The Anniversary Dinner
*
"I thought you and Annie are on the outs," Robert said from the Volvo's driver's seat. Her husband was looking even more handsome than usual in a new Prada steel gray suit and dark, maroon shirt.
"I thought so too," Bethany said. "You know how she is though. Annie can turn on a dime. She was certainly sweet on the phone. Abigail's been trying to smooth things over, so who knows? Maybe it worked."
"Annie's just jealous of you," Robert's mouth curled into a smile, "now that your agencies doing well- she can't handle it."
"Maybe," Bethany looked out the window and watched the stately homes and dark, green lawns pass by. It had taken ten years for Rexwood Agency to gain a toe hold in the world of high fashion, even with her connections. Things were finally falling into place. Bethany had landed several large contracts and recently opened a second office in Milan. "I still don't see why she's jealous. Sure, I'm doing better than I was, but Percy and her own half of downtown, not to mention his law firm. And she was Miss Florida, for crying out loud."
Robert laughed lightly. "What set her off this time?"
"She thought I was trying to upstage her at the welcome home party Abigail threw for Annie and Percy when they returned from their safari in Africa. I wore that dress I bought in London last time we were there."
"I love that dress." Robert's eyes left the road to rest on Bethany's amble breasts and thin frame. "Or should I say, I love taking that dress off of you."
"Don't be crude." Bethany giggled. "If this is an olive branch from Annie, I'll take it. My social life is drying up."
She was glad Robert was so good natured and agreed to come to Annie's party on short notice. He'd just flown in from Taipei, but hadn't hesitated to shave, throw on some clothes and accompany her.
They'd been married for seven years, having met at a charity event in Geneva just after Bethany started the agency. Robert was a young, investment banker working for Millet, Stella, and Roy, full of promise and student debt. But he hadn't treated her like a dumb model. He had been different. And when he offered to take her boating the next day. She found herself agreeing.
She hadn't regretted a moment since. They'd built a wonderful life together.
"Well, I hope she doesn't get jealous tonight." Robert turned on to the Stockton's street. "You look great."
Bethany had made a point to dress conservatively that night in a gray, round-necked dress, but all her clothes tended to show off her body to some extent. It was hard to avoid. Bethany hadn't modeled professionally in five years, but she had kept herself looking good. Even after 30, she still got offers to return to the front of the camera. Her dark hair, wild blue eyes and perfect body had landed work all over the world, but she'd known enough to left while she was on top.
Bethany didn't need to try to threaten women like Annie Stockton, she just did.
"What kind of party is it?" Robert asked, noticing the lack of cars in the Stockton's curved driveway.
"That's actually kind of strange." Bethany checked her makeup once more in the sun visor's mirror. "It's an anniversary dinner."
"Why would you invite guests to something like that? Wouldn't you want to be romantic?"
He really was a keeper.
"I could have sworn Annie said she and Percy had planned to fly to Iceland for their anniversary. But that was a month ago. I guess they changed their minds. I tried to call Abigail to get to the scoop, but she's not picking up."
**
As they walked through the thick, summer evening toward the Stockton's lakeside mansion, they could hear laughter coming from somewhere behind the house.
"Sounds like it's coming from the pool," Bethany said.
"I didn't bring my suit," Robert smiled and rang the bell.
"Please come in," the maid said when she opened the door. Bethany remembered her name was Zelda. The beautiful, Latina housemaid had always kept a placid demeanor while working when Bethany had seen her before, but tonight she was all smiles. Her face was flushed and her dark eyes open wide as if she were drunk or high.
After Bethany and Robert entered, Zelda looked down the hall and announced, "the Rexwoods have arrived."
A man who Bethany had never seen before appeared. He was a bit older than Robert, with silver hair at his temples and a neatly trimmed, salt and pepper beard. Bethany met his gaze and blushed. She felt and unexpected surge of attraction. What was going on?
The man smiled warmly. "Ah, good, the final guests... No more interruptions."
Bethany felt a strange lightness come over her. She couldn't seem to think straight. The man studied the Rexwoods carefully, taking his time on Bethany.
"Annie described you perfectly," he said.
This struck Bethany as a strange comment, although she liked the fact that this strange man found her attractive, more than she should.
Before she could formulate a response, the man stuck out his hand. "I'm Michael Stockton, Percy's brother."
Bethany shook his hand and felt a sudden heaviness wash over her. She tried to introduce herself, but the words wouldn't come.
Bethany watched Robert's shoulders slump too as he shook hands with Michael. Then she spotted the ring on Michael's finger. The silver band on Micheal's third finger gave off a strange pinkish glow. Again, Bethany tried to say something, but her voice wouldn't come.
"I'm so glad you've come," Michael looked at Bethany again, his eyes again feasting upon her body, openly leering. "Annie mentioned you'd had a falling out. Don't worry though, I think you'll find she's more than ready to make amends."
Robert's eyes scrunched in concentration. "Where is everyone?"
Michael raised an eyebrow as though the question surprised him. "Oh, the party's split up. The hosts are upstairs in the game room, while others are relaxing by the pool."
"Something's... wrong," Robert mumbled.
