The Gloaming

By Jody R. LaGreca

With Great Gatsby grandeur, formal tables are set in the yard of the Wellington estate in Great Neck, Long Island for Margo Wellington’s Engagement Party to Stephan Randall. Jealousy brews when Margo’s Cousin Walter brings Chloe Winsler, a beautiful singer, and she and Stephan talk incessantly throughout dinner. Margo becomes enraged when she spies Chloe give Stephan her card — which he discreetly slips inside his suit jacket. Stephan insists it was for him to make dinner reservations for them at The Wexley — the supper club where Chloe sings. In a heated argument Stephan storms off in the middle of their engagement party, while Margo is rushed to the hospital for a twisted ankle from wearing stilettos on the lawn. Jealousy proves fatal when accusations lead to an unexpected disaster. Will old money be able to mask the truth?

Discover how The Gloaming is a time of light and darkness, mixed with deception and raw truth.

"This story beautifully shows contrast between those in high society with wealth and honor as against those with unfortunate humble lives in the lower class.”
─MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jody R. LaGreca
• Release date: Oct 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466032286

Jody R. LaGreca

Former fashion designer of couture evening wear and accessories, Jody R. LaGreca is now the author of ten novels. LaGreca's repertoire is vast including; Historical and Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Vampire Sagas, and Gothic Horror. Her novels appeal to both men and women and have unexpected twists and turns. Jody LaGreca has a BA in Writing/English from Queens College University of New York. She also graduated Phi Theta Kappa Magna Cum Laude in Fashion Apparel Design from NCC, State University of New York. Her poetry is internationally published in magazines and anthologies, including Midstream. She has been a featured author at the International Women's Writing Guild, Big Apple Conference in New York City. Jody LaGreca was born in Sea Gate, Brooklyn, New York and has been writing since the age of seven. For more information, visit http://jodylagreca.wix.com/suspense.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Wellingtons

Fireflies glimmered with sparks of orange light as the gloaming began to fall. Tables were set out on the manicured lawn of the Wellington estate in Great Neck, Long Island. Yellow lanterns were strung around the perimeters. Their golden light radiated along the garden’s edge like a gilded frame. In the distance the soft hum of the train sped past as weary travelers returned from a day of tarried obligation.

Margo Wellington went outside to examine the tables to see if her housekeeper Virginia had placed the settings to her specifications. Each table had a bouquet of white roses set in the center, just as she had asked. Their rose blossom scent traveled in the Indian summer air. Bridal napkins were set to the left of each plate, and the silverware had been buffed to a brilliant shine, which would have made her late grandmother proud. The yellow china with the gold edges, and whimsical parrots, had been taken out of storage and strategically arranged.

Decanters of the finest wine had been set out, white and rosé, along with a basket of freshly baked bread with poppy seeds. The white satin tablecloths swayed in the breeze like butterfly wings perched on a flower.

Margo felt excitement in the pit of her stomach as she scurried across the lawn, and back into the house. She had envisioned this fateful night of her engagement party ever since she could remember. At first it had been just a faraway fantasy of a faceless man. However, now her fiancé had a handsome face with chiseled bone structure, and the bluest, most mesmerizing eyes she had ever seen. At twenty-three his shoulders were of herculean proportion, and the man had a name. The name Stephan Randall sounded in her mind like a deity she loved and worshipped.

Margo’s mother Hannah Wellington directed their housekeeper Virginia to prepare a cut vegetable platter with Virginia’s famous Creole dip, passed down from her mother, who was born and bred in Louisiana. Virginia’s dark nimble fingers cut the carrots, celery, broccoli, and red peppers and artfully arranged them on a crystal platter.

Hannah reported to Margo with the same diction as a newscaster, Cousin Walter called and asked if he could bring a cousin on his father’s side, so Virginia will have to set another place at your table.

Margo’s dark eyes filled with ire. But everything is already set, Mother. I don’t want to be cramped by a stranger no less!

