Marty slapped his arm, shushing him. “Steven.”
While the other siblings seemed to chuckle at Steve’s brazen statement, Ronnie scrutinized Lydia.
Callie’s gaze traveled past Lydia’s shoulder. “Speak of the devil.” Her eyes twinkled, and she winked at Lydia, who spun around just in time to find Cam holding the door open for Kyra.
She was in a bubble gum pink dress and a white faux fur coat. At least, Lydia assumed it was fake. Her face was so made up, that Lydia thought the makeup might crack away if she dared to smile. Only Kyra didn’t look happy or lovestruck… she looked, well, sort of sad actually.
Something pinged deep inside Lydia. There was a dejected look about Kyra that Lydia could empathize with all too well. She looked up at Cam through long mascara’d lashes as he slipped the coat off her shoulders and whispered something in her ear. A chuckle cut through her sadness, and she covered her mouth with a hand.
The rest of the Tripp family’s gaze burned into her and yet, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the vision of Cam walking in with another woman.
Ronnie’s face twitched with a cynical smile. “I guess I was wrong about which one of you was the heartbreaker.”
“Ronnie, don’t be a bitch.” Callie elbowed her sister, and Ronnie responded with an arched brow.
“Well,” Marty interrupted her kids—no doubt used to their bickering. “Let’s go find our seats and get settled for Maddie’s big night.” She took Maddie’s hand with a squeeze, directing the little girl to the table before sending a glare over her shoulder at her daughters.
The door to the restaurant creaked open, and silhouetted against the street lamp was a dark haired man in a leather jacket. Despite it being night time, sunglasses were perched on his head.
Lydia froze, her stomach flopping. Standing in front of the restaurant was none other than Noah Blue.
‡
Chapter Twenty-Five
Maddie ran for Noah, arms outstretched, eyes glistening. “Uncle Noah, you made it!”
One by one, each stunned member of the Tripp family moved to the door to say hello as Lydia backed away. Sweat glistened along her forehead and into her hair. Would he recognize her? Panicked breaths choked her throat as she glanced around the restaurant. Restrooms. She needed the bathroom. An escape, anything. Spinning, she rushed toward the back as Maddie hopped in front of her, blocking her way.
“Come meet Uncle Noah, Lydia,” Maddie grabbed her hand, tugging her. Dimpled cheeks plumped with a bright smile.
She squeezed Maddie’s hand. “I just need to use the ladies’ room first. I’ll be right behind you.”
She waited for Maddie to turn and run toward her family before Lydia scurried into the restroom, where the Tripps wouldn’t follow her.
*
Cam could feel the color draining from his face as Noah entered the restaurant. “You’re here.”
“I’m here,” Noah repeated. “I feel like I kinda owe you and Maddie some important visits.”
Had this past Father’s Day finally gotten through to Noah? Was it that horrid article that made him realize the truly important things in life? Whatever the reason, for just a day, Cam didn’t want to analyze it to death. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Uncle Noah!” Maddie’s voice cut through the restaurant, and before Cam could blink she was in his arms, squeezing his youngest brother around the waist.
In a mad dash, all of the Tripps rushed over to Noah, showering him with hugs and kisses. He scanned the busy restaurant, trying to convince himself that he wasn’t looking for Lydia. But who was he trying to kid? He was dying to see her. He wanted to see what sexy, impractical dress she’d shimmied into this evening. Which shoes she risked her life wearing just so she could have the sexiest looking legs in the room. Cam closed his eyes picturing those legs of hers—muscular and lean and tanned. Somehow in the last week, she had wiggled her way into his everyday life. He had gotten used to her being around and the camera being a third presence wherever she went. And something about that was kind of nice. She saw things differently than anyone else he’d ever met.
Finally, he spotted her at the other end of the room, near the bathrooms. He waved her over, but she didn’t seem to see him. She looked like she’d seen a ghost instead. Wasn’t this sort of celebrity sighting just the sort of thing her magazine would want for the story? She twirled, facing the wall and Cam bent to Maddie’s level, leaning an elbow on his knee. “Maddie, go get Lydia.”
