“I’m sure she can handle herself. Right now, I’m more concerned with you. I’m not sure what I did, but last time I saw you, we were good, right?” His voice pitched even lower. “Better than good, I recall.”

Oh God, did he have to bring it up? I was acting like a jealous brat, and I knew it. He didn’t deserve it. It wasn’t his fault. I inhaled then let out a long slow breath. “I’m sorry. I’m just tense. I want this assignment to go well. And I saw… Never mind.”

He frowned as he studied me. “Why won’t you talk to me?”

“I have work to do,” I whispered.

“Fine, but I’m not letting this go. You’ll have to talk to me eventually.”

Abbie…

For the next two hours, I snapped photos of revelers. Old men chasing around pretty young things. Old women doing the same. And all the while, my eyes were drawn to Alexi like a magnet. Every time he walked into the room, they would disobey the command to not look at him.

This was pathetic. I’d just decided to leave when I caught sight of him with an older gentleman who looked like Lex might in thirty years. Given his crossed arms, lack of expression, and the way his body leaned slightly away from the older man, it wasn’t a pleasant conversation. On autopilot, I snapped the picture. Lex's beautiful face turned toward me, and in that moment, I saw pain and resentment and… longing.

Yeah okay. Time to go. He wasn't longing for me; that was for sure.

I fought the tide of people as we all headed into the center courtyard for an announcement. The lady of the house—who someone had pointed out as Gemma’s mother—stood and addressed her guests. I only half-listened as I shoved a canapé in my mouth and took a quick sip of champagne. I was pretty sure it was frowned upon for the help to eat at this little soiree, but what the hell did I care? These were not my people.

Mrs. Eastmoore addressed the crowd, thanked them for attending the party, encouraged everyone to continue to enjoy the food, and announced that dancing would start shortly. Certainly not any kind of dancing that me or my friends would be into. I snorted and several guests turned to glare at me. Time to blow this pop stand.

Quickly, I checked the pictures I’d taken, praying some of them would suffice. The majority were lackluster, but I could use some from last week in a pinch. I wasn’t going to squeeze any love out of this crowd.