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Dilyn’s Party (Part 3)

An elegant woman with flowing chestnut hair and a stunning white ensemble appeared before her. Yes, a shawl is actually stylish and Veronica thought that if she had a black one like this woman’s white shawl…

“Hi, I’m Dilyn.” She extended a hand.

Veronica put her shrimp down and stood up to greet her hostess. “This is your party. Marcy told me you had a lovely place but I couldn’t even imagine.”

“Thank you so much.” Dilyn smiled. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“I’m Veronica. Thank you so much for allowing me to use Marcy’s invitation.”

“Please, please. Any friend of Marcy’s is very welcome. Are you having a nice time?”

“Oh, it’s a great party. I’m not much of a people person when it comes down to it.”

“Just here for the hunting?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“I don’t want to presume but your look says that you either want to snag a husband or be discovered as the next supermodel.”

“Supermodel?” Veronica laughed so hard she snorked. “You’re too kind, Dilyn.”

“Not at all.” Dilyn smiled. She turned and stood by Veronica’s side. “Let’s see here. What sort of guy appeals to you?”

“Smart, handsome, rich.”

“In that order?” Dilyn teased her.

“Too much?”

“No, I know some guys who meet those standards. Some of them are right here.”

“Like who?”

Dilyn smiled impishly. “That would be telling.”

“The hunting is on me?”

“I’ll tell you what. Point out somebody who catches your eye and I’ll let you know if he’s got what you’re looking for.”

“You’re teasing.”

“What kind of hostess would I be if I let you sit around playing wallflower all night?”

“Okay, what about this guy in the shiny green jacket?”

“Handsome and spoken for.”

“Red cable knit sweater.”

“Handsome, single, dependable.”

“That’s a good combo.”

“What about smart and rich?”

“Rich is kind of relative.”

“So, anybody with more money than you?”

“Basically.”

Dilyn laughed. “Okay, what’s the threshold on smart?”

“I don’t want some dopey jock. He doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist. I just want somebody who can hold a conversation.”

“About something other than your astonishing figure.”

“Yeah.” Veronica waved at her dress. “This is not my everyday look. If that’s all he wants, that’s not what I’m looking for.”

“Bait and switch?”

“Well, don’t make it sound so shallow.”

“I’m not judging. Just observing.”

“So, red cable knit sweater is a good place to start?”

“He’s a very nice guy but he’s not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree.”

“Well, you know these people. Who’s got the whole thing?”

“Smart, handsome and rich?”

“Yes. Got any Prince Charmings up in here?”

Dilyn looked around at her guests as if seeking someone in particular. Veronica started to get excited because it seemed like she might actually get her wish after all. Dilyn pulled Veronica to the foot of the stairs and scanned the crowd upstairs.

“Found him?” Veronica asked, following her gaze.

“There.”

“Where?”

“Horrifying red Christmas sweater. Pleated khakis.” Dilyn turned to her and said, ”Smart, handsome and rich.”

“Are you looking at the same guy as me?”

“I think so.”

“You mean Bryce?”

“Yes, have you met?”

“Yes, he crashed into me while I was trying to get to the bathroom. He’s rich?”

“Well, he has more money than you and more on the way.”

“Is he a famous jockey or something?”

Dilyn laughed merrily. A pleasant-looking man in a horrifying blue Christmas sweater appeared behind her. “What did I miss?”

“Chad, this is Veronica.”

“Nice to meet you. What’s the joke?”

Dilyn swiped tears from the corners of her eyes. “Veronica wanted to know if Bryce was a jockey.”

Chad smiled from ear to ear. “That’s brutal.” He laughed. “Dead brutal. I like this one, Dilyn. You’ve got to come meet Bryce.”

“We’ve met already.” Veronica said, not seeing the humor.

“Oh, love, you couldn’t have met him properly. Everybody likes Bryce.”

“I’ll bet that not everybody winds up with his nose in their cleavage.”

Dilyn and Chad began laughing even harder.

“That’s a story I’ve got to hear.” Chad said. “Come along. Bryce is such a nice guy. Won’t you give him a second chance?”

“I don’t know.”

“Go ahead.” Dilyn said. “He’s not usually that awkward. Go have a talk with him. See if he meets your standards.”

“You think so?”

“Veronica, I know so. The whole package. He really is.”

“Come on, love.” Chad said. “I’ll reintroduce you.”

Veronica followed Chad up the stairs. “Bryce, I understand you two have already met.”

“Oh, yes. Hi, again.”

“Veronica, it’s such a lovely name.” Janka said.

“And that’s a lovely accent. I’m Chad.”

“Chad, this is my fiancee, Janka.” Marv said.

“Well, well, you have been busy.” Chad laughed as he shook hands with Marv and gave Janka a hug. “When’s the big day?”

“They have to check the Gantt Chart.” Bryce said.

“No.” Chad said in disbelief. “You actually have a Gantt Chart for your wedding plans? That’s absolutely brilliant. I wish I’d have thought of that.”

Veronica leaned over to Bryce and whispered, “What’s a Gantt Chart?”

“It’s a planning tool. Marv and Janka are project managers by trade.”

“Oh.” She said as if that explained it but she was as puzzled as before. “Are you a project manager, too?”

“Me? No. I’m a photographer.”

“Really? Like what? Portraits? News?”

“I have had some stuff in the newspapers but I generally do art photography. I have a couple of books of my work published.”

“Books? Mr. Bigshot.”

“Well, it’s not as impressive as all that.”

“Don’t let him kid you.” Donnie said.

“Yes, his books are wonderful. You should see them.” Janka said.

“I’ll check with Dilyn. She has some, I’m sure.” Chad dashed back down the stairs.

“Oh, you don’t have to…”

“So, what do you do, Veronica?” Marv asked.

“Oh, I’m between things right now. I’m auditioning for some dance companies this week.”

“You’re a dancer?” Bryce asked. “How did I not guess that?”