“My mother was like that, except she could literally go for two or three days at a time without any sleep.”

Tessa wasn’t sure who was more shocked at the words that had just slipped so unthinkingly out of her mouth – herself or Andrew. She never talked about her mother, except perhaps to Peter and then only sparingly. It had just seemed like the most natural thing in the world, sharing confidences with Andrew, and she had zero idea why.

Andrew stood by her chair as they reached the table and regarded her curiously. “Your mother was an artist?”

“No.” She shook her head. “A writer. At times a brilliant one but in later years she mostly wrote a bunch of gibberish.”

When she didn’t offer up any additional information, Andrew tactfully changed the subject. “Well, thank you for the dance, Tessa. I see some of your tablemates starting to return, so I doubt Jason will bother you again tonight.”

She smiled at him gratefully. “I’ll probably be leaving soon, anyway, it’s getting a little late. Thank you, Andrew. I’ll, um, see you on Monday.”

He gave her a little nod. “Bright and early as usual. Good night, Tessa.”

Kevin and Terence arrived back at the table mere seconds after Andrew left, with Kevin gaping in astonishment.

“Were you really dancing with the Ice Man?” he asked in disbelief. “My God, I think I might have just witnessed one of the seven signs of the apocalypse.”

Tessa smiled indulgently at his usual high drama. “He was just being nice. Though he could admittedly use a few dance lessons.”

Kevin gave an eye roll. “And a personality transplant. Maybe surgery to remove that stick wedged up his ass, too. At least he looks halfway decent in that tux and he actually bothered to style his hair tonight.”

“So what you’re saying is that there’s hope for him?” teased Tessa.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” sniffed Kevin. “Ooh, here’s the girls. I’m dying to hear what they’ve got planned for the rest of the evening. You have to go with us, Tessa.”

“Go where?” she asked in confusion.

As Gina, Alicia, and Shelby returned to the table with their dates, they were chattering excitedly about the round of clubs they wanted to make after leaving the party. Marisol and her husband had left after dessert since their younger child was ill with a cold, and they felt obliged to get home and tend to her. Terence did not appear terribly thrilled at the idea of going clubbing with a group who were all a dozen or more years his junior, but Kevin was doing his best to sweet talk him into it.

Tessa, meanwhile, was trying desperately to think up a valid excuse for not joining them. Not only did the thought of drinking heavily and dancing with a bunch of groping strangers repel her, but she simply didn’t have the money to pay for cover charges and drinks. The cash tucked away in her clutch would barely cover her cab fare home, but she was too proud to admit this to her co-workers. Instead, she decided to play the sympathy card.

“I’m sorry, it sounds like a lot of fun, but – well, I’m just not ready for all that,” she confessed almost tearfully. “It’s still too soon after my breakup with Peter, you know? You guys understand, right?”

Kevin put his arm around her shoulders. “Oh, honey, of course we do. God, we don’t mean to be insensitive.”

“You’re sure, Tessa?” asked Gina. “Maybe it might get your mind off things if you joined us.”

“You can ride with Alicia and me,” offered Ross. “We’ll even drop you off at your place afterwards.”

Alicia gave him a not so subtle look of displeasure before smiling at Tessa with an almost sickly sweet expression. “Sure, we could do that. It’ll be fun, Tessa.”

Tessa shook her head, standing as she picked up her clutch. “Thank you all for thinking of me, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much fun. You guys go have a great time and I’ll see you all on Monday. Don’t get too crazy, okay?”

Kevin gave her a hug goodbye, and this time she did have to turn her head away, for his potent cologne was now mingled with the strong scent of vodka. “You want one of us to walk you out?”

“No, thanks. I’ll be fine. I’m sure there are plenty of cabs right outside the front entry.” She smiled and waved good night to everyone at the table before exiting the ballroom.

Tessa was waiting for the attendee to retrieve her coat when she heard an achingly familiar voice from just behind her.

“You’re leaving already, Tessa?” asked Ian Gregson in his deep, crisp British accent.

She whirled to face him, her heart thudding rapidly when she realized he was standing mere inches from her. “Yes, sir. I, um, the others are going to head out to some clubs and I wasn’t really in the mood to join them, so I figured I would just go home.”

Ian frowned. “A wise move. Some of your co-workers have been drinking a bit too much this evening so I’m relieved to see that you’re being sensible at least.”

“Here’s your coat, miss.”

Tessa turned, but before she could take the coat Ian had already done so and was holding it open for her.

“Allow me.”

She was torn between being embarrassed at how old and worn her coat was, and enjoying the little thrill that traveled up her spine at his gallantry. She closed her eyes briefly at the feel of his big, powerful hands glancing over her arms and shoulders as he helped her into the coat.

“Thank you, Mr. Gregson,” she murmured, turning to face him once again but keeping her gaze downcast this time.

“Your husband wasn’t able to attend this evening?” he inquired politely.

Tessa paused yet again this evening at the mention of Peter. But, after finally telling her co-workers and supervisor the truth, she couldn’t in all good conscience not be honest with her boss at this moment.

“Um, no. That is – my husband and I – we aren’t together, sir. We’re in the process of getting a divorce.”

She didn’t know who was more shocked – Ian at her announcement or herself at his reaction to the news. He was staring at her in obvious disbelief, and Tessa could swear his tanned skin had paled a shade or two.

“Divorce.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “You’re – you’re getting a divorce.”