The Fashion of Love | Adult F/M Romance [COMPLETE]

ch. 24 - June

Sora caught a glimpse of Anthony holding court near the farther grand staircase leading to the balconies. Anthony Himura is never without an audience wherever he goes. She spied Diana Parrilla, the mother of Anthony's firstborn son, amid the throng. Sora recognized at once the predatory gleam in Diana. You're one a few. Don't let him catch you. Diana was as Sora had been at her worst: she believed she could tame beast. Sora had learned. Diana would have to learn twice.

Ravi and Sora ran into Stephen Wilder from Jabot Cosmetics out of Harborview coming out of the performance hall where tonight's presentation was to take place. Ravi shook his hand and slapped his back.

"Stephen, welcome back to L.A. You should come more often. You'd fit right in."

The man with the million-dollar smile lit up and embraced Ravi like an old friend.

"You sly dog. How'd you get back in town without anybody raising the alarm?"

"I snuck in like a vandal in the night. I'm good like that. Here, let me introduce you to Sora Gallegos Himura. She's the new CEO over at Himura Media Group."

"First and foremost, may I say that you look amazing? Something tells me I'm looking at Ravi Misra original."

"Guilty as charged."

They all laughed.

Sora and Stephen shook hands and he covered hers with his.

"I heard about the donation you made to the Amelia Intiative. I can't tell you how much that meant to me and Evan."

"I'm a mother. I can't imagine what I'd do if I lost my little boy. I had to do something, no matter how little."

"It's no small thing at home. Thank you."

Sora nodded.

"Now, what's this I hear about Himura and Misra teaming up for a poetry contest?"

Ravi gave the floor to Sora. I can't believe I'm doing this.

"That depends. What are your thoughts on Shakespeare?"

...

...

Yelena arrived with Diego and his mother Diana half an hour later. Sora's niece made a splash in her flapper-inspired gown and headpiece. All things considered, Sora thought it best to keep her distance, and Ravi didn't protest, though he raised his glass of bubbly to the three when they passed in proximity.

Manendra entered with Hana on one arm and Aiko on the other shortly thereafter, Imogen with Narsi bringing up the rear. Sora avoided their notice altogether by moving from Ravi's right arm to his left where he blocked her from view. She didn't want a scene. Let me have tonight.

Ten minutes had not elapsed before Hana broke away from Manendra's side to turn their chatting trio into a quartet.

"Good evening. I hope I'm not interrupting." She came bearing a duet of champagne flutes to share with Ravi who already had one. Ravi passed his second on to Stephen.

"Thanks. No interruption here. Ravi and Sora were just explaining the Ama la vita poetry competition they're founding to me. I'm no great fan of the Bard, but I think the idea's got promise. What do you think?"

"Ravi, you didn't mention this at lunch. Do tell."

Sora's champagne soured in her mouth.

"The two of you had lunch?"

Hana leaned over Ravi's shoulder to giggle. "We have lunch all the time, silly. You must have known that since he tells you everything." Sora couldn't miss the gleam of triumph in Hana's eyes as Ravi shifted uneasily on his feet.