The nice thing about ten-year-olds? If it’s a fun task, they never need to be told twice. She ran off as Noah hugged each sibling, pausing in front of their mother. She pulled him in close. “You did good, Little Boy Blue,” she said.
From outside the circle, Steve snorted. “Good? By doing what the rest of us have been doing for years?”
Marty whipped around, facing Steve. “I remember another precocious eighteen-year-old-who had to learn the importance of family the hard way.” Though her eyes glittered, her mouth was set into a firm line. “Now, this is Maddie’s weekend. Whatever drama this family might have, I want none of it until Sunday. Understood?”
They all nodded, even Cam. He held an arm out to Noah. “Here, let me take your coat.”
“They still haven’t gotten a coat check here yet?”
Steve groaned, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I’m gonna go find my seat.”
Cam took a silent deep breath. At least Noah made it. Baby steps, he thought. “They don’t have an official one, but because of the Founder’s Dinner, they opened up an area for our party to put coats.”
Noah slid out of his coat and draped it over his arm. “I’ll just keep mine with me.”
“There may not be a coat check, but Angelina’s still has some of the best damn Italian food you’ll ever eat.” Callie grinned, hugging Noah’s other arm.
Dropping a cheek to Callie, his demeanor softened. “You’re telling this to the guy visiting from New York City?”
“You just need a little refresher.” Callie tugged Noah’s arm toward the dining area.
“Save me a seat, I’ll be in in a minute.” The rest of the family filtered their way in to the table, leaving Cam and Noah, standing there in a face-off. Cam raised an eyebrow, waiting. Well, he sure as hell wasn’t gonna be the first to speak. Noah looked to the floor for several seconds before raising his gaze to Cam’s. “I know I apologized at Father’s Day, but I wanted to say it again… I’m sorry that I never made it to Hannah’s funeral. It shouldn’t have mattered that I had work… I should have been there.”
Cam squeezed his brother’s shoulder, pulling him into a hug. “I know you’re sorry. I forgive you.”
“Thanks. For giving me a second chance. I’ll try to be better.”
“You’re family, Noah. You get as many chances as you need.” He took the moment to study his brother. Women obviously found him attractive—millions of women drooled over him weekly. But Steve and Cam were complete opposites of Noah. They had bonded over sports and woodworking. Noah had spent his time in school plays and studying movies. He’d been called Pretty Boy in middle school, according to Callie.
“You mind if I have a minute?” Noah asked, eyeing the opposite end of the restaurant. Cam followed his gaze to where a couple of people he recognized from Callie and Noah’s high school stood in a circle.
“Sure thing,” Cam said, following his gaze. He backed toward the dining room as Noah sauntered around the room, looking at the art on the walls. Pausing just in front of the bathrooms, he stared at a painting that Angelina boasted her grandfather bought at a yard sale that turned out to be an original Boldini… whoever that was.
For the first time in nearly two years, life felt good. Complete. Like he was able to let go and be free of his sorrow and guilt. And even though he wasn’t exactly sure what to do with these feelings, he was pretty sure Hannah would have wanted him to explore them.
From the back of the restaurant, Lydia walked out of the bathroo
m, her shoulder slamming into Noah. And with that one little movement, her entire demeanor changed. Gone was the confident woman who could balance in heels easier than most people could barefoot. She stared up at his brother, a look of sheer terror washing across her face.
He didn’t like that look on her face. Not one bit. And he really didn’t like the way his brother’s shoulder muscles bunched up around his neck. Cam moved forward toward them. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, or how they knew each other, but one thing was for sure; Noah and Lydia had some sort of history.
*
Kyra sat on the toilet seat, locked in a stall with a tissue pressed against her face. What a waste of a night. She had barely made it through ten minutes before being rejected. She’d waited years for a chance with Cam and had been dismissed as just a friend before she even had a chance.
Another shaky sob caught in her chest, and she squeezed her eyes shut, willing the tears to stop. Pain ripped through her belly, but she swallowed it away yet again. She had completely maxed out her credit card on the dress and shoes she wore tonight. And for what? For a man who wanted to be her friend. She had enough friends. She wanted love.
