The Last Mrs. Parrish(29)

“We did well tonight,” Meredith said.

“Yes, it was a great success. Of course, you were a big part of that.” Amber was laying it on thick, but Meredith wasn’t biting.

“Oh please, it was a group effort. Everyone worked equally,” she said stiffly.

Amber had nothing to say in response. This bitch would never accept her, so why should she even try? They continued to work side by side in silence as people checked out. As they were finishing up, Meredith turned to Amber. “Daphne tells me you’re from Nebraska.”

“I am.”

“I’ve never been there. What’s it like?” she said, with not one iota of curiosity in her voice.

Amber thought for a moment. “I come from a small town. They’re pretty much all the same.”

“Mm. I suppose they are. What town exactly?”

“Eustis. You’ve probably never heard of it.”

Before Meredith could continue her interrogation, Daphne appeared in front of them.

“You’re all amazing,” she said to the volunteers at the table. “Thank you so much for this phenomenal night. Now go home and get some much-needed rest. I love all of you.” She looked at Amber. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, we’re all finished. I’ll just get my things.”

On the drive home, Jackson and Daphne looked like lovebirds, his hand firmly on her thigh.

“Your speech was good.” Jackson squeezed her leg.

Daphne looked surprised. “Thank you.”

“I wish you had let me look it over.”

“You were so busy. I didn’t want to bother you.”

He stroked her leg. “I’m never too busy to help you, darling.”

Daphne leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Amber grew disheartened as she watched their interaction. It was obvious to her that Jackson took a loving interest in every aspect of Daphne’s life. Daphne had been easy pickings, but Jackson was going to be a different matter entirely. He was going to require all of Amber’s cunning and ingenuity.





Eighteen




It had been a month since the fund-raiser, but Amber was still feeling off balance after seeing Jackson’s devotion to Daphne that night. Her connection to Daphne was just getting stronger, though. She was on her way to Tallulah’s eleventh birthday party, having become fully ensconced in Daphne’s life and invited to almost all family events. Daphne was so trusting of her that it almost made her feel bad . . . almost. Amber had gotten Tallulah a book on the life of Edgar Allan Poe and had thought it wise to also pick up a little something for Bella. She was beginning to understand the workings of the little brat’s mind and figured watching Tallulah open a ton of gifts would not be at the top of Bella’s list of fun things to do.

When she entered the playroom, the children were seated in a big circle as two women unloaded cages with exotic birds and small zoo animals. Amber walked to where Daphne and an older woman stood watching the fun.

“Amber, welcome. Come meet my mother.” Daphne clasped Amber’s hand in hers. “Mom, this is my friend Amber.”

The woman stretched her arm out for a handshake. “I’m pleased to meet you, Amber. I’m Ruth.”

“Nice to meet you,” Amber replied, juggling the presents she’d brought so that she could shake Ruth’s hand.

“My goodness,” Daphne said. “What have you got there?”

“Oh, just a few presents.”

“Why don’t you put them in with the others in the conservatory? The zoo show will start soon. You don’t want to miss that,” Daphne said.

When Amber entered the conservatory, she was startled once again by the excess. Not that she wouldn’t have wanted the same kind of party as a kid, but she hadn’t even known anything like this existed when she was little. The presents were piled high, and a large table had been moved into the room for the children’s lunch. Each place was carefully set with colorful plates and napkins, and beautifully wrapped goodie bags were perched at each spot. It was completely kid-friendly and sublimely elegant at the same time. She put her gifts down and left the room. As she walked back to the party room, she saw Jackson coming down the hall. He gave her a charming smile.

“Hi there. So glad you could join us today,” he said with enthusiasm.

“Um, thank you. I’m glad to be here,” she stuttered.

He gave her another wide smile and held the playroom door for her.

They stood together and watched as the handlers brought out one animal after another and explained a little about them, Jackson with a drink in hand. Amber had difficulty keeping her eyes from straying to him. She wondered how long it would take to get him into bed. The thought that she could have this man of power and wealth under her spell exhilarated her. She knew how to please a man and suspected that after over a decade of marriage, the sex between him and Daphne had to be pretty boring and stale. Amber could picture the things she could do to make him want her if given half the chance. She resolved to take her time and carefully stick to her plan. No sense in rushing and messing things up like before.

When the show ended, the adults tried to calm the children as they tromped into the conservatory for lunch. It was noisy and riotous, with raucous laughter and high-pitched voices. Amber felt like she was going to scream, and she noticed that Jackson wasn’t in the room where everyone was eating.