How could I say no? Walter’s cousin has been staying with him since his mother passed away, and he didn’t want to leave her alone. It’s bad enough we didn’t go to the funeral. We really should have gone; after all, Cousin Walter has no hesitation driving all the way here from New Jersey.

Very well, but I still think it’s rude to ask to bring along a guest at the last minute. Everything was perfect, just like I planned it, eight chairs at each table. I can’t very well put them at another table considering Cousin Walter doesn’t know a single soul here aside from us. . . Well, I better hurry upstairs to get ready, it’s getting late.

Margo sat down at her dressing table only to be greeted by a peeved expression. She hated when her eyes became distorted by a scowl, and when her mouth became tight and angry. It was as if her mood had affected the lightness and joy of her heart, and all because of Cousin Walter.

This is my special night. No, I’m not going to let anything spoil my engagement party, not even Cousin Walter and his annoying intrusion on my seating arrangements. Besides, Walter just lost his mother, and I should have sympathy enough in my heart to care. I can’t even imagine how grim my life would be without my mother.

Margo shuddered at the thought as she proceeded to put her make-up on, first the bronzer and gold eye-shadow, then the black eyeliner, deep brick lipstick, and gold lip gloss. Before long, the scowl had vanished and her mouth gleamed like a brand new penny. Her black hair framed her face with a lacquer shine. The finishing touch, her topaz and gold earrings, hung from her well shaped ears like chandeliers. Their golden stones caught the light in a kaleidoscopic refraction every time she moved her head.

Margo slipped into her ivory crepe Sergio Velasquez dress, gathered but fitted on her tall, slender frame. The color made her skin stand out like an Indian princess, while her silver stiletto heels added another four inches to her five-foot-six frame. Margo envisioned how she would gracefully walk across the lawn on tiptoes like when she performed ballet. Before long the guests began arriving, each with a festively wrapped gift. Virginia placed the presents, with their decorative bows and bridal tinsel, in a corner by the marble fireplace.

The first guests to arrive were Max and Cheri Lexler, high school sweethearts Margo went to Brandon High with. It looked like one of their twin girls had smeared something across Cheri’s dowdy black dress. Michael Fine, a criminal lawyer, looked just as serious as ever in his pinstripe suit. Esther and Daniel Philips were wearing matching Levi jeans and black T-shirts. Paul Gould and Jonathon Sensor walked in, both wearing turtlenecks with their Bobbsey twin girlfriends, Suzy and Ali, lagging behind them, chewing gum and comparing notes on their manicures at Debbie’s Nails.

Suzy and Ali rushed over to Margo, and exclaimed in harmony. You look gorgeous, I love your dress!

This preview was the first of many. Margo replied, Thank you, to each compliment as if it was her birthright to be beautiful.

Her fiancé, Stephan Randall, was on time for once. Margo hooked her arm into his with a proud smile as he looked at her adoringly. What a striking couple they made, Margo, with her dark coloring, and Stephan, with his blonde surfer look and blue eyes as bright as a clear day.

Come, Margo said excitedly as she led Stephan outside, and across the lawn to their table.

Wow, you did such a beautiful job with the tables. Stephan beamed proudly.

Margo laughed beneath her breath in her usual privileged way. All I do is give directions, my dear. Virginia is a good listener. Thank goodness she followed my orders to a ‘T.’

Margo laughed lightheartedly as they took their seats. They each grabbed one of the spinach pies set on the table. These are delicious, Stephan shook his head in approval as he reached for a second one.

My mother ordered them from The Greek House, everything they make is out of this world. Margo then divulged with displeasure, My Cousin Walter asked to bring a cousin of his. I’m a little annoyed because the tables are tight enough as they are.

Don’t worry, sweetheart. Stephan gave her his carefree, beach boy smile. What’s one more person? You can always sit on my lap if there’s not enough room. He squeezed her hand lovingly.