The bathroom door creaked open, and she froze in her stall. Another tear glided down her cheek, and she swept it away with the back of her hand, sniffling once more. The stall next to her banged shut. Kyra took the opportunity to slip out, stealing a quick look in the mirror.
Eek! Was that her? Oh, God. She stole another glance behind her, praying that whoever was in there was not attending the Founders Dinner, and opened her tiny clutch. Of course, she had chosen the itty-bitty purse that barely held anything at all. She’d brought just enough to get through the night—lip gloss, credit cards, her ID, and of course a condom. You know, just in case. Wishful thinking.
She snorted at the sight of it now. Its glistening foil wrapper winked under florescent lights, mocking her. Another glance in the mirror and she cursed herself inwardly for not packing any concealer. Her mascara smeared under her eyes and globbed in the corners like she was in some sort of zombie movie.
She wet her index finger, wiping away the excess black smudges. It helped, but her splotchy skin was like a giant arrow sign advertising I’ve been crying! Defeated, she dropped her head into her hands as another wave of tears and self-pity threatened to wash over her.
“Kyra?”
She glanced up to find Lydia’s reflection in the mirror. Great. Just. Great.
“What’s wrong?”
Kyra had to hand it to the woman… she sounded sincere. She stole a quick glance at Lydia’s shoes and all hatred flooded back. They were Jimmy Choos. Real ones. Not the Chinese knock-offs she was wearing.
“Nothing you would understand.” Kyra snatched some paper towels from the dispenser. She moistened them under the running water, wringing the water out, then ran the towel under each eye. The dark circles were disappearing, but she was still splotchy and red.
Lydia washed her hands, her eyes burning into Kyra’s reflection. “Why don’t you try me first before assuming I can’t empathize with your problems?”
Kyra snorted and spun to find Lydia rummaging through her purse. She handed Kyra a tube of concealer and a compact of powder. “Here,” she said, her own eyes glittering with unshed tears. “I have problems too, you know.”
“Oh, really?” Kyra asked, ignoring the makeup Lydia held out for her. She was being a bitch, of course. And Lydia was making an effort to be nice—but the last thing she wanted was some sort of girlie camaraderie. What she needed was to be home in her flannel pajamas with her good friends, Ben and Jerry. She went back to wiping under her eyes.
“Stop.” Lydia took Kyra’s hand and lowered it. “You’re going to make the redness worse.” After a pause, Kyra stared at her own reflection. Lydia was right. Damn her for being right. Finally with a sigh, she snatched the makeup from Lydia’s fingers and applied it generously around the puffy, red bags.
“And yes, really,” Lydia continued. “I’m not usually sent on jobs like this. But—my boss, well, she just kind of forced me into it. And I was a part of something really stupid a few months ago. Something that’s going to haunt me forever if I don’t make amends. But I know that the second I do, Cam’s going to hate me forever.”
Kyra powdered her nose. “I didn’t realize you and Cam were a thing.”
“We’re not. I mean, that would be ridiculous, right? I live in New York, he lives here…”
Kyra watched as Lydia’s shoulders slumped with a deep breath. Her makeup may have been streak-free and her head without a hair out of place, but she was hurting inside too. Anyone who bothered to look past the put-together journalist they were gossiping about would see that. “Look, I’ve known Cam a long time. Since high school. And this week has been the first time since Hannah’s death that I’ve seen him around town with a smile on his face,” Kyra finally said with a sniffle and a smile pressing against her lips. “I’m not saying you two are soul mates because how would I know? But you seem to make him happier than I’ve seen him in a while.”
“You say that now, but you don’t know what I did.” Lydia’s voice cracked and she was lost in her own reflection.
Her stare into the mirror was vacant, and the empty look in her eyes sent a shiver through Kyra. That look—Lydia’s face… it was one of hopelessness. A face Kyra was well acquainted with. “Cam’s a good guy. If you apologize, he’ll understand.”
She shrugged and offered Kyra a warm smile. “I guess we’ll find out, huh?” she muttered and hoisted her bag onto her shoulder. “What about you? Are you okay?” Lydia’s hand rested on her back and she gave her shoulder a little squeeze. That sort of tentative half-hug you do with a new acquaintance before you’re close enough to really hug them.
