by Daria White
“Thank you for sharing,” she said.
He gave a faint smile and stood to his feet. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.” He extended her hand. “Have a good evening.”
She returned the gesture. “You too.” Bianca returned to her chair as he walked away. She hadn’t expected that. As she adjusted in her cushioned seat, another man approached her table. Chin high and shoulders back. Bianca didn’t know whether to describe him as confident or cocky based off the smolder he gave her. With an earring in one ear and a gold chain hanging around his neck, he took the seat across from her.
“Having a good time?” he asked. His voice was slightly deeper than Simon’s.
“I’m still thinking about it.” She focused her eyes on him.
He licked his full lips. “I’m Duane.” His amber eyes shined and the way he leaned in made Bianca sit back in her chair.
“Bianca.”
“Tell me: What is a beautiful woman like you doing here?” he asked.
“I could ask why you’re here too.”
Duane chuckled. “Let’s say I’m always willing to meet new people. I hear this town is full of nice people.”
“You live here?”
He shook his head. “No, but my parents do. I’m visiting and saw this event was going on so I figured why not give it a shot.”
“Well I’ll confirm that Edenville is filled with nice people.”
“Have you lived here long?” he asked.
“Since my divorce. So almost three years.”
He did a double take. “What man in his right mind would leave you?”
Bianca chuckled, despite the stung that lingered in her chest. “That’s a long story.”
“He didn’t know what he had?” Duane asked, as he leaned his elbows on the table.
“I guess. You never know what you have until it’s gone,” she said.
Duane ran a hand down his bearded face. His face slackened as if he took her last words in deeper thought. His mouth twisted and he bit his bottom lip. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” He stood to his feet.
“O… kay,” Bianca said.
“Now I see what my fiancée was talking about. She told me the exact same thing.”
Bianca jerked. “What? Fiancée? You’re engaged?”
“I was, but we called it off. She did. I didn’t realized what I had so I took her for granted. It’s like you said, ‘we don’t know what we have.’” He extended his hand to Bianca. “Thank you. Have a good night. I hope you find what you’re looking for. I’ve got to find her and apologize.” Once he shook Bianca’s hand, Duane marched off and out the door.
Bianca held her hand up in midair but brought it back to the table. So far, this speed date event wasn’t working in her favor. The first man didn’t care for kids, and the second had to make amends with his ex-fiancée.
“I hope you all are enjoying yourselves,” her mother said into the microphone. “Don’t forget to keep your tickets close by. We’ll have our first raffle giveaway in the next ten minutes.”
Bianca played with the neckline of her dress. Her heels tapped underneath the table on the hardwood floors. She sighed and popped a few peanuts in her mouth.
“Is this seat taken?” Another man asked.
Bianca tilted her head to the side to stare at him. Olive skin, cropped cut hair, and a goatee. His cold eyes made him appear closed off. She couldn’t hold back her questions after the first two men. “Are you against single mothers?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“Do you have a fiancée? Ex-wife?”
The man backed away as his eyes widened. “No, but um… good luck to you.” He moved on to the next woman.
Bianca waved at him. “You too.” Adjusting in her chair, she checked her watch on her wrist. A dull headache kicked in, so she ran a hand down her neck. Not wanting to remain in the torture chamber any longer, she picked up her assigned number and returned it to the main table. She caught her mother’s eye, who didn’t hesitate to march her way.
“And where do think you’re you going?” her mother asked. “The evening is just beginning.”
“I have a date with a chocolate shake and a large order of fries,” Bianca said, wrapping her shawl around her shoulders.
“Bianca? You promised to give it a chance.” Her mother touched a hand to her arm.
“I’m not ready. At least not now. Not when most of the men here are looking for a hookup.”
“That’s not fair. I have some of the greatest men as my clients looking for meaningful relationships.”
Bianca scanned the crowd behind her. The murmurs of the people at the tables filled her ears along with the music. “Well, I didn’t meet one of them tonight.”
