I slipped through the crowd and my mouth surrounded me... mouths that talk, laugh, eat, drink, greet. It was so noisy I could barely think. I looked at the clock in the lobby, an antique Ball clock that once belonged to the Buffalo Bazou, Brazos, and Colorado Railways. It was nine o'clock. In half an hour I was supposed to go upstairs to the room and help Adrianne change into another dress. I could not face it. This was quite enough for today.
I was thirsty for champagne. I went to the kitchen, which was full of chefs and waiters, and managed to find a clean glass of water. I poured water over the sink and started drinking in large gulps.
I am sorry, the waiter said nervously, trying to get through. I moved to pass and went to the reception room.
To my relief, I spotted Erick’s distin
