Matt.
“Hey. Sorry, I couldn’t find my phone.”
He laughed. “This is why I carry mine in a holster on my belt.”
“Ha ha. I hate anything confining around me.” Including belts. She’d never been able to wear tight jeans. Somewhere in her childhood there was likely an explanation, but that was one place she and her therapist weren’t going.
“So you’re going to the birthday gala.”
This was not a question—he knew she had no choice. “Gala?”
“That’s what the invitation says.”
“I wouldn’t know. I didn’t get one.”
He sighed, the breathy sound familiar and comforting. “You’re the daughter. You have a standing invitation to all family functions.”
“Yes, I am going. Only so my father won’t be miserable.”
“That’s very noble of you, Fin. I know he’ll appreciate it, and your mother will also. Though her appreciation may go unspoken.”
Finley did laugh then.
“You want me to pick you up?”
Have you ever seen him on a real date with anyone? Seriously. He only wants you.
Finley pushed Derrick’s voice out of her head. “I would, but I need my own transportation in case I have to leave early.”
“Ah, you’re cutting out early. I got it. All right, then, I’ll see you there.”
“See ya.”
She stared at the screen. Maybe she should have ridden with Matt. Then she could have gotten shitfaced. Wouldn’t the Judge have loved that?
Finley forced herself to find something to eat. She hadn’t bothered with breakfast, and at least two drinks would be necessary to stay at the party for a half hour or so. Food was essential. The fridge was mostly empty, but she found cheese that was only out of date by about forty-eight hours. Somewhere in this house there were crackers. Finding them took a whole five minutes. She sat on the back steps and ate the cheese and crackers, no matter that she didn’t taste either one.
She stared at the lawn. The place where the dog was buried. She studied the contour of the grass. She closed her eyes and cursed herself for going down that path again. Who knew if Helen had seen what she thought she had? She was old and wore glasses with very thick lenses.
Finley shook her head. She recognized the strategy. Denial. Find a reason it couldn’t be possible. Made ignoring the possibilities far easier.
She should get dressed and get moving so the Judge could pretend all was right in her world.
21
2:00 p.m.
O’Sullivan Residence
Jackson Boulevard
Belle Meade
Finley opted to park on the street outside her parents’ compound. The gate was open with only a guard waving guests through without asking questions. He smiled at Finley and gave her a nod.
She rarely wore heels anymore, so the trek over the cobblestones was hazardous at best. Finley recognized most of the faces she saw. The hierarchy of the community. The city’s elite. Exactly what she’d expected.
Entering the massive foyer with its sweeping staircase always impressed guests no matter how many times they had been to the house before. Belle Meade was that kind of community, and the Judge’s home was a real estate star. Ruth bought the place two weeks before she and Finley’s dad had married. Her parents had lived a couple of streets over. Their house hadn’t been large enough to suit the future judge. After they passed, she’d sold the homeplace and paid off the mortgage on this one. She always said they would have approved. They were gone before Finley was born, so she had no idea.
The flowers and decorations were impeccable. Lots of whites and blushes and soft greens. Several beverage bars were set up throughout the downstairs area and outside. Waiters with freshly loaded food trays roamed the crowd offering all manner of tasty delights. There were champagne fountains, chocolate fountains, and a veritable array of who’s who strolling the red carpet that made a path through the center of the house to the rear gardens.
Finley snagged a flute of champagne from a passing tray. She didn’t really like champagne, but her mother always bought the best. Might as well enjoy some aspect of the next half hour or so.
Matt appeared at her side. “My, my, Ms. O’Sullivan, you certainly clean up well.”
“It’s the only dress I had that wasn’t wrinkled.” She’d once owned a steamer, but she had no clue where it was now.
“You look great.”
She laughed softly. “This shade of green reminds me of a car you owned in college.”