“In San Francisco at least,” Davina adds.
Nelson grins. “Let’s sit,” he says. I pull out a chair for Rachel, letting my fingers brush her shoulders as she takes her seat. Again, I find myself wishing we were alone.
When I’m seated, Davina is on my other side. I say something vague and complimentary to her before turning my attention to Nelson and enquiring about some investments he made. Mingling with the sounds from the orchestra, I can hear Rachel and Jules talking and laughing, and idly, I wonder what they’re discussing.
“I can’t wait for the performances,” Cameron says from across the table. He’s studying the program. “Did you know there was a time I wanted to dance ballet?”
At the thought of my big friend in tights, I burst into laughter. “You’d have made a spectacular dancer.”
His shoulders are shaking. “I have no doubt.”
Just then, I turn in Rachel’s direction and find her watching me, an odd look in her eyes. I reach for her hand under the table, squeezing it gently.
Her eyes flare, but only for a few seconds before clouding with a sadness I don’t understand. She turns her face away from me but leaves her hand in mine.
“How would you compare the new San Francisco version to the Swanson Court in New York?” Nelson is addressing Rachel.
She considers the question for a moment. “I haven’t visited the New York hotel extensively, but from what I’ve seen, I’d say San Francisco tends more toward modern luxury, while New York is timeless elegance.”
Her choice of words makes me want to preen. When did her approval and good opinion become so important to me?
“Well put.” Nelson nods.
“Modern luxury is the exact concept we had in mind for the refurbishment,” I add. “It’s very gratifying that Rachel thinks we succeeded.”
She meets my eyes and we share a smile. The sadness is gone. “Your team did an excellent job bringing out the concept in their design,” she says, her eyes on mine.
And I will do an excellent job making you come tonight.
“Landon lives at the Swanson Court.” Davina’s voice pipes up, interrupting my thoughts. “If you haven’t spent a lot of time there, then you two are not very close.”
Rachel looks amused. “We’re as close as we need to be,” she replies with a smile. “I’m only writing a feature on his hotel.”
“Landon here has a knack for building hotels people can’t resist,” Nelson says. “His father would be so proud of him. Preston had all these dreams for expanding the Swanson Court hotels, and Landon is bringing them to life.”
I try to hide my grimace. There’s nothing I hate more than when people bring up my parents, especially at events like these.
“You knew Landon’s father?” Rachel asks, curiosity lighting her face.
Nelson nods. “Yes, I did. Preston and Alicia were close friends of mine, and they were spectacular, I tell you. Alicia was the pride of the New York City Ballet, and Preston…well, he was Preston. I remember when Alicia danced Odette in Swan Lake. It was phenomenal. I believe Gilt Style did a feature on her, called her the Swan of New York.”
I tune out the conversation, forcing my mind away from the vortex of memories threatening to erupt.
He also let his work take him away from her again and again until she started to believe rumors he was cheating on her, and then she let her jealousy drive her to her death.
Nelson doesn’t go close to that part of the story. Nobody ever does. Finally, Rachel changes the subject and I can try to relax again.
After dinner is served, we move to the opera house across the street for the performances. Even though my mother was a famous dancer, or perhaps because she was, my interest in ballet is mild, but I love watching Rachel’s face. She doesn’t bother to hide her pleasure. There’s no mask of sophistication or forced disinterest. She’s just who she is.
And it’s particularly charming.
Later, on the dance floor, we move together to a slow ballad. I close my eyes and let her closeness fill all my senses.
How will I ever let you go, Rachel?
As if she can hear my thoughts, she sets her head on my chest, and I pull in a breath.
“Enjoying yourself?” I ask.