Cousin Walter appeared dressed in a black suit with a freshly pressed white shirt and his trademark neat, brown hair parted on the side. He kissed Margo on the cheek before he shook Stephan’s hand heartily.

Margo, thanks so much for accommodating my cousin. I’m sorry to have thrown that at you, but my father has a dinner engagement tonight with my mother’s sister who flew in from Colorado. I felt terrible to leave her alone.

Where is your cousin? asked Margo.

She’s waiting for the bathroom. I didn’t want to tell her to use the upstairs one. Walter laughed. After all, you haven’t even met her yet, and there she would be roaming around your house.

Well how are you related? Margo asked in a dry voice.

Cousin Chloe is the daughter of my father’s sister, Katherine, the one who was born in France, from her deceased husband Egbert Winsler.

Oh, Walter, who can keep track of all your cousins, Margo impatiently quipped.

Oh, there she is now. Walter announced with a lilt.

Margo looked over as did all other guests to an exquisite creature with wavy blonde hair down to her shoulders. The light of the lanterns added a honeyed gleam as she walked toward Walter, while her hair spun around the air as if it had a life of its own. Her delicate face resembled a cameo Margo’s late grandmother had given her. Each feature looked carved into the other with such precision Margo’s eyes riveted to the young woman. Even from a distance, Margo could see she had a flawless complexion, and as she got closer, the blush of her porcelain skin took center stage.

Something magical and indefinable oozed out of Chloe. Sweetness as syrupy as feminine charm at its peak, exuded from her persona without an effort. Dressed in a feminine ecru lace blouse and a simple beige skirt, old-fashioned elegance added the final flair on her slight frame.

Walter began the introductions with finesse. Cousin Chloe, this is my Cousin Margo from my mother’s side, and her fiancé Stephan Randall.

I’m so pleased to meet you, thank you for having me. Chloe’s gentle voice had a melodic resonance to it, like a song you could keep playing over and over again and never tire of. Chloe reached forward to shake their hands and her slender swan hand felt as artless as a child’s.

Margo watched as Stephan took her hand into his, and for a moment a pang of fear overtook her. She could not place why this mild creature would terrify and fascinate her at once, but there was just something about her. Chloe’s presence had somehow obliterated her own. Margo suddenly felt like a dark, brooding vampire as she pushed the black, spidery strands of hair off her shoulders and took her seat beside Stephan.

To her dismay, Walter positioned Chloe next to Stephan, and sat on the other side of her. Before Margo could even suggest having Chloe sit next to her brother Rich, her best friend Dana appeared, and sat on the other side of Margo, while Rich took a seat on the other side of Cousin Walter.

Everything looks incredible, Margo! Dana and Margo hugged each other hello, before Margo made the introductions.

Afterward, Dana whispered in her ear, So who is this Chloe? I don’t remember you telling me about her. Dana’s green eyes glowed curiously against her red hair which she wore straight and behind one ear.

Margo made an annoyed face. Dana, let’s go inside a minute.

Margo led Dana into the den. Chloe is my Cousin Walter’s cousin on his father’s side. He called and asked if he could bring her at the last minute. I’m so annoyed we had to squeeze a chair in and now the table seems so crammed.

It’s a little crowded but I wouldn’t worry about it. Who knew your Cousin Walter had such a beautiful cousin?

I suppose if you like that anorexic, bleached blonde look, Margo said with a peeved expression as she readjusted her dress. This is the dress I was telling you about. I got it at Sergio’s. What do you think?

It’s gorgeous on you, but with a figure like yours what wouldn’t be!

Thanks, I thought you would like it. Margo smiled smugly while she fussed with her hair in a beveled mirror. I had my hair blown out for tonight.

It came out great. Where did you go? Dana asked with an approving nod.

Fredrick DeVakai, where else do I ever go? Margo answered flippantly as they began to walk back outside and return to the table.

