Thank you to everyone who read the last chapter. I appreciate it. Onward to the black-and-white ball, we go. Think of this as the Met Gala, with a black-and-white color scheme being the only restriction.
Chapter 79: A Ball of fashionable chaos
Late afternoon September 17, 2010
Justin: [6 images attached]
Betty: Oh, you look so good. I like the silver accents.
Justin: Just because this is the black-and-white ball doesn't mean I can't be a bit different. The lace was a nice touch.
Amanda: Did you get highlights?
Justin: Yes. Also, glitter because I deserve glitter.
Amanda: It looks good with the suit. Brianna?
Justin: Of course. I think I will be spoiled by the custom tailor designer suits.
Amanda: Do you have to give it back?
Justin: No. Also, I got to keep the outfits from the show last night. Brianna said to consider it a thank-you present for filling in last minute and saving the show.
DJ: You got more out of modeling than I ever did.
Daniel: Because I'm pretty sure your grandparents were stealing everything. We hired forensic accountants. There definitely should be more money in your trust fund than there is.
DJ: I know they did. They don't work. They lived off of Mom and then me.
Daniel: If we can prove that in a court of law, you won't return.
Amanda: I am so jealous. You got runway clothes.
Betty: Brianna sent you designer maternity dresses.
Amanda: Yes, but they make me only look slightly, not like a blob. Runway clothes are different.
Betty: Christina wants to see the other outfits. She's with me. We're having spiked late-night cocoa and discussing how much I hate my boss. I have to go in tomorrow.
Amanda: You really should just put in your letter of resignation. Also, I regret not being there for this bonding session. I could at least have regular hot cocoa. The milk would be good for the babies.
Betty: I can't resign yet. At least not until the lawyers are sure they can't prove that a no-compete clause was added to my contract later.
Justin: [5 Images attached]
Justin: Here's all of us together. Ryan took the picture. We're still waiting for the others to arrive. I love Austin's white suit.
Amanda: Oh, that looks better than the outfits for the yacht party. I want to see pictures of Marc as soon as he gets there.
Justin: I promise to send pictures. Brianna's team had more time to plan for these outfits. Nothing's off the shelf. Also, Antonella's dress is getting auctioned off along with what Vivian, Monique, and Mercedes are wearing.
Daniel: Mercedes is there? She didn't tell me she was going.
Justin: It was a last-minute addition, possibly as a FU to the future ex-husband. The man deserves it.
Betty: I just had to show Christina the video from that day.
Amanda: We were so busy with Baby Putting Pop's birth that I forgot to send it. Sorry.
Daniel: I also just explained that I am still friends with another one of my ex-girlfriends. Christina is suspicious.
Amanda: You're like the best ex-sex friend. I'm not surprised you have more ex-girlfriend friends.
Daniel: I haven't had that many ex-girlfriends that were girlfriends. If you don't count the setup, Renee's the only one I'm not friends with. I've only gotten back in contact with Mercedes recently because I'm friends with Monique.
Justin: I'm still surprised you didn't know Monique earlier.
Daniel: We knew each other in passing. However, I was dating Mercedes when she pretended not to have a sister.
Betty: Hilda went through that phase in high school as well.
Justin: [7 images attached]
Betty: You guys look so good together.
Daniel: Antonella being in silver and gray tones, works well with what you and Austin are wearing.
Amanda: You're all coordinated. I love your shoes.
Justin: Antonella's going down the carpet with us. Breanna came up with the idea for complementary color pallets for each of us.
DJ: Why have one date when you can have two?
Justin: Vivian is walking down the carpet with her assistant. He was the one who took us to the salon today. He got his own post-breakup makeover.
Justin: [Four images attached]
Amanda: Oh, they are definitely fucking with Mercedes's ex-husband tonight. Is he going to be there?
Justin: His father will be, but he was smart enough to leave his son at home.
Betty: Is that my sister?
Justin: Yes.
Justin: She wanted to be here because things blew up at the yacht party. Vivian invited her to be at her table.
Betty: Did somebody check her purse to make sure she didn't pack any weapons?
