Tied Together With a Smile
Anya gulped down the last of her champagne and put the empty glass on the tray of a passing waitress. Normally she would pace herself, but tonight she just didn't care. She grabbed a full glass from a passing waiter and took a drink. She wasn't drinking to become numb, just the opposite. She was drinking to be able to forget the numbness and emptiness inside of her.

A deep sigh escaped her and she looked around the room. It was a fundraiser for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Pepper had given her a heads up about the event if Anya wanted to go and Anya hadn't planned on going, but the Russian Embassy had asked her very politely to attend on behalf of the Embassy and the Royal Family. There was a collection of Russian art going on display and tonight was the opening night. Anya almost told them to go stick it, but they were making a effort to abide by her request not to be set up on play dates. She could do a formal party at a museum. She had done many before and could do this without much thought or effort.

She could put a smile on her face and make others think she was having a good time. It was easy enough. Or so she hoped. The dress she wore was new, a Van Dyne Original, as well as her shoes and jewelry. Some major retail therapy had been needed and Anya indulged. The amount she spent on that shopping trip had been obscene even by her standards.

Another drink and the glass was already half empty. Her head was already swimming. Maybe she should slow down, or better yet leave. She had made her appearance and had been seen by the people who needed to see her. The Embassy would have to be satisfied.

Anya took another drink and started to make another round of the room.