Chapter 1

My mother-in-law's sixtieth birthday.

Martin Abbott grabbed my arm.

"Cecilia Pruitt, that bet just now, I lost your seat to Margery Fox. She's going to sit next to Mom with me for a bit. You wouldn't make me look like I can't take a loss, would you?"

I paused, looking at him.

"Then where do I sit?"

He lifted a hand and pointed toward a side table in the corner.

"That table's all young people. Lively crowd. Go keep them company."

Looking at the pack of Margery's hangers-on at that table, I couldn't help asking, "And what exactly did you bet on today?"

"Margery bet I wouldn't dare eat a cockroach. So I lost."

I laughed suddenly, turning to make a call.

"Dad, you don't need to come to the Swanson birthday dinner. The Swansons want Cece, not the deal."

1

The bleached-blond boys at the side table looked over and immediately called out.

"Sis, come sit! Your brother-in-law handed you over to us. Tonight you'd better keep us good company."

"Sis, Margie told us you're the best at looking after people. Don't go holding out on us now."

As they spoke, a young man in a floral shirt walked up, grabbed my arm, and started dragging me toward that table.

"Sis, let's have a little bet too. If I lose, your brother's yours. If you lose, you're mine."

I looked at Martin, whose eyes were sliding away from mine, and let out a short, cold laugh.

"Fine. A bet it is. But my stakes run a little high. I'm afraid you can't play at that level."

A guy with a nose ring slapped the table and shouted.

"Who can't play at that level? Margie says whatever happens, she'll cover it. One word from her and Young Mr. Swanson would hand her the whole sky over Riverton."

"Right. We only let you sit with us today as a favor to Margie. Otherwise, someone like you, worthy of a bet with us?"

"Right, we're names in the film world. A little orphan like you would have to fight through a crowd and buy a ticket just to get a look at us."

My gaze went cold. I turned to Martin.

"Martin, are you sure you want me sitting here, taking a bet with this trash?"

His face turned ugly. He pulled me aside and dropped his voice.

"They're big shots in the film industry. Just sit at this table and play along. If you offend them, Margie's whole career is finished."

"It's Mom's birthday today. Be sensible. You don't want to ruin her mood, do you?"

Right then Margery came over in a couture gown, slipping her arm through Martin's like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Sis, Martin lost your seat to me today. You're not going to be petty and blow up over it, are you?"

"Oh, and these friends of mine have been dying to hang out with you. Just stand in for me and entertain them."

I watched Martin pat Margery's hand indulgently, then looked back at the leering pack of them.

I walked forward without a word, picked up the liquor on the table, and said, "So I lost a bet. It's not the first time. What's there to blow up over?"

"Boys, you wanted a bet, didn't you? I'll play one round with you, give you a good time."

Seeing me pour the drinks, they lit up at once.

"Sis, name it. What are we betting?"

"Yeah, your little brothers will see it through to the end. We'll make sure you leave satisfied, body and soul."

Listening to their oily talk, I looked at Martin and spoke slowly.

"Here's the bet. If the Swanson family fails to sign that contract with its big client tonight, every one of you eats a pound of cockroaches."