Ruby Red, The Sequel - The Romance Story Continues (Complete)

Chapter 11

Adjusting her dress yet again, Ali tried to enjoy the party.

For the first time in a long time, Ali had been at a loss as to what to wear to an event. As usual, she wanted to dress to impress, but this was not her typical audience. She knew how to thrill the fickle red-carpet fashion police back home, how to affect men...well, one man in particular with her choice of attire. But today she was trying to make a good impression with her most important onlookers. Sam's family.

His parents, Christopher and Evelyn Harrington were holding a welcome home brunch at their spectacular home in honour of Sam. It doubled as an opportunity to introduce Ali to the large assortment of aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends that were eager to meet her.

The large sitting room, decorated with elegance in soft blues that reminded Ali of little blue Tiffany boxes, was packed with people enjoying themselves. Ali once again regretted her decision to wear the dress she had selected. The style was on point for the crowd, classic form-fitting above the knee with a simple square neckline. More modest than what she was used to but she didn't want to call too much attention to herself. But the colour was wrong. Blue was a favourite of Sam's, but it was too similar to the room. Ali should be standing out as a worthy partner for the long-lost son newly returned, not melting into the décor.

Jonathon would have styled an amazing dress for her that would have impressed and made her feel comfortable. But Jonathon was far too busy to pick out day dresses for a friend who was currently lacking in confidence. Ali was thrilled for him and his success. After the Charity Ball, where Ali had worn the most elegant dress designed specifically for her by Jonathon, demand for his styles and time had skyrocketed.

Looking across the room, Ali spotted Sam chatting with a group of men about his age. The Harrington family was certainly blessed with good genes, as the group could have been models in a GQ photo shoot. As if he could feel her gaze on him, Sam turned and smiled at Ali.

Not wanting to give Sam the idea that she wasn't enjoying herself, she brightly smiled back, adding a little wink for effect. For most of the party, Sam had stuck by her side, helping her fit in and introducing her to everyone. Ali had finally told him to go and mingle, claiming she could fend for herself for a few moments. A bit reluctantly he offered to go refresh their drink at the bar where one of his cousins was currently keeping the bartender company.

Ali hadn't wanted him to go but Sam's words the other night had been running through her mind. They had been talking about Sam's recently resurfaced ex-girlfriend Victoria. Sam's distaste for her lack of confidence and constant need for reassurance had been about the most negative thing Ali had ever heard her sweet Sam say about another human being. She had vowed right then and there to never be like that, to maintain a level of independence so Sam would never tire of her.

Unfortunately, that stance was wavering right now. Ali missed Sam's presence, the supportive touch of his hand on the small of her back.

"So, you're the new girlfriend." Ali turned towards the sharp voice. Before her stood a trio of women. Two Chanel-suited, pearl necklace donning blondes and the third a brunette, who looked more like their chaperone and was mostly unadorned in a plain black dress.

"That's me." Ali took a sip of her drink to stop herself from saying anything bitter towards the blonde in the middle who was leaning back and giving Ali the once over from head to foot. The woman did not look impressed with what she saw.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Mary and this is my friend Grace." Ali smiled at the two women and then looked towards the last of the trio. After a moment, Mary continued in a bored voice," Oh and this is my sister Emily."

"Hi, Ali," Emily's voice was soft and in stark contrast to her sister's sharp tone. She looked like she might say more but Mary was speaking again.