I walked through the gate.
Vanessa spotted me almost immediately.
The smile vanished from her face.
“Rachel! What are you doing here?”
I looked around the yard.
“Lovely party. You must have spent a lot of time preparing.”
“Thank you, but this was supposed to be a private gathering.”
I glanced at the twenty or so people standing within earshot.
“Really? Because it looks rather public.”
Several guests suddenly became very interested in their drinks.
Vanessa lowered her voice.
“You weren’t invited.”
I lifted the gift box slightly.
“That’s all right. I brought my own invitation.”
Irvin came toward me.
He didn’t rush, and he didn’t look embarrassed.
He simply kissed my cheek and took my free hand.
“Hello, beautiful.”
Vanessa watched us.
“Are you serious right now?”
Irvin turned toward her.
“About what?”
“You brought your wife!”
He looked genuinely puzzled.
“She was always my wife, Vanessa.”
Someone behind us coughed to conceal a laugh.
