Page 15 of Like You Love Me

Jessica Beaumont sauntered into the room with her head high and narrow hips swinging. Her mother was beautiful and always managed to look elegant. She had fine lines in the corners of her eyes and mouth, yet she still had a youthful glow. Her gray hair was stylishly coiffed, and she wore a designer navy suit with wide-leg slacks and a short jacket beneath a black wool peacoat.

“Thank goodness your brothers keep me informed; otherwise, I wouldn’t have a clue.” There was that high-pitched whine in her tone. Bianca chuckled inward and struggled to keep a straight face not to offend her mother, who seldom held back from pouring on the guilt.

“Mother, we spoke over the weekend.”

Jessica gave a dismissive wave. “Yes, but anything could have happened since then.”

“Well, as you can see, I am doing fine.” There was still the gash at her forehead that was healing nicely. It would leave a terrible scar, but eventually, that would heal along with the memories.

“Yes, now maybe I’ll be able to sleep more peacefully,” she said with a dramatic sigh. Bianca rose as her mother came around the desk and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“How’s the Valentine’s Day Ball coming along?”

Her mother shrugged her slender left shoulder as if preparations for the event were no big deal, but Bianca knew better. With Jessica, everything was a big deal.

“We selected the menu.” She gave her a hard stare. “Almost everyone has RSVP’d, that is… except for my children.” A disapproving frown accompanied the accusation.

Bianca grimaced and took a deep breath as she slowly counted to ten. It was enough that her mother still expected them over for dinner every Thursday. She and her social club had started having an annual fundraiser dinner, which was being hosted on Valentine’s Day this year. Anyone who was anyone would be in attendance, along with vendors and sales reps who wanted to network with the Beaumont’s connections.

“Youareplanning to attend, right?”

She hesitated long enough to lower onto her seat and signaled for her mother to take one of the pin-striped upholstered chairs across from her. “I don’t know if I am up for a formal black-tie event.” The annual event was scheduled to be held downstairs in the Princess Ballroom. There would be formal ballroom dancing and boring conversations.Just the way Mother likes it.Bianca leaned back and folded her arms. “Remember, we are hosting the bachelor’s auction the evening before.”

Her mother frowned at the mention. “I don’t know why any woman with prestige and class would want to attend an event calledBeaudacious Bachelors.”

“It’s a charity event, Mother, that was originally sponsored by the Beaumont Corporation, which is where thebeaucame into bodacious. It is for a good cause.”

Jessica scowled in response.

A grin curled Bianca’s lips. “There were quite a few of your friends in attendance last year.”

Her mother gasped and brought a hand to her breasts.

“Yes, there was Martha Ferguson and Juliette Carson.”

“Juliette?” She gave a rude snort.

Bianca nodded. “Even Widow Bailey.”

“Henrietta?”

Bianca ran a hand over her hair. “Oh yes, she won the bid with a gorgeous chiropractor.”

Her mother looked like she needed a glass of water.

“Mother, it’s all for a good cause.”

Her chin came up as she sat up straight and cleared her throat. “Yes, of course. I guess you’re right. The Ladies of Society will do anything to support a good cause.”

“Maybe you should come and see the work we are doing.” Bianca expected her mother to turn up her nose again.

“Maybe,” she said softly. “And in exchange, I will RSVP you and London for the ball.”

She knew the conversation was no longer up for discussion. Bianca favored her with a smile. “Yes, Mother. We will be there.”

“That’s wonderful.” She clapped her hands and looked pleased as she rose in a fluid motion. “Would you like chicken or beef?”

Bianca sighed. “Beef for both of us.” They ate plenty of chicken, she thought with a chuckle.

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