by Maggie Ryan
That evening, she dressed again, discarding her jeans for fear her ass was now twice the size it had been before Rob took her hairbrush to it. After pulling on a light sweater over her sundress, she slipped her feet into sandals. As an act of defiance, she had rescued the underwear from the trash and had put it back on. If she had to make this stupid apology, she’d be doing so in the tackiest lingerie she owned and there was nothing that snotty woman could do about it!
Rob opened Ever’s car door and offered her his hand. “Honey, I know you can do this. You might be angry at the moment, but you’ll feel better once you’ve made an apology.” Though Ever accepted his help from the car, she remained silent and aloof. “Everleigh, as I said before, Corbin’s Bend is a close-knit, small community and I’m sure you don’t want to spend the rest of your life having to avoid this woman and her family.” Taking Ever’s hand, he led her to the door and rang the bell.
When the door didn’t open, Ever sighed. God, wasn’t that always the case? Now they’d have to come back because she doubted that Rob would take this as a sign that no apology was necessary. She was about to return to the car when the door opened. Sighing again, she forced herself to open her mouth but Rob beat her to it.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” he said in that perfect combination of politeness and respect. “I apologize for disturbing your evening, but Ever wanted to speak to you in person.”
Ever’s mouth opened only to close again when Tory spoke first.
“Um, won’t you come in?”
Much preferring to make her apology as quickly as possible, Ever opened her mouth to do so when her well-raised, unerringly polite fiancé thanked the woman and led Ever inside.
They followed Tory into the living room and saw her pick up a box off the couch and set it onto the floor. She moved another box before looking back at them.
“I apologize for the mess. Please, won’t you take a seat? May I offer you something to drink?”
Ever took a seat and watched as Rob moved another pile of boxes from a chair opposite the couch so that Tory could sit. She was praying he didn’t plan on this being a long visit and was grateful to hear his answer to Tory’s offer.
“No, please, we don’t want to take up your time. Are you moving?”
His question had Ever looking around to notice more piles of boxes and bolts of fabric covering almost every surface. She looked back in time to see Tory flush and shake her head.
“Um, no...I mean, yes.” With a sigh, she sank into the chair. “What I mean is no, we aren’t moving, but I’ve closed my shop in Denver and haven’t had a chance to unpack all the boxes yet.”
Closed her shop? Well, that explained it. The woman had obviously been unsuccessful in her business venture if she had to close up shop. The news didn’t surprise Ever in the least after being in the woman’s presence. She couldn’t wait to inform Violet that whatever source had recommended this woman needed to have their head examined.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Rob said after finally sitting down on the couch. “I know how difficult moving can be.” When Tory simply nodded, he turned to look at Ever. “Honey?”
Ever forced herself to look towards the woman, but focused on a spot over the back of the chair. “I just wanted to apologize,” she said, clearly knowing Rob would force her to repeat it if he wasn’t satisfied. “I should have called to tell you I’d be late. I should have remembered your, um, suggestion, and I shouldn’t have said those things.” She began to turn towards Rob when her conscience forced her to continue. “I’m sorry I called you a name. Please accept my apology and I promise I won’t bother you again.”
Tory stiffened and then collapsed in her chair, her hands going to cover her face. It certainly wasn’t the reaction Ever had expected. Ever was about to speak when Tory looked up. “No, I’m the one that should apologize. I wasn’t very polite and...and, please reconsider.”
Ever shook her head. “Let’s just forgive each other, shall we? I was rude and can see that your life is turned upside down right now. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone why I’m not using you. We can just pretend it never happened. We’ll get out of your hair now.” She stood and Rob followed.
Tory seemed about to speak again, but sighed and led them to the door. “Thank you for coming,” she said softly. “You...you’ll make a beautiful bride.” Before Ever could respond, the door closed behind them.
Opening her car door and helping her in, Rob shook his head. “There’s something going on here.”
Ever shrugged as he pulled out of the drive. “Well, whatever it is, it doesn’t look like I’m the first customer she’s lost.”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. I have a feeling that something else is affecting her. If I had to guess, something is tearing her up inside.”
Thinking about Tory’s reaction, Ever wondered if Rob could be right. Even though Ever never planned on speaking to the woman again, she couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her. Tory had seemed a bit fragile. Ever still felt she’d been wronged but now that the required apology had been given, she also felt empathy for Tory and was able to hope the woman’s life got straightened out.
Ever hummed as she showered. The week was finally over. She had taken her last spanking the evening before and though it had been a doozy, she could avoid future ones by behaving and remembering the rules. If she were asked to, she could stand and recite each one backwards and forwards as Rob had insisted she do after her evening corner time was over every night for the past week. She grimaced as she ran her hands across her buttocks, her fingers moving across the weals that were painted in lines across her buttocks. Rob had ended her discipline week with a dozen strokes of the cane, informing her that if the lesson needed repeating, she could expect a dozen cane strokes every night if he had cause to ground her again. Rubbing against the lines, she knew that while her spankings were done, it would likely be a few additional days before all the tenderness was gone as well. Drying off and dressing in a loose pair of linen pants and a blouse, she threw her supplies into a large box, throwing her smock on top.
“Rob, we need to get going,” she called up the stairs. “These kids aren’t exactly the patient kind.”
“Okay, babe, I’m coming.”
Ever smiled and he ran down the stairs. Her class of young children adored it when Mr. Rob came to visit. He always took the time with each student, making sure to praise their creations. He had learned early on not to guess at what an object might be. The first time he had done so, he complimented one of her students on the fine giraffe she had made out of Paper-Mache only to have her tell him it was her puppy dog.
