Upon returning to the ballroom, Stephanie began making the rounds. She chatted with her former colleagues from both the D.A.’s office and the firm she’d worked for. As she was standing in line at the bar, she heard a voice from her past.

“Stephanie, I thought you would have stayed in Chicago. Imagine my surprise.”

Taking a deep breath, she turned around. “Why Frank, I’m shocked you’re even here.”

“I am still a member of the Bar,” he replied smugly.

“Considering that most people in this room, including the guest of honor, can’t stand you, I’m surprised you even showed up.”

“Now Stephie, that’s no way to talk.”

Stephanie cringed at the nickname. “Well, when you speak the truth, sometimes it hurts.”

Before Frank could answer, a buxom young woman with blonde hair put a hand on his arm.

“Frankie, would you order me an appletini?”

“Certainly.”

“Thanks, sweetie.”

Stephanie watched as the woman kissed Frank and then practically ran over to join her friends. They all squealed with delight as the woman approached.

“What is she? Seventeen? Eighteen?”

“I’ll have you know that Chloe is twenty-two.”

“Chloe, huh? And does Chloe know that I’m the one who paid for her boob job?”

“Honestly, Stephie, must you be so vulgar?” Frank complained.

“I’m vulgar?! That’s rich coming from a man whose ex-wife had to save him from bankruptcy.”

“Keep your voice down,” he warned through clenched teeth.

“Oh, that’s right, we wouldn’t want Chloe to learn the truth. Would we?”

Stephanie turned and gave her drink her order to the bartender.