“Do you know any of these people?” I asked.
“Some, but not really.” He tilted his head. “Not that it matters. We’re here to be seen, that’s all.”
“Seems like we could be doing more than that. Maybe we could try to make connections for Hedeon? I mean, it might be a good thing, right?”
He gave me an appraising look. “It’s not a bad idea.”
“Of course it’s a good idea. I came up with it.”
“And with you in that dress, I don’t think there’s a man in this place that’ll turn away from us right now.”
I leaned closer to him, letting my breast press up against his side. His eyes slipped down and I felt a thrill at the attention. I liked that he looked at my body like that, loved that he couldn’t help himself—even when we were supposed to be at a sophisticated party, all he could do was look at my breasts. Maybe I shouldn’t think that was immature, but it was flattering instead.
“Are you jealous?”
“I don’t get jealous.”
“I don’t know. That sounded a little jealous.”
“Only speaking the truth.”
I laughed again and was about to tug him over toward a table of cigar-smoking gentlemen when Chief Roberts himself came out into the yard. The man scanned the yard then stopped when he spotted us. He strode over, a big smile on his lips.
“Reid, Cora, so glad you could make it,” he said. “What a lovely evening, isn’t it?”
Reid shook his hand. “Thanks for the invitation, Chief.”
“My pleasure. So long as you keep bringing this one around.” He grinned at me and didn’t try to hide the way his gaze slipped down my skin. I like when Reid did it—but from Chief Roberts it felt sleazy and uncomfortable. I plastered a smile on my face and let him shake my hand.
“You have a lovely home,” I said.
“Thanks, you can tell that to my wife, wherever she is. Listen, you two mingle. Enjoy yourselves.” He disappeared and joined another group, shaking hands, beaming his jovial smile.
“Politicians,” Reid said, shaking his head.
“He’s a police chief. I didn’t think they needed to act like that.”
“Everything’s political, even if you’re not voted into office.”
I took another long sip of champagne then placed the glass down on a table. “Seems odd that he’d invite us here.”
“I suspect it’s your family influence.”
I made a face. “You’re probably right.”
“Fact is, Hedeon’s too new to the city to have any clout, but your cousin is in with all these people. I’m almost surprised he’s not here, but I have a feeling we’re representing him as well as my own crew.”
“You’re probably right.” I leaned my head against his arm. “Look at us, organized crime in the middle of a party for a cop.”
“Party thrown by a cop. Not really for him.”
I gave him a look. “You know what I mean. Now, take me around and show me off. Let’s mingle a little bit.”
He put his hand on my lower back. “My pleasure.”
For the next couple hours, we made the rounds. I met more fancy people in expensive clothes and absurd jewelry than I ever had in my entire life. I always thought the way rich people were portrayed in movies and on TV was exaggerated, but they didn’t let me down—they were every bit as pretentious, obnoxious, and judgmental as I thought they’d be.
Reid seemed to enjoy himself. He slipped into several conversations and dragged me along, smiling a big, friendly grin and shaking hands. He introduced himself as an importer several times, and I thought I saw some flashes of recognition—like they knew that he was lying and what he really was.
I had fun. I couldn’t deny that Reid was funny and charming when he wanted to be, even if there was an undertone of frustrated annoyance at having to take time out of his life to talk to these rich people. He told jokes and kept me close to him, and although I got more dirty looks from wives and more lewd stares from husbands, I felt comfortable and at ease.
The champagne got to me though and I went in search of a bathroom. The party was winding down, the food getting packed away, and I felt good. I wasn’t drunk, only slightly tipsy, but it was a pleasant buzz. I already pictured changing out of my dress and into something comfy back home—or maybe letting Reid undress me instead.
I found the bathroom tucked away in a back corner. I went inside, did my thing, washed my hands, and on my way out stumbled into the chest of a large man with ruddy cheeks and slicked-back hair. He chuckled as he reached out his hands in apology. He was big, broad in the chest with a slight gut, and looked like he’d been a football player in another life, though his muscles had long since wasted away.