In the meantime, Stephan had become thoroughly engrossed in a conversation with Chloe. Margo tried to get his attention, but it was difficult with Dana talking incessantly to her on the other side.

So what do you do, Chloe? Margo asked as she twisted her torso over toward her, and tried to divert her attention.

Stephan replied for her with a wide smile. Chloe was just telling me she’s a professional singer at a supper club called The Wexley in Manhattan.

Really, oh that’s nice. Margo practically grimaced as she asked, How long have you been singing there?

I was just telling your fiancé how I’ve been working there for three years now. I go to college during the day in Queens to study nursing, and during the evenings I sing. The Wexley is an entertaining place.

Margo nodded with reservation, as Stephan interjected in an enthusiastic voice, We should go there for dinner one night. Chloe said the food is pretty decent!

Oh did she? Margo commented in despair as Dana tapped her shoulder to continue their conversation.

The first course of salad greens with toasted pine nuts was served by white gloved waiters. Then the pumpkin and sage soup was served piping hot. All the while, Stephan remained engrossed in conversation with Chloe. By the time the roasted potatoes, string beans and glazed wild salmon with portabella mushrooms was served, Margo could not even taste her food as jealousy arose in her like a hot, red flame. She tried to get Stephan’s attention, but it was as if Chloe had hypnotized him with a strange charm.

In fact, Stephan and Chloe were practically leaning against one another at the cramped table. Every time Margo managed to get a word in to Stephan it had become, Chloe this and Chloe that.

Margo’s lips became as tense as a tightrope walker as she watched Chloe hand Stephan a card which he discretely slid into his suit jacket. Margo could no longer even take a full breath as her chest pushed against her skintight dress with an iron force.

All the while, the band played dinner music which made it difficult for Margo to even hear herself in the first place. When the musicians stopped their repertoire for a brief interlude, Stephan’s face flamed with an idea. I’m going to ask the band if Chloe can do a solo.

Chloe’s hair swayed like the petals of a flower in the wind as she leaned her delicate head downward. No, she softly protested while everyone at the table cheered her on.

Chloe blushingly lifted her head to the side while her eyes flashed as brightly as aqua gemstones. Well, all right if you insist. I guess I could.

Of course you could, Cousin Walter encouraged as he walked over to the band who was eating at a picnic table by the barbecue pit.

Cousin Walter returned with an exuberant smile. It’s all set, after the band finishes eating Chloe can sing. They said they would probably know any song you’d like to sing.

Well, Chloe suggested shyly. Perhaps I could sing a song for Stephan and Margo, you pick.

What about our wedding song? Stephan sung out enthusiastically.

Stephan, don’t you want to save that for our wedding day? Margo asked with an irritated expression.

Okay, then you pick, Stephan said in a strained tone.

Margo rolled her eyes in cunning like a gypsy reading a fortune. I would like her to sing, ‘Those Were the Days My Friend.’

What kind of a song is that? Stephan grimaced.

It’s a song my grandmother used to sing to me, Margo answered, feeling certain Chloe would be stumped.

Oh I love that song! Chloe’s face lit up with elation. Sure, I would be honored to sing that song for you, Margo.

Chloe got up and walked over to the microphone, while the people from the party nearly gasped as she flitted across the lawn like a sprite. Even the birds ceased to sing as all became pin-drop quiet except for the music, which played in the background. Chloe opened her bee-stung lips and slightly closed her dreamy eyes as she began to sing. Her voice had a resonance so pleasing to the ear; everyone cleaved to each and every word which came from her soft-pink mouth.

When it was over everyone cheered in a standing ovation, Margo could swear Stephan had been the first to arise, with her brother, Rich, a close second. Margo came to her feet as well for fear of being the only one sitting down, when the inconvenience of standing up so swiftly caused her ankle to bend over painfully to the side. The ache she felt was instant and so excruciating tears rushed to her eyes.

