that Ellie Owens?”
“Remember how she was in love with Jasper?”
“That’s not Ellie. Ellie never looked like that.”
“Remember that video she made?”
“Didn’t she throw herself in the bay that night?”
She’d definitely wanted to make an impression. But Elle had been hoping that people would be dazzled by her dress as she talked to them one-on-one throughout the night. She had not planned to be the center of freaking attention. And where the hell was the orchestra?
As if on cue, Mrs. Dumont flicked a hand toward the conductor and he immediately began a new tune. Slowly, people returned to their drinks, food and conversations as Lilah Dumont, decked out in an elegant green gown glistening with gold beading, made her way toward Elle with open arms.
Elle allowed herself to be embraced as her hostess exclaimed, “Ellie, it’s so good to see you. Welcome back!”
“Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Dumont. Everything looks amazing.”
“As do you.” The older woman gave her a quick assessment. “You’ve certainly changed, Ellie.”
“Oh, I go by Elle now.”
With a soft pat to her cheek, Mrs. Dumont said, “Elle it is then. I’m sorry about what brought you home. Your dad is looking much better, though. He said he’s in remission.” A genuine smile touched the woman’s lips.
Elle nodded. “Yes, his last doctor’s appointment went well. But we’ll have to make sure he stays on top of the situation. From everything I’ve read, this type of cancer can come back quickly. I’d like to meet his doctor,” she added.
“He’s the best oncologist in the state.”
Realization dawned as she met Mrs. Dumont’s gaze. “You helped, didn’t you?”
Waving a hand in the air, Lilah winked at her. “It was only a matter of a quick phone call. It also helps that a wing in that particular hospital is named after us.”
What must it be like to have that kind of money? Elle wondered. She would be forever grateful. “Thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay—”
“It was nothing. Now, if you’d really like to repay me you can do so by mingling and having fun.”
Smiling, Elle nodded. Then she took a deep breath and made her way toward the other guests. As she walked across the patio, she spotted familiar faces—former classmates, teachers, local shop owners. Searching the crowd, she noticed her favorite art teacher and was about to say hi when a tall man wearing a tailored tux approached her.
“Ellie Owens?” he asked.
“Guilty,” she replied. Taking a moment to place him, she finally remembered. “Tyler Briggitt! How are you?” They’d been in the same class in high school. Tyler had also been one of Jasper’s closest friends.
“Great, no complaints. I’m working at the bank now. Welcome back. So,” he began, “have you seen Jasp yet?”
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