Beneath the city lights

lines. Crystal stemware. A checklist of hors d'oe

terrace of Celestia, one of Manhattan's most exc

lavender. The tables were draped in velvet. String

right. Grayson, dressed in a charcoal suit with no tie, looked like he belonged in

salmon canapés. "Are you going to eat anyt

htly. "Judging's saf

t like su

nd that inv

head. "That's a l

ch. "Lonely is

n her glass. "You talk like someone who's been

her - really

e who still wants to beli

It was full - loaded with tension, curiosity, an

e low. "He taught me early that the people who say the

ce quiet. "Mine taught me that s

for a long time, the ci

the hum of distant traffic and the shi

t client and con

pieces trying to se