The beautiful woman before Violette smiled warmly at Grayson, as though they were communicating through their eyes. Then her eyes traveled down to the woman in his arms as he walked through the room, and strangely she let out a small gasp and her eyes widened. Grayson cleared his throat loudly, and the surprise on the woman’s face quickly faded, replaced by a soft smile.

Grayson gently placed Violette on a soft tan chaise lounge and flashed his breath taking smile. “I’ll be right back.”

Violette nodded her head slowly, trying not to hyperventilate, and watched him walk away. She had almost forgotten the woman who was intently watching her from just a few feet away.

“Excuse Grayson’s manners, he’s distracted I suppose. I’m Andrea.” Her smile widened as she gracefully perched herself next to Violette’s leg.

Violette could not believe how flawless she was up close. Of course Grayson was with someone this beautiful; they were perfect for each other. She was not surprised by that fact, but instead her surprise was in the burning jealousy she felt towards this woman. She was sure she had turned a shade of green by now.

Despite herself she smiled back, “Nice to meet you, I’m Violette.”

The woman laughed a soft quiet laugh, “Oh, yes I definitely knew that.”

What was it with these people and laughing at me, she wondered.

“Oh.” She felt embarrassed at her lack of words, and extremely uncomfortable. Andrea on the other hand seemed to have no problem staring so obviously at Violette. It was as though she were looking for something in her face.

“How is your leg?” She broke away from her stare and glanced down at the red, puffy area around her right ankle. “Grayson is getting some ice for you, I believe.”

“Oh thank you. You have a beautiful house by the way.” Violette suddenly remembered her manors as she glanced past Andrea’s silky curls to the large room before her. The walls were a dark tan, the color of wet sand, outlined in white molding. The wall behind her was filled with windows that looked out onto the ocean. The hardwood floor below them had a rich color and shine, as though it had just been refinished, and the room was filled with warm pieces in ivories and tans. And in the far corner was a large white marble fireplace. Violette had never been in a room that felt so warm and welcoming.