“I wouldn’t go that far,” sniffed Kevin. “Ooh, here’s the girls. I’m dying to hear what they’ve got planned for the rest of the evening. You have to go with us, Tessa.”
“Go where?” she asked in confusion.
As Gina, Alicia and Shelby returned to the table with their dates, they were chattering excitedly about the round of clubs they wanted to make after leaving the party. Marisol and her husband had left after dessert since their younger child was ill with a cold, and they felt obliged to get home and tend to her. Terence did not appear terribly thrilled at the idea of going clubbing with a group who were all a dozen or more years his junior but Kevin was doing his best to sweet talk him into it.
Tessa, meanwhile, was trying desperately to think up a valid excuse for not joining them. Not only did the thought of drinking heavily and dancing with a bunch of groping strangers repel her, but she simply didn’t have the money to pay for cover charges and drinks. The cash tucked away in her clutch would barely cover her cab fare home, but she was too proud to admit this to her co-workers. Instead, she decided to play the sympathy card.
“I’m sorry, it sounds like a lot of fun, but – well, I’m just not ready for all that,” she confessed almost tearfully. “It’s still too soon after my breakup with Peter, you know? You guys understand, right?”
Kevin put his arm around her shoulders. “Oh, honey, of course we do. God, we don’t mean to be insensitive.”
“You’re sure, Tessa?” asked Gina. “Maybe it might get your mind off things if you joined us.”
“You can ride with Alicia and me,” offered Ross. “We’ll even drop you off at your place afterwards.”
Alicia gave him a not so subtle look of displeasure before smiling at Tessa with an almost sickly sweet expression. “Sure, we could do that. It’ll be fun, Tessa.”
Tessa shook her head, standing as she picked up her clutch. “Thank you all for thinking of me, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much fun. You guys go have a great time and I’ll see you all on Monday. Don’t get too crazy, okay?”
Kevin gave her a hug goodbye, and this time she did have to turn her head away, for his potent cologne was now mingled with the strong scent of vodka. “You want one of us to walk you out?”
“No, thanks. I’ll be fine. I’m sure there are plenty of cabs right outside the front entry.” She smiled and waved good night to everyone at the table before exiting the ballroom.
Tessa was waiting for the attendee to retrieve her coat when she heard an achingly familiar voice from just behind her.
“You’re leaving already, Tessa?” asked Ian Gregson in his deep, crisp British accent.
She whirled to face him, her heart thudding rapidly when she realized he was standing mere inches from her. “Yes, sir. I, um, the others are going to head out to some clubs and I wasn’t really in the mood to join them, so I figured I would just go home.”
Ian frowned. “A wise move. Some of your co-workers have been drinking a bit too much this evening so I’m relieved to see that you’re being sensible at least.”
“Here’s your coat, miss.”
Tessa turned but before she could take the coat Ian had already done so and was holding it open for her.
“Allow me.”
She was torn between being embarrassed at how old and worn her coat was, and enjoying the little thrill that traveled up her spine at his gallantry. She closed her eyes briefly at the feel of his big, powerful hands glancing over her arms and shoulders as he helped her into the coat.
“Thank you, Mr. Gregson,” she murmured, turning to face him once again but keeping her gaze downcast this time.
“Your husband wasn’t able to attend this evening?” he inquired politely.
Tessa paused yet again this evening at the mention of Peter. But, after finally telling her co-workers and supervisor the truth, she couldn’t in all good conscience not be honest with her boss at this moment.
“Um, no. That is – my husband and I – we aren’t together, sir. We’re in the process of getting a divorce.”
She didn’t know who was more shocked – Ian at her announcement or herself at his reaction to the news. He was staring at her in obvious disbelief, and Tessa could swear his tanned skin had paled a shade or two.
“Divorce.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “You’re – you’re getting a divorce.”
Tessa frowned, completely perplexed by his odd behavior. “Yes, sir. We, um, separated in September but the divorce will be final next month.”
“Christ.” He ran a hand over his face, giving his head a shake as if to clear his thoughts. “I’m so sorry, Tessa. I had no idea or I certainly wouldn’t have been so rude as to ask about your husband.”