He sighed and released her. "I guess so," he said in a disappointed tone.
She giggled and turned to the dresser, closing the jewelry box lid.
Alex cleared his throat. "So what do you want me to wear?"
Carmen glanced up at his image in the mirror. Not once had he ever asked her what he should wear. He appeared to be serious, though.
"Whatever you want to wear," she answered as she turned. "It's up to you. I have no idea what other people will be wearing."
He shrugged. "I guess I'll wear a suit." His gaze ran over her dress and he lifted a brow. "The black one?"
She eyed him suspiciously. Outwardly he gave no indication that he was uncomfortable. He appeared to be relaxed. So why would he suddenly want her to select the clothes he wore to an informal party where he knew no one. Maybe that was it. Maybe he wanted to make sure he didn't embarrass her. Fat chance. She was the country bumpkin, not him.
She smiled. The black suit would be nice. You look so sophisticated in it ... and everything else.
He favored her with a wry smile. "I'm sure you're the only one who thinks that."
While he showered and dressed, she went over the list to make sure nothing had been forgotten. She had the key to the building in her purse. The band had set up last night, and the caterers weren't supposed to be there until 6:00 pm. Everything was ready. Then why was she so nervous?
Once they were in the car, the jitters left. With Alex driving, it felt like he was in control again. Katie would think she was backsliding, but that was the way she felt.
They arrived thirty minutes early, but there were already people waiting to get in. She unlocked the door and stepped inside to turn the light on. It was a relief to hear people commenting on how nice the room looked.
Some of the people had driven a long way to attend. It was interesting how people had drifted away. One couple was now living in New Jersey. What was even more surprising was the number of people she didn't recognize. Though, in all fairness, ten years had changed some people enormously. While most of the people present had actually graduated from the same school, a few had moved away before they graduated. Candice was one of them. She had moved to Texas at the end of her junior year.
Carmen was standing at the punch bowl greeting people and Alex was behind her talking to someone when Candice stopped at the table.