After greeting all her guests, she walked over to Brandon and looped her arm in his.
“Hello, darling,” she said with an adorable smile.
He kissed her on the cheek. “Sweetheart.”
Brandon looked so damn handsome in that tux. She couldn’t believe she was his wife and hosting his party. It almost felt like a dream. He took her hand in his, and they walked around the ballroom. He proudly introduced her to a sea of countless faces. She smiled, nodded, and laughed, working her charm.
Marj was the perfect, bubbly socialite.
“They love you,” Brandon said, pulling her off to the side.
Marj could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She never fit in this kind of world. “They accept me?”
“Yes. Now please don’t cry now,” he softly teased.
“I never thought I could pull off something this huge.”
“But you did. And I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, honey.”
“Just think, in a few days, we’ll be relaxing on the beach in Mexico.”
“You work so hard. You definitely deserve this. Just promise me you’re going to relax?”
“How can I relax if you put on that little, black bikini I picked out at the mall?”
She playfully swatted at him.
“How did your business deal go?” Marj asked.
“Barley Jackson has agreed to my terms. He’s going to sell me stock in his company before he goes public.”
“Oh! That’s wonderful.”
“I owe it all to you. His wife just loved you. She wants to have lunch next week. And she also wants you to help her run the wine tasting next month at The Saint Paul Athletic Club. All profits go to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland.”
“I’d love too.”
Marj smiled. Maybe she could be the perfect wife Brandon needed. If he could just learn to balance out his life a little between her and work, they could have the best of both worlds. She never wanted to take him away from his job. She knew how important that was to him. Marj just wanted him to spend quality time with her on a routine basis like most normal husband and wives did. She loved Brandon with all her heart. If they were going to build a relationship, then they needed to spend time together. Especially since they hadn’t even dated properly. It was just all about balance. Surely, they could do this, couldn’t they?
When Marj looked up, she saw a familiar face in the crowd. Why was her ex-boyfriend here? A shudder shot down her spine.
“Luke,” she whispered.
When he headed toward her, she tried to lose him by heading for the kitchen.
“Marj,” he called. “Wait. Don’t run away.”
He grabbed her arm, and she yanked free.
“What are you doing here?” she said. “I didn’t invite you. Party crasher!”
“My company is making a deal with yours. They flew me in.”
“Then deal with my husband. I have to go.”
“You look gorgeous as ever,” he said with that handsome smile. “Your dress is so sexy. That color always did look good on you.”
“Thank you. But go flirt with somebody else. I’m happily married now. And you have other obligations…like a son with another woman.”
He blew out a long breath. “Can we go somewhere and talk? Perhaps outside. I’d love to get some fresh air.”
“No way. One picture with you alone, and I’ll be on the nightly news.”
He reached for her hand and led her outside away from everyone.
She pulled away. “No,” she said. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“I need closure. And I know you do too.”
“You know what strings to pull.” She sighed. “I can’t believe you’re even here.”
“Oh, come on. Just give me five minutes. We’ll go somewhere where nobody will see us. Protecting your privacy is my utmost concern.”
“I’m happy now,” Marj said.
His gaze narrowed. “Are you? Truly?”
“Yes.”
“I fucked up. Big time. And I’m sorry. I just want to apologize to you alone. It’s the least I can do so I can sleep at night.”
He started to lead her away and she didn’t fight him. They walked across the yard to a hidden location from prying eyes. It was dark and she was sure nobody could snap a good picture if they found her.
Luke glanced up. “Aren’t the stars beautiful? I remember when we used to lay out a blanket and stare up at them when we camped in the mountains. Do you remember that?”
“Our camping trip was wonderful. Everything went perfect.”
“After we got the tent up. Remember how botched up it was? We couldn’t pitch a tent to save our lives.”