Page 31 of The High Price Of Loneliness

She was too busy getting ready to think straight, but her excitement level was growing and glowing inside of her. Her fashion show for Edward in the black dress was the proof she had hoped for that this sexy gown would have all eyes on her that evening, and she hoped Edward would be pleased with how she looked for him. This time with full makeup, hair, and nails, she was complete.

At five-thirty sharp, her doorbell rang. Edward, dressed in his black tuxedo with diamond cuff links and button studs, feasted his eyes on the new super-model-looking version of Angelica. He smiled, looking at her again in the black sequin gown, but this time with the little black purse with the gold chain dangling from her shoulder. He stood there speechless, drinking her in.

She smiled unassumingly at her handsome date, and said, “Ready?”

Edward drank in her beauty for just a moment, before speaking to state the obvious, “Gorgeous! You are absolutely gorgeous, Ms. Hart!” He offered her his right elbow to escort her to the waiting Cadillac Escalade. Gray’s driver, Taylor, was waiting with the rear doors open for them. Edward, always the gentleman, helped Angelica gracefully glide into her rear passenger seat and closed the door for her. Then he walked around to his side to join his stunning date in the back seat. Gray introduced their driver, Taylor.

“Good evening, Ms. Hart,” Taylor said politely.

“Nice to meet you, Taylor,” she replied. And off to Tampa they went.

“Having a driver is a good idea,” she said to Edward.

“Yes. I don’t drink and drive ever,” Gray shared. “Plus, it may be a bit late by the time we get home.”

“Remind me again, where is the event this evening?”

“The Straz Center for the Performing Arts,” Edward replied. “It’s close to Olde Hyde Park near downtown.”

“I’m so excited! I’ve been counting down the hours all day.”

Gray looked at her once again. Her leg peeked out of the gown from the long-split skirt. The curve of her ample breasts hinted at the feminine mysteries that were hidden just beneath with every breath she took. “I should have brought more bodyguards with you in a dress like that,” Gray chuckled.

“You are the only bodyguard I want, Edward,” she cooed softly to him.

The ride to Tampa was smooth and flew by as they spent the hour on their best behavior in front of Gray’s driver, who was able to overhear all but whispers they might share.

Arriving at the Straz was glamorous. The sun was just setting, but the spotlights out front were already shining their beacons of light upward to the coming night sky. They were part of the tribute to the vast array of local luminaries and celebrities arriving in a procession like a junior version of the academy awards.

“When we arrive at the entrance, just wait for me to open your door. Taylor would do those honors typically, but this way, he can drive away as soon as we are clear for the line of limos and vehicle drop-offs behind us,” Gray said with the voice of experience.

“Of course.” Her heart was pumping hard at the approach to the Straz’ grand entrance as their driver pulled to a stop at the red carpet.

Gray opened her door and offered her his hand, and cameras were clicking away as the two of them made their way into their first society event entrance. Gray was calm and confident as they glided up the walkway, but Angelica’s heart felt as though it might leap from her chest if it beat any faster.

Once through the grand doors of the Straz, they were instantly greeted by trays of champagne flutes in the hands of white-gloved wait staff. Classical music floated through the air from a string quartet playing live on a round stage in the corner. There were two large bars on the main level, but the gathering crowd was disbursed on the open balcony floors above.

“Perfect place for networking and socializing,” Edward said with Angelica clinging to his right arm. They moved through the room with ease, each holding a champagne flute in their free hand for the occasional toast and photo opportunity.

Food began floating by as well, with a procession of gourmet goodies and delights to try in bite-size temptations. From caviar-crusted seafood to salad bites, and from short ribs to desserts, there was an endless supply of chef creations. Angelica dabbled carefully, not wanting anything to do with a sauce that might spill on the expensive gown.

As the night got underway, Edward did a fair amount of handshaking and introduced Angelica as his guest to everyone that stopped by to greet him. He seemed to know everyone, but perhaps more notably everyone seemed to know who Edward Gray was. There was to be a short program of the Straz’ season highlights featured shortly.

Angelica leaned into his ear. “If you don’t mind, I need to use the ladies’ room before we go sit down,” she whispered to Edward.

“Of course,” he said. “I will meet you at… the bar?” he said after thinking about the easiest spot to find in the busy crowd.

“Yes. Perfect,” she replied as she smiled and turned gently to walk to the restroom. Edward and many others watched Angelica walk, hips swaying gracefully in that backless dress that plunged down to the top of trouble. Edward shook his head, smiling slightly as he headed to the bar for a real drink.

At the bar, he ordered, “A Tanqueray Gin and Tonic—double with lime,” from the bartender as he waited for Angelica to return. His drink came and went, but still no Angelica. He glanced down at his watch, and it was now time to be seated. Most of the other couples were starting to flow into the auditorium of the Straz.

He wondered if Angelica was okay. At least fifteen minutes had gone by. Although sometimes these events do have long lines for the bathroom, he reasoned with himself. An event coordinator walked through the room, striking a chime with a wooden tong to make the traditional series of tones signaling time to be seated for the show.

Still no Angelica.

He thought it would be best if he made his way to the restroom and waited just outside the entrance doors for her. As he turned the corner, he could see clearly across the large Straz lobby to the second bar. And there at the bar was Angelica talking to another man. It appeared that they were talking very intimately.

Feeling his back tighten and his blood starting to boil, he immediately began walking directly towards them from far across the Straz. He observed the other younger man reach up and gently touch Angelica’s long blonde hair. And yet, she did not recoil or move away. Then the interloper leaned into her ear and whispered something, and she seemed to chuckle and then laugh out loud.

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