Chapter 2

The Weak Ankle

Margo tried to mask her injury, but the wretched expression on her face did not pass her fiancé’s keen eye. She nearly buckled over from the excruciating pain. Are you all right? Stephan reached for her arm with a puzzled look intermingled with a pleased expression from listening to Chloe sing.

Margo pulled away as she grabbed her chair to steady herself. I’m fine, she murmured with annoyance.

At that moment, Dennis White, an old friend, from high school, began to shout, Encore, Encore!

This spurred the entire party of over a hundred people on. Soon the word Encore rallied in the crowd with cult-like magic. In the meantime, Margo tried to balance on one foot while her other foot slowly sank into the earth in a quicksand proportion.

Stephan kept his eyes glued on Chloe with great admiration. Isn’t she fantastic? We really must go to the supper club where she sings. How wonderful of Walter to have brought her, she’s better than the band, he murmured to Margo.

The words stung Margo’s heart as Chloe bowed in a modest manner which made her all the more charming. Chloe then walked over to the bandleader and whispered something in his ear, which he nodded his head to. She walked back over to the microphone again. The moonlight shed a glimmer of fairy dust over her flaxen hair, while her ecru blouse made her look like she was from another era and world.

Chloe proceeded to break into the love song All of Me, by Julio Iglesias, which just so happened to be Margo and Stephan’s future wedding song. Margo’s mouth dropped open in horrified fascination as Chloe began to sing the song with her beautiful voice.

Margo ranted irately. Stephan, I told you I didn’t want her to sing our wedding song!

I didn’t tell her, she just coincidentally chose the song herself. How do you like that? Stephan raised his shoulders in awe.

Actually, I don’t like it at all, Margo quipped, as her eyes became as cold as dark stones in a cave. You must have told her but don’t remember. Margo accused, as the melody haunted like an eerie love ballad.

Honest, Margo, I didn’t, but boy she does sing it well. Maybe we should have Chloe sing it at our wedding. She certainly sounds a lot better than the piano man we’ve hired, Stephan quipped.

Margo grimaced as she leaned down to rub her ankle. What’s wrong with your ankle? asked Stephan.

When I stood up before, it sunk into the grass and went over to the other side.

Don’t tell me it’s the same ankle you sprained the last time, Stephan said with concern.

Actually it is, but I’ll be fine. Margo’s eyelids fluttered with irritation.

The crowd began to roar with elation as Stephan warned, That’s what you said the last time, and it blew up like a balloon. Let me get you some ice.

No, the last thing I’m going to do is sit here with ice on my ankle! That will look lovely with my new dress. Margo rolled her eyes as Chloe returned to the table.

Bravo! Stephan exclaimed as Chloe resumed her seat beside him.

Stephan turned to Margo, who strained a smile through her pained ankle. Please let me get you some ice, just as a precaution. No one will see, just leave it under the table.

What’s wrong, Margo? Dana asked as everyone at the table began to look over at her.

When I stood up before my ankle twisted over, but I’ll be okay.

Let me take a look at it, Dana insisted with worry.

Margo slid her ankle out.

It looks like it’s swelling already, Dana cried.

I’m getting you the ice, that’s final! Stephan insisted as Margo rose.

Come, I’ll go with you, retorted Margo.

Margo took Stephan’s arm and together they strode the length of the lawn while everyone smiled at them admirably, all except for Rich who immediately zeroed in on Chloe. There my sister goes, with another twisted ankle. She really should calm down with her stiletto heels. Why can’t she just wear normal, nice shoes like you’re wearing?

Stephan went over to the icemaker and poured a quart of ice into a plastic container, and grabbed a kitchen towel. Come, we’ll bring it outside with us.

Actually, Margo grimaced. My ankle is starting to hurt pretty badly. Now that I’m inside, I think I’ll sit in the den for a little bit and see if the ice helps.

Well, take off those shoes for God’s sake! It’s no wonder your ankle twisted over.

No, I’m fine, Margo insisted as she limped into the den.

