The afternoon art auction went off splendidly, bringing in the big simoleons. The charity ball in the evening is also a stunning success, with a star-studded guest list featuring the wealthiest & most influential people in L.A.'s art & entertainment industries. Bill even arranged to have Estelle, his company's latest diva, do a couple of songs for the crowd before the dinner.

All Mercedes needs is to have Eleanor write her a good article about the days events, and she can finally publish an issue of her magazine. After she eats, she seeks out her young employee, to talk to her about the smashing success they had. Mercedes sees right away that Eleanor's date has arrived, the man she let herself be cut off the family wealth for, and Mercedes recognizes him instantly, though it's from behind. How could she not recognize him when she fantasizes about him so often?

She nearly trips over herself, continuing her approach, wanting to touch him, wanting to call his name, wanting to demand an explanation, unable to do any of those things, in front of all these people. She can't even let on that she knows him.

She's completely forgotten why she wanted to speak to Eleanor at all. Any good will she felt toward the girl has evaporated in her jealousy. How did she get Justin, when Mercedes cannot? Unable to confront her, all Mercedes can do is complain about the floral arrangements at the auction, though Mercedes doesn't actually remember them at all.

But useless bitching just isn't enough, Mercedes has to say something. She can't quite look Justin in the face, so she takes out her compact & looks at herself instead, as she says, "This must be your boyfriend, Eleanor. I must say, you must have made your mother jealous with this one."

Mercedes wasn't expecting any particular response, but having Justin turn away from her as though she were nothing & look at Eleanor, his beautiful eyes on fire with passion....

NEXT