So Many Men...

by Dorie Graham

“It’s my pleasure. I’m so glad our group has decided to help.”

  “I can’t believe this turnout. It’s really amazing,” Tess said, gesturing toward the room.

  Cassie glanced at Mason. “Evidently April made a few calls and explained that she may have been wrong to withhold her support.”

  “Is she here?” Tess again scanned the room.

  “No,” Cassie said, but made no further comment.

  “Ladies, shall we?” Mason held the door for them.

  They filed in and he ushered them into seats at a table facing the rest of the room. “Good evening, everyone,” he addressed the group. “First of all, I want to thank you for coming tonight. Your support is heartfelt.”

  Mason turned to Cassie. “We have a lot to do, and Cassie and Tess have already laid out much of the groundwork, so I will turn things over to them.”

  Mason slipped into the seat beside Tess and squeezed her hand under the table as Cassie stood. His excitement flowed through Tess and for that one moment the void in her life seemed to shrink.

  “I have good news,” Cassie began. “I did some calling around and I found a ballroom that will serve well for this purpose.” She went on to give the specifics. “They normally book up a year in advance. However, we were extremely fortunate they had a cancellation. It’s a tight squeeze, but we can do it.”

  “How long do we have, Cassie?” Tess asked.

  “Just a little over four weeks. We’re scheduled for November 5.”

  The room burst into chatter. Tess glanced at Mason, eyebrows raised. “Did you know about this?”

  He patted her hand and his confidence soothed her. “We can do it. I’ve seen these women work before. If anyone can pull it off, the DCWC can.”

  “Ladies.” Cassie called them back to order as she passed handouts to those seated in the front row. “Please pass these back. I’ve outlined a time line with action items.”

  Mason handed one of the papers to Tess, glancing over her shoulder as she scanned it. “Looks like she’s got it all in hand,” he whispered.

  The timeline listed committees, with columns of names along the bottom and each committee’s assigned tasks listed in the calendar portion. It did indeed appear as if Cassie had taken care of everything. Tess turned to Mason, frowning. “My name isn’t even on here.”

  He squinted at the page. “Here you are,” he said, pointing to a small square at the bottom listing contact info. “Isn’t that your cell phone number?”

  “It is, but I’m listed after all of Cassie’s information. She’ll be the main contact and I’m not on any of the committees.”

  Cassie again addressed the group. “Now, though we have a communications committee, everyone can help spread the word.” She motioned to Pam. “You all know Pam is a PR pro and she’ll be heading that committee, since she’s got connections with all the media.”

  Raising her hand, Tess said, “Yes, let’s talk about marketing. I have a few media connections and some experience with press releases.”

  “That’s great, Tess.” Pam stood with a handful of papers she, too, passed out. “I’ll send press releases to my usual sources. Here’s a list of those sources, along with a copy of the release I’ve drafted. Please proof these and let me know of any changes. Tess, my e-mail is at the bottom. You can send me any new resources you have that aren’t on my list.”

  She turned back to the rest of the group. “You’ll also see there’s a flyer on the event that you can post in your neighborhood clubhouses, local libraries and such.”

  “You know the drill.” Cassie clapped her hands. “Let’s break down into our respective groups and make this a working session.” She directed the committees into different sections of the room.

  “Where do I go?” Tess turned to Mason, disappointment filling her. “I don’t think they need me.”

  “Tess, you are the most important person here. Without you, none of this would be happening.”

  “Exactly, but now these women are so…so…efficient. I’m still the outsider. I get to proof the press release and pass out flyers, along with everyone else.”

  “Tell you what. A bunch of the teens are wanting to help. Why don’t you organize them as volunteers? There’s always a million little things that need doing. They can help with that and you can act as a liaison between them and the DCWC.”

  “Really? You think that’ll work?”

  “I don’t see why not. You can meet them on Saturday at the beach cleanup. Let’s talk to Cassie about it.”

  He moved off to speak with Cassie and Tess glanced around at the groups of women, already busy planning the gala. At least Cassie had liked her idea of having Erin do the decorations. Tess shook her head. She probably shouldn’t feel left out. These women were all used to working together. She just had to show them what she had to offer.

  Maybe coordinating Mason’s teens was just the way for her to do that. A feeling of foreboding stole over her, but she nudged it aside. She’d faced the DCWC and was winning them over. Surely she’d do fine with the teens.

  8

  BY FRIDAY THE RELENTLESS heat had abated with the help of a massive storm that moved through, drenching Miami’s autumn landscape. After pulling a few strings, Tess managed to get Erin’s special-order items delivered in record time.

  Now that she had her plan squared away with the DCWC, she could talk to Erin. The excitement from the other day raced through Tess as she dialed her sister’s cell phone.

  Erin would be thrilled with the prospect of getting in on what they hoped would be the hottest event of the fall. With luck, notices of Mason’s gala would soon hit the local society pages of the newspapers. According to Josh, who kept his finger on Miami’s social pulse through his work as a personal trainer, the elite was already abuzz with news of the ball. He’d even convinced one of his clients, who wrote for one of the papers, to do a write-up on Project Mentor.