Justin: I did. The worst thing in there is a nail file.
Betty: That can still cause a considerable amount of damage.
Justin: It will be OK.
DJ: You have to send us pictures of that.
Justin: We will.
Justin: We're waiting for some of the others to get here before we make our way to the red carpet. Vivian ensured we had a suite of rooms in the hotel where the ball took place.
Daniel: Good idea.
Xxx
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the suite.
When Cory walked through the front door, Matt kissed his date on the cheek.
"You look like a prince," Matt ushered the man and his sister into the room, with whom Matt can only assume is Hillary's date for the evening.
"I do try." Cory smiled at him.
"He let me take him to my hair person. Thank you for encouraging that." Hillary smiled at Matt.
"I am the editor of Player magazine. I can't look too pretty." Cory countered.
"Yes, you can. I did." Monique said as she walked in wearing her own exquisite ball gown. Yes, it was in the standard black-and-white but with silver accents.
"You look lovely as always, Hillary," Matt said, kissing Hillary's hand. He is thankful she hasn't told him to get away from her brother. She was supportive yesterday during the show. It wasn't how he expected things to go.
"I'm glad. Let me introduce you to my date." Hillary pointed to the man next to her. "This is my friend Antonio, but you can call him Tony. He agreed to escort me to this madness."
"She asked me to go to this madness. But I got a brand new suit out of it for the wedding."
"Tony is my next-door neighbor," Hillary explained. "I'm a friend of his fiancée, and she was happy enough to loan him out to me for tonight in exchange for taking care of their wedding wardrobe."
"You only offered the wedding clothes after I said yes," Tony interjected. "I'm always happy to help out my good neighbor."
"You could've gone with an escort," Monique suggested. "I did that a lot after my first husband died when I couldn't convince my friend Cliff or my cousin to go with me."
"Yes, but Tony has a black belt, and I wanted to help with the wedding for a while. They wouldn't let me." Hillary explained.
"After the divorce, I downsized." Per Cory, the ex-husband got the house to make him go away. "And ended up living in a neighborhood I like. Tony and his girlfriend Virginia make it worthwhile."
"I'm glad to finally meet Cory's new boyfriend. Hilary has said all good things. Although I would like to know why Hillary thought having someone with a black belt would be necessary."
"I came out publicly yesterday as bisexual, and my mom showed up at work to attack Cory," Matt explained, causing Tony to look very concerned.
"Her assistant held her back. Charges weren't even pressed." Cory tried to make it look like it wasn't a big deal. Even though they both know it was because of everything else.
"Because you wouldn't press them." Hilary glared at her brother.
"I'm waiting until she does more. Or till we can prove that she did more." Cory told his sister. Matt wanted to know how much she knew.
"Is this everybody? Who else are we waiting for?" Hilary asked, changing the subject. Bless her.
"We're waiting for my other daughter and her escort for the evening," Vivian said as she walked into the room with the teenagers behind her. Austin looked happy with his arm draped around Justin.
"Whom I don't know, only that it will piss off…" Matt started.
"Victoria." But his boyfriend finished for him. "It isn't Jordan, is it?" Corey asked.
"No, Jordan is sneaking in the back with Alexis and me. I've decided not to do the carpet." His aunt Breanna explained. "They are next door in the kid's room. I think Marc and Cliff are also still there saying good night to Jade."
"That's where Mercedes is encouraging the girls not to drive their aunt and Claire crazy. I'll let them know we need to leave soon." Just as Vivian was about to grab her phone, Mercedes arrived with Marc, Cliff, and Jordan. However, Alexis and the mysterious date were still missing.
"Sorry that we're late. Freddy was very upset she couldn't go to the ball." Mercedes explained to the group.
"Did you tell her that everybody is horrible there and to be grateful that she won't have to start attending these fundraisers until she's at least 14?" Monique asked her sister.
"I'll do that later," Mercedes told her sister.
"Where is your escort?" Monique asked.
"Probably trying to convince Alexis Junior to let go of him. Alexis Senior is working on it." Marc explained. Matt was confused until Tyler and Alexis arrived.
