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“I already have plans.”
Will cocked his head. “Don’t you want to come, Andie?” he murmured.
This wasn’t real. The travel, the money, the foot stroking my ankle. Will’s eyes on me, like my aunt and uncle weren’t at the table with us. I swallowed.
“No. Thank you. I said I already have plans this weekend.”
Will stretched. The grace in his body made my stomach curl. “Andie’s welcome to come with me any time,” he said to his parents. “She knows that. Standing invitation.”
* * *
At the ballet, I didn’t think about my relatives. As the dancers twirled and leapt through Swan Lake, the beauty swept me up. I forgot myself, my aunt next to me, and Will and Richard, off at some event for Richard’s work. It would be Will’s work too, when he graduated. There was no question that Richard had a plush job waiting for him.
Our seats had a glorious view. When the performance ended and the lights came up, it took a shake on my shoulder to bring me out of my trance.
“Andrea, come,” said Aunt Rose imperiously.
On the way out of the theatre, she sprinkled hellos right and left, stopping to speak with people who were clearly worth knowing in her estimation.
I expected we’d go back to the Randolph estate afterward, with the driver who’d brought Rose to the city. But once we were out on the sidewalk, heading to the long car at the curb, Aunt Rose pecked my cheek.
“I’m off to meet Richard. Will is going to take you home. He should be here any minute. Lovely evening, Andrea. Keep the dress; I never wear it. I’ll take you on that shopping trip soon.”
My hands smoothed the rustling silk. “Thanks, Aunt Rose. But I’m sure Will’s busy. I’ll take the train.”
“The train? Are you out of your mind?” Aunt Rose’s smooth face creased momentarily into a look of horror, followed by a trill of laughter. “There he is now.”
I met my cousin’s eyes across the crowd, and my body tightened.
Aunt Rose gave me a little push. “Go on.”
Will materialized in front of me as his mother climbed into the car. His brown waves curled around his ears, and his tie was as crisp as it had been a few hours ago.
“I don’t need you to give me a ride,” I said, trying to stay calm. Collected. “I can take the train back.”
“I’m sure you can,” Will said amiably. “Let’s go out first. I’ll buy you a drink.”
A warm hand settled on my back. My body buzzed from the ballet, the city, the nearness of my cousin.
“Will—”
“I want to talk to you, Andie.”
Talk? Startled by that, I let Will propel me through the crowd, too curious to pull away. We were in public. Surely he wouldn’t try to go any further than he was right now. His hand was firm on my back, radiating heat through the silk dress I wore. People surged around us on the sidewalk.
A few blocks away, Will took me down a flight of stairs and through an unmarked door. We stepped into a dazzling bar, all gleaming black lacquer and chrome and pale gray cushioned seats.
“Invitation only. Very discreet,” Will told me. “What can I get you? Lemonade?” A smile tugged his perfect lips.
“Very funny.” My throat was dry. “I’ll have white wine.”
We were shown to a booth, draped with lavender velvet curtains. A glass of crisp white wine appeared in front of me, beaded with condensation. Will sipped a glass of bourbon.
He’d said he wanted to talk, but he seemed uninclined to make conversation. I took tried my wine — tart, like green apples. As Will looked me over, the sip turned into a gulp.
“Easy there.” He smiled lazily. Under the table, his knee nudged mine.
Goosebumps speckled my skin. “Will…” The curtains shielded us from the outer lounge, parting only in the center to allow a server in. Right now, there was no one.
