Page 19 of Breaking Point

“Saw your schedule on the kitchen counter. Looks like there’s a party downtown tonight?”

“Yes. It’s at a rooftop restaurant. Don’t think I’ve ever been, but I’m dressing up rather than down.”

“Lemoncello. I remember.” His answering smile is kind, and the striking contrast between him and Crew becomes more and more apparent. While Crew is quiet and serious, Taylor’s more friendly. Outgoing.

He and I will get along well.

“Formal attire then, I’ll do my best. If it’s alright with you, we’ll take my car.”

I smile back. “Okay. I’m planning to get ready soon.”

“Crew and I will probably switch off when we get back.”

I nod, and he smiles again before closing the door. Chesna comes out of her hiding spot slowly, perching on the end of the bed. She’s never taken kindly to strangers. Little does she know they’ll be sticking around for a while.

Behind her, I glance at the floor-length gown hanging above my bathroom door. The yellow silk and complimenting green ribbon for my hair are only part of what makes the dress so stunning, but I’m most excited about the long trench coat I get to wear with it.

“Think it will be cold enough for it?” I ask Chesna aloud.

Her only reply is to bury into my comforter.

Chapter Ten

Olivia

Sutton is beautiful at night. From the balcony of the skyrise, the city lights are a glittering reflection on the Drumstone river below. Gray clouds hang low tonight, the mist brushing past my fingers like a kiss as I hold my hand out.

The cold air is a welcome relief. This party is too crowded. Too bright. Women wear lemon yellow dresses of varying garish, and while many of the men wear black suits, they have matching golden ties or pocket squares. I wasn’t expecting tonight to be as busy as it is.

When Eleanor and Richard invited me, I assumed it would be nothing more than a small get-together with family and a few friends. But tonight feels more like an engagement party. Which they hadn’t told me about. I’m just not in the position to be arguing over a sticking point.

I lean against the railing, overlooking the party again. No matter how many parties I attend, I always feel like an impostor. It isn’t just the fact that everyone’s dressed in designer. Or that I don’t know these people. If anything, I knowtoomany of them.

Maybe it’s the laughing. The drinking. Wealth and excess go hand-in-hand, and it’s one of the things I’ve always felt so farremoved from. It creates the illusion of connection. But it’s all performance.

As I look around, I can’t stop the thought that drifts past:

Do I really want this for myself?

“Liv!”

My gaze snaps up to see Eleanor heading for me. Her fiery red hair is pinned into a crown at her temples, and tonight, she wears a white midi dress with a strappy pair of heels to match. She looks every bit like the future bride to be, and I smile in greeting.

“You look beautiful!”

She takes my hands, squeezing them as she tugs me to walk alongside her. “Thank you! I’m so glad you came. Tonight wouldn’t be half as fun without you here.”

I wink at her. “You flatter me.”

“Come with me.” She tugs me along, lowering her voice. “I have a question though.”

“Ask away.”

“Who’s the gent that’s been following you all night?”

It’s an effort not to look over my shoulder. While Taylor has done his best to hang back, the fact that I’ve got a shadow hasn’t gone unnoticed. Eleanor doesn’t bother hiding her stare.

I force a smile. “My plus one this evening is, unfortunately, my new security detail.”

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