"Sorry. We have a very clingy child." Alexis shrugged.
"Extremely clingy," Tyler added.
"Don't be surprised if they try to crash the ball," Mercedes sighed.
"You're going with Tyler?" Monique asked her sister.
"I volunteered. I would feel safer for Austin if I were here." Tyler explained.
"Even though it would be fun to go with my husband's side piece, I decided it probably would be better to go with Tyler. No offense Ryan. I know Chad lied to you as well." Mercedes reassured her mom's assistant.
"None taken. Although we should do that at the annual Hartley Foundation Christmas ball." Ryan suggested.
"Yes, if not something sooner," Mercedes smirked evilly.
"You know this will be a very wet event, and you're sharing a table with my mother. That woman has never met a martini she didn't like." Matt turned to Tyler, concerned.
"I know, but it's something I need to do."
"I'm not drinking in solidarity." Mercedes offered. "That way, I won't be tempted to punch out my soon-to-be former father-in-law on drink number three." That made sense. The guy was a Dick.
"I'll also tell my aunts to just do juices today." Hillary offered.
"It might be for the best. I'm more likely to hit her if I drink, which is the other reason why I am staying sober." Mercedes agreed.
"My mom is well known to trigger excessive alcohol consumption. Usually in me." Matt commented.
"Let's avoid that," Monique told the group.
"We will try our best," Mercedes told her sister.
"Let's go over the order for who's going with whom. Marc, please stay close to Matt and Cory if the press asks something stupid and highly homophobic. You're an expert at weaponizing those comments."
"I can do that," Marc said, surprising Matt. Maybe this will be okay. Although he still needs to talk to Tyler before they get downstairs. Thankfully a few moments into going over the guidance for this evening, Tyler made his way to the kitchen.
"Why are you doing this?" Matt asked Tyler as he grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator.
"I might be new to having siblings, but I know you protect them. I don't want Austin or you to deal with your mother alone. I hated just following along in text message form last time." Tyler answered honestly.
"I appreciate that. However, it's almost impossible to be in Victoria's presence without alcohol for more than five minutes. I am worried about you."
"I'm worried about you being around her if that's how she makes you feel. You need support as much as I do. I will leave if it gets too much, and I'm bringing you with me." That part Matt found surprising.
"I can't leave my own party." Matt objected.
"You will if you need to. Victoria attacked the Mode offices yesterday, trying to find you. Who knows what stunt she's going to try tonight. I would feel better being there instead of following along from home. This way, if I venture towards the liquor, someone can intervene." It wasn't until that moment that Matt realized that Tyler would be in danger of drinking at home alone. Tyler may not have alcohol at home, but getting some is easy.
"Valid argument. We could put you at Brianna's table. Honestly, I think that would make her just as mad." Matt suggested.
"I asked Tamika to leave me a space at that table just in case."
"Smart."
Xxx
35 minutes later
At first, Marc wondered why Monique wanted him to do the carpet with Matt. After the first two questions of the night, he got it. Monique wasn't joking about the homophobic comments. After 20 minutes and too many invasive questions, they were safely inside the venue.
"Why did I want to come out the day before the black and white ball?" Matt asked, grabbing the first flute of champagne he found. Obviously, Matt wasn't going to be staying sober for Tyler's sake.
"To fuck with your mom as much as possible." Marc grabbed his own glass. He needed it.
"Obviously, I forgot that the press line would be unbearable." Matt groaned.
"At least nobody asked you if Amanda made you gay yet." Cory joked.
"Keyword is yet. I hope no one will ask her that question. She doesn't need that stress with the twins. I should've waited." Matt sighed.
"Not yet, but she has been staying at the house. Her new dog keeps biting reporters." Marc explained, which caused Hilary to giggle. She had just joined the quartet with her date a moment earlier. She had the good sense to go through the back entrance.
"Paparazzi attacking dogs are the best dogs." Hillary joked.
"She's OK. Daniel would have texted you if something was wrong." Marc heard Cory whisper to Matt in French. Both were unaware that Marc speaks French, and his listening skills have been honed by years of looking out for the best gossip.
