As it turns out, the man Andy fell in love with is more of a mystery than she first thought. When they give their relationship another chance, it's not long before Lex's secrets begin to unravel, threatening their happily ever after.
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The matter was settled in a fast and efficient fashion. The woman who only communicated via Mexican Sign Language wanted to make sure her food was kosher. Her son was supposed to translate, but he'd disappeared a while ago, so she was left alone to figure things out.
"Thank you so much," Eva told me with gratitude as we walked away from the reassured woman. "I didn't know what to do, and you came to mind right away."
"It's all good. I'm really glad I could help."
She squirmed on her feet, looking uncomfortable, and then offered me a sorry smile. "Would you mind if we sat for a moment? My feet are killing me."
"Oh, of course. I don't know how you do it, I just can't wear heels for more than an hour."
"I should have done like you and gone with flats. Your shoes are lovely, by the way, you'll need to tell me where you got them."
I gave her the information as we walked toward a more quiet part of the room. She was also interested in my dress, and made a point to contact Jessika once I told her about her, adamant to give her some exposure if she wanted it. We found a couple of empty chairs against a wall and sat together. In silence, we looked around at the packed room, the busy waiters, the lively ambiance... It truly was an amazing evening, and although I didn't know what was happening backstage, it seemed to be running very smoothly.
"Your Gala is amazing," I told Eva, feeling the need to congratulate her on it. "I mean, I haven't been to any before, so I don't have any comparison, but this is incredible."
"Thank you. I've been working so hard all evening long, I haven't even taken the time to sit and enjoy myself."
"You must come to our table when you have a moment. I need to get your tips on how to get men to bid a million dollars for a dinner with me," I joked. Evora tensed near me, and I guessed that the matter was a little touchy. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I'm truly just impressed."
"Some men just need to own things. And when they have enough money, they think they can own just about anything. This was the last time. I won't put myself in such a situation again. It was amusing when I was younger, flattering when I passed my prime, but now it doesn't bring anything other than a sour taste of shame and feeling used."
I digested her words, understanding her point of view. It was glamorous and sexy from where I stood, but I most certainly wouldn't enjoy being forced into a date with some random dude. I'd been on a blind date once, never again.
An awkward silence settled between us, and we gazed at the room again. Not far from us, I noticed Lex and Kevin, who'd left the table to talk to what must have been friends or acquaintances. Lex had his hand in his pocket, and knowing he was holding my undies in there, as his own way to cope with everything else, sent a strange mix of pride, love, and embarrassment through me.
"He seems to be enjoying his evening," Eva pointed out, having noticed them too.
"I think he does, yeah. We were supposed to only be here for an hour and then leave, but we kind of forgot."
