Immediately, Alexa recalled the tasteful but billowy sequined caftan she’d put on hold at Kalliope Moon for her mother-of-the-bride dress. That wouldn’t do at all now. She was going to need something more formfitting. Maybe even in yellow, even though Penny wanted guests to wear blue. She’d call Monday morning to see what else Kalliope had in her shop. In a blue green, she thought with a wicked smile.

Alexa put on her diplomatic voice for reassurance. “How lovely that he and Chase are so close. It will be an honor to have him in Montecito, and I’ll call over to Raoul at the Miramar to touch base on Mayor Lynch’s visit. We should do brunch there when you come out in a few weeks to scout venues. Sound good?”

Penny nodded. The brunch idea soothed her. “We should go soon. I need some food. I’m so hungry, aren’t you?”

*  *  *

Alexa and Simon’s exit was sooner than expected. The mayor also had a car waiting, leaving his nephew Gerry to pilot his boat back across the sound to Long Island. He was headed into the city and Penny and Chase were to ride with him. This, Alexa suspected, would be a pattern for the foreseeable future, Penny as third wheel to her fiancé/candidate. In the meantime, the trio were making the rounds with guests again, in what looked suspiciously like the start of Chase’s campaign. Lots of handshakes, back slaps, and raucous laughter by groups of men who had separated themselves from their wives and were basking in the glow of Mayor Lynch, even if they resented the New York City taxes taken out of their Wall Street paychecks.

Alexa and Simon said their goodbyes, while the other guests, sated by sandwiches, appeared to be settling in for another round of cocktails.

Poor Abigail, thought Alexa. She’ll never get rid of these people.

Bernadette spotted her and made a beeline toward Alexa, panting a little as she reached her. “Before you go, I wanted to get your card. I’m looking forward to the event in Montecito. I’ll be doing an engagement piece on Penny and Chase and may have follow-up questions. We should stay in touch.” It wasn’t a suggestion; it was a directive from Aunt B. She would be covering the wedding, launching her daughter and Chase’s coupledom, along with his political career. Alexa saw the potential for the whole family to gain. Like the business owner she was, Alexa had stashed a few cards into her clutch. A few other guests, interested in booking travel, hadn’t blinked when she slipped her cards into their hands. And Bernadette didn’t either.