"I know. I don't want anything to happen to the babies." Matt responded in perfect French.
Part of Marc wanted to ask why Matt cared about Amanda and was in contact with Daniel. However, deep down, he knew. Victoria switched the test. More importantly, Matt and probably Daniel knew she had changed the test and were going along with it. He didn't have long to think about it because Mercedes and Tyler approached the group.
xxxx
"We just survived the press line. I only got four questions about the divorce. I would've gone through the back door if it wasn't for the fact that I want my future ex-husband to see me moving on." Mercedes joked as she approached the group. Like her, Matt also wished he would've gone through the back door. Now he's worried he may have added extra stress for Amanda. He's texting Daniel tonight.
"It could've been worse. At least they didn't ask about the girls." Tyler tried to reassure Mercedes.
"Matt, I think your dad just came in through the back entrance." Matt groaned at that.
"I'll text Austin." Cory offered.
"I'll take the rest of the conspiracy group." Cliff grabbed his phone.
"I assume we are keeping him away from Austin, but am I also keeping my date away from him?" Mercedes asked. "Tyler, if you don't want to meet Cal for the first time, leave now. He's coming towards us with future stepmom number two."
"Please don't joke like that." Matt groaned.
"I am staying. I want him to see whom he's missing out on."
"Good for you," Hilary said as she patted Tyler on the back. That gave Matt enough time to prepare for facing his father and his new girlfriend.
"Hi, Dad. Thanks for coming and making a donation." Matt said with his best fake smile. Matt wishes he would have just sent money.
"It's the least I could do to help your new charity. I want you to meet my girlfriend, Dr. Ambrosia Jackson." Matt extended his hand to the woman dressed in black with gems in her braids, similar to what his aunt was doing. His bigot of a mom will be furious about the new girlfriend.
"Yes, I know the name is ridiculously pretentious. I don't know what my mom was thinking. I usually go by Doctor Andie to most of my patients. Your father is the only one I let get away with my government name. " His father's girlfriend explained.
"Good to know," Matt answered.
"I read about what you're doing here when Cal invited me to come the other day. I support any charity that helps people get out of abusive relationships. Being an ER doctor, I have seen a lot."
"I am sure you have," Cory added from beside him.
"Too much. Because of that, I'm willing to be a consultant. Let me give you my number. If you have questions, you can contact me directly." Andie gestured for his cell phone and put her number in. His dad's girlfriend seemed genuinely excited and willing to help. That puts her ahead of a lot of the other non-Claire girlfriends. Matt hopes this relationship lasts a little while.
"I might need a doctor's help on some of our future projects." He said, grabbing his phone back. "Andie, I would like to introduce you to my boyfriend Cory and his sister Hillary."
"I think I met Hillary at a hospital fundraiser last year. The same one I met this guy at this year." Andie explained, putting an arm around his father.
"Good to know something good happened at one of those things." Hillary joked.
"I know." Andie sighed. "They are ridiculous but necessary to keep funding, especially at a nonprofit hospital like the one I work at. Thankfully it's why I had a black dress ready when he told me we were doing this tonight at the last minute."
"My schedule suddenly cleared, and I wanted to support my son. Andie, I also want to introduce you to my sister's best friend, Cliff St. Paul, and his partner, Marc St. James. He works at Meade Publications with Matt."
"I'm the creative director of Mode magazine. Matt works for our sister publication Player and oversees the new Meade publications charitable foundation." Marc explained.
"I am at Player for the moment. Technically Monique sends me where she needs me, but I hope to spend a lot of time at Player." Matt commented as Andie went to shake Cliff's hand.
"You seem familiar. Have we met before?" Andie asked.
"I've done a lot of escorting for my friends. You may have seen me at one of those fundraisers." Cliff explained.
"I feel like it was more recent."
"You probably recognize him from the pictures I showed you yesterday of my sister's show," Cal told his girlfriend.
"That's it. I also checked out Fashion TV's coverage of the show. I didn't want to attend this dinner without knowing something about my boyfriend's family." Andie explained.