And for whatever reason, Cam’s rejection of her didn’t hurt as much. Misery loves company, perhaps? “I’ll be fine. I’ve liked someone a really long time and I just learned he doesn’t see me that way.”
Lydia winced. “The friend zone?” Kyra nodded as Lydia continued after a pause. “It was Cam, wasn’t it?”
And it was Kyra’s turn to cringe and she felt her face go hot. Unfortunately, red cheeks did not match her pink dress. “He was really sweet about it, though.”
“Sounds like him.” Lydia sighed. “But ya know, there’s still two other available Tripps who might be interested?”
Kyra laughed at that, closing the compact and holding it out to Lydia. “I think maybe I should take a Tripp boy hiatus. At least for a little while,” she said with a final wink.
“Probably not a bad idea.” She pulled open the door with a little wave over her shoulder. “See ya out there.” Kyra took another moment to stare at her reflection in the mirror. You could barely tell she had been crying… thanks to Lydia.
With a final nod at her reflection, she pulled open the door and slammed right into Noah’s shoulder, where he stood just outside.
“Noah.” Lydia’s body was a block of ice as Kyra touched her arm.
Noah gave a bitter chuckle, his top lip curling with the snide grin. “Well, if it isn’t Lydia Ryder.” Lydia’s slack jawed face reflected terror, and she swallowed so hard that Kyra could practically see it go down her slender throat. Noah’s glare narrowed even more. “When you didn’t show up at the press conference last June, I assumed I’d never see you again.”
‡
Chapter Twenty-Six
Noah’s voice was nearly as sharp as his eyes and Lydia’s toes went numb. Sure, she had known he was out here. She knew she was going to have to face him sooner or later. But she hadn’t expected to slam into him coming out of the bathroom.
There were a lot of ways she could handle this. Own up immediately and apologize? Pretend they hadn’t met? Play it off as if she was only doing her job… but before she had a chance to do any of them, Noah sneered, rubbing his hand down his clean shaven jaw. “You really had me fooled. I thought you were different than the others. But you j
ust said what you thought I wanted to hear and then threw me to the wolves.”
There was a gasp from behind her and Lydia spun to find Kyra watching, eyes wide, jaw dropped. She quickly ducked her chin to her chest and rushed into the dinner, avoiding any additional eye contact.
“Noah, I promise you, it wasn’t like that. And if you give me the chance, I can explain—”
“What are you even doing here?”
“The City Star sent me to cover Maddie’s charity auction.”
He snorted, looking to the ceiling. “Sure, sure. They sent you to cover Maddie.”
“You have every right to be furious. Every right to walk into that dining room and announce to everyone who I am. But do me a favor—”
“Do you a favor? You’ve got to be kidding me, right?”
“You’re right. I don’t deserve it. And I owe you an apology and an explanation. All of which I have and will do if you give me the opportunity. But tonight? It’s Maddie’s night, and this will crush her. After the dinner… go ahead and tell Cam. I was going to tell him myself tonight.” She felt sick. Her stomach turned like the night she drank too many shots at her friend’s bachelorette party.
“Uncle Noah, Lydia, come on,” Maddie rushed over, grabbing each of their hands and tugging them toward the dining room. Noah’s brittle scowl softened and he ruffled a hand over Maddie’s hair.
Looking directly into Lydia’s eyes, he nibbled his bottom lip, eyebrows arching. “Fine. But tonight, I tell him everything.” He snorted. “Not that he’ll be all that surprised.” He eyed Maddie, carefully choosing his words, it seemed. “We both have a similar opinion of your chosen career.”
“You showing them their seats, Maddie?” Lydia jumped at Cam’s buttery voice beside her. Oh, God, how long was he standing there? What did he hear? His hand landed gently on her lower back, fingers splayed against the side of her hip, and damn if that didn’t feel amazing. Her eyes fluttered closed as she memorized how his touch felt against her body. Because in another couple of hours, he was never going to want to touch her again.
Capturing You (Maple Grove Romance Book 1) Page 18
