“Oh? I never realized that you were seeing someone?”
“I thought you would be pleased.” He said dryly.
“Who is she?”
“You will see when we get there. Do I have to dress up?”
“Wear whatever you like darling. Anything looks good on you.”
“Now I know you are up to something.” The amusement sounded in his tone. “Are you going to tell me what it is?”
“There is nothing to tell. I just want my son there to share in this worthy event. You did not get me anything for my birthday, there might be a painting or sculptor there that catches my eye.”
“We will see.”
Chapter 5
“Darling you look ravishing!” Joel stepped back and examined her. She was wearing a dark green wool dress with bell sleeves that stopped above her knees. Where the dress stopped, that was where the black leather boots began. A chunky hammered gold necklace was around her throat and big hoops earrings adorned her lobes. Her black hair had been ruthlessly brushed and extensions added to the thick ponytail so that it almost reached her waist. “I told you I had good taste.”
“I have to admit that.” She shoved her hands into the sleeves of her jacket and buttoned it up. “Ben wanted to come.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him you wanted me to be your date. He looked very disappointed.”
“He is a big boy.”
“What’s with you?” She asked him curiously as she locked her door and went with him to his car. “It’s like you are no longer approving of our relationship.”
“What relationship?” he asked mildly as he opened the car door for her to enter.” “You have been seeing the guy for close to three weeks and have not banged him yet.”
“I do not ‘bang’ as you so artlessly put it!” She told him dryly as she secured the seat belt “We are just taking it slow.”
“And he is in agreement.”
“It’s my body in case you have forgotten.”
“Honey, no man worth his salt would just tamely agree to making the woman call all the shots.” He glanced at her as he stopped at the light. “Have you at least exchanged saliva?”
“How can you be so disgusting?”
“Have you?”
“No.’ she ignored his look. “We are taking it slow.” She repeated.
“Oh honey!” he shook his head as he pressed forward in traffic. “It’s a lost cause like all the others. Cut him loose before you break the poor man’s heart.”
“We are friends and I happen to like him. This could turn into something else.” She insisted.
“I would believe it if you were not trying so hard to convince yourself. If something was there you would have felt it from the get-go.”
“There might be.”
*****
“This is quite a shindig,” Melanie murmured as they made their way into the crowded gallery.
“It usually is.” Chad was beginning to regret coming. The place was crowded, and he could spot reporters lurking around. “We won’t stay long if you don’t mind.”
“I am here to support you.”
“Thanks,” he said briefly as he started into the room.
“Here comes my Mother.” He muttered.
“Darling here you are! Hello Melanie. I see your dad is here as well. Could I have a moment with my son?”
“Of course.” She turned to Chad. “I will be hanging out over there with Dad and his friends.”
“I will find you.”
“Such a sweet girl,” Melissa dismissed her immediately. “Darling you look good. That sweater is very manly.”
“I don’t know what that means but thanks.” He told her dryly. “I am not staying long.”
“The fact that you are here is good enough.”
He looked at her quizzically. “You are acting really weird.”
“I am truly just happy you are here. So is your dad.”
“Really?” He asked sardonically.
“Yes darling, really.”
*****
“We are not staying long.” Elena said firmly as soon as they walked into the crowded room. “Why are there so many people here?”
“It’s a benefit darling,” Joel guided her into the crowd. “Lots of rich people who willing to show how benevolent they are to the less fortunate.”
“I would have welcomed something like this when I was growing up.” She muttered as she took off her jacket and handed it to the girl with a smile.
He pressed her arm in sympathy. “But you made it against all the odds. I am proud of you.”
“Thanks.” She turned to look at the paintings displayed on the wall. “Not bad!” She gestured to a painting that depicted a ramshackle cabin with weeds growing around the desolate structure. The artist had painted a patch of wild dandelions and daffodils to lighten the surroundings. “I like it.”
“I knew you would.” He studied the painting carefully. “It shows promises. A bit too amateur for my taste but the artist has talent.” He peered at the price tag. “Would you like it for a gift?”
“I would actually.”
“Good,” he said with a pleased smile. “Let me go and find the person responsible….” His voice petered off as he turned around. Chad Gilroy was standing there staring in their direction.
“Joel?” Elena turned to see what had caught his attention and shock had her going stock still as she stared at the face of the man who had haunted her every waking moment for ten years. Time stood still as they stared at each other and it was as if everyone had faded away and it was just them.
“I will….” Joel cleared his throat and made to move away when she grabbed his arm.
“Don’t leave.” Her fingers dug into his arm painfully as Chad made his way slowly towards them.
“Elena.”
“Chad.” Joel tried not to wince as she clamped her fingers tighter into his arm.