Her mother’s brow wrinkled. “Is it wrong that I worry about you?”
“There’s nothing to worry about. I’m fine.” Bianca dropped her shoulders and took her mother’s hands. “We have Nicole’s wedding soon, right? Maybe I’ll meet some nice guy there, but for now, I want to go home.”
Her mother released her grip and clapped her hands. “I’m so glad. I asked Nicole about Chad’s groomsmen. So far, I think—”
“Mom, I’ll meet him on my own.”
Her mother pressed a hand to her chest. “I’m a professional. I have a ninety-five percent success rate. All the couples I match are either in committed relationships or married.”
“And the remaining five percent?” Bianca folded her arms, waiting for her mother’s answer.
Her mother narrowed her eyes at her. “No one is perfect, Bianca. I can’t control what my clients do once they meet and start dating.”
“Exactly, and I’m asking for that same freedom. You did your job tonight. I came like I agreed and I’m leaving early.” She kissed her mother’s cheek.
“Fine. I need to get back to my guests anway.” Her mother’s mouth twisted into a grin.
Bianca knew her mother wouldn’t stay disappointed for long. Now if there was a way to get off her mother’s matchmaking radar. Bianca sighed as she paced to her car. Not likely.
Chapter 4
The following evening, a stargazing party. Bianca had never understood Judy’s need to host parties for the town, but she was creative. Perhaps it was her and Richard’s way of promoting their bakery and restaurant in Edenville. Bianca didn’t mind either way. Though trying to be mindful of the foods she ate, she couldn’t resist Judy’s cinnamon rolls.
With it being a family gathering, Judy encouraged a pajama party theme. Bianca wouldn’t dare show her real pajamas in public, so she’d chosen a simple black-and-white pinstriped pajama set. Judy would owe her big time, but since Bianca had done the graphics for the party invitations, at least she’d gotten some publicity for her business.
“Are you there yet?” her mother asked through the speaker of her car.
Bianca disconnected her Bluetooth and held her phone to her ear. “I’m here. Don’t know why you couldn’t come.”
“You know my self-care routine. It’s my pamper me day,” her mother said.
Bianca had to give her mother credit for taking care of herself. Was that why she didn’t look a day over fifty? “If you say so. Sometimes I think you let me come to these events alone so I can meet a man without my mother.”
No answer.
“Mother?”
“Enjoy the party, sweetie.” Her mother hung up the phone.
Bianca walked around to Judy’s backyard. Three-dimensional star and meteor ornaments met her at the open gate. Cylinder vases with candles decorated the round tables. Bianca grinned as the ring of wind chimes filled her ears.
“Nice pajamas.” A deep voice made her turn around.
Bianca faced Chad, Nicole’s fiancé, and hugged his neck. His strong arms embraced her back. His sleep attire consisted of a hoodie and sweatpants. Slick back haircut, fit frame, clean shaven, and six foot one. “I can say the same thing about you.”
Chad chuckled. “I keep it simple
. Nicole wanted us to match, but I’m not into that.”
“What about compromise? You two will be married soon.”
Chad’s face tightened.
“What’s wrong?” Bianca touched a hand to his shoulder. “Is everything okay? You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
He shook his head. “No, it’s just all this wedding stuff.”
Bianca looped an arm around his and walked beside him. Who would have thought working with Chad as a client would have her introduce him to Nicole? Working on his real estate business logos and advertising graphics, Bianca got to know his charming and chivalrous ways.
The one time she imitated her mother’s matchmaking skills paid off when she realized Chad’s love for Renaissance art and traveling fit Nicole’s interests. Once Bianca completed her job with him, she asked if he wanted to meet her best friend. Chad agreed, and he thanked Bianca more times than she could count when he fell in love with Nicole.
“Not really your thing, huh?” she asked him.
“Not at all,” he said.
“One question.”
“What?” he asked.
“Is Nicole happy?”
He grinned. “I hope so. She’s been under some stress, but my mom’s been helping as much as she can.”
