Eventually, the crowd starts to move inside, stopping to find their names and table numbers at a banquette by the doors. The atrium is softly lit, with huge centerpieces filled with orchids towering over every table. In the middle sits a dance floor, though it's currently occupied by a string quartet.
"Is there an auction or something?" Carter asks me quietly as he glances around.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't they always raise money at these things?"
"Yeah, my dad bought the seats. Your donation is paying for your spot at the table."
"So he paid for all of us..." he concludes with a frown.
I nod. "It's really just a drop in the bucket for him."
"Not for me. Everything has strings attached."
I can't disagree with that statement, and it is a relief to have someone in the family be distrustful of my dad like I am. I can never talk to Jack about the way I feel, he's too quick to defend him.
As we take our seats, I spot Nikki walking up with her husband Jonathan and another man. I shake my head at her, realizing immediately why she wanted to change seats so much. This is a set-up.
"Jonathan, you remember Lex, of course," she says as they reach us. Jonathan, a good-looking if slightly pudgy older man, and I kiss on the cheek. "And William, this is my friend Alexa Stratton. Lex, this is William Easting."
"Lovely to meet you," I tell him, offering him my hand.
"Likewise," he says, with that glint in his eye that tells me that he finds me attractive. It's mutual, if completely theoretical. I can't deny that he's conventionally handsome, with light brown hair and an easy smile, but I have absolutely no interest in getting involved with him.
"Why don't you sit next to her, and I'll sit here," Nikki suggests. I have to restrain myself from rolling my eyes at her naked matchmaking.
"Ray, good to see you again," William says, and walks over to my father instead of taking his seat. Jonathan follows, and the three of them talk on the other side of the table.
"Wharton graduate, family money, in energy," Nikki whispers hurriedly to me as we sit.
"I didn't ask you to fix me up with anyone," I hiss back.
"You're welcome!" she replies infuriatingly.
Chapter Twenty
The four courses pass quickly. William is a good conversationalist, and Jack brightens any social gathering just by being his ridiculous self. Bree has snuck a couple glasses of wine and has a cute flush to her cheeks, though Carter has been mostly silent. I don't think galas are his scene. Nikki is having an absolute ball, though I notice Jonathan's hand on her arm, discouraging her from having a seventh vodka soda.
As the dessert, a delicate raspberry chocolate mousse, is served, the string quartet vanishes, replaced by a jazz band with at least fifteen instrumentalists. I take a couple bites, but I'm pretty much stuffed already. I hand the rest over to Jack, who quickly inhales it. He's always been a reliable garbage disposal, consuming any food I can't.
I turn my chair to watch the couples, and can't help tapping my foot to the swing music. "You dance?" William asks.
"A little."
"Where'd you learn?"
I grin. "From a retired dance teacher in Paris. You?"
"Required class at my boarding school," he answers, extending his hand to me. I pause, and then put my hand in his. I do love to dance.
He leads me out into the middle of the floor, and then with a flick of his wrist, he pulls me into him. He has excellent form, his left arm strong but relaxed, and his right hand guiding me at the small of my back.
"Where'd you stay while you were in Paris? The Four Seasons?"
"No," I smile. "My accommodations were a bit more rustic."
"I'd love to take you there sometime. Maybe in the new year."
I raise my eyebrows. "That's rather forward of you."
"I know what I like."
"Well, I'm afraid I'm going to be a little busy with school."
"School?"
"I never finished college," I admit, blushing a little. I know he has at least two degrees.
"What's the point?" he asks with a shrug.
"The point?" I repeat, astounded.
"You're a beautiful woman, and a Stratton, I can't imagine you need to earn your way."
"It's not about needing...it's about wanting."
"I didn't mean to offend. It's just that I've always looked forward to providing someone like you a life of luxury, like Jonathan does for Nikki."
"Someone like me? You barely know me."
"Like I said, I know what I like. But I won't press it. So how's the big deal going?" he asks, gamely changing the subject.
"Big deal?" I ask.
"Burke Shipping's Mexican deal."