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Alex.”
    He smoothed her hair, “I know you do, and so do I. Maybe I should cancel my engagement and you, Fabi, and I can just hang out?”
    She pulled back as she wiped her tears, “No. We’ve made commitments. We can’t break them. Plus, Daddy would always say in difficult times, put one foot in front of the other.”
    Alexandro’s throat almost closed up on him. Cecily was already so much like Luciano because that is exactly what he would say.
    Another voice joined them, “Hey, what’s going on in here? Why wasn’t I invited to the party?” Fabi, a younger and smaller version of Alex entered the bedroom. From a distance, they could have been twins, the dark hair, the eyes, and the devastating smile. Although, Fabi wasn’t as tall or as well defined as Alex he was still a very handsome man.
    Alex smiled, “Because I’m the cooler uncle, and this is my room.” Looking deeply into his niece’s eyes, “You sure you’re okay?”
    Although Cecily smiled it reach her eyes, “I’m fine now. I hope you have a great time tonight at your benefit.”
    Alex would have much preferred to be with Cecily and Fabi at the movies or better still staying home.
     

Chapter 7
     
    The charity benefit for Dr. Jorgensen’s Star-Fish Not-for-Profit was being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. It appeared to be in full swing by the time Braylee’s limousine pulled up to the entrance.
    She’d made up her mind that she wasn’t going to stay long. As soon as the silent auction was over she was leaving. If Dr. Jorgensen hadn’t cajoled her into coming, she would have been at home with a glass of wine relaxing. However, over the years he’d been very supportive of her philanthropic efforts, so it was only right to return the favor.
    Braylee strolled into the benefit alone. Best decision she’d made all week. If she had brought a plus one, that would mean she would have had to entertain a guest and prolong her stay. That was the last thing she wanted to do. It took everything within her not to just hand Dr. Jorgensen a check.
    As she walked into the main room, all the movers and shakers in the Chicagoland area seemed to be in attendance. The women wore beautiful gowns and the men were decked out in their tuxedos.
    While Braylee hadn’t spent the week planning for this event, she had to admit she didn’t look to shabby herself. She wore a strapless plum mermaid dress with Swarovski crystals and amethyst hand sewn asymmetrically onto the top half of the close fitting bodice. The dress hugged her curves down through the hips to about the lower calf where the dress flared out. She’d worn her hair up in a messy up do with a couple of tendrils falling softly onto her face.
    She gave the attendant her invitation.
    He’d read her name on it and apparently it meant something. “Ms. Hinsdale, I am supposed to escort you to Dr. Jorgensen the moment you arrive.”
    Braylee nodded and followed the gentleman over to an exclusive area that had been sectioned off for special guests of Dr. Jorgensen and his Star-Fish Not-for-Profit members.
    He noticed her before she noticed him.
    “Braylee!” He waved and then held his arms out to her as she walked toward him. Dr. Jorgensen chastely kissed her on each cheek, “I’m so glad you could make it. Wow…you, look stunning.”
    Too exhausted for her smile to reach her eyes, Braylee did what she normally did at these things. She pulled on her inner girlfriend, The Mask. She could smile on cue and feigned enthusiasm she didn’t actually feel. “Dr. Jorgensen, you know I wouldn’t have missed your event for the world.”
    He beamed at her, “Please, tonight, call me Michael. Have you had any champagne? I’m really happy you were able to make it.”
    Dr. Jorgensen had been her therapist for several years, so she didn’t feel comfortable calling him by his first name. And, did his voice drop? Of course, that had to be her imagination. She ignored that little nagging feeling and nodded,