Trouble Next Door

by Stefanie London

  “I told my father not to withdraw his money, for what it’s worth. I know how much you had riding on it.” She sighed. “But you know what parents are like.”

  “I do.” He nodded. “And this break has given me a lot of time to think about other things.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like how much you deserve to be with someone who truly gets you.”

  She tilted her head, her nose wrinkled. “I’m not sure what you’re saying.”

  “Just that I’m sorry, and that I hope you find a man who worships the ground you walk on.”

  “Oh. Right.” She blinked, her large brown eyes reflecting his own shock back at him. “You met someone, didn’t you?”

  “Yeah, I did.”

  “Do you love her?” Sherri’s voice was tight, but she always had a good poker face when she felt she needed it. Like him.

  “I don’t know. It’s early, but…” He paused. “It feels right.”

  The words should have shocked him, but voicing them aloud only confirmed what he already knew. He wanted McKenna. He wanted more. He wanted this perfect, emotionally messy, frighteningly satisfying thing that they had. This thing that wasn’t yet formed, that couldn’t be explained, that he didn’t quite understand. All he knew was that she’d renewed his interest in life and it was all because she’d allowed him to be who he was.

  “I don’t know what to say.” Sherri shook her head. “I guess I’ve known that something wasn’t right for a long time. I kept hanging on for some reason, hoping things might change…and it looks like they did, but not how I wanted them to.”

  She pushed up from the table and pulled her jacket off the chair, hugging it to her chest. For a moment, he thought she might cry. But she looked as confused as he felt. Neither one of them said a word, because there wasn’t really anything left to say. Their relationship had finished some time ago, only neither of them had been willing to admit it.

  She walked out from behind the table and dropped her hand to his shoulder for a second, before leaving the café. Beckett stayed glued to his chair, the reality of what had happened swirling around him. When all was said and done, he couldn’t go backward. That was the old Beckett, the one who relished the security of sameness.

  He pulled his phone out of his pocket and swiped at the screen. If he was going to move forward, he needed a new direction. A compromise.

  M.K. Technologies wasn’t going to die. Not today. But perhaps playing a smaller role in WealthHack long term would mean room in his life for other things. Like the woman who’d taught him to make space.

  …

  McKenna had understood the term “butterflies in your stomach before,” but she was convinced that Mothra had taken up residence in hers. Vintage horror movie references aside, she was pretty darn excited about Kayla’s wedding. Even with the deep cloud of funk that had been following her around ever since Beckett broke off their relationship before it had even started.

  While her love life might be as sorry as ever, business was booming. McKenna had done Kayla and her mother’s makeup for the rehearsal dinner that’d taken place three nights ago. It was similar to the bridal makeup, but a little more nighttime glam since it wasn’t such a formal event. And when Kayla’s Instagram picture had been picked up by a local society blog, there had been questions abounding on who had done her makeup.

  Since then, the contact form on McKenna’s new website—the one that made her throat constrict every time she looked at it because it made her think of Beckett—had been blowing up with enquiries. She already had a three-event job booked, plus an opportunity to do some live demos at an upcoming bridal expo. She’d done that before as part of the CAM-Ready team…but this was different. This time it would be all about her business.

  Trying not to hyperventilate with excitement, McKenna continued disinfecting her brushes with a quick-dry spray cleaner so she could get onto Kayla’s makeup. The bridesmaids were done and they looked gorgeous, if she did say so herself. The group of three women were busy taking selfies and admiring one another’s final looks not far from where Kayla climbed up onto the stool.

  “The girls look wonderful,” she said. “I really loved the way you were able to tweak the look to make it personal for each one of them.”

  “All part of the job.” McKenna wiped a powder brush against a piece of paper towel, swirling it around until all the product was removed. “They’re unique women, so I can’t take the same approach for each face.”

  “Did you see how many comments I got on the photo you took of me the other night?” Kayla grinned. “I made sure to tag you.”

  “Yes, I’ve had a ton of requests come in. You’re my most successful face to date,” McKenna said, laying the brush down.

  “Maybe I should add it to my LinkedIn profile.” Kayla held her hands up to her cheeks. “Mrs. Kayla Corbett, most successful face.”

  “It has quite a ring to it.”

  McKenna scanned the mass of product covering Minnie Walsh’s table. It felt a little strange knowing that she was in Beckett’s mother’s home. It’d been difficult not to stop and stare at the photos on the mantel. But she’d stolen a quick glance when the girls had gone outside to have a break from sitting still. The photos showed a serious boy, gangly and tall, with an awful bowl cut that so many kids had back then. But his face had been strikingly handsome even from a young age. Those vivid blue eyes pierced right through her from the faded photo paper.

  Even back then it looked as though his mother and sister were the cheeky ones, while he stood by them. Proud. Strong. Silent. Her throat tightened.

  Stop thinking about him. The decision has been made and you didn’t make the cut. End. Of. Story.

  McKenna warmed a drop of primer between her fingers and then pressed it into Kayla’s skin. “How are you feeling about today? Any butterflies?”

  “I guess I should be nervous, but I feel surprisingly calm.” She closed her eyes while McKenna prepped her skin. “I spent a lot of time pulling together all the details so everything would be perfect, but I had a bit of an epiphany at the rehearsal.”

