“I’m trying to establish a career as an art historian. I’ve most recently worked with a documentary filmmaker but I’m toying with the idea of going into academia.”
“How interesting.”
Zoe pipes in “Ella is also a—”
“Zoe,” Ian interrupts, “may I speak to you privately for a moment?”
Confused, Zoe rises. “Yes, Ian. Excuse us for a moment please.”
Ian gets up out of his chair and propels his sister into the house, leaving Ella to fend for herself in the den of lions. Shortly thereafter, Diana Benson makes her way over to Ella, as Ian and Zoe return to the terrace.
Ella nods politely and says hello. Diana Benson is much more polished and therefore more discreet than Kaylie and easily hides her reaction to the unwelcome news of Ian’s engagement. Her smile seemingly genuine, she offers her congratulations. Only Ian can see the fireworks behind her social facade as she digests the new information. It’s in the way her back straightens, her eyes slightly narrow, and lines form around her mouth indicating tension.
The conversation shifts to current events, Trevor’s new project, Faith’s news from the art world, and Kaylie’s new career in public relations. Zoe’s other friend, Sarah, having recently been married, returns the conversation to Ian’s engagement.
“So, Ella, have you considered wedding planners yet?”
Sensing an ally in Sarah, Ella smiles with relief. “Yes, we just met with one yesterday. Lissette Simmons? She seems competent.”
“Oh my God, snagging Lissette is like hitting the lottery. How did you manage that one? She’s booked for years in advance.”
Surprised, Ella turns to Ian. “How did you swing that, Ian?”
“My assistant arranged the meeting for me. I’m sure Lissette appreciates the fact that planning our wedding is a coup for her in terms of publicity. The advertising capital alone will be worth it, since mention of our wedding and the attendant details will make all of the social media.”
Noticing that Kaylie looks about ready to spit bullets, Faith moves the party inside for lunch, sorely regretting her guest list.
Kaylie manages to slide in next to Ian, with Ella on his other side. Diana Benson sits directly across from him. The late thirtyish woman is wearing a very tight white sleeveless shift with a bright green geometric design. Her white sandals sport four-inch heels and show off her tanned legs and manicured toenails.
Thus caged by former love interests, uncomfortable is the only adjective that keeps popping into Ian’s head but his top priority is keeping Ella from feeling the slings and arrows directed her way from both spurned women. It’s not an enviable task but he’s prepared to take on anything for Ella.
The kitchen staff had just served the salad course when Kaylie launches her attack. “So, tell me Ella, how did you and our Ian meet?”
Ella must sense the enmity in Kaylie for Ian could see her face slide into the mask that she uses for people she doesn’t particularly like. Her posture becomes rigid and her smile slight and forced. She answers politely. “Ian came into the boutique where I worked part-time while still attending undergraduate school. He was shopping for a birthday gift for his favorite sister,” she smiles genuinely at Zoe.
Zoe rolls her eyes and grins. “I’m his only sister, Ella. So, to clarify, I’m responsible for bringing you two together?”
Kaylie is not to be deterred. “So when Ian met you, you were a salesgirl? How utterly Cinderella-ish.”
Ella responds with the most meager of smiles and quickly starts up a conversation with Sarah, who is seated on her other side. Sarah asks her which boutique and when Ella tells her, she becomes excited.
“Oh, that’s one of my favorite shops. You know, I actually remember you! You were always so nice and helpful. It’s so great that you met your future husband while working at Archipelago. You know, all of Zoe’s girlfriends were after Ian when we were growing up, but none of us were able to snag him.”
Snickering, Kaylie says, “Speak for yourself, Sarah, dear. I did just fine with him, didn’t I,” she looks at Ian and winks.
Ian clutches Ella’s hand and turns to the other end of the table where his father is seated. “I hear your patent was finally approved, Dad. Do you think it will be clear sailing from here on in?”
Trevor laughs, joined by Jeff Benson. “It never is,” Jeff adds, “just one hurdle after another.”
“Well, securing the patent must be more than half the battle, correct?”
“Half… maybe.”
Miriam begins telling them about the financial and critical success of Faith’s recent exhibit and after Faith whispers something to the head waitperson, the courses are served swiftly, one after the other. On the surface, things seem to settle down.