Alice

I thought the worst of my anxiety had passed when I saw Lance across the ballroom with Jeraldine.

I was wrong.

It’s worse when you’re not just dealing with jealousy—

But judgment.

Mrs. Dorothy Smith approaches like she has her own spotlight. I don’t need to guess who she is. She’s seen me before. The first time Javier introduced me as his girlfriend at a more private dinner, it was painfully clear she didn’t approve.

“Javier,” she greets, her tone controlled but edged with disapproval, “I didn’t know you invited her.”

She doesn’t need to say my name.

Her eyes are on me—not angry, not warm.

Assessing.

Measuring how...