Page 61 of Fake it For Good
“Thank you,” Noelle replied. “I think so, too.”
“Engaged?” the man asked.
I nodded. “Recently, yes.”
“Congratulations,” they said in unison.
I couldn’t remember their names, but I doubted they cared. They lived in Florida and only visited New York when there was a lavish party to attend. They had owned a chain of toy stores twenty years ago. They sold it and retired to Florida, but they never wanted to be forgotten.
After some brief small talk, I steered Noelle away. “How are you feeling?” I asked her.
“Good. That was weird, but not as weird as I thought it was going to be.”
“You did great,” I told her. “Just keep smiling. They don’t really give a shit who you are. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I just mean they are caught up in their own worlds. It’s all about being seen and checking out the competition. Who survived another year and who had to close up shop.”
“Ah, we’re measuring bank accounts,” she said.
“Something like that.”
It was a lot of familiar faces. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yes,” I said. “I was just thinking about the first time I came to one of these. I got the invitation, and I was so glad I had finally made it to theincrowd. I had no idea I had to pay to be a part of the crowd, but I didn’t care. I had finally made it.”
I didn’t tell her about Kelly’s excitement at finally getting let into the cool kids’ club. She had spent a ridiculous amount of money on a spa day and a dress. She had loved the spotlight. She wanted to be the shining new star on the scene. It had been a little irritating to watch her schmooze with all the people I had worked hard to get to know. She acted like she had designed the toys. Like she had come up with the sales plans. I supposed I had been jealous of the attention she got. It was supposed to have been my night and she stole my thunder.
“There’s our table,” she said.
I casually walked around and looked at the place cards. Thankfully, Kelly was not at our table. I would have left if she had been. “Are you ready to mingle?” I asked her.
“Let’s do this,” she said up at me.
I glanced around the room once again. I wanted to get eyes on Kelly. I didn’t like the idea of not knowing where she was. It was a shark in the water situation. I just needed to spot her fin and go in the opposite direction. The red dress she was wearing should have made her easy to spot.
“Are you looking for someone?” she asked.
“No,” I lied. “I was just getting a feel for the crowd.”
22
NOELLE
“Who’s this one?” I whispered in Cane’s ear.
“This is one you want to talk to,” he replied. “He is in marketing for a large retailer. He’s the guy that would arrange a large donation with lots of cameras present. It’s a great way to earn some free press.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“Leon,” Cane said and extended his hand.
“Cane Carver,” the man said. “I haven’t seen you at any of the other events this season.”
“I’ve been keeping a low profile,” Cane said.
Leon looked at me. “A low profile or staying in?”
“Both,” Cane said. “This is Noelle Dobson, my fiancée.”
Leon’s brow shot up. I extended my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
