Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 94687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Margo and Joel fit neatly into the cluster, strangers or not—though it seems Margo has met all the men before. Kendra is friendly and talkative and has been peppering me with questions all evening. Tatiana is the only one I haven’t spoken to tonight. Warner’s date strolled in ten minutes before dinner, her slender nose in the air, the revealing crisscross front of her cobalt dress covering only half of her breasts. She offered weak hellos before stepping out onto the terrace to fix her crimson lipstick and take selfies. She seems uninterested in dinner, not taking more than a bite of each course. Given how tight her outfit is, she might not be able to fit food in there. The vodka, though, that flows freely …
It seems odd that an outgoing man like Warner would choose to spend an evening with someone like this, but thankfully, her apathetic demeanor hasn’t dampened the multiple conversations that buzz around the dining table as the delectable fall harvest-themed courses arrive and easy laughter erupts.
“So, how did you and Henry meet?” Kendra asks.
I guess she hasn’t done all her homework about us. If she had, she’d know the answer. That, or she’s fishing for more information than what she gleaned from the tabloids. “I worked at the new Wolf Hotel in Alaska for the summer.”
“This past summer? So you two, like, just met.” I don’t miss the inflection in her voice, the words she doesn’t say.
She seems to eye Henry more keenly.
“I guess when you know, you know.” I smooth my finger over the pearl in my ring, doing my best to bury my deepest fears threatening to rise, the ones I wish I could shed.
He’ll change his mind. He won’t go through with it.
“Henry is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t waste time going after it.” Margo winks at me before sipping her wine. Is she saying that for Kendra’s benefit or mine? Maybe both. Either way, I could kiss her.
“Have you hired a photographer yet?” Joel asks, changing the topic to one I don’t mind being laid out bare on the table.
“Not yet. The wedding planner I’m working with is sending me a list of options.”
“Mais non! You cannot hire someone off a list.” He grips my forearm, his touch warm. “I would be honored to photograph your wedding, Abbi.”
“Um …” My cheeks flush. Joel is famous for close-up stills of the female body during orgasm. He has an entire collection hanging in an art gallery. I accidentally saw him in action once, in Margo’s French chateau, and I’ve seen examples of his work. How do I decline this suggestion politely? “I think we’re looking for something more traditional?”
He barks with laughter. “Not those types of photographs.” He digs his phone from his pocket and pulls up an album. “I also have these in my portfolio.”
I watch with fascination as he scrolls through stunning shots of women in elegant dresses and men in suits. “I took these at my dear friend Enrique’s wedding. There, see his bride?”
“Wow.” They’re candid and have a glamorous, old-world feel to them. “These look like magazine shots.”
“They ended up selling them to a popular French bridal publication, so I guess they are?” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal.
“Joel has photographed the most famous models for the biggest brands in the world,” Margo jumps in, smiling at him. “He is a superb talent. You would be very lucky to have him capture your special day. I will hire him one day, if I ever decide to marry.”
“See? I have an eye for more than what you think I do.” Joel smiles mischievously. “Though I have an excellent eye for that too.” If it fazes Joel that his current girlfriend is talking about a future without him, he doesn’t let on. But I already knew these two weren’t committed to each other. Monogamy isn’t in Margo’s vocabulary.
I bite my bottom lip. “Let me talk to Henry about it before I give you an answer.” But, looking at these pictures, I already know I’ll be begging him to agree.
“Of course. But, again, please know that it would be an absolute honor for me to be a part of your day.” He collects my hand and kisses the back of it as if to emphasize that claim.
“I am somewhat of an art connoisseur. I would love to see your portfolio, Joel,” Kendra gushes, her cheeks flushed from wine.
“Is that so?” A devilish grin flashes across his handsome face. “Let me show you what I am most famous for …”
I move my attention to Henry before I get an eyeful of women’s magnified clits at the dinner table.
“… why the fuck would you get into business with them?” Henry scolds Merrick in a low voice, their heads turned for a private conversation. “The Easton name is toxic.”