Page 4 of Elusive Promise

Ben gave her a guarded smile, but it was clear he didn't remember her. "Nice to see you again."

"Don't worry if you can't remember me. You were barely five when I saw you last," she said with a laugh.

He tipped his head. "Then I won't feel bad. Would either of you like a drink? I was just going to get one."

"I'm fine," she said.

"Nothing for me," Neil replied.

As Ben left, she said, "Your son is very handsome. He looks like Elizabeth. Is your wife here?"

"Somewhere, and, yes, Ben does look like her, which is fine with me. She's the pretty one."

She smiled at his affectionate words. She'd always thought the Langdons had a great marriage. "I hope to have a chance to speak to her tonight."

"I'm sure you will. Are your parents here as well?"

"Unfortunately, no. I am the sole representative of the family tonight."

"Well, I'm glad you could make it."

"As am I," a woman cut in.

She smiled as the bride-to-be joined them. "Jasmine. You look beautiful."

Jasmine opened her arms, and they exchanged a hug that was much warmer than the one she'd shared with Anika.

"I can't believe it's you, Parisa." Jasmine shook her head in amazement. "You're stunning."

"So are you. I'm very happy for you. You must be incredibly excited."

"It's hard to put into words."

"I'll let you girls chat," Neil said. "I know you and Parisa haven't seen each other in a very long time."

"Maybe we'll speak again later," Parisa told him.

"I'd like that. I'd love to hear about your life now."

"Of course."

"I would like to know about your life, too," Jasmine added, as Neil walked away.

"Believe me, your life is far more interesting than mine. When is the wedding?"

"June. It's a wonderful thing that has happened—love finally found me."

Jasmine's words took Parisa back in time, to a question they'd asked each other as teenage girls—when will love ever find us? "Yes, it did. You're lucky."

"We used to wonder all the time when it would happen, how it would happen. Remember?" Jasmine asked. "All the times we talked about boys and our futures?"

"I do." But she'd never really expected love to find her. She wasn't a passive person by nature. She didn’t like to wait for things to come to her; she preferred to go out and get them. Unfortunately, so far, love—real, everlasting love—had eluded her.

Jasmine glanced toward the two very obtrusive security guards, who were standing nearby. "I feel like everyone is watching us. I heard you wanted to speak to me, and I really want to hear what you have to say. It's been so long since we've spoken. Shall we go upstairs?"

"I'd love a few minutes, but are you sure you can leave the party?"

"It will be going on for hours. And you are my dear friend from so long ago." Jasmine glanced over her shoulder and spoke to the older of the two men. "My friend and I will be going upstairs for a few minutes."

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