When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,73

us out.

Lee offered his hand to me after he got out of the limo, his gaze meeting mine with serious intensity. I wished I could read his thoughts.

When I touched his hand, it felt different—like we had reached a new level of intimacy and comfort. I wondered if it was one-sided. Then I linked my arm through his.

When we entered through the double glass door, I sucked in a breath. Lush, vibrant poinsettias were arranged in tiers and designed in a giant wreath. A Christmas tree embellished with red bows and gold star-like ornaments almost reached the high ceiling.

Fake snow coated the walkway with various sizes of snowmen. On the left were nine reindeer and Santa Claus on his present-packed sled. The village houses behind the sled reminded me of the North Pole.

“Too bad it’s not real snow. It’s beautiful.” I wished I could see snow this winter. Every year I tried, but never got the chance.

“I agree,” he said. Our footsteps echoed on the marble floor.

Something about his tone and the way he looked at me made me think he wasn’t talking about the snow.

Just as we’d reached the grand ballroom, a small crowd bombarded him. I didn’t know if they were friends or acquaintances until they called him Lee. As I watched him greet the others, I fished my phone out of my purse and scrolled through social media, feeling awkward and out of place.

A man tilted his head toward my direction. “Who’s your beautiful date?”

Lee finally looked my way. His eyes widened, like he felt bad he had forgotten me. I smiled, hoping he’d see that I didn’t mind that he hadn’t had a moment to introduce me.

“Kate, this is Ted and Nance. Scott and Jill. And Donald and Cindy.” Lee introduced me to more people. Some of them called him Mr. Medici and some called him Lee.

Waiters came around and handed us champagne. I took a glass and sipped, savoring the bubbles on my tongue. Then we finally entered the ballroom.

Instrumental Christmas music bounced off the walls, from a band set up on the stage in the back. Ribbons of snowflakes hung down from the ceiling and swayed. A Cinderella-like carriage was parked at the photo station with white, barren trees. Blue and white baubles were filled to the brim in clear tall vases next to lit candles on the back tables. I felt like I was walking in a winter wonderland.

“Let’s go find our seats.” Lee snaked an arm around my waist and guided me.

A white linen cloth covered the table. Red and white roses and green and blue leaves were intertwined inside the vase. Snowflake candles circled the centerpiece.

We sat at our assigned table with our name cards on empty plates. Donald, Scott, Ted, and their wives sat with us.

Someone tapped my shoulder. I twisted around to greet Jessica, clad in a low-cut strapless red dress. She looked stunning.

“Hello.” Jessica’s high-pitched voice over the loud music hurt my ears. “I thought I saw you. And your date is ... oh. Leonardo.” Her lips parted and if she opened her eyes any wider, they would pop out of their sockets.

“Good evening.” He gave her a curt nod and got back to his conversation with Donald and Cindy.

Jessica’s hand went to her chest as if she was trying to hold in her shock. “When did this happen?”

“When did what happen?” I asked.

“You and Leonardo.”

“Oh, we’re not ... It’s not what you think,” I said.

Lee turned to me with his eyebrows pinched inward, looking confused, and then back to Donald.

That was weird.

“Oh, that’s good.” She let out a breath. “Anyway, talk to you later.”

That was weird too, but coming from Jessica, I wasn’t surprised.

The band stopped playing. Silence filled the room and the light dimmed.

A middle-aged man walked onto the stage. “Good evening, everyone. You all look beautiful. Welcome to the Roselyn Medici Annual Charity Gala. I’m one of the four speakers for tonight. This year, our proceeds will go to the foundation Mr. Medici has set up for cancer research. Don’t forget to place your raffle tickets in the basket of your choice. The winners will be announced later this evening. You do not have to be present to win. Dinner will be served as soon as I leave the stage. Thank you for your time and thank you for your generosity.”

Clapping echoed in the room. The band picked back up and waiters came out with trays.

Oh, my heart. This was Lee’s event? When he invited