  Erin’s phone rang into her voice mail and Tess growled her frustration. That girl was getting too elusive. “Hey, Erin, it’s me. I’ve got the rest—”

  A beep signaled an incoming call. Smiling, she noted Erin’s number on her caller ID and clicked over. “I was just leaving you a message.”

  “Sorry, I’m having a fabric crisis with one of my suppliers. I’m giving them one more chance to get it straight.”

  “What kind of crisis?”

  “It’s not so difficult. I want what I ordered to be delivered when promised.”

  “Of course you do, sweetie.”

  “So what’s up, Tess? I’m a little busy.”

  “I’ve got the rest of your order in. Evan can have it all loaded in a flash and I can deliver it straight away, if that works for you.”

  “That’s great. Let me see, I think I can finish up here, then make it to the duplex to meet you in about an hour. Will that work?”

  “Perfect.”

  “Do you have the address?”

  She checked the invoice, confirming the street name. “Got it. I’ll meet you there.”

  “You’re not going to have Evan deliver it?”

  “No, he can hold down the fort here. I do have something I want to talk to you about, if you think you’ll have a minute or two.”

  “That depends.” Suspicion laced her voice. “What’s it about?”

  “Something I hope you’ll be excited about. I’ll explain when I get there.”

  “All right, but I really am busy. I picked up a new client this morning. They’re neighbors of Nikki’s in Coral Gables. They have this huge place. They want to redo their entire interior and they want it done in a month’s time to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.”

  “You’ve managed something like that before.”

  “Not while I was working two other jobs.”

  “Want to borrow Evan? He doesn’t have your eye for design, but he makes a great assistant. I’ve got him practically running this place when I’m not here. Oh, or Josh, he has a flare of his own.”<
br />
  “I’ll think about Josh. For a straight guy he does have an eye for detail. Thanks.”

  “I’ll give him a call right now.”

  As Tess disconnected, she bit her lip. The ball was just over a month away. Hopefully, Erin’s schedule would be clear enough for her to design the gala’s decor. She’d know just the touch they needed.

  Tess found Evan a few moments later loading some shrubs into a customer’s car and waited until he bid the woman goodbye. As the car drove off he turned to her. “What’s up, boss? Erin ready for the rest of her stuff?”

  “Yep. Can you load up the van for me?”

  “You don’t want me to make the delivery?”

  “Would you mind watching the shop for me? I need to talk to her.”

  “Right.” He cocked his head. “You’re going to ask her to use her golden touch on your ball, right?”

  “You always read me so well. I’m hoping she’ll have time. I hate to admit it, but now that she’s gone more mainstream her business seems to be really picking up.”

  “That’s a great idea—to have her do the decorating, that is. I’ll bet she goes for it. It’s a great way for her to showcase her abilities to the right folks. Josh called, by the way.”

  “Great. I’ll give him a call now. I need to talk to him, too.” She turned to leave.

  “Hey, Tess.”

  She turned back. “Yes?”

  “You look good.”

  “Oh, thanks, Evan.”

  “No, really. I mean you always look good. But there’s something different about you these days.”

  His gaze traced her body with the knowing eye of a former lover, but the warmth in his eyes reflected nothing more than the deep fondness she shared with all her exes. “It’s like you have this glow about you. Must be the new man.”

  “Oh, well…thanks.”

  He stood staring at her, an unreadable expression on his face. “He’s different, isn’t he?”

  She inhaled a deep breath. “Yes, I guess he is.”

  “Yeah, I can tell, because you’re different.”

  “Am I?” She took a step closer to him. “How so?”

  His broad shoulders lifted in an easy shrug. “Hard to say. It’s just that you haven’t quite been yourself lately, I guess, and now suddenly you seem to have this new excitement about you.”

  “Really?” She didn’t feel so excited. She felt drained. She’d been having trouble sleeping lately. “I’ve missed everyone this week. The apartment has been really quiet.”

  “Has it? I had to help a friend move. None of the other guys have been there?”

  “No. The place is so…deserted.”

  “I’ll bet it is. Must be nice for a change.”

  She shrugged. “Guess I’ve just gotten used to having everyone around.”

  “You okay?”

  “Oh, sure.”

  “I promised my brother I’d do something with him tonight, but I’ll bet a bunch of the others will stop by.” He rubbed his hand along the back of his head. “I can’t ever remember a time when I’ve been there and there weren’t at least three or four of the others there, too.”

  “I know. It’s strange. Probably just a weird coincidence that everyone else had something to do this week.”

  “That’s probably it.”

  “There’s not anything going on that I don’t know about, is there?”

  He shook his head. “Not that I’m aware of.”

  “Okay, but you would tell me, right, if there was?”

  “Sure, but like what?”

  “Like if all the guys were upset with me, or didn’t want to hang with me anymore.”

  A short laugh burst from him. “That would never happen.”

  “Well, you don’t know.”

  “No, not with you, Tess. Maybe with some other chick, but you’re one of a kind. You make a guy feel like he’s worth something. Who’s ever going to give that up?”

  “Eventually, everyone does move on.” Sadness filled her.

