The Haldorf was one of the most prestigious hotels in Chicago, and the clientele for the evening was more diverse—star athletes and celebrities, as well as most of the usual socialites the Gala always invited. My corner view through the window gave me a look at the front entrance and the impressive lineup of people entering. It was my own private red carpet.

“Hey.” Jake sidled up next to me, drink in hand. He turned his back to the window and surveyed the crowd behind me. “This is impressive. Did Sia have a lot to do with it?”

“I’m not sure.”

“She’s off flitting around.” He glanced down at me. “Is this what it’s like coming to a party as her date?”

Patting his arm, I turned to watch the crowd inside with him. “Yes, yes, it is, my dear friend. You have joined the dark side. I call it Sia’s Neglected Entourage. For a while there, it was a sad club with only one member, but I welcome you, a new member now.”

“Can I get a pin?”

“I’ll buy you one of those things pageant winners wear.” I sobered. “Just so you know, she’s never brought a boyfriend to one of these events.”

“Yeah?” He studied me.

I nodded. “You’re the first. She never cared enough about the others.” I nudged him gently with my arm. “I think that says something.”

His chest puffed up. “Damn straight. I’m awesome in bed.”

I burst out laughing.

“No way!”

I looked up, distracted by Jake’s sudden proclamation. He stared at a crowd to our left, his mouth open. “It’s Mahler.”

“Who?”

I looked but saw only a bunch of black tuxedos and shiny dresses. No one stood out to me until a couple moved aside and I saw him. The lead attorney for my in-laws. I looked over to the couple beside him, and my blood ran cold. “Oh, no.”

“That’s the piece of shit trying to sue you for your in-laws, or who tried. Biggest piece of crap lawsuit I’ve heard about in a long time.”

Jake had no clue who was next to the piece of shit. “He’s not alone.”

“Huh?” He followed my gaze. “No way. Are those—?”

“Liam’s parents. In the flesh.”

“They must’ve come on his ticket. What do you want to do?” Some of Jake’s heat faded. “I was ready to go over and pick a fight, but I’ll follow your lead. Avoid? Ignore? Laugh like we’re better than them? Walk by and accidentally knock my elbow into his dad? He doesn’t have a firm grip on his drink. We could go for the winner, see if he’d spill his drink on himself? I’m game. You choose.”

“Pick a fight?”

Jake shrugged. “Okay, but my style. The lawyer way. We fight differently than everyone else.”

I was about to change my answer to avoid, but Mahler looked in our direction, and then it was too late. He saw us. His eyes got big, and a smarmy, smug look came over him. His face was red and sweaty, and when he waved us over, I noticed his eyes were glazed.

“Look who we have here!” he said. “Jake Parker. Your office sent over papers today. How thoughtful and cooperative you all are being.”

Jake groaned under his breath. “Come on. We have to go over now.”

I didn’t move, but Carol and Hank both saw me, and Carol had visibly stiffened. I was distantly aware of Jake’s hand nudging me forward.

“Mahler.” Jake sounded as stiff as Carol looked. “I could’ve saved money and delivered those papers tonight.”

Mahler let out a deep laugh, clamping a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “None of that. Tonight’s for pleasure. We’re raising money for some cause—horse tails, maybe?” He tossed back a good portion of his champagne. “Where’s your drink? You, too, Ms. Sailer. Where’s your drink? You need to be enjoying yourselves with us—” Then he cut himself off and seemed to remember who he was standing with.

The only satisfaction I got was that my in-laws looked as uncomfortable as I was.

Carol looked down, lifting a tiny hand to pat her greying hair, which was pulled up in a diamond-encrusted barrette. She’d always been beautiful, and her aging had only made her more stunning. Liam got his looks from her. They had the same blue eyes, soft cheekbones, and heart-shaped face. Liam used to make fun of himself, saying he would’ve been a pretty girl, but I loved how he looked. And a lot of other ladies agreed with me. I was staring at the reason so many had tried their hands at catching him.

“You look lovely, Carol.”

I sensed Jake’s surprise, but she’d brought Liam into this world. I owed her that much.

She seemed just as surprised as Jake. “Thank you, Addison.” She looked me up and down. “You as well. The black is beautiful on you.”

I repressed a retort, pressing my lips together.

“Really, Addison,” she’d said after the funeral. “You must stop wearing black. It’s depressing. I know most girls wear it because it’s slimming, but you’re all bones. You should be wearing white. That’ll make you look healthier. Trust me, most of the girls will be envious. I know Liam loved white. Wear it for him, or wear something else. Some color. Blue even. God forbid you wear something more lively than black.”

The guilt in her gaze told me she remembered this as well. I forced my smile to hold, though my cheeks protested. I could’ve taken a cheap shot. Her silver sequins matched her greying hair, but that was another comment I suppressed.