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he doesn’t slide off and break his neck.” Because the champagne was still in her hand, she sipped. “Did you meet his family?”
    “Are you kidding? I think every other person here is related to him. His mother collared me, wanting to know if we’d ever considered holding art classes for children here, and why not, didn’t I like children? And before I knew it she was introducing me to this child psychologist—single, female,” Andrew added. “She’s great.”
    “The psychologist?”
    “No—Well, she seemed very nice and nearly as confused as I was. Ryan’s mother. She’s great.” His hands were in his pockets, then out, wrapped around the carved newel post, fiddling with his tie.
    Miranda took one of them and squeezed. “I know this is hard for you. All these people—Elise.”
    “Sort of a minor trial by fire. Elise, the parents, me, and cases of free booze everywhere.” He glanced toward the entrance again. Annie hadn’t come.

    “You need to keep busy. Do you want to dance?”
    “You and me?” He shot her a stunned look, then dissolved in easy and genuine laughter. “We’d both end up in the ER with broken toes.”
    “I’ll risk it if you will.”
    His smile went tender. “Miranda, you’ve always been a high point in my life. I’m okay. Let’s just watch people who know what they’re doing.”
    Then his smile stiffened. Miranda didn’t have to shift her gaze to know he’d seen Elise.
    She came up to them, a sleek fairy in filmy white. Even as Miranda wanted to resent, she saw the nervousness in Elise’s eyes.
    “I just wanted to congratulate you, both of you, on a wonderful and successful exhibit. Everyone’s raving about it. You’ve done a fabulous job for the Institute, and the organization.”
    “We had a lot of help,” Miranda said. “The staff put in long, hard hours to make this happen.”
    “It couldn’t be more perfect. Andrew.” She seemed to take a deep gulp of air. “I want to apologize for making things difficult. I know my being here is awkward for you. I won’t be staying much longer tonight, and I’ve decided to go back to Florence tomorrow.”
    “You don’t have to change your plans for my benefit.”
    “It’s for mine too.” She looked at Miranda then, struggled with a smile. “I didn’t want to leave without taking a minute to tell you how much I admire what you accomplished here. Your parents are very proud.”
    Miranda goggled before she could control it. “My parents?”
    “Yes, Elizabeth was just saying—”
    “Annie.” Andrew said the name, almost like a prayer, and Elise broke off to stare up at him. “Excuse me.”
    He moved away, making his way toward her. She looked lost, he thought, in a sea of people. And so lovely with her shining hair. Her red dress glowed like a flame, throwing off heat and life among all the sober and conservative black.

    “I’m so glad you came.” He caught her hands like lifelines.
    “I don’t know why I did. I already feel ridiculous.” The dress was too short, she thought. It was too red. It was too everything. Her department store earrings looked like cheap chandeliers—and what had possessed her to buy shoes with rhinestone buckles? She must look like a slutty Pilgrim.
    “I’m so glad you’re here,” he said again, and ignoring the raised eyebrows, kissed her.
    “Why don’t I just grab a tray, pass drinks? I’d fit in better that way.”
    “You fit in fine. Come over and talk to Miranda.” But when he turned, his eyes locked with Elise’s. She stood exactly where he’d left her. He saw Miranda touch her arm, murmur something, but Elise only shook her head, then hurried away.
    “Your wife looked upset,” Annie commented as acid churned in her stomach.
    “Ex-wife,” Andrew reminded her, grateful to see Miranda making her way toward them.
    “Annie, it’s so good to see you. Now I know who Andrew’s been looking for all evening.”
    “I wasn’t going to come.”
    “I’m glad you changed your mind.” It was rare for Miranda to follow impulse, but she did so now, bending down to press her cheek to Annie’s. “He needs you,” she whispered, then straightened with a smile. “I see some people I think you’d enjoy meeting. Andrew, why don’t you introduce Annie to Mr. and Mrs. Boldari.”
    He followed the direction of her nod and grinned. “Yeah, thanks. Come on, Annie, you’re going to love these people.”
    It lifted Miranda’s heart, that warm glow she’d seen in