Selby nodded as they approached. “Hello, Blaire. Welcome to our home. How nice of you to step in for Kate.” She shrugged. “I’d have been happy to do it, but I suppose your name probably will bring in more money, since you’re so famous now.”

“Well, I’m sure Kate thought it was enough that you opened up your home. Maybe she didn’t want to put you on the spot to make a speech. You remember how nervous you used to get when you had to present at school. There was that one time—”

“Yes, well,” Selby interrupted. “No need to go into that. I’m quite comfortable in the spotlight now.” Her voice was sharp.

Carter didn’t seem to notice the tension between the two women. He leaned in and kissed Blaire on the cheek. “Blaire, how good to see you.” His eyes swept over her, taking her in. “You look absolutely wonderful.”

Blaire was delighted by the admiring look on his face. The fiery red silk gown she’d picked up earlier at Octavia Boutique hugged her tall, slender frame. It was strapless, and her long dark hair brushed her bare shoulders. “Thank you.” She gave him a confident smile, determined to show him he had no effect on her anymore. It had been so many years since she’d seen him, but the memory of her humiliation came racing back with the force of a runaway train. She took a deep breath, pushing the past from her mind, composing herself.

“Everyone will be so thrilled that you’re here. A celebrity guest. How exciting! My mother is one of your biggest fans,” Carter gushed. “She’s dying to see you.”

Blaire’s eyebrows shot up. Really? His mother had wanted nothing more than for Blaire to be out of her precious son’s life all those years ago. Now she was dying to see her?

“And I’ve read every one of your books,” he continued.

“Carter,” Selby interrupted. “We have other guests arriving.”

He slowly dropped Blaire’s hand, and Selby snatched his hand in hers. “If you’ll excuse us, I’m sure you can find your way around.”

Blaire spotted Gordon and headed toward him, relieved to see someone she knew. Even in a tux, he managed to make a bow tie look silly—probably because his was light blue with bulls and bears on it. Was it supposed to be some sort of stock market witticism? It was no wonder he was still single.

“Hey there,” she greeted him.

“Blaire.” A curt nod in her direction.

“Having a good time?”

He shrugged. “These things are not really my cup of tea. Just here to support Kate and her foundation. Of course, it’s completely understandable why she didn’t come.”