"It was a good show. One of your aunt's best. Although, did I see your ex-girlfriend's nephew up there with his boyfriend?" Cal asked Matt.
"Yes," Matt answered. "They were both excited to do it."
"How did that come about?" Cal asked.
"A few of Brianna's models decided to do your ex-wife's show instead last minute, and your sister successfully convinced me to help," Cliff explained.
"My foster brother Austin and Justin joined in for the experience," Mercedes added. "And the free clothes."
"I shouldn't even be surprised." Cal sighed.
"You shouldn't be. Not after our conversation Wednesday."
"Lindsay, it's good to see you here. I want to introduce you to my girlfriend…" Cal started but was cut off by the girlfriend.
"Let's just introduce me as Dr. Andie Jackson. I regret telling you my real first name."
"I like Ambrosia. It's a nice name." Cal put an arm around his girlfriend.
"Oh, I completely get it. My real name is Mercedes. Unfortunately, most people won't take a CEO named Mercedes seriously, so my professional name is M. Lindsay Windham West. My dad was mad I wasn't a boy and decided I should be named after his favorite car and his uncle." Mercedes explained.
"So, are you here as Mercedes or as Lindsay?" Dr. Andie asked.
"Ms. Wyndham West, but I expect to answer to both first names tonight and my soon-to-be ex-husband's last name. Half of my board and my ex's father are here." Mercedes sighed.
"I think I see them near your mom," Hillary commented.
"Probably. I need to go over there. I'm hoping that by having Tyler as my date, the man won't hit on me this time."
"Oh, I'm sorry if I ignored you. I am Dr. Jackson." His father's girlfriend extended her hand for Tyler to shake.
"Tyler Meade." Tyler introduced himself. Even Matt was surprised by him using the last name Meade. Even at Monique's wedding this summer, he used his adopted last name. Although maybe he went with Meade just for the shocked look on Cal's face. He hopes Antonella, who is a safe distance away, has successfully got a picture of that.
"Tyler is Mom's latest recruit for her foundation. We've been working together on her new initiative related to alcoholism, addiction, and recovery." More like they've been getting to know each other because of Austin. He's been at Monique's family Sunday dinners for the last few weeks. However, he must ask Tyler later if he is working with Vivian. The foundation might be perfect for Tyler.
"I heard about what happened at the yacht party, and I didn't want my new friend to deal with her toxic family alone. And at least this place has nonalcoholic cocktails."
"As a sober alcoholic, I'm glad there are nonalcoholic cocktails here." Matt had to keep himself from rolling his eyes when Andie said that. His father had such a type. He hopes Andie is not the rebound because Matt likes her.
"That was my idea," Matt explained.
"It's a good one." Andie praised.
"Yes, people are less likely to make a scene if sober." This is why Matt will not drink anything else after the champagne. Otherwise, he might let it slip that Tiffany is missing while he's screaming at his mother. That would be good for no one.
"So, you became friends at the foundation?" Cal is the one asking questions now. He realizes this is a cover story.
"Not exactly. Tyler is my high school ex-boyfriend's half-brother. But we didn't know about that until recently. Daniel and I are still friends, and he recommended Tyler to us. I didn't know him until he worked for Mom, but I am grateful for his support during these divorce times." Some of that was true. Regardless, it was enough to make Cal twitchy. Antonella better be getting this on camera.
"I promise it will get better. The first few weeks after a divorce are the hardest, especially when you're still waiting for the papers to be signed. Then you won't have to see him again, and you can start rebuilding." There is definitely a story there.
"You can't have a clean break when you have kids, unfortunately. But I'm working on the rebuilding part." Mercedes pulls Tyler closer to her.
"I think we need to take our seats soon," Cal said, trying to usher Andie away from them.
"You're right. Maybe we can talk after dinner. Tyler, I want to know more about what you're working on for the Wyndham West Foundation."
"I have just started, but once I know more, I will be happy to answer your questions," Tyler answered.
"Matt, you're not sitting with your mother?" Cal asked.