  “Really?” McKenna pumped the foundation out onto her palette and mixed a drop of pearlescent liquid into it.

  “I don’t know how much Beckett has told you about our family, but my dad has never really been on the scene.” She sighed. “He came back recently and I had visions of him walking me down the aisle. It’s what I’ve wanted ever since I was a little girl. But I think I’ve finally accepted that he doesn’t want to be part of my life.”

  Her heart constricted. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  Kayla shook her head. “Don’t be. It was one of those things I needed to learn, you know? I had to stop wishing that this absent man would come back into my life when I was already surrounded by people who love me. Beckett’s giving me away.”

  “He’ll love that.” McKenna blinked back the swelling emotion. Now was not the time to get misty eyed about the guy who’d dumped her.

  Taking a stippling brush, she dipped it into a contour cream and set to work carving out the hollow under Kayla’s cheekbones. The effect would look amazing in photos, enhancing her already lovely bone structure.

  That’s right. Concentrate on the makeup, that’s what you’re focused on now.

  But no amount of willing would stop Beckett from invading her thoughts. Every time she left her apartment she wondered if she’d see him. Every time she got into the elevator she remembered the time he’d comforted her in the dark. And every time she bought something online she double-checked her address to make sure she wasn’t typing his.

  Why couldn’t she get it into her head that it was over?

  Maybe because you’ve never fallen hard like that before. It felt different with him because you wanted it to go somewhere. You resisted because you knew he could hurt you…and he did.

  Him leaving wasn’t just a dent to her pride like with all the others. It was a dent to her soul.

  “So you
’re going to stay at the venue until after the first dance, right?” Kayla asked.

  “Yep. I’ll be in the dressing room so you and the girls can come in for a touch up between the photos.” She glanced critically at the area along Kayla’s jawline and continued to blend with her brush. “That offer goes for your mother and the mother of the groom as well. I can do lipstick touch-ups and blot anyone who’s looking a little shiny.”

  “Well,” Kayla said with a cheeky grin. “I won’t need you while the photos are being taken, and we’re having the staff serve cocktails and canapes in the ballroom to keep the guests entertained. You’re more than welcome to grab a drink and something to eat.”

  “That’s very kind, but I’m driving.”

  She wouldn’t be drinking on the job, since she’d borrowed her brother’s car to get to and from Kayla’s mother’s house and the wedding venue. Totally worth it since Kayla was paying her double to be onsite for a few hours. But that meant no drinks for her.

  “Oh, well, make sure you have something to eat. Beckett will be there after we’re done with the family shots.”

  McKenna swallowed. “I’ll be sure to say hi.”

  Great. The last thing she wanted was to run into Beckett and Sherri. They’d probably be acting all loved up and McKenna really didn’t want to blow this important job by accidentally crying in front of everyone. Good thing she’d packed a few muesli bars and an apple into her bag. No way in hell would she be venturing out and risk bumping into them.

  “Well, since he’s going stag I’m sure he’d enjoy the company.” Kayla had her eyes closed since McKenna had started work on her brows, but her lip twitched.

  “Going stag?” The drumbeat of McKenna’s heart filled her ears with an unrelenting beat. “Like alone?”

  “Yeah. Since he and his fiancée broke up, she’s not coming to the wedding.”

  Did she mean that Beckett had simply told her about the breakup that happened weeks ago? Or had something happened since?

  McKenna pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and forced herself to concentrate on creating the perfect arch at Kayla’s brow. A small angle brush and some dark powder created hair-like strokes, filling in gaps and ensuring they would look perfect for the camera.

  Don’t get excited. This doesn’t change anything.

  “It was rough for him. But I think it’s for the best; they weren’t very well suited.”

  “I’m sure he’s very upset,” McKenna said diplomatically.

  “Maybe this is overstepping, but I think you two would be great together.”

  She raised a brow. “And I think you might be the first bride ever to play matchmaker at her own wedding.”

  She shrugged. “Maybe. But I’m serious.”

  “How do you know I don’t have a boyfriend, already?” She shot her client a mock stern look. “Now, close your eyes so I can do your eyeshadow primer.”

  “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  “Well, no. I don’t.”

  Kayla’s smug silence made McKenna shake her head. Had Beckett mentioned that they’d kissed…that they done more? Surely not. He didn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d kiss and tell. But Kayla’s confidence rattled her.

  “When did he break up with Sherri?” she asked.

  “Recently. Like last week.” Kayla sighed. “I’m sad for him, of course. But I think everyone saw it coming before he did.”

  “Right.” She willed herself not to engage further but the questions in her head were like flies buzzing, getting louder and louder and one slipped out. “What about his app?”

  “He’s seeking alternate funding.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “Really?”

  “Yep. Since it’s officially over, he’s gone somewhere else. It’ll be better that way, less personal stuff to get in the way of business.” Kayla cracked an eye open. “But you should talk to him about it.”

  She raised a brow. “About his business?”

  “About anything.” The bride-to-be grinned. “I know he’d be happy to hear from you.”

