Chapter 8: Attending the Gala

Wendy opened the thick folder, filled with profiles of musicians who'd made a name for themselves in recent years.

After the marriage, she'd all but vanished from the outside world a frog at the bottom of a well, cut off from everything, including the industry she'd once dreamed of joining. If she was serious about starting over, she needed to understand where things stood now.

Watching her pore over the pages, Jordan tapped the rim of her glass against the back of Wendy's hand. "I know a few musicians. Want an introduction?"

She was offering her connections. Wendy shook her head without hesitation. "No need."

"Why not?" Jordan frowned. "Everyone else is scrambling for a shortcut, and you're turning one down when it's handed to you."

Wendy considered it. "Maybe we just want different things. They're chasing recognition. I just want to learn."

"Fine, whatever makes you happy." Jordan let it go not that it mattered much, with her around, few people dared mess with Wendy anyway.

After flipping through a few more pages, Wendy closed the folder and stood. "Thanks. I should get going."

Jordan caught her wrist. "Where's the fire?"

Wendy tapped the folder. "Going to see if I can actually meet any of these people."

"That's easier than you'd think," Jordan said, cutting off the refusal she could see coming. She pushed Wendy back into her seat. "Relax, I'm not talking favors. There's a gala tonight mostly business types, but a few names from the entertainment world too. Someone on that list is going to be there."

That got Wendy's attention. She stopped edging toward the door.

"If you want in, I'll get you an invite," Jordan said, then eyed her outfit and tugged at the sleeve. "But not in this. It's a formal thing."

"Understood," Wendy said, amused. "I won't embarrass Miss Cross."

"Please. Like I'd be worried about you embarrassing me."

They talked for another two hours before Wendy left to pick out a dress, then headed back to the Vance apartment.

The gala didn't start until evening, so Wendy figured she'd help with dinner first and head out later.

Diane wouldn't hear of her lifting a finger and instead sent Sophie to keep her company while she disappeared into the kitchen.

Sophie, unhappy to see Wendy at all, buried herself in her phone and ignored her outright.

Wendy didn't push it she busied herself tidying the living room instead.

"No one's even watching. Still putting on a show?" Sophie muttered.

The front door opened. Julian stepped in to find his dutiful "wife" cleaning and his unruly sister doing nothing at all.

"It's not what it looks like," Sophie said quickly, reading his expression instantly. "I didn't make her do it."

"I was just bored," Wendy added. "Wanted something to do."

Sophie nodded along fast. Julian's frown deepened. He took the broom from Wendy's hands and pressed it into Sophie's instead. "Your turn. Sweep."

Sophie stared at him, speechless.

Wendy had no idea how to smooth this over she'd just handed Sophie another reason to resent her.

Julian turned to Wendy. "Come with me."

She followed him toward the door, glancing back once to catch the full force of Sophie's glare. She ducked into the study the second she could, shutting the door between herself and Sophie's death stare.

"Bored here?" Julian asked.

She thought about the idea of moving out and gave a hesitant nod.

"There's a dinner event tonight," he said. "I'll take you, might be a nice change of pace."

"Tonight?" She shook her head. "I already have plans with a friend."

"Is that right," he said, voice even.

"Yes we made plans earlier today, she invited me," Wendy explained, a little apologetic.

He didn't push. "Understood."

He didn't seem angry, exactly, but something in his tone had shifted. "Is your event important?" she asked, suddenly anxious. "I can come if you need me there."

If it truly mattered, she'd have cancelled on Jordan without a second thought Julian had done more for her in one day than most people had in years. Jordan would understand.

"No, I'll manage on my own," he said.

She let it drop.

After dinner, midway through clearing dishes, Jordan called. Wendy's hands were still wet, a bowl balanced in one arm, and she hesitated, unsure how to answer.

Julian took the phone from the counter and held it to her ear for her.

She shot him a grateful look and spoke into it. "What's up?"

"You ready? I'm heading over now."

Wendy checked the time. "Okay, come on over."

Julian hung up before she could reach for the phone again, then took the bowl straight out of her hands. "Go get ready. I've got this."

"Thank you."

She washed up, slipped into a white off-shoulder dress, and applied a light layer of makeup. When she stepped out of the room, Sophie's eyes went wide clearly not expecting quite this much of a transformation.

Diane, hearing there was no need to wait up, rushed out with a shawl in hand. "Take this it's been raining, it'll be chilly out tonight."

Wendy paused at the sight of it, and Diane, misreading the silence, added quickly, "I know, my taste isn't what it used to be, it's a little outdated, but"

"No, I love it," Wendy said, warmth spreading through her chest at the gesture. "Thank you, Mom."

Diane beamed, watching until Wendy turned the corner down the hall before finally shutting the door.

Still wrapped in the slightly old-fashioned shawl, Wendy climbed into Jordan's car.

"You couldn't afford a new one?" Jordan asked, eyeing it.

"It's not mine," Wendy said, smiling despite herself.

One look at that smile told Jordan exactly whose it probably was. She didn't push. "Let's go."

At the venue, Jordan tossed her keys to the valet and reached for Wendy's hand to head in together.

Wendy pulled back, remembering yesterday's headlines. "Go ahead without me. I'll follow in a minute."

Jordan read the hesitation instantly. "What are you worried about? You think I'm scared of what people say?"

"I know you're not," Wendy said. "But go in first anyway."

There was no arguing with her when she got like this. Jordan huffed, handed over the invitation, and went in ahead.

Wendy waited a beat before following. It wasn't only about yesterday's gossip she didn't want people treating her gently just because of who she'd walked in with. She wanted to see what she could manage entirely on her own.

She presented her invitation and stepped inside.

The ballroom was dazzling a massive crystal chandelier overhead, the room already filling with murmured conversation and the occasional clink of glasses.

Wendy found a seat and had barely taken in the room before she noticed the looks plenty of them, dripping with condescension.

A man approached with two glasses of wine, looking her over with open arrogance. "Have a drink, won't you?”