Chapter 10: The Gala

The annual Saint Brigid's gala takes place in the glass atrium, under forty paper lanterns and a banner that says HEALING TOGETHER.

I bought my dress the day before, in a hurry, at a department store.

It was dark green satin with a low back and a skirt that moved when I walked.

I had never worn anything like it.

Benji whistled when I came in, and Dolores, in a sequined cardigan, said, "Well, hello there."

Then Kurt walked through the doors in a black tuxedo, and I forgot every word I knew.

He was so tall, and so broad, and so completely at ease in that jacket.

His beard was freshly trimmed, and the grey at his temples caught the lantern light.

He looked across the room, found me, and went very still.

I did not touch my champagne all night.

I wanted every second of it clear.

Table four was a round table by the stage.

Pembrey sat on my left, in a dinner jacket with a gold pin on the lapel.

Kurt sat across, and a board trustee and her husband filled the other seats.

"Dr. Fairweather," said Pembrey, over the salad. "That's a lovely dress."

"Thank you, sir."

"I admire a woman who dresses for a room."

"I admire a man who minds his business," I said, sweetly, and the trustee choked on her bread roll.

Pembrey laughed, without humor.

Across the table Kurt studied his napkin, and I saw the corner of his mouth twitch.

Then he lifted his eyes, and held mine for one long second, and looked toward a small door across the atrium, marked ACCESSIBLE RESTROOM.

My pulse jumped.

He stood and excused himself, and walked out.

I waited a minute.

"Excuse me," I said, and followed.

The restroom was large and white and bright, with a long sink and a locking door and one big mirror.

Kurt locked the door behind me, and I threw myself at him.