Chapter 8

• Sue turned and left out through the archway. Ben shook his head and wandered around and up the stairs.
• Jess watched them both go and rolled her eyes. She had no idea what had them both worked up except the normal bullshit of being married and the stress of a big social event. This one was laced with more politics than most anniversary parties she planned and coordinated, but all west West Coast-class affairs were political to some degree. This couple was having deeper issues. She hoped it wouldn’t blow up during the party. Jess planned to keep everything locked down and on point if she had to keep a stranglehold on every person and every detaidetaillved. They could blow up as a couple later and Jess would help plan both their divorce parties. Tonight was not going to be that blow up if it took every bit of energy she had.
• Jess turned and grabbed another flute of champagne for herself before hustling back toward the kitchen. She heard the bartender grunt behind her, but Jess did not acknowledge him. If he noticed enough to be upset, he noticed enough to refill the empty spot. She finished it and passed the flute off to one of the servers before reentering the kitchen.