  McKenna busied herself with inspecting the face chart she’d drawn up at Kayla’s trial, pretending to concentrate on reviewing her work. But the fact was, her head and heart and stomach were on a roller-coaster ride. The soaring feeling interrupted by drastic drops as she tried to figure out what this meant.

  If Beckett and Sherri were officially over, where did that leave her? Kayla could simply be meddling, having no idea that what she was suggesting was old news. All of this could mean nothing.

  Or, it could mean everything.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Beckett stood still, his jaw hurting from smiling as the photographer took “just one more” family photo. They were standing under a gazebo ringed with jasmine bushes and the smell lifted into the air as a cold breeze rolled through. Why Kayla had chosen to get married in winter he had no idea. But he had to admit their photos with the bright yellow umbrellas against the silver and slate-toned backdrop would be striking.

  Like her. His sister looked like an angel—her face was flushed with happiness and her long gown made her look like a princess. Walking her down the aisle had been one of the proudest moments of his life. It meant so much that he could take the place by her side since her father had vanished into thin air. Again.

  Telling her the bad news had damn near killed him. But after she’d sobbed into his shirt, she’d shaken the tears off and had vowed to let Greg go for good. Seems like it was a theme in his family at the moment—cutting ties with the past and forging a better future.

  Beckett was ready for the formality to be over. Every time his gaze snagged on something purple, his heartbeat kicked up a notch. Kayla had made a point of telling him that McKenna would be at the wedding, but so far he hadn’t seen her.

  “That’s it for the family portraits.” The photographer motioned for Kayla and Aaron to come forward. “How about we get the bride and groom to stand over here.”

  The family members—which were about three times as many people on the groom’s side—drifted away. A waiter with a tray of champagne cocktails was waiting outside the gazebo, ready to serve the important and senior Mr. and Mrs. Corbett. Minnie hung back, with her hands clasped together, watching on as Kayla beamed up at her new husband for the camera.

  Beckett took the moment to head out of the gazebo and across the artfully manicured lawn. The blades of grass were damp underfoot, from a brief flash of rain that’d sent people scattering a few moments ago. Thankfully it had held off for most of the day, and the ceremony had been inside an old chapel on the property. But now a fine mist sprayed down from above and he hurried toward the reception building with his head bowed.

  Perhaps McKenna would be in one of the rooms set aside for the bride and groom. He knew they had a spot for the ladies in the bridal party to touch up their makeup and have a breather from the three hundred-strong crowd.

  Beckett strode through the front door of Patterson House. The mansion had been built in the 1800s and later turned into a heritage tourist spot and event venue for the social elite. Everything was darkly ornate, from the rich wood paneling to the patterned tile in the foyer to the gold accents and heavy chandeliers. It was opulent. Old money.

  “Excuse me.” He stopped the emcee, who happened to be walking past. “I need to get something from the makeup artist for Kayla. Do you know where she is?”

  The stylish older man turned and pointed to a hallway off to their left. “Third door on the right.”

  Beckett nodded his thanks and headed in the direction the emcee had indicated. His footsteps were loud in this quiet part of the building, or maybe it was simply the blood rushing in his ears that was making all the noise. His movements felt stiff and jerky, as though he’d only just learned how to walk.

  He’d wanted to go to McKenna earlier in the week, but when he’d knocked on her door she didn’t answer. When he’d tried a second time, he could have sworn he’d heard footsteps but no one cam
e. That’s when he remembered that he had the perfect plan all along. McKenna’s four-point plan.

  Step one: Make contact. He’d texted and tried to call, but those attempts, too, had gone unanswered.

  Since Beckett had recently learned that one needed to be adaptable when plans change, he had decided to skip straight to step two. A face-to-face meeting. And if she wasn’t going to answer her front door, then he would go to where a lock wouldn’t stand in his way.

  He sucked in a breath and smoothed his hands down the front of his tuxedo before he raised his hand to knock. Once. Twice.

  The door swung open and McKenna’s smiling face turned to shocked stone when she saw it was him. “Beckett. Hi.”

  “Hi, McKenna.” Seeing her was enough to ease the ache in his chest that had grown each day they’d been separated by his stupidity. “I’ve been practicing my return greetings.”

  “No grunting. Very well done.” A shy smile started to blossom, but she pressed her lips into a line as though remembering that she was supposed to be angry with him. “What can I do for you?”

  “Would it sound horribly repetitive if I said we need to talk, again?”

  She peered out of the room and looked down the hallway. “I don’t know if this is the best time. I’m working.”

  “I have permission from the bride. Well, not permission so much as a direct order.”

  She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and sucked in a breath. “Okay, fine. But the second anyone else comes in, you’ll need to leave.”

  He pressed a hand to his chest. “I solemnly promise not to get in the way of your makeup magic.”

  She shut the door behind them and clasped her hands in front of her. Like the last time he’d seen her, she was dressed in black from head to toe. It made her purple hair and hot-pink lipstick look neon against the dark canvas. When she blinked, little flashes of silver beckoned him closer. God, she was so beautiful.

  “What do you want to talk about?” she asked. She shifted from one booted foot to the other, her breath choppy and shallow. “Do I need to sit?”