Night Whispers - Leslie Kelly [43]
“Of course, she’s serious.” He scowled at Amanda in annoyance. Sometimes the woman could be incredibly high-handed, as well as thick-skinned. In spite of what had happened the last time she’d come to his apartment, she still continued to call him every few days. He’d avoided complete rudeness, up to now.
“But you always go with me, Mitch! And Daddy…he was so looking forward to joining us.”
Always could be translated as twice. Mitch had gone with Amanda once, last year, and as a guest of her father’s the year before.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him, too. But as I’ve said, I am going with Kelsey. Her station is sponsoring the event, and she needed an escort.”
Amanda’s face tightened as she tried to smile. Kelsey figured it took a great deal of effort to turn and say, “I’m sorry for doubting you, Kelsey. Of course Mitch would step in and play the gallant escort.”
“Oh, Mitch is nothing if not gallant,” Kelsey said.
“But, Mitch,” Amanda said, “after Kelsey’s finished her duties for her employer, you must join us. Daddy and I will still save you a place at our table.”
Amanda cast another glance at Kelsey. “And if Kelsey wishes to remain at the party after she’s finished working, she’s welcome to sit with us, too.”
“How kind,” Kelsey murmured, feeling like the unwelcome servant invited to a dinner party to make up for a no-show guest.
The woman did not seem to notice her sarcasm and continued. “However, I do insist that you let me plan your costume, Mitch. I thought we could go as Fred and Ginger again, since everyone loved our costumes last year.”
“I’m afraid not. Kelsey is already working on our costumes.”
“Oh, Mitch, don’t be silly,” Amanda replied, undeterred. “It won’t matter what costume you wear to play escort for a brief time for your little friend. Your duties shouldn’t take too long, then you can join me in your top hat and tails. You won’t be chained to Kelsey all night!”
Kelsey figured she ought to have her brain examined for taking the insults that had been flying her way for the past several minutes. “You know, I think I’ll leave you two to sort this out, all right? Celia’s waiting upstairs. Good night, it was lovely seeing you again.”
Not waiting for a reply, she stalked up the stairs, slamming her apartment door behind her.
“My goodness, I hope I didn’t offend her, Mitch.”
“How could you not have offended her?” Anger made his voice tight and hard. “You walked in here, into Kelsey’s home, and started treating her like an unwanted guest, or as if you have some claim to my time, when you know that’s absolutely untrue.”
“Well,” Amanda sputtered, unable to come up with anything else to say. Mitch knew it was pretty stupid to antagonize her. After all, she and her father could easily prevent his books from being required in any class at several colleges.
When he didn’t respond or apologize, Amanda said quietly, “I suppose you’re right. I’m sorry, Mitch. I was a little abrupt with her. I guess I still am proprietorial about you. Silly of me.”
“Maybe you’d better tell Kelsey that next time you see her.”
Amanda nodded, said goodbye and walked back to her car.
Mitch let himself into his apartment, wondering if he should go upstairs and straighten things out with Kelsey. She’d mentioned Celia was waiting, so he figured this wouldn’t be the best time.
The urge to seek her out had been with him ever since she’d left his place that afternoon. He was getting very used to that urge: it seemed to be constant. For about the twentieth time, Mitch wondered what kind of fool he was to take her to the party. And for about the twenty-fifth time, he told himself there was no way in hell he was going to back out.
“WE WON’T BE CHAINED together all night,” Kelsey muttered as she entered her apartment and caught Celia’s eye. “Mitch and I won’t be chained together at the ball, so of course he can feel free to dump poor little old obligation me and go waltz off with Miss Moneybags and her father!”
Celia looked at her as though she were crazy, and Kelsey briefly related