Page 39 of Devlin

"Sure." She was actually a little relieved to have Devlin by her side. She hadn't seen Jessica in years, and she had no idea who else would be at the party, if she'd have anyone to talk to or if she would just be extremely uncomfortable. She'd almost chickened out from attending, but the past few days helping her dadwork on the boat had been a little boring. She'd forgotten how detailed he was, and how lost he could get in his craft, forgetting she was there half the time.

She'd told herself not to take it personally, but the quiet had been getting on her nerves, so she'd decided to come to the party. At least, now she would know one person, even if it was the one person she'd been trying to avoid.

The banquet room in the Yacht Club was packed with people. Jessica certainly had a lot of friends, and most of those friends were eager to give Devlin a hug or a handshake. She felt a little invisible in his shadow, but it gave her a chance to look around the room.

There were a dozen round tables in the middle of the room and two long buffet tables that were already laden with food,although no one was eating yet. A bar by the French doors leading onto the cocktail deck had a good-sized line going. A couple of servers were walking through the party, offering appetizers.

Outside, there were more tables and more people. It was a beautiful evening, unusually warm, with the temperature lingering in the low seventies even at six o'clock at night.

"Have you all metHannah?" Devlin asked, taking her hand and pulling her into his bright light.

She smiled at the three young women, all around her age. Two of them didn't look very happy to see Devlin's hand in hers. She wanted to pull away, but that seemed like it would draw more attention.

"Hannah, this is Diana, Georgia, and Caroline," he said.

"Hello. I'm Hannah Reid. I went to schoolwith Jessica." She didn't recognize Diana or Georgia, but Caroline looked very familiar. "Wait a second. You're Caroline Richards?"

"I wondered if you'd remember me."

"Of course I do, but your hair wasn't red when I knew you. It threw me for a second."

"No, it was a dull brown. I got bolder as I got older." Caroline let out an infectious laugh. "That should be my slogan. Bolderand older. Anyway, it's nice to see you again, Hannah. It has been a long time."

"It has."

"Devlin, why don't you come out on the patio with us?" Diana suggested. "It's much cooler there. And the bar on the deck is not nearly as crowded."

"I wouldn't mind getting a drink," Devlin said, gazing down at her. "What about you?"

"I'm fine for now."

"I'll be back soon,"he promised.

As Diana and Georgia walked Devlin outside, Caroline gave her a speculative smile. "Don't be jealous, Hannah. They've been trying to get Devlin's attention for the last three years, and he's just not interested."

"I'm not jealous," she said quickly. "I'm not with Devlin. I ran into him outside. My father works for him. Or he used to, anyway." She paused as a tall brunettejoined them. "Jessica! Happy birthday!"

"Oh, my God," Jessica said with delight and amazement. "Hannah. My mother told me she invited you. I was going to call and see if you were coming, but I didn't have your number. I'm so glad you came."

She gave Jessica a hug, thinking how pretty she was now with her dark hair and dark eyes.

"I see you've reconnected with Caroline," Jessicaadded. "Whitney is supposed to come, too."

"I'd love to see her, too."

"So, what have you been up to?" Jessica asked. "I heard you're living in Austin, Texas."

"Yes. That's where my mom and I moved after we left here. She started a real estate firm, and I became an agent a few years ago."

"I always thought you'd do something with your dad and with boats. You were madabout sailing."

"There wasn't any ocean in Austin, and I got caught up in other things."

"But you're racing on Memorial Day, my mom said."

"I am. I hope I'm up to the challenge. Luckily, I have my dad to lead the way."

"I can't believe your father isn't racing with Devlin this year." Jessica took a quick glance around, then lowered her voice and said, "But I've heardthat your father is no longer working at the Boatworks, so I guess it makes sense. Although, none of us understand what happened."

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