What should I tell our guests? Stephan asked, seeming anxious to return to the party.

You’ll tell our guests nothing. If anyone misses us they can find us in here, Margo retorted snippily. Actually, the only one who would miss you is Chloe, she said with a suspicious smirk.

Chloe, Stephan echoed with a queer expression, as he positioned the ottoman beneath her leg, and placed the ice strategically on her ankle.

Don’t look at me so innocently! You were talking to her the entire evening. It’s a miracle you even ate your food for as much as you were blabbing.

I was just being sociable! Stephan cried out in defense.

I call that more than being sociable. This is our engagement party, and here you are totally engrossed with the new girl on the block.

Stephan laughed. Come on, sweetie; don’t tell me you’re having a jealousy tantrum.

No, you were having one of your flirting fests is more like it! I saw you put her card in your pocket. I’m not stupid, Stephan!

Stephan’s jaw dropped. Let me ask you, if Walter handed me a card would you be equally as suspicious? Chloe gave me her card and told me to call the supper club to make our reservations, since it gets booked up over the weekend.

Well, you make a reservation for yourself. I’m not going to hear her sing! Margo shot out with an evil dagger.

That’s so unlike you, Margo. Walter and your brother said they’d meet us there, and afterward we could all go dancing at The Lido, an after hours club, down the block.

Dancing at an after hours club, don’t make me laugh. I’ll be lucky if I can even make it back to the table. The ice is really beginning to sting.

Stephan readjusted the towel. Is that any better?

Yes, a little, Margo said coldly.

I still can’t believe you got so jealous of Chloe. She’s just a cute kid, Stephan smirked in amusement.

Who are you kidding she’s probably our age? Besides, I’ve never seen a cute kid mesmerize you like that before. Julia is a cute kid, but you always ignore her whenever Suzy brings her over.

Stephan moved his head from side to side. Don’t tell me I’m marrying a jealous woman! Please don’t tell me that, because I’ll tell you right now, there’s no way I want to have to defend myself for the rest of my life over such nonsense.

Well, as for me, I certainly don’t want to marry a flirt who gets all starry-eyed as soon as a pretty girl comes around. It’s bad enough you do it all summer long with those beach bimbos. Half the time you’re so busy talking to them you barely even watch the ocean.

Don’t start that again. This is all about your insecurities. If you keep this up, I’ll walk out of here right now, because frankly, I don’t think it’s a very good sign for us to be arguing like this at our engagement party. I can’t very well live my life with blinders on. I’m sorry if there are other interesting, and attractive people in the world to talk to.

Stephan’s voice softened a bit. Look, I don’t want to feel like you don’t trust me. Jealousy is an illness you know.

No, Stephan, don’t even go there! I’m only jealous if I have a reason to be. You barely said two words to me at dinner.

Well, how could I, you were totally engrossed with Dana as usual, do I ever complain? You certainly wouldn’t have complained if I had been talking to Walter all night, now would you?

You’ve never said more than two words to Cousin Walter. If he was sitting next to you, you probably would have just remained silent the entire evening, and then said later on how the party was a complete bore.

Here we are arguing when we should be celebrating, is this how you want to spend the rest of your life?

Margo was silent as Stephan went on. Because if you do, I’ll walk out of here and never come back, I’m warning you, Margo!

You’re warning me! I’m the commodity here not you! Just to remind you being a lifeguard during the summer will not pay the bills, shouted Margo. I’m the one who comes from money! Your parents haven’t offered to chip in a penny for the wedding. That’s not very fashionable nowadays, at least spring for the flowers; after all they have over a hundred guests on their list.

Money, money, money, that’s all you ever talk about. Then why don’t you marry money, because it will give you a lot more pleasure than a man ever can. That’s it, Margo, I’ve had more than enough of your belittling and false accusations! I’m leaving! Stephan angrily cried out.

