After, The Silence
Jordan had prepared simple hors d’oeuvres, anticipating small talk, not knowing exactly how much she was expected to perform.
“Jordan,” Jay greeted, voice warm and public-facing,
“come meet James and Marla. They’ve heard so much about you.”
She smiled at the couple, careful, composed. The easy, natural warmth she felt with Calloway was absent here, replaced by the choreography of a wife performing at her husband’s side.
Jay introduced her with practiced charm, extolling her intelligence and taste without pause, his colleagues nodding, smiling, deferring politely.
“You have a remarkable partner,” Marla said, her voice syrupy with admiration.