Monday morning arrived like a reprieve.
Augustus and I had survived two difficult conversations. We'd apologized, acknowledged our mistakes, and promised to be more thoughtful.
Progress. Actual, measurable progress.
At Ever Tower, my phone buzzed.
Augustus Evans: Did you sleep well?
Juliette Harper: Like someone whose boyfriend didn't accuse her of being frivolous.
Augustus Evans: I apologized for that.
Juliette Harper: I know. I'm teasing.
Augustus Evans: I wasn't certain.
Juliette Harper: Relax, darling. We survived.
Augustus Evans: We did.
I smiled. Our usual rhythm was returning.
An hour later, Margot forwarded an invitation.
CHAMPAGNE & JEWELS SOIRÉE
Thursday evening · The Altitude Rooftop
Vintage jewelry, celebrity styling, champagne tasting. The photographs showed a rooftop overlooking Shorebridge's harbor, lit by candles and chandeliers.
Ordinarily, I'd have accepted before reaching the bottom of the invitation.