So leave, your choice, but if you do I’m warning you it’s over. Trust me, after how you behaved tonight I’ll be only too happy to call the wedding off! You think I’m going to stop you! Margo cried as Mrs. Wellington appeared at the doorway.

Oh, I’m sorry to disturb you. . .

No need to apologize, Mrs. Wellington, I was just about to leave, and for good! Stephan’s blue eyes blazed like the stormy skies of the sea.

What happened? Hannah asked with a shocked expression as Stephan rushed out of the den and over to the front door.

Let him leave! Margo shouted as Stephan slammed the door. The wedding is off! Margo cried out as the pain of her ankle and heart intermingled as one.

What are you talking about? Hannah’s bland face of hazel eyes and a straight but uncharacteristic nose came alive in a reserved hysteria.

Margo’s chest heaved in and out with anger. Yes, Mother, Stephan has been incorrigible tonight. I twisted my ankle, and he completely agitated me when he should have been comforting me. It’s over! Margo cried, as she clenched her lips so tightly the blood drew from her face.

I’m sure it was just a lovers’ spat. . . How is your ankle doing? Hannah asked absentmindedly with a worried face.

It will be fine, Mother.

Margo, what will we tell our guests, especially the Randalls? I was looking for you since the photographer just arrived for the family portraits.

Well, send the photographer away; I certainly can’t stand for pictures now with this ankle. Besides, if there’s to be no wedding, then there are certainly to be no engagement pictures. As for the Randalls they never stay up past 10 o’clock anyway. Believe me, they won’t even make it to dessert.

Be reasonable, Margo. I’ve already given a thousand dollar deposit to the photographer. Please call Stephan on the cell phone and tell him to come back right away, Hannah demanded.

Why don’t you take pictures with Father and Rich? As for me, I want to forget this night, Margo wailed with conviction.

You’re going to regret it if you don’t call Stephan right now. What could have happened that was so awful anyway?

All right you want to know, Margo cried out. Stephan was flirting with Walter’s Cousin Chloe from the moment he saw her. She actually gave him her card from the restaurant where she sings, and Stephan had the nerve to slip it in his suit jacket. Can you imagine that?

That doesn’t sound like Stephan at all. There must be an explanation.

It doesn’t matter now, one thing led to another and we had a huge fight. What’s done is done! It’s over between us, Margo said as she began to become a bit choked up.

Just like that, Margo, this is awful with a party of over a hundred people out there. How could Stephan have left you like this and with an injured ankle no less? I’m going to drive you over to the hospital to let them take a look at your ankle. It’s turning black and blue already. I’ll let Father make our excuses, and the party will just have to go on without us. Let me get you something more comfortable to wear.

No, Mother, I’m perfectly fine dressed like this. Now please, let’s just go, I don’t think I’ve broken anything.

Margo stood up with her mother’s help, and balanced on one foot. Oh look, Stephan left his wallet.

Her mother grabbed the wallet, and put it safely in a drawer. You know what that means, Stephan will be back! I’m sure you’ll make up, and all will be like before. Hannah smiled hopefully.

No, there’s nothing in there of any value anyway. It would be cheaper for Stephan to just get another license and wallet than to come here again. It’s not even real leather. I should have been warned. How can I marry a man who doesn’t even own a real leather wallet? Margo mocked as she reached for her designer pocketbook and waited for her mother to say her goodbyes.

Margo sat in a trance as everything turned around at such a high speed, just hours before, she was walking on air, and now on the same evening, she was being rushed off to the emergency room. Margo glanced at the presents to the side of the fireplace as she tried to comprehend the full ramifications of what occurred.

Chapter 3

Emergency

Margo limped into the emergency room, and nearly collapsed on the chair. The white walls made her dress look as sterile as a sheet while all her sexiness drained out of her.

Oh, this is awful, Mother. I’m freezing in here.

I told you to change into something else, her mother scolded.

Well, how would I know they were going to have the air-conditioning on? Margo snapped back.

Let me see if I can get you a blanket for your bare shoulders.