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you. I just wanted to know if we were still on for the benefit tonight.”
    He’d been so caught up with work, Cecily, and trying to woo Braylee that he’d forgotten about the benefit.
    “You do remember it’s tonight right? I’m not going to let you cancel. It’ll be good for you to get out and about.”
    “Of course. I’ve just had a lot on my mind. What time shall I be there to pick you up?”
    Jeanine was thrilled that Alex was still going to attend. They’d known each other for years. And, while they weren’t officially dating, she’d made sure to try and be there for him since the death of Luciano. Although he was still in mourning, what better way to get back into the swing of things than with this benefit? And, when he was ready to start dating again, she’d be right there.
    “Great! How does seven o’clock sound?”
    Alex didn’t have any real desire to go, but he’d made a promise. Turning on the charm that he didn’t feel, he responded, “I’ll be there at seven. See you tonight.”
     

Chapter 6
     
    Braylee left the office a little earlier than usual. She had to meet her baby sister and her friends at a bridal shop for a fitting and then off to her therapist, Dr. Jorgensen’s Star-Fish charity benefit. Traffic had been brutal, but she still managed to arrive early.
    She pulled her pearl white Range Rover up to the valet for parking. When the attendant opened the door she stepped out, Braylee dropped the keys into his hands. She slowly lowered her Prada crystal embellished round framed sunglasses, “I know exactly how many miles are on this bad boy, so take good care of her.”
    He hoped she was just kidding but didn’t think so.
    When Braylee walked into the exclusive boutique, her mother and sister were already there. Mrs. Katherine Hinsdale automatically looked at her watch, “I didn’t think you were going to make it.”
    Braylee kissed her mother on the cheek. Somehow, she had a way of making Braylee feel as though she were still five years old. “Hey. I would have been here sooner, but traffic was terrible. However, I’m more than fifteen minutes early.”
    Mrs. Hinsdale was a stickler for punctuality, and that was where Braylee got it.
    Stephanie hugged Braylee, “Don’t mind mama. She’s just in a mood.”
    Braylee whispered into her ear, “When is she not?” As she pulled back, she asked, “Where is everybody? I thought we were all getting fitted today?”
    “Not everyone could make it, so we’re just waiting on Francine and Megan.”
    Frowning Mrs. Hinsdale answered, “You young girls have no respect for people’s time. I’m not going to be here all night waiting on them; I have things I’ve got to do.”
    As if on cue, the hostess and her assistant for the fitting, came out and introduced themselves. “Would you ladies like a glass of champagne?”
    Stephanie and Braylee spoke in unison, “Yes!”
    Moments later the assistant came back with two flutes of champagne. Braylee wasn’t a really big drinker, but she downed the entire glass. Her mother made her crazy.
    She snapped her fingers at the assistant to get her attention, “Keep them coming.”
    Stephanie was full of excitement, “There are some beautiful gowns here Braylee. I hope I can find one that I really like.”
    Braylee nodded as she sipped from a fresh glass of champagne “I hope so too. Preferably one within your budget.”
    Stephanie frowned.
    The hostess was ready and spoke, “Mrs. Hinsdale, we can take your measurements now.”
    Katherine Hinsdale seemed to have a permanent scowl on her face, “I thought the bride was supposed to be fitted first?”
    “Well, yes. But since we are still waiting for the rest of your party and Stephanie has informed me that you’re working under strict time constraints, we thought it might make sense to fit you first.”
    Stephanie plastered on an innocent smile as she nodded her confirmation.
    There was only a moment of hesitation before she went back to be