Amber scrambled to her feet. “No, it’s okay. It was my fault. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She gathered up the bags.
“I beg to differ, honey. I saw this woman walk off and let the door close.”
“I’m sorry, but who the hell are you?” Eldora asked the man as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“My name is Cesar Hammond.” He picked up a few of the bags and handed them to Amber.
“How do I know that name?” Eldora asked.
“I’m one of the owners of Securities Inc.”
Amber watched her mother’s eyes brighten, and a sweet smile crossed her face. “Oh, my. I’m so sorry.” She held out her hand. “My name is Eldora Warner. You might have known my husband, Davis Warner?”
“No, I’m sorry.”
Amber bit down on her lip when her mother scowled. She didn’t know why it was such a big deal. Yes, her father had been a successful banker and had come from a wealthy family in the area, but she couldn’t understand why her mother and sister liked to drop the name as much as possible. Her sister had even changed her last name because it made her seem more than she was for some reason.
“Oh, well…” her mother said.
“I haven’t lived in the area all that long,” Cesar said.
Her mother’s face brightened again. “Well, that explains it.”
Cesar turned her way. “And who might you be?”
“Amb—”
Her mother cut her off. “She’s no one, dear.”
“I think she is,” Cesar said to her mother and turned back to her. “What’s your name, honey?”
“Um, it’s Amber.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Amber.”
“You, too.”
Her mother stepped in between them, knocking Amber back a few steps. “We’re having a little get-together this Friday, and I’d love for you to come. I’ve got some people I’d like you to meet.”
Cesar glanced at her. “Are you going to be there?”
“No,” her mother said. “Amber has other things she needs to be doing, but my other daughter, Bianca, will be there.”
“So, Amber is your daughter, too?”
“Well, yes,” her mother admitted grudgingly. “But I think you’re better suited to my Bianca. She’s a beauty.”
“I think Amber is quite beautiful,” Cesar said, making her smile.
She didn’t get compliments very often, and coming from this man, it made her feel even extra special.
“Um, well, I suppose.”
Cesar scowled at Eldora. “If Amber is there, I’d be delighted to come.”
Amber glanced at her mother and saw the calculation narrow her eyes. “Of course, Amber will be there.”
Amber’s mouth dropped open. She was never invited to the parties they had.