"Tomorrow, my grandmother would like to invite Miss Sutton to dinner. Would you happen to be free?" Mansfield Ellington''s voice was polite, but there was a note of hopefulness in his invitation.


    Eleanor paused for a moment.


    "She''s been wanting to thank you in person," Mansfield went on, worried she might refuse. “But after that day, she had to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks and hasn''t fully recovered. When I spoke to her this morning, she mentioned it again."


    Since it was a personal invitation from Mansfield''s grandmother Mildred, Eleanor couldn''t very well turn her down-not that she wanted to. She also had a good rtionship with the mayor''s wife, after all.


    She smiled and nodded. "Of course. I''d be d to.”


    As soon as she agreed, Eleanor realized she needed to use the restroom. She handed her trophy to Mansfield. "Would you mind holding this for me? I need to step out for a moment."


    Mansfield epted it, beaming. "Go ahead, I''ll wait for you."


    Eleanor stood and made her way toward the restroom. Just then,n rose from his seat, shaking hands with Principal Maxwell as they said their goodbyes.


    Mansfield, who had been watching Eleanor''s retreating figure, only then noticed the two men. He quickly stood and greeted them. "Mr. Maxwell."


    "Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield replied with equal politeness.


    Maxwell grinned, "Back home for a few days, are you?"


    "I managed to take all my vacation days at once. I''ll be here for two weeks," Mansfield replied with a smile.


    Maxwell chuckled. "Good. You ought to spend time with your family."


    Maxwell gave Mansfield a friendly wave. "We''ll be off, then."


    "Safe travels, Mr. Maxwell. You should visit us sometime," Mansfield called after him.


    Maxwellughed, shaking his head with affection. "Such a polite young man- always has been, ever since he was a boy. And now he''s been promoted to brigadier general, the youngest one in their entire district."


    He shot Mansfield a look full of approval.


    She let Mansfield keep hold of her trophy. "Did you fly in by helicopter?" she asked.


    "I did," he replied.


    "I''ll give you a ride, then," Eleanor offered. "It''s not easy to get a cab out here."


    "I''d be honored," Mansfield said, his eyes lighting up.


    Out by the towering Roman columns, Eleanor spottedn and Vanessa. Vanessa was dressed in a flimsy cocktail dress, clearly not prepared for the icy air-she stood shivering in the near-freezing wind.


    Vanessa smiled sweetly, and asn led the way to their car, she nced back at Eleanor, her eyes shining with a smug satisfaction.


    She wanted Eleanor to see. She wanted to unt her victory.


    Mansfield took notice, his gaze softening with concern as he looked at Eleanor.


    "My car''s parked a bit of a walk from here," Eleanor said quietly.


    “I don''t mind a stroll," Mansfield replied with a gentle smile.


    As they entered the fountain-lit za, Eleanor spottedn again-Gavin Young


    was waiting for him with the familiar ck Maybach.


    He circled the car, opened the door on the far side, and climbed in. The Maybach slid away, swallowed by the darkness.


    Eleanor scanned the parking lot, trying to remember where she''d left her own car. Her face was numb from the biting cold.


    Mansfield, misreading her expression, assumed she was heartbroken at the sight of her ex-husband leaving with another woman. He tried to offer sce. "Miss Sutton, sometimes the view ahead is far better than what''s behind."


    Eleanor blinked, startled, and looked at him. "Sorry?"


    "Weren''t you feeling down because of your ex?" Mansfield asked quietly.


    Sheughed, running a hand through her hair. “No, nothing like that. I''m just not familiar with this area. I rushed over earlier and now I can''t remember where I parked."


    Mansfield stared at her, then burst outughing. The sound was warm and bright in the cold night. "Don''t worry, I''ll help you find it."


    "Do you remember which direction you came from? Anyndmarks?" he asked.


    Eleanor thought for a moment, then pointed to a billboard. "I''m pretty sure I parked facing that sign!"


    "Alright, let''s head over there."


    The night air was growing colder. Eleanor instinctively pulled her coat tighter around herself. Mansfield noticed and, without a word, shifted his position so his broad frame shielded her from the wind.


    The parking lot was dimly lit. Squinting, Eleanor tried to make out her car. Suddenly, she caught her foot on something and nearly stumbled. Mansfield reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist to steady her. "Careful," he murmured.


    His hand was warm, his fingertips calloused but reassuring. Once she regained her bnce, he released her immediately-though it was clear he wished he could hold on a bit longer.


    "Thank you," Eleanor said, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.


    Mansfield gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Anytime."