Read Online The Man at Key West by Katrina Britt - Free Book Online Page B

exactly. I’ve just told you.’ Sue gripped her evening purse, wishing her father would show up. She knew now with dreadful certainty that Connie did not want her.
    Connie sat down with her drink and crossed her knees in her elegant beaded evening gown which to Sue breathed money. But it was nothing to do with her. What bothered her was the responsibility of her father to pay the bills which Connie seemed fond of running up. Her beringed hands, the earrings and bracelets she wore were mostly new.
    ‘Hello there!’
    Bill came through the comunicating doorway still fingering his bow tie. Sue’s heart softened and she thought how nice he always looked in evening dress; she went forward to help him.
    ‘Let me do your tie,’ she said. ‘Are you going out?’
    He nodded not very enthusiastically. ‘Some business friends of Connie’s. I must be getting old, because I don’t feel the same excitement I used to whenever there was any business to be discussed.’ Connie put in, ‘He needs a holiday. We shall have to take a trip away.’
    ‘There you are.’ Sue stood back to admire her handiwork. ‘It’s a good idea to have a holiday,’ she said with a warm smile.
    But as she spoke she had never felt so lonely in her life. Only now did she realise how very much on her own she was. The last twelve months selling the house in the London suburbs and looking after the housekeeper, who had been more like a second mother to her, had taken up most of her time and thoughts.
    There had not been much time to dwell upon her father and his new wife. Looking at the situation coolly and with common sense, she realised that she had to make a life of her own away from family ties. The photographic assignment was a godsend, and she had to make a go of it.
    ‘Thanks. You’re looking very nice, my dear.’
    Her father had his hands on her shoulders and was looking with approval at the very pretty evening dress and the tawny hair around her eloquent face.
    Connie’s voice suddenly grated. ‘We must celebrate your new job, Sue. We must give a party.’ Her smile was for Bill. ‘Sue’s going out with Jay Denver. I told you she’d probably have a date for this evening. The young people of today have no time for their parents. They prefer people of their own generation.’
    Sue said quietly, ‘Daddy and I have always been close. We always will be. I ...’ She broke off as the sound of a car arriving struck the clear air. ‘That will be Jay,’ she said, with a sigh of inward relief.
    Connie was on her feet. Putting down her glass, she made her way to the door.
    ‘We must ask him in for a drink,’ she called over her shoulder as she left the room.
    She returned, linking Jay’s arm. ‘Here he is,’ she cooed. ‘What will you have to drink, Jay? Bill will get the drinks, won’t you, darling?’ She pulled her companion to a settee and sat down beside him.
    Jay stretched out his long legs, radiating waves that were all male, and smiled across at Sue, who was still standing by her father. Their eyes met, Sue looked hastily away and followed her father to hand out the drinks.
    ‘I believe you’re going to Henry Cassells’ party, Bill,’ said Jay as Sue handed him a drink.
    ‘Yes, we are,’ cut in Connie, taking her drink from Sue and studiously ignoring her. ‘It’s quite an honour to be invited. The Cassells only mix with the cream of society.’
    Jay gave a grimace. ‘Cheers,’ he said lifting his drink.
    Bill sat down in a comfortable chair with Sue perching on the arm with her drink.
    Jay said sardonically, ‘It’s one thing to be the creme de la creme of society; it’s quite another to seek it. Be careful, Bill. Henry Cassells is known as a hot potato. He needs careful handling. Any man who seeks to gatecrash the elite usually does.’
    Bill was astonished. ‘I’m surprised. I thought he was on the level.’ He looked at his wife with a frown. ‘How is it that you’ve never said anything about this,