Engagement announcements flooded her mailbox every week.Ā
It had been that way since she graduated college: everyone her age was busy getting married. Despite her better attempts, she only made it to half of the weddings and made even less appearances at the parties and wedding showers, but she had made a point to come to this one.Ā
Sheād known Lex for a long time. The Porters had been a family that her father had tried to cozy up to as soon as he had the means to run in their circles. Theyād always been civil towards him, but there was no warmth. The Porters were better than the Kresses in every way that mattered: they had the wealth, they had the name, the history ... they even had ties to English nobility. The Kresses werenāt anyone in comparison. There had been invitations, of course, but Drea could never shake the feeling that they had been invited, just so the Porters could continue feeling superior.Ā
The boys were different, though. Ian was wholesome; he was down to earth. Lex, on the other hand, came with a long list of issues and complications, but, regardless, you could always count on him to be honest with you and when everyone else in the room was a liar, Drea had always found him refreshing.Ā Sheād never expected him to settle down, though. She half thought that it was a misprint on the invitation. But no: Lex Porter was getting married.Ā
Sheād been one of the last to arrive: thereād been trouble down at the office when Tom Darcy had, yet again, failed to meet his deadlines. The party was grand and elegant, as all Porter affairs were. They never missed an opportunity to tastefully flaunt their wealth.Ā
Lex was easy to find. While his bride to be was the center of attention, he was alone: his only companion was the drink in his hand.Ā
Drea ordered champagne at the bar and, drink in hand, approached him,Ā āI always thought Ian would do this before you, if you did it at all,ā She commented as she walked up to him, āBut then, you always did like to surprise.āĀ
