A Woman of Fortune Read Free Page A

husband.
    Just last month, the host of one of those cable news networks reported few were more successful than Tuck Massey at turning a profit. After the show aired, the telephone never stopped ringing.
    Not that she should complain. After all, she had a charismatichusband who loved her, and they’d raised three great children. Being Tuck Massey’s wife came with a lot of perks.
    â€œHey there, everybody.” Claire leaned forward and accepted a slight kiss on her cheek from her daughter-in-law, who was dressed in a pretty tangerine-colored sundress that offset her auburn hair. “I hope y’all are having a great time.”
    Sidney puffed heavily on his cigar, sending a cloud of smoke her direction that made her eyes water. Discreetly, she stepped back as the man’s manicured fingers flicked ashes on the grass at their feet. “Claire, you and Tuck have done it again. I keep thinking this party can’t get any better. Yet somehow you Masseys top the year before.”
    The blonde shifted her tight dress and let out a nervous giggle. “I can’t believe I’m here. I mean, really. I’ve read about these barbeques for years. I’m so honored to attend.”
    Claire saw Marcy’s gaze drop to the blonde’s neckline and the surgically enhanced chest captured within the fabric. In a wise move, Garrett trained his eyes on the woman’s face.
    Amused, Claire gave Sidney’s companion du jour a welcoming smile. “We’re so happy you could join us.” She extended her hand and paused. “Uh . . .”
    Sidney pulled the cigar from his mouth. “Daisy,” he said.
    His date smiled broadly. “Daisy Anheuser. No relation to the beer family,” she quickly added before leaning back into Sidney’s arms.
    â€œWhere are you from?” Marcy asked, disapproval evident across her features.
    â€œI’m from Ohio. Grew up around Cincinnati. But I live in Dallas now.”
    Sidney slipped an oyster from a tray being passed by one of the servers. “Where’s my favorite cattle meister?” He blew cigar smoke, then slurped the raw oyster and placed the empty shell back on the tray.
    Claire winced and placed her hand on Garrett’s arm. “I was just wondering the same. Could you please excuse us? I have a missinghusband to find.” She gave Sidney and his date a pinched smile. “Enjoy the evening.”
    She hooked her arm inside Garrett’s and they walked with Marcy past the pool. Claire’s eyes scanned the crowd. Seeing no sign of Tuck, she voiced a not-so-subtle complaint. “Doesn’t your father know we’re hosting a barbeque? Where could he be?”
    â€œI think I saw him head toward the office with his banker.” Garrett slipped his hand onto Marcy’s back. “But that was over half an hour ago, right, honey?”
    Claire stopped walking. She jutted her chin. “During our party?”
    A server stepped forward. “Caviar, Mrs. Massey?”
    She directed her attention to the black beluga roe on the silver platter. Using the tiny pearl-handled spoon, she scooped a small mound onto a toast point and slipped the rare and very expensive delicacy into her mouth.
    With a frown, Claire waved over one of the catering managers. “The caviar is several degrees too warm.” She placed her hand on his forearm. “I’m afraid the outside temperature is working against us.”
    â€œYes, Mrs. Massey. I’ll certainly take care of that right away. My apologies.” The man in the black tuxedo snapped his fingers at another waiter, then spoke into a lapel microphone. Seconds later, two men scurried from the direction of the house, carrying trays of shaved ice.
    â€œLook, go check on your father, would you, Garrett? And if he’s out there, tell him I send a message. This is no time for business. Not during the party.”
    Claire watched Garrett and Marcy continue on,