"The good thing about planning your own event is you get to set the seating arrangements. I am at Hillary's table with a few of her board members." Cal exhaled at that.
"I want to show off my brother's new boyfriend while I can." Hillary joked. "I didn't get to do this last time because he was an idiot."
"I took one for the team, and we are sitting with your ex-wife. My mom doesn't need to go through that again." Mercedes explained.
"It was my idea. She's not messing with my family." Tyler added. Andie seemed confused, but Cal understood.
"You are definitely your mother's son." He whispered back just as Hillary grabbed her phone out of her purse.
"Your mom just got here. She went in the back entrance probably to avoid people asking her questions about what she did to my brother yesterday." Hillary told the group.
"Who are you getting texts from?" Matt asked.
"I am in a group text with Tamika and Amanda's cousin. I wanted up-to-date intel on your mother's movements."
"There she is. An EIC of a fashion magazine should dress better. The dress is from three seasons ago." Marc commented.
"That's what happens when you buy your way in," Mercedes added.
"I think my nephew is older than her date. I can't believe she made a big deal about my age at the yacht party." Andie whispered to Cal, but they still heard her.
"Well, she paid for him. So, it's OK." Hillary snarked.
"Hopefully enough for a full semester of college," Cliff replied.
"At least his rent," Tyler added.
"Let's make our way to our table before she arrives here." Cory placed an arm around his waist to lead him away. Unfortunately, Victoria was coming right for them.
"Too late. Let's get this over with," Matt said, mentally preparing himself for his first confrontation with his mom since the article dropped yesterday. He could already see the icy glare on the woman's face. She was furious.
"Of course, you're hiding behind your father and his latest girlfriend." Victoria spat the word girlfriend out as if she wanted to say something much worse, but too many people were around for that. People that would be upset with her anyway. Her country club bigot friends would be okay with it.
"Yes, I have a girlfriend, not a financial transaction. You are completely unfamiliar with the concept." Cal said as he grabbed one of the nearby champagne flutes. He still drank alcohol when he was with Claire, so the situation with Andie shouldn't be different.
"There's nothing wrong with that, sweetie," Andie said to his mother's date when he began to look extremely uncomfortable. Or maybe she noticed that her date was about to start yelling at his ex-wife in public. Who knows. "I am Dr. Andie Jackson. The current girlfriend of her ex-husband. And you are?" Andie extended a hand to the young man.
"I'm Eric. I'm so happy to meet you, Dr. Jackson. I am a second-year Med student at the University of Manhattan." Unless Eric was a prodigy, he was likely just a year or two younger than Betty.
"Second year, that's the worst year. I did my residency at the University of Manhattan. Is Dr. Eunice Bae still there?" Andie asked, unaware that Victoria was leering at her.
"Yes,"
"Has she made you cry yet?" Andie asked.
"Twice."
"OK, that deserves a drink. I want to try out the virginal sangria, but I feel you need something harder. Marc and Cliff, you should join us." Andie invited.
"I do want to try the drink menu. I didn't get to be part of the tasting team." Cliff said, already making his way to the bar with Marc. He knew neither wanted to be near his mom due to her pulling the strings with their daughter's custody situation. Matt wonders how much his father told his new girlfriend before coming to this.
"Sorry, Victoria, I'm going to borrow your date, but I'll bring him back just slightly tipsy," Andie said as she leaned over to kiss Cal before grabbing Eric and pulling him away. Poor Ms. Sanchez had to step in front of Victoria to keep her from attacking.
"Where did you find her? A strip club?" Victoria asked, irritated.
"A fundraiser dinner for her hospital. She really is a doctor."
"I like her." Matt smiled at his father.
"Probably because she had no problems with your stunt yesterday. I don't know why you made your little phase public." He is unsurprised that Victoria still thought it was a phase.
"I don't think it's a phase when it starts in high school." Cal's defense surprised Matt. "I know you were rarely home, but I caught at least one boyfriend back then."
"You were home less than I was. Mostly because you were fucking your secretaries. Does Amber know about that habit?" Victoria asked, annoyed.
