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you never visit your lovely sister and her
awesome friends?”
    “Just
say the word, Germaine, and I’m there.” I laughed loudly and Gretchen, all too
familiar with her brother’s penchant for flirting, rolled her eyes. “How are
you? Really?”
    “Hangin’
in there,” I said.
    “Don’t
say that, you know I hate it.”
    “All
right, I’m great, better than ever.”
    “Hmm,”
he said thoughtfully. “No good. I want you to be happy, but not too happy, at
least not ‘til we get together.” I shook my head and reddened. Our
conversations always went that way, but he still had the ability to make me
blush. “Is Bill taking care of you?”
    “Yes.”
    “And
work?”
    “Good.
I’m up for a promotion, in fact. Speaking of work, I hear you have a new - ” I
stopped myself as Gretchen slapped my arm. “Er, new stapler.”
    “Ha.
Gretch told you. I do, I have a new girl. But quit trying to change the
subject. Tell me something about your life that’s not in the public domain.”
    “I
don’t really have much going on right now.”
    “Come
on, you’re holding out on me.”
    “Oh,
I know, Bill and I - ”
    “Nope.”
    “I’m
married, John, I hardly have a life of my own. Okay how about this - I’m going
to ask my dad for the Shelby. Bill doesn’t know though,” I added, looking at
Gretchen.
    “The
‘68? Livs, you spoiled brat. You always get what you want, ever since we were
kids. That car is a trip. You’d look hot in it.”
    “Okay,”
I said. “I’m giving you back to your sister.”
    “Wait,
Liv,” he said, a little more seriously. “I’m glad you’re doing well. Next time
I want something juicier though.”
    “Deal,”
I promised. “Here’s your sister.”
    “I
didn’t hear your side of the conversation bro,” Gretchen started, “but Liv here
is as red as that Shelby. You’re lucky Bill’s not around to see this.” I threw
a piece of muffin at her and then immediately went to pick it up before turning
my attention back to the invitations.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 5
     
     
    TO MY SURPRISE ,
the engagement party was a huge success. It boasted a fine crowd that was
neither too small nor too big. Guests brought tastefully wrapped gifts, which
slid off of manicured fingertips and onto a glass dining table. Their River
North apartment was the perfect backdrop to the upscale crowd. Snow-white plush
carpet spanned the living room where guests congregated, and I idly wondered
how Lucy kept it so pristine. Her spotless nature was enviable – she
seemed to repel mess. Large windows framed Chicago’s dotted skyline while dim
lighting illuminated the overstuffed white leather couches, a sleeping
fireplace and a well-stocked bar.
    I waved at Jack, a work acquaintance I had hired as bartender for
the night. He gave me a wink, expertly pouring a martini into the empty glass
of Lucy’s middle-aged colleague as she watched, rapt.
    In the nearest window, I caught the reflection of my very fitted
white dress that dipped just off my shoulders. Reluctantly, I decided to avoid
the dessert table for the night. I peered out at the starless sky before
turning slightly to marvel at the guests. It was easy to go unnoticed in this
crowd. Despite Lucy and Andrew’s high society social circle, I was mildly
dissatisfied with the company, overhearing tidbits here and there of the same
old fodder. A tap on my bare shoulder caused me to start.
    “Just a little something for the party planner.” Jack held out a
red wine garnished with a dashing smile.
    “Oh, well, this is exactly what I need,” I said, smiling. “How did
you know?”
    “Bartender’s sixth sense,” he said, placing a cold hand on my
shoulder. I bit the inside of my cheek, and as politely as possible, shrugged
out from under him. Turning back for the bar, he said, “Come find me later.” I
agreed and brought the wine to my lips, instantly spilling some on the front of
my dress.
    In the kitchen, I cursed my clumsiness as I