Pepper smiled warmly, giving a laugh that sounded genuine, but anyone who knew her well enough knew it was her work laugh, and sure enough she was quickly making her excuses, breaking away from the small group she'd been corner by and taking off on her own.
She felt awkward enough in this dress, parties were still not her cup of tea, but Tony needed all the help he could get right now, even if he wouldn't admit it. The book (clasped tightly in her right hand and never off her person once this night) was quickly getting filled with appointments, Ms. Potts being the beckon for anyone who wanted an in with Stark.