âWhoâs that? Sheâs quite a locker! York Maves gazing in Ellinorâs direction, swallowed hard.
Seeing York Maves animated reaction. Haillie chuckled âNot only is that girl a looker, but sheâs a real hoot! Go chat her up, youâre gonna love her!â
York Mayes interest was piqued âA hoot? How so?
Hallie shot him a mischievous grin. Well all those games guys enjoy, sheâs a whiz at them!â
York Maves stroked his chin almost drooling with excitement, âNice! Patricia, I wonât keep you guys, Iâm off to chat up that babe Patricia feigned concem as she watched York Mayes strut over to Ellinor ie do you think itâs night to send York off to Ellinor like that?
definitel shrugged. âWhatâs the big deal? All Ellinor wants is a loaded guy, right? Sheâs been trying to get close to Theo and Balfour. York might not be filthy rich, but heâs Ellinors league! If they hit it off itâs all good and we wonât have to worry about Ellinor making a play for our guys!â
âBut Patricia looked unconvinced, but after a moment of thought, she nodded, âYou have a point, Haillie. It wouldnât be the worst thing if Ellinor and York tied the knot. We could end up as family and see each other more oftenâ
Haillie shook her head and was amused by Patriciaâs naivety. How could she still hope to be family with Ellinor?
âRight Marrying York would be quite a catch for Ellinor, shed be lucky!â
With a consensus reached they both turned to look at Ellinor to see that York Mayes was already chatting her up.
After indulging in too many sweets, Ellinor felt parched. She picked up an orange drink from the buffet, gave it a sniff to make sure it wasnât alcoholic, and then took a sip. It was a refreshing fruit juice She felt a mix of emotions as she stood alone in the buffet area, sipping her drink and taking in the decor of Pearl Moon, She had visited Pearl Moon a few times before and always felt a sense of familiarity, but she never thought much of it.
Only now did she realize that this sense of familianty was because she was once a child of the Howard family.
What exactly did the Howard family do that forced her mother to flee with her, hide their identity, and even leave her in the care of an old classmate she hadnât contacted for years while disappearing with her whereabouts still unknown?
Thinking of her missing mother made Ellinor feel down and her distaste for the Howard family deepened.
âHi there, why are you drinking alone?â
Snapping back to reality Ellinor glanced at the man who had approached her. He was wearing a flashy plaid suit, had average looks, and seemed a bit sleazy She replied calmly, itâs not alcohol, just juiceâ
York Mayes picked up a fancy-looking dessert from the buffet for Ellinor, âAunt Blunaâs parties always have the best sweets. Try this cake, itâs delicious.â
âThank you, but Iâve already had someâ Ellinor declined politely, but her interest was piqued by his previous statement. âAre you part of the Howard family?â
York Mayes didnât hide it and nodded Yes, I am part of the Howard family!â