Meredith accepted the other women’s sympathy and well wishes, waiting to see what Annabeth would do to pull the attention back to herself. Stunning in a beaded ivory Grecian gown, it wouldn’t be hard.

“Meredith,” she said as she reached her. Her skinny arms lightly wrapped around her in an awkward hug, and she faux kissed the air next to Meredith’s cheek. A warmer reception than yesterday. She did have an audience. “You seem to be holding up pretty well, under the circumstances. How’s Rob holding…oh.” Annabeth held her hand up to her mouth in mock surprise, as if she had just remembered that Rob had run out on Meredith months before. “I can’t believe I said—never mind. You’re holding up better than most, I dare say. Look at you.” She shook her head. “Trying to stay strong.”

“We do what we have to,” Meredith said, showing restraint in not clubbing the woman with her purse. “Did Kevin make it here tonight?”

Tit for tat, Meredith said silently. Kevin was Annabeth’s own trophy hubby, cute and buff but not very bright and, of late, always absent. Not that Annabeth seemed to mind, as she usually found other men to entertain her.

“He’s here, tonight, of course. Somewhere. Even with his training, he knew how important tonight was and wouldn’t miss it. How about the delectable Travis? Did Meredith tell you girls? Our little computer assistant from high school has become quite the beefcake.”

The beefcake came out of nowhere and stood next to her. The wry smile on his face as he met her gaze told her he’d heard the gist of their interaction and found it amusing.

Dear God. Every time she saw him in that tux she found herself staving off a flash that sent heat to all the intimate areas of her body, making her want to melt. Even though she hadn’t had his measurements, the lines of the jacket across his shoulders and over that expansive chest were nearly spot-on. With that rugged jaw and determined glint in his eye, he could be the poster boy for the next Bourne or James Bond movie.

She realized the women were waiting for her to introduce the beefcake. “Ladies, this is Travis Brennan,” she said and waited for the inevitable tangle of arms as they tripped over themselves to hug him. But Travis had taken a different stance, his arm wrapped almost possessively around her waist, and pulled her to him. The women gave her sly smiles. All but Annabeth. Which earned a wider grin from Meredith.

“Good to see you all again, ladies.” Smooth.

Before they could send a barrage of questions at him, she took the lead. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to get things started inside.”

That had been far more satisfying than she’d expected, she thought as Travis escorted her through the lobby until they reached the doors leading into the ballroom. If she weren’t so nervous about the importance of tonight’s event, she would have taken a moment to appreciate how beautiful everything looked.

Playing on the large screen at one end was a slideshow of photos of the past one hundred years of school history, something she had thought was impossible after a fire destroyed a section of the basement several weeks ago. But Sam, Allie’s boyfriend, had someone managed to pull one together, using photos alumni had forwarded him.

As if on cue, she spotted the happy couple heading in their direction. Okay. She had to admit, they did look great together.

“Meredith, you do know how to make an appearance,” Sam said, but his eyes barely left Allie, who looked stunning in a short sequined black dress that was reminiscent of the flapper dresses of the twenties. Blonde and blue eyed, she was the girl next door, and Sam was clearly smitten.

“Thanks, Sam. I can’t begin to express my gratitude to the two of you for stepping up and helping me out like you did. The place looks phenomenal.”

Allie looked flabbergasted at the compliment and after a quick glace at Sam managed to say, “Of course, Meredith.”

For heaven’s sake. Meredith had only given credit where it was due. Was that so unbelievable? Something told her that it probably was. She worked to keep the smile on her face.

“Allie filled me in on the details,” Sam said, speaking to Travis. “We’ll keep our eyes and ears open. Just let me know if I can do anything to help.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Travis said, all stoicism. He glanced at Allie. “I haven’t seen Claire yet. Is she…around?”

Allie sighed and looked almost defeated. “Not yet. Rick was supposed to pick her up and bring her, but after everything you discovered…well. I think she wanted to be alone. I’m going to call her in a few minutes and see if she needs anything.”

He nodded and Meredith could see he was fighting his own guilt over that and probably over whatever exchange the two of them had shared earlier.

A flurry of activity near the door indicated that someone of some importance had arrived, their security entourage flanking all sides.

The mayor. Meredith had better go over and make the cursory greeting. Travis, whose own attention was drawn to something else on the other side of the room, just nodded. “Go. I’ll be fine.” Then he slipped away into the growing crowd.

“Paul,” she said when she reached the mayor. “I wanted to thank you again for appearing tonight and honoring us with a speech. You have my gratitude.” And her financial support, which was part of the deal, of course, just as his exclusive with Annabeth would come with a price. But that didn’t need to be said.

“Of course, Meredith.” He took her hand in his. In a quieter voice, his eyes searching hers, he asked, “And how is the search going for your daughter? Any word?”

For a moment, she had forgotten that she’d gone to him for assistance in those hours right after Darcy went

missing. Hoping he could offer some assistance, throw his name and authority behind her and get some action. Until now, this was the most interest he’d shown.

She considered how much to share with him. “Not a word. The police are now involved, but nothing’s turned up.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more, Meredith. I have been so busy with the campaign that I haven’t had a chance really to even breathe. But if you need anything, I’m here.”

Sure he was. If there was a camera on him, maybe.

Tags: Ashlee Mallory You Again Romance
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