"Oh, God, thanks for the warning."
"I have to admit, they're beauties. Speaking of which." Judy set down her jeweled compact. "I didn't recognize that incredibly gorgeous specimen you're with tonight. Is he from around here?''
"He's an old friend."
Judy rolled her eyes. "We should, all have such old friends."
"He's just moved back to the area." A little thought leaked through. "Your daughter takes riding lessons, doesn't she, Judy?"
"She's horse crazy. I went through the same stage, but it seems to be sticking with Mandy."
"Michael raises horses, trains them. He's working out of
Templeton House for the moment until he can rebuild. His property was destroyed in those mud slides."
"Oh, God, weren't they horrible? Another friend of mine watched her house slide down a cliff. Just going, going, gone. Heartbreaking." Judy dabbed perfume at her wrists. "Why do we live in California?"
"I hear it's the weather," Laura said dryly. "In any case, you might want to contact Michael if you decide to get Mandy a mount of her own."
"Actually, we are considering it. Her birthday's coming up, and there's nothing she'd like better than her own horse." Lips pursed in thought, Judy replaced her perfume. "Thanks for the tip. I'll talk to my husband about it. Meanwhile, good luck with your old friend."
Laura left the lounge in better spirits. The evening was wearing on, she was getting through it. The least she could do was make an effort to enjoy what was left of it.
"Cooled off?"
She jumped a little, muffled an oath. Must the man sneak up behind her? "I'm sorry."
"You looked ready to chew steel when you marched off to the ladies' room." Michael handed her a fresh glass of champagne.
"Maybe it was indigestion. I ran into a friend in there."
"You women have little summit meetings in the john, don't you? Isn't that why you usually go inside in packs?"
"Actually, we play poker and smoke cigars, but my point is, this friend of mine has a daughter and she's very keen on riding. They're considering buying her a horse. I gave Judy your name. I hope you don't mind."
"Hey, anytime you want to toss business my way, feel free. I like your brother-in-law."
"It showed. I expected the two of you to have a secret handshake by now."
"Is that a subtle way of telling me I was ignoring you?"
"No." She said it too quickly, and then tried to backtrack. "Not at all. I'm glad you and Byron hit it off." She spotted him on the dance floor with Kate. And her eyes warmed. "They're so happy together. They've only been married a couple of months, but with some people you can just tell that the way they look at each other isn't going to change."
"Your romantic side's showing."
She didn't take offense. "I'm allowed to have one."
"Then I guess I should ask you to dance."
She looked up at him. What the hell, she decided. ' Then I guess I should accept."
Before he could take her hand, he saw her smile fade and freeze, her color drain to white. The hand that had lifted to take his fell to her side.
"What's the problem?"
She only took a quiet, shaky breath. "Hello, Peter. Candy."
"Laura."