"It's Andie or Ambrosia, but to you, it's Dr. Jackson. Yes, the doctor does know about my previous relationships, including Tiffany. She was the only assistant I had a relationship with." Victoria's eyes go dark at the name Tiffany. Matt wonders if that's a confession.
"I hope you didn't put us together."
"Again, I like Andie. Dad also has his own table next to mine." It made the most sense to keep his father close to him, especially with Austin sitting with Breanna.
"You're sitting with us," Mercedes said, moving forward but still keeping Tyler out of sight for the moment. "I thought we could go over the plan collaboration between my mother's and Hartley foundations."
"Now that I've taken over Isabella, I will be stepping back from the foundation. You'll need to talk to Breanna about that." Matt has a feeling that even Breanna doesn't know about that yet. "But I do want to talk about the Wyndham West group. I know your sister owns the competition, but I think we are a better brand for the Wyndham West group to work with. We share similar values that your sister doesn't." Matt is pretty sure he knows what those values are, and he's trying not to laugh.
"I don't know about that. Monique and I are both our mother's daughters. But I'm sure we will have something to talk about. Tyler, come over here. I want you to meet Victoria. I was planning to introduce you to the new head of our recovery outreach project, but I guess I'll have to introduce your former sister-in-law to Tyler Mead later.
"I wish you wouldn't." Victoria grabbed a flute of champagne.
"Oh, you don't need to, Mercedes. I know the mother of my sister's daughter very well." Victoria was now choking on that champagne.
"You're Claire's secret love child," Victoria said when she recovered, trying to get Tyler away from Cal, but his brother didn't leave. "I'm shocked you're using the last name Meade since you have no Mead blood."
"My siblings held a vote and decided it would be best for me to use the Mead name publicly, especially for my philanthropy work." Hillary nodded her head as if it was obvious. "Although Aunt Breanna suggested a different last name."
"So, you know?" Victoria asked.
"We know," Matt answered his mother.
"I suggest you stay far away from Marcedes' foster brother, or I will go to the press line and tell them exactly who I am. Maybe Breanna was right about using the other last name," at that moment, Ms. Sanchez and her date grabbed Victoria to keep her from lunging at Tyler.
"And I will join him." Cal stood behind Tyler.
"Don't make a scene, Victoria," Hillary walked up to the woman. "Besides, the country club circuit already knows, just like they know what you did to my brother yesterday. If you don't want more people talking, you will stay away from your ex-husband's family. Otherwise, I will make sure Cory presses charges." With that, the two Women made their way away from the group.
"I really hope your date is smuggling Victoria's date out the back door to safety," Matt told his father once Victoria was in the dining area. His father didn't comment on his use of his mother's first name.
"That's possible because she's not actually going to the bar, but I am. Anyone else?" Cal asked.
"I'm not drinking in solidarity with Tyler. But you go ahead. We're going to go and find my sister. I think she has made it through the line."
"We are not sitting at that table until we have to," Tyler added.
"I'm avoiding anything stronger than wine with Victoria around. And I don't want Tyler to have to pick me up from the floor." Matt mentioned.
"Once was enough for the year," Tyler commented. That caused his father to raise an eyebrow.
"I didn't do well at Monique's wedding."
"That seems very understandable under the circumstances. What about you, Cory? I would love to chat with my son's new boyfriend."
"I don't need a shovel talk. I already got one from your sister. But I could use a drink right now." Matt went to follow them, but Cory turned around and whispered.
"Stay with Tyler. I promise to text you if I need you to rescue me. I want to talk to him by myself for a few minutes."
"Okay. Good luck, and definitely don't end up alone with my mother."
"I'm pretty sure Hillary is putting the fear of our lawyers in your mother." Cory was probably only half joking about that.
"Probably," Matt said before kissing Cory goodbye and sending the man to his father. He knew at least one camera had caught that, but he didn't care.
Matt didn't have time to worry about Cory because Tamika grabbed him to help with a place-setting catastrophe. Even Tamika was unaware of the latest socialite breakup and accidentally sat one of their biggest donors next to her soon-to-be ex-husband's mistress. It's going to be a long night.
To be continued…