She hurried to Karl’s side. “I need to get going in five minutes.”
“I’ll be done in a second!” His voice raised an octave as he bounced his legs.
Leila sighed and took a seat near him. She could understand his nervousness. There were a few prominent guests expected that night—including the British Prime Minister. But Soliman would be the one doing the majority of the talking. At most, Karl might have to stand up and wave. At least he hadn’t been asked to speak for a few minutes like she had, out of the blue yesterday. She drummed her fingers on the armrest, trying not to think about having to stand up in front of the crowd that evening to tell about the discovery.
“All right, I’m coming,” Karl finally declared. Leila jumped up to get her things.
• • •
Leila staggered out of the taxi in front of the museum’s main entrance, tripping over the hem of her shimmery, navy blue dress.
I should have never let Emma talk me into wearing these shoes. She tugged the hem off the tip of her heel, hoping no one saw her stumble. They are going to be the death of me.
As she waited for Emma and Vivian, she perused the banner spread across the red brick façade. A photo of Neferkheri’s golden death mask accompanied the large lettering across the sign, informing all passersby of the exhibit’s dates.
Emma joined her, dressed in a burgundy gown, simple yet elegant. The outfit was effortless for her and she still managed to turn heads as she stared up at the banner.
Emma nudged Leila with her elbow. “Ready for your speech?”
Leila’s stomach lurched and she grimaced. “Yep.”
A moment later, Vivian appeared at Leila’s side in a conservative black gown with lace sleeves. Although Xander had been invited, he had never responded. Leila insisted with the event organizers that his sister be invited in his stead.
Vivian had debated about coming to the event for several weeks, unsure if she could handle the journey, but eventually, she gave in to Leila’s pleading and booked the trip to Cairo.
“You sound enthusiastic,” Vivian said with a wink.
After going through security, which was extra thorough due to the few VIPs expected that night, the three of them entered the cavernous main hall. Their voices became lost within the echoes of the murmuring crowd mingling between the stone sarcophagi and glass cases.
Leila’s eyes flitted over the massive columns lining either side of the lobby, drawn toward the colossal statue of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and his wife Tiye situated at the far end. The past king and queen of Egypt watched over the antiquities and mingling guests, their giant expressions mirthful and proud.
The group followed the signs to enter a side room where dozens of tables had been decorated with an ornate flower centerpiece. Even a live jazz band quietly thrummed in a corner next to the stage and podium.
Emma’s eyes lit up as she took in the sight. “Ohh, dancing,” she breathed.
“There is no way I’m dancing,” Vivian said firmly, eyes wide. “I’m shaky enough as it is.”
“But maybe dancing is exactly what you need.” Emma grinned. “It would help to rebuild your strength and grace and poise.”
“This is the worst place I can imagine to learn to dance.” Vivian shook her head.
“No, no. This is perfect. I’ll find you a dance partner, no problem.”
Leila hid a laugh. Poor Vivian didn’t stand a chance against Emma’s determination.
“No need, Emma. She already has one.” They were joined by Mark, who took his place at Vivian’s side.
“See? They’re lining up already.” Emma raised an eyebrow.
Leila feigned innocence with a slight shrug. When she asked Mark to take the picture to Vivian, all she wanted was for her to have at least one other visitor, even if it was a one-time thing. She never expected one of Mark’s visits to turn into many more.
“Well,” Emma huffed, “then we’re just missing someone for you, Leila.”
“Oh? Do you already have someone for yourself or something?” Leila said, hoping to deflect Emma’s attention.
Emma scanned the crowd, in deep concentration. “Oh, I see a few that would do,” she replied absently.
“I don’t know you,” Leila decided, shaking her head. She caught sight of Karl as he sauntered up to the small group. He wore a pair of Converse with his suit and didn’t even bother with a tie. His hair looked as if he’d just rolled out of bed.
“Hey,” Leila said as he joined them. “Was your wife able to make it?”
“She had to study,” he mumbled and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“Is she crazy?” Emma gasped.
Karl shrugged and gave a weak smile. “I guess so.”
“We’ll have to get together again sometime when she’s not so busy,” Leila suggested. They all nodded in agreement, but Leila couldn’t help but notice the way Karl hung his head and shuffled his feet.
Up ahead, the crowd parted enough for Soliman to squeeze through. He waved his hands for them to come to him.
As they all walked toward him, Leila fell into step with Karl. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, things are a little crazy at the moment,” Karl said, his shoulders slumping.
Leila wasn’t sure how to answer. It couldn’t be easy balancing two busy schedules. Hopefully he’d cheer up as the night went on.
Soliman clapped his hands once when they reached him.
