Chapter 7

I rush in the door and throw my keys onto the table.

"Veronica?" Duncan calls out, then walks into the room "We were supposed to be there already!"

I start taking off my work clothes and throwing them onto the floor, "I know, I know, I got stuck in traffic. I'm getting dressed right now, 3 minutes maximum " Duncan sighs and paces back and forth looking at his phone "I'll fix my makeup in the car," I run into our room and throw on my dress, thankfully I'd laid it out earlier. Run a brush through my hair, spray on some deodorant and appear back in the lounge, holding my shoes in my hand.

My dress is long, black silk and completely backless. It won't allow for a bra or underwear, so I check myself in the mirror to make sure everything is in place. I run my hands over the cool material and smooth down my sides. Not bad. Duncan glances at my dress but doesn't say anything.

He looks up at me and rolls his eyes, "I knew you'd be late,"- he grabs the keys, and I follow him down the stairs to the parking garage.

"I'm sorry I had to get the files to them." I grab his hand and turn him toward me.

"Relax," I try and soothe him. He loosens up a little.

"Duncan Kane, RELAX! You've got this, I promise, this is going to be a victory party," enthusiasm pouring from me. I held his gaze, trying to calm him.

He leans over and kisses me. "Okay, yes. Let's go."

We drive fast to the party.

And, of course, Duncan wins. It's a landslide, and he is beaming from ear to ear. I am by his side, smiling for photos with numerous strangers shaking hands with 'congratulations' as the night wears on. Everyone is there, wearing 'Duncan Kane for Re-election' badges. The air is buzzing with excitement. I'm buzzing from just a few too many champagnes.

Wallace appears with Bianca and hugs Duncan, patting him on the back. "Amazing job!" he says, "two more years!"

Duncan glows, "Thanks man, I couldn't have done it without all your support,"

"How is the fun table?" I ask Wallace, motioning over to the table I wish I was sitting at. Mac is there with David, Dad, Logan and some other casual friends and acquaintances. Wife of the mayor equals boring table with benefactors. Everyone at the fun table is laughing at something Dad is saying.

Wallace nudges me and whispers "Poor Ronnie has to sit at the boring table with the Mayor?"

I pout my bottom lip out.

"Bianca and I will need to go soon anyway. Our babysitter turns into a pumpkin at 10."

"Really? Boo! I was hoping we could blow this joint and all have a drink afterward together?"

Duncan looks at me and frowns, "Veronica, we will need to stay and help pack up. We're here until closing. You know how it looks if we leave early."

I turn to Wallace with puppy dog eyes and a sigh, "The mayor says I can't come out and play."

Duncan puts his hand around my waist, "Oh come-on you big baby, we've got to go and speak to the Whitman's, see you, Wallace," I give Wallace a little wave and follow Duncan to the next table.

It's getting late, and the room is starting to empty. We've been over with the Whitmans, then the Rothschilds, the Jefferies and the Browns. All dynasties with big money who publicly showed their support to Duncan during either his term or re-election. He needs to show his appreciation, in person, to each and every one.

I was fading, the champagne starting to wear off. My shoulders were starting to slump a little. Diane Brown had just been explaining to me how her live-in Nanny had been caught trying on clothes in her closest… the horror! I reach for my glass for another drink, empty. The waiters have become more sparse on refills as the night wore on.

My phone vibrates in my bag. I pull it out.

11.27 pm from Logan Echolls

How's the riveting conversation?

I smirk and look around the room for him. He's not at the fun table. I can't see him anywhere.

11.28 pm from Veronica Kane

Dying! Send wine.

Diane moves on to tell me all about her purebred spoodle, Sprinkles and his medication regime.

A body leans over my shoulder, champagne bottle in hand and starts to fill my glass. I barely register the presence, just glad for the top-up and distraction when I recognize the scent. I know who it is. I don't need to turn. I feel his side graze my shoulder as he leans in, holding the bottle with military precision.

Diane motions to him to fill her glass too.

He moves towards her and fills hers to the brim also. Eyes meet mine. It's the first look I've received this evening from those brown eyes. It's a good one.

Logan's wearing a dark grey suit, crisp white shirt and light grey tie loosened. The suit is so well cut it looks like his body has been poured into it. I take a sharp intake of breath and put the champagne flute to my lips.

He winks and departs as quickly as he came.

My phone vibrates again

11.32 pm from Logan Echolls

That dress Veronica, are you trying to kill me?

A smile spreads across my cheeks, and I put my phone back into my clutch. Yes, maybe I am.

Duncan takes me over to meet Harold Lee, a tall, well-aged man in his late 60s. He has salt, and pepper black hair combed back, and he grasps my hand with a firm handshake.

"Many congratulations Duncan, I look forward to continuing to work with you."

"Thanks, Harold, I couldn't have done it without your support." Duncan turns to me "Harold is responsible for most of the residential building works along the North side of Neptune. It's a big expansion for the town, an extra 17,000 residents."

I mouth a 'wow' in reply.

A tall brunette appears beside Harold and holds his hand. Trophy wife, I'm sure. Until that is, I look up and see her face. Parker Lee. I'm confused. Why is Parker here with an older man?

"Hey guys," Parker says with a small wave.

I stop breathing.

"I believe you know my daughter Parker. She is the one who recommended I speak with you directly about the sub-development Duncan."

"Parker!" Duncan leans in an grabs her for a big hug. "Wow, its been years, I can't believe you're here!" she smiles and smooths down her dress. She's wearing a stunning green strapless green dress.

She motions a 'hi' and a brief smile to me. We don't hug. I finally take a breath and my heart rate starts to quicken.

"Yeah I've been over chatting to the 'old gang," she motions to the fun table.

I grimace, everyone gets to play with my friends but me.

Parker smiles "I'm so glad Logan is back here with friends and some support," and looks over to him "I bet you're happy to have him back," her eyes flick back and land directly on mine.

Fuck.

"Yeah, it's great," confirms Duncan.

My mind starts to race. I wonder if Logan disclosed not only what happened but who it happened with?

"Parker is big in PR, and she's been helping us with a lot of the advertising. As you know we had some issues getting the development across the line, and she helped work locally to boost our profile and get some of those early land sales across the line," Harold explains, clearly proud of his daughter.

"That's great. You're certainly in the right hands with Parker." Duncan adds.

"Are we still on for next Friday?" Duncan asks Harold.

"For sure, I look forward to seeing you."

"It was great seeing you again, Parker. We'll have to all catch up together when we have more time."

"For sure," she replies, and they leave.

I've never been more sure of anything that we will certainly not be catching up again.

We help pack up the hall, taking linen from tables and stacking chairs. Its 2 am, and everyone has gone home except some of the volunteer staff. I can't feel my feet. Duncan looks spent. And all I can think is there are at least two more years of this in my future.