That's How it Happens

11. What Leo Said

The party was classic Victoria Drake - extravagant to the point of absurdity. Even a holiday engagement celebration couldn't escape her flair for excess. Champagne imported directly from France - the only kind she deemed worthy - flowed freely, and every wine bottle had been personally selected by Victoria herself. The décor was meticulous, the guest list curated like a museum exhibit. Nothing was left to chance.

So it shouldn't have been surprising to see Peter among the crowd. At least, not to Ainsley. She acted as though it were perfectly normal for a man she never mentioned to suddenly materialize at her mother's party. Leo, however, wasn't buying it.

He stood across the room, half-listening as Ainsley chatted with a couple about her five-year absence and current pursuits. She'd repeated the same answers a dozen times already. Leo was growing tired of the polite interrogation - and especially the thinly veiled judgment about why she wasn't married. What century were these people living in? He wouldn't be shocked if dowries were still in play.

He was beginning to understand Ainsley's hesitation to return home. It wasn't just Victoria's overbearing nature - it was the entire atmosphere. Ainsley didn't belong here. She was nothing like this crowd.

A burst of laughter snapped Leo's attention back to Peter.

Who was this guy?

And more importantly... what was the schmuck doing here?

Had he followed them? Crashed the party?

No. That wasn't it. Peter moved through the room with the same ease and familiarity as Ainsley. These were his people, too. Leo just hadn't figured out where he fit yet - and that uncertainty gnawed at him. His promise not to pry into Ainsley's life was starting to feel flimsy. Why had she never mentioned Peter?

"Are you okay?"

Leo blinked. Ainsley had stepped in front of him, her head tilted, concern etched across her face. If she were any taller, she would have blocked his view of the schmuck, but she wasn't, so she could keep his eyes on him, which he had every intention of doing.

She'd never seen him angry before. Irritated, sure. But Leo was the type to keep his emotions tucked away, which could be maddening in its own right.

Was he upset she'd left him alone to get dressed in the cocktail dress her mother had chosen? It wasn't something she'd ever wear on her own - tight, black, and designed to highlight every curve she usually tried to hide. Leo had told her she looked fine, but it hadn't landed. Not like the reaction she'd gotten at the gala. That had meant something, and she wanted it for nothing more than affirmation that she belonged here with this crowd. Tonight, she felt invisible. And maybe that was what bothered her most.

"Did my mother say something to you?"

Leo didn't answer right away. His eyes were still locked on Peter, who was laughing - loudly, obnoxiously.

What did Ainsley ever see in that guy? He sounded like a hyena.

"If she did, I apologize. She's just..." Ainsley trailed off, unable to find the right word.

"Arrogant," Leo offered. "But no, she didn't say anything. She just parked me in the corner with the help and vanished."

He tried to make light of it, but the joke fell flat. He sighed. "It's fine, Ains. Parents aren't supposed to like their, you know, right? No worries. The bet's still on - I'll win her over."

Ainsley shook her head, lips twitching. The bet was absolutely not on.

"What? You don't think I can do it?"