“I’m glad they’re getting along.” Bianca’s mind flashed of her once-relationship with her former mother-in-law. While Malcom had never believed her, his mother had never missed an opportunity to criticize and nitpick how she’d treated Malcom. Bianca had never understood why when she’d done everything she could to make their marriage work.
“Me too. The last thing I need is my future wife and mother at each other’s throats,” Chad said.
She patted his arm as they approached a long table with casserole dishes. Was that lasagna? Bianca’s mouth watered. Chad walked to the other side of the table and served his plate while Bianca did the same with hers.
“Bianca.” Another man’s voice came from behind her. Richard Long, Judy’s husband and an exceptional chef. If he’d cooked the lasagna, then Bianca’s taste buds were in for a treat.
“Please, tell me you cooked this.” She pointed to her plate.
He winked at her.
“Thank God.” Bianca couldn’t wait to dig in.
Richard chuckled. “Enjoy, and great job with the invitations. We’ve gotten so many compliments.”
“Anytime.”
He leaned in. “And thanks for working with us on the payments. We should be able to get the rest to you soon.”
“You’re welcome. I know you will,” Bianca said.
“Welcome, everyone.” Judy stood farther ahead in front of the crowd. “Thank you all for coming. As you can see…” She looked upward. “The stars are perfect tonight, so enjoy the party. We’ve got plenty of food.” When her eyes widened slightly, Bianca turned around to see whom Judy was staring at. Priscilla and Martin walked into the backyard, hand in hand.
“Excuse me,” Richard said to Bianca and Chad, turning to leave.
Bianca’s stomach quivered, but she only found an empty seat at a nearby table. Chad got caught talking to a few more friends who were over the moon about the upcoming wedding. Richard walked over to his step-brother and greeted Priscilla with a kiss to her cheek. Martin extended a hand to him, but Richard didn’t take it.
Odd. This was the first time Bianca noticed tension between the men. Would Richard cause a scene at his own party? Though he kept his hands down, both of them clenched on either side of his body. Taking a forkful of lasagna into her mouth, Bianca reveled in the marinara sauce with just the right amount of seasoning and ricotta cheese. Glancing back at the exchange between the brothers, she wondered why Richard reacted the way he did to Martin’s presence.
“I didn’t think he would show up.” Nicole slipped into the seat next to her.
“No?” Bianca didn’t want to pry, but even Martin’s presence made her own stomach jumpy. She didn’t mind being cordial, but nothing further. She preferred to stay away. Martin appeared to have a wondering eye.
For an older man, he showed no shame in flirting with other women. His eyes bored into Nicole at the bridal shower. Even in front of his wife he didn’t hesitate to comment or let his eyes linger longer than necessary. How did Priscilla put up with that?
Nicole shook her head.
“I won’t ask if you don’t want me to,” Bianca said.
Her friend gave a faint smile. “But you’re going to.”
Bianca winked at her.
Nicole ran her fingers through her hair. “It’s just… Martin is… Well, I don’t think he approves of me and Chad.”
“I don’t think Martin’s opinion matters to Chad. I would think his mother would have more say so.”
Nicole added. “Chad and Martin can be a bit… icy to each other.”
Priscilla married Martin when Chad was a fifteen years old. His biological father, a pilot, died in a plane crash. Despite his mother moving on with Martin, Chad never appeared to accept his step-father.
“Have they gotten better any?” Bianca asked.
“I think they’re civil for Priscilla’s sake. I just don’t want any problems on my wedding day. Believe me, we have our good and bad days, but—”
“Your wedding day will be great.” Bianca patted her hand.
“How can you be so sure?”
“I remember mine.”
“Please, Bianca, I don’t think that’s a good…” Nicole covered her mouth for a moment. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Bianca felt a twinge in her chest. “I didn’t think you would go there.”
“I’m sorry. You have to understand I’m under a lot of stress. I don’t know what I’m saying half the time. I didn’t mean to hurt you. We both know Malcom was a jerk.”