  “Don’t sweat it. You’re still all that.”

  “Thanks. I’m not so sure I’m ready for all of you to desert me just yet, but I suppose a little breathing room wouldn’t do me any harm.”

  “It’s all good, though I wouldn’t count on a mass exodus anytime soon.”

  She laughed, though her heart wasn’t in it. It seemed the exodus had already started. Putting on a brave front, she smiled. “Oh, wouldn’t Erin freak? She’d think you were all wiped from the earth by some plague or something.”

  “Now, that one would be happy to see a little less of us.”

  “Actually, I don’t think she minds. She’s hardly there anymore. She’s buried in her business.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Evan.”

  “Sure. Now, I’d better get loading. I know how happy she gets when her special orders come in.”

  “That she does.”

  He headed for the greenhouse where they’d stored Erin’s special-order items. Tess frowned at his retreating back. A sense of apprehension swept over her. What if her guys were truly moving on?

  Would she be ready to let them go?

  “JOSH?” TESS PRESSED HER ear to her cell phone and glanced at the directions she’d downloaded to the duplex where Erin was working.

  “Tess, what’s up?”

  “Not much. So sorry I missed my workout Sunday.”

  “Yeah, right.” His voice took on a teasing tone. “After all the heated looks passing between you and the good doctor, I got the feeling you were having a different kind of workout.”

  She cleared her throat. “Hey, listen, I have a favor to ask you.”

  “You’re changing the subject, but shoot.”

  “Well, you know how we’ve all been a little concerned about Erin lately?”

  “Of course, love, your worries are our worries.”

  “I have this idea of how you can help and put your talents to good work at the same time.” She outlined her plan for him to assist Erin over the coming month with her multiple design contracts.

  “And while I’m working with her, you want me to get a feel for what’s been bugging her.”

  “Hey, you said that, not me. Let’s keep the record straight here. Of course, it’s not a bad idea. Your schedule’s flexible. You could work with her, befriend her, gain her confidence. You always know the right thing to say.”

  “You want me to report everything I learn back to you.”

  “Well, I would like to know what you learn—”

  “So you can meddle in your sister’s life.”

  “I do not meddle. I’m worried about her. I want to know what’s wrong so I can help her. I just can’t seem to talk to her. I always say the wrong thing.”

  “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll lend a hand with her design projects as my schedule allows, and if she warms to me more on a personal basis, we’ll play things by ear.”

  “No pressure. It would be great if you’d just do whatever you feel you can do.”

  “I’ll report to you if and when I feel it’s reasonable for you to know and Erin would be comfortable with you knowing.”

  “You can’t ask her outright, she’ll say no, even though I always have her best interest at heart. She’s a younger sister. They don’t ever appreciate that.”

  “I will make all determinations about any information that needs to be gathered or passed on. You have to consider that there may be ample reason for her to keep her personal life to herself.”

  “Okay, but if for some reason you learn something of importance and you’re not sure about telling me, you have to promise to tell Nikki.”

  A short silence sounded across the connection. “I’ll think about that, but no promises.”

  “Great. Thanks, Josh.”

  “So what happened at the last planning meeting? I’m sorry I missed it, but I talked the gala up to my client. We just need to let him know when. He’s a big flooring guy—lots of money and a wife with a b
ig heart who likes to spend it.”

  “Sounds like our kind of people. We do have a date set—Saturday, November 5.”

  He whistled softly. “That’s cutting it close.”

  “I know, but we’re lucky to have that. These places book up way in advance. I know Nikki said she barely worked her wedding reception in for February. We wouldn’t have gotten that ballroom so soon, if not for a cancellation. Cassie was smart to jump on it. Anyway, we’re meeting at the same place and time every Thursday until the gala. We figured we’d need to meet at least once a week to pull this off, though I have to admit the DCWC seems to have it all under control.”

  “How come you don’t sound happy about that?”

  “I am. It’s going to be great. I’m unofficially meeting some of Mason’s teens tomorrow. They want to help with the planning and I’m going to coordinate them volunteering with the DCWC.”

  A short silence spun across the line. “That’ll be interesting.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Nothing. You’ll be great with them. How could they not love you? The rest of us do.”

  She frowned, trying to scan the deeper meaning behind his words, but drawing a blank. That was odd. “All right, I’m on my way to see Erin now. I’ll have her give you a call.”

  “Sounds good. And Tess?”

  “Yes?”

  “I really think Mason is a great guy and he’s going to be good for you…but you need a little time to chill. You haven’t quite been yourself lately, girlfriend, and the last thing you need is to take on any more stress.”

  “What stress? I’m not stressing.”

  “Just think about it before you jump into something really serious with this guy.”

  Something serious? Again she tried to scan his emotions, but came up empty. What the hell?

  “Josh, I don’t know what everyone is getting all twisted up about. You know how it goes. I’m with Mason now, but that doesn’t mean it’s anything serious. This encounter will be no more and no less serious than any of my previous encounters have been.”

  “Okay, but you do know the rest of the group want to meet him. I’ve reassured them as much as I can, but—”

  “Look, I can’t take this right now. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”