a sip of her drink.
She grabbed it from him, splashing it over his glove. “That’s not alcohol, is it?”
“No, it’s not.” He shook the liquid off his glove. “I told you I don’t drink. It’s punch.”
“It could be spiked.”
Kenneth grinned. “They don’t do that at these kinds of parties.”
She sniffed. “You’d be surprised. At one party I waitressed, the hostess made a special request to make sure the guests were happy. We made them very happy.”
“I see.” He took the drink from her. “Well, I’m waiting.”
“Waiting for what?”
“Waiting for that temper of yours to lash out at me. Are you going to attack my pride, my ego, or will you make unsavory comments about my parentage?”
She rested her chin in her hands. “No, it serves me right. I was too ambitious. God, Michelle is going to gloat over this one. She thought the bet was a stupid idea.” Jessie rubbed her temples. “This is such a mess.”
