Page 13 of Harry

“All right, my dear.” He had dropped by the agency to bring her a cup of her favorite matcha tea and a scone. And he is getting to be a very good friend. He made no unwelcome advances, and they had been out to dinner twice already. “Thanks a lot.”

“You’re welcome.”

She sat back when he left and stared at her computer screen and found herself wondering what it would have been like if she hadmet him first. Granted, all she felt for him was fondness, nothing as complicated as she felt for Harry.

That was on another plain entirely. Harry evoked feelings inside her that frightened her with their intensity. Breaking off a sigh, she got back to work.

*****

Standing in front of the mirror, she stared at herself critically. The dress was basic black and made of the finest wool. She had spent half the morning trying to find the proper outfit, one that would not reveal her condition and had almost given up in frustration when she walked to the back of her closet.

It was like a sheath, or more like a cape, which draped her from neck to below her knees, with delicate swirls that hid her pregnancy well. Her hair had gotten even thicker and had grown longer.

She had straightened it for the occasion and her thick dark brown strands, flowed in gentle waves past her shoulders. She secured the left side with a jeweled comb.

Big gold hoops adorned her lobes, and she was wearing chunky gold bracelets. Knee high suede boots completed the ensemble.

Stopping in front of the line of jackets, she touched the soft black cashmere that had been a gift from Harry. Wearing it was going to evoke some painful memories, but she felt the need to feel it on her.

Placing a hand on her stomach, she smiled as she felt the faint stirrings. “Okay my darlings. Settle down for mama. I don’t need you jumping around in there and disagreeing with the meal I will be having.

I would like you to behave and allow your mama to have a very good time. With a friend.” She stressed. “He is just a friend. I am not replacing your daddy.”

As if that could ever happen, she thought dismally.

*****

The glitter from the stunning display of jewelries on the female attendees rivaled the brilliant lights outside and inside the lavishly decorated Opera House. Janelle could not help but feel a little conspicuous at her lack of expensive jewelry and her plain black dress.

But was somewhat comforted when David greeted her with an enthusiastic admiring look and pronounced that she looked exquisite. She felt pregnant and dumpy but could not very well say that to him.

She was in the middle of enjoying the play when something urged her to look over the opposite side of the balcony. When she did, she could swear her heart stopped beating. Wild blue eyes connected with hers, holding her gaze for what seemed like eternity, before he swept it over David, a grim expression on his face.

Harry was here! And he was with that actress. She had seen their photos in the papers and had read somewhere that he was in charge of some housing development his company was doing in the middle of the downtown business district area.

Tearing her eyes away from his, she forced herself to concentrate on the play and respond to David’s whispered comments. He had gotten them VIP seats and the view was excellent. But the pleasure she had first derived from being here had diminished. Acute awareness of the man seated across the aisle had done it for her.

And she could not wait to get out of here.

But fate was not on her side. As if by design, the two couples descended the stairs almost the same time and she was forced to speak to him.

“Harry…!”

“Janelle…!” He stood there looking so achingly handsome in tan slacks, black sweater, and a black jacket, (no tux for him!) – that she felt her entire body quivering with need.

“How have you been?” She knew she sounded trite but could not help it.

“Fine. You?”

“Very well, thank you. Uhm, this is David…”

“I know who he is.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket deliberately to avoid shaking hands.

“Ms. Blackwood.” Janelle greeted the stunning woman coolly, wanting to tear her hair out by the roots. The actress was wearing a glittering red and silver gown, which molded her perfect figure – well perfectly. And Janelle wanted to kill her.

“Janelle, is it?”

“Yes.” Turning to David, she reached for his hand blindly. “We have reservations…!”

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