“He’s still Alyssa’s father.” She swallowed the last of her lasagna.
“You still defend him.”
She shook her head. “No, but I don’t see the point of holding on to anger when he’s clearly moved on.”
“What about you?”
“I have a dog,” Bianca said.
Nicole grinned. “Not just that. You know what I mean.”
She did. “Not yet.”
“Why not?” her friend asked.
Bianca’s gaze wondered back to Martin, who walked away from Richard. Priscilla trotted behind him. Were they leaving? “I guess they’re not staying.”
Nicole looked in the same direction. “I guess not.”
“Are you glad?” Bianca asked.
Her friend shrugged.
Chad joined them and bent over his fiancée in her seat. “Is this yours?” He held a charm bracelet in the air between his index finger and thumb.
Nicole grabbed it. “I didn’t even notice it was gone.” She fastened it back on her wrist. “This clasp won’t stay put for some reason.”
“Glad I found it?” Chad asked. Then he leaned in closer, and Nicole giggled as he whispered something else in her ear. He kissed her cheek.
“You two are so cute,” Bianca said.
Chad looked back at her. “Thanks to you.”
“Stop thanking me.” Bianca joked, but when she winked back, they all laughed.
Nicole reached out and touched her hand. “I can’t tell you how I much I appreciate the photos you’re doing for us. You blew us away with the invitations and I wanted a personal touch for the thank you cards. I know we already hired a professional photographer for the wedding, but I love your unique graphic designs. You add the personal touch and I knew you could pull it off.”
Bianca’s chest swelled with pride. Her camera would be by her side during the reception as she was to snap photos and pick the best one to include for Nicole and Chad to send as “thank you’s” to their guests. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to do this for you both.”
“You’re the best,” Chad said to Bianca. Then he held out his hand to Nicole. “Have a dance sav
ed for me?”
“Always for you.” She stood from her seat and clasped his hand.
Bianca leaned back in her seat as she watched the couple. Chad snaked his arms around Nicole’s waist. The bride-to-be beamed at her future husband, teasing the nape of his neck with her fingers. Bianca’s ribs squeezed tight, but she would be happy for her friend. Though she wasn’t ready for something serious again, she remained hopeful that if she wanted to, she could have love again.
***
“You know they set me up, right?” The next day, Bianca took Casper to the park. The newest addition to the family, and while she acted like the puppy wasn’t winning her over, he was. She’d decided a walk would do her some good.
Other dogs barked around her as the wind sighed through the trees. Bianca inhaled the fresh-cut grass. She didn’t rush Casper, who apparently took pleasure in digging his paws into the dirt.
The cool breeze caressed her skin, and Bianca checked her phone. Another email from a potential client. Logo request for a family business, compliments of a referral. Her chest swelled, excited at the possibility of a new project.
Why hadn’t she started her business right out of college? A hmm escaped her throat. Marriage. A child to raise. While she could have pursued it then, being a mother had been her priority. So she’d settled for the drawings in her notebook.
A notebook that had been collecting her pictures since she’d been three years old. Bianca had surprised her parents at a young age, being able to see an image or a photo and replicate it almost exactly within a few hours. An artist in the family? She would have been the first, but coming from a family of educators on her mother’s side and law enforcement on her dad’s, she’d wanted the practical.
Then she’d gotten married right out of high school. Both parents had thought she and Malcom had been too young, but that hadn’t deterred their decision to get married before college. She had been so sure Malcom had been the one.
Rolling her shoulders back, Bianca scrolled to another email. She did her best to check them twice a day. She would need another assistant soon. Her last temporary one married and moved to another country, and finding one with her specifications proved challenging at the moment. Bubbly, five feet, and red wine color hair, Marianne was the perfect assistant, almost predicting Bianca’s needs. Thankfully, Bianca’s schedule wasn’t on overload, and if she couldn’t take on any more projects, she declined them. This wouldn’t last though as Wallace Designs grew in clientele.
