I went with her, not because I wanted to, but because I didn’t have a choice. Heath was right; she needed to lower her voice and drink some water. He had his hands full with this place covered with people. They hadn’t thrown parties here before Rathe. I wondered if that was bothering Heath. Having all these people in his home around his things. I would hate it.

Heath and I always got along because we agreed on most things. Everything but the girls he dated. For the most part, we were similar. I knew without asking he would rather be watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show right now too. Margo was the one who always needed people around.

Margo stopped after we had taken several steps away from Heath and let go of my hand to throw her arms around a tall red-headed guy with freckles and brown eyes. His amusement at Margo’s overzealous attack made me like him at first sight.

“Chip! I didn’t see you come in!” she exclaimed. I was willing to bet she hadn’t seen half the people come in because she had been too busy drinking.

“I’ve not been here long,” he replied, with an awkward smile while patting her on the back, unsure what to do with her overenthusiastic hugging. “Great party.”

She leaned back and dropped her hold on him. “Thank you! It was past time we had one. Heath’s ball and chain kept us from having any fun around here,” she said that part with a frown.

He nodded as if he understood, but I doubted he had any idea what she was talking about. Margo was blaming the ex-girlfriend on not having parties in the past. I disagreed. Heath wasn’t big on things like this.

Chip moved his gaze to me and smiled. “I’m Chip Manasco.” He offered his hand out for me to shake. He wasn’t going to wait on Margo to introduce me, and he was right not to. I wasn’t sure if she remembered I was behind her.

“Cat,” I replied, not giving him my last name on purpose. My last name being the same name as the University he attended would be the start of questioning that led to the fact I was related to the founder. I’d made that mistake in the past. It drew unwanted attention. I worked hard to go unnoticed.

“Nice to meet you, Cat.” He was very proper and didn’t appear to fit here either. Much like myself.

“Cat is my bestie!” Margo told him and then threw her arm around my neck and hugged me tightly to her. I returned her hug and patted her back. Smiling at Chip, I rolled my eyes.