“What are the little Rembrandts learning today?” he asked as he picked up the large stack of blank canvases on the table.
“Today the kids are going to be painting anything they want.”
Rob allowed his eyes to run up and down her frame. “And you are wearing that? Are you sure paint washes out of linen?”
Ever shook her head. “Hey, don’t blame me. My butt hurts and the weals mean no jeans until they disappear. Since we’re meeting Charles and Violet for dinner, I won’t have time to change. Besides, I have my smock.”
Rob chuckled and followed her to the car. “Okay, but remember, those weals were earned by you being naughty, young lady. Don’t blame me if you look like you are wearing tie-dye before we are done. Did you remember my smock?” When she assured him she had, they drove to the school and were soon surrounded by the eager young artists.
Two hours later, Ever had to smile when she saw Rob grinning at the paint splotches on her pants. Shrugging, her giggle confirmed that she didn’t mind the mess. She was in her element when surrounded by people that were eager to discover the joy of slapping paint onto a canvas. While she wasn’t sure any qualified as a masterpiece, she knew that every parent would proudly hang their child’s painting up in their homes.
Entering the dome, they were greeted by several of their neighbors and friends, all wanting to w
elcome Rob home. Ever stood proudly at his side grateful that he didn’t bother to explain that though he’d been home a week, he had basically grounded himself along with his fiancée. It was another fifteen minutes before they entered the corridor leading to the office where Charles was.
“Hey, Rob, welcome back,” Jonathon said as the men shook hands. “I can’t tell you how much you were missed around here.” He gave Ever a hug that she happily returned.
“Thanks, it’s good to be home. I wanted to stop by and thank you for all the help with the Art Festival. I’ve heard it was a success and Ever told me how much everyone pitched in.”
“Yes, it was lovely. Hopefully you’ll be around for the next one as we keep hearing it needs to be an annual event. Some of the artists’ pieces were amazing. Violet sold every single thing she painted.” He leaned a bit closer. “Those in the ‘adult’ section all went first. She and Ever are both extremely talented.”
Rob nodded in agreement and when Brent and Char came down the stairs, they talked for a few more minutes. Ever was pleased when they agreed to join them for dinner and extended an invitation to Jonathon as well. He declined, stating that he and Benjamin had prior plans but agreed to take a rain check. The four left to go get Charles and Violet. The party grew by two more when they saw Jenna and Calbert pulling in next to their car and Rob invited them to join the party.
Bernie greeted Rob like a long lost relative as they walked into Endelé despite the fact that he had eaten lunch there earlier in the week. The eight ordered a pitcher of margaritas and dug into the chips and salsa while waiting for their orders.
“So tell us, how are the wedding plans progressing?” Char asked, taking a sip of her frozen drink.
Ever smiled and shook her head. “Well, we’ve got appointments at the printers to finalize the invitations and Violet and I are going into Denver to look at dresses soon.”
Jenna’s mouth dropped open. “Look at dresses? You mean you don’t have a dress yet? Ever – what on earth are you thinking?”
Ever looked at Violet who shrugged as she picked up her glass. “Geeze, ya’ll act like I should have had a dress ready since the time I could walk. What’s the big deal – it’s just one dress.”
“No it’s not. It’s the dress and aren’t you going to have bridesmaids and such? Have you even decided on the tuxes yet? Good grief, Everleigh, for a woman who is so creative, I can’t believe you are leaving all this stuff to the last minute.”
“It’s hardly the last minute,” Ever said and then realized she might be the only one to think so. Was it time to panic? “Is it? I mean, I was busy with the festival and Rob was gone and I had to fire the dressmaker. Maybe we should just...”
“Wait, back up – what do you mean you fired the dressmaker? Why would you do that? Tory is a genius when it comes to clothing!”
Before Ever could respond, Char added her two cents. “Hey, everyone knows I’m not a fan of huge weddings, but I have to agree with Jenna. If I didn’t think Tory was great, I never would have recommended her.” She took a sip of her drink and shrugged. “I was under the impression you wanted the best.”
Ever had never meant to imply she didn’t appreciate help and she certainly hadn’t meant to hurt Char’s feelings. Turning to Violet, she let her own expression plead for help.
Violet spoke quietly. “Tory and Ever didn’t get off on the right foot. I’m not saying it was totally either of their faults. There was just something up that day, and well, Ever decided to look for a dress in Denver.”
When Jenna sputtered, Calbert reached across the table and took her hand. “Jenna, it’s Ever’s wedding. She gets to decide what she wants. All you women make this huge fuss about one day and then complain that you can barely remember the ceremony.” His words did nothing to calm the waters. He held up his hands in a defensive gesture as three women began to speak at once. He shook his head as Bernie brought the first plates to the table.
After the uproar died just a bit, he surrendered. “Okay, whoa – remind me not to get involved in any more weddings. I’ll leave that to Rob and Charles. Geeze, I don’t envy either of you.” He shook his head and began preparing the first of his meal, layering sizzling strips of beef and chicken on a soft tortilla.
Char picked up her fork and shook her head. “And now you understand why I hate huge weddings. Pass the salsa, please.” Brent artfully steered the conversation away from the upcoming nuptials and they were soon all laughing and talking about recent events. Rob told them a few stories about his travels, reassuring Bernie that this meal far exceeded anything offered overseas. She must have been truly touched because she brought a basket of hot, puffy sopaipillas with honey on the house as her welcome home gift.
As they hugged goodbye, Jenna spoke softly. “Please, Ever, I know it really isn’t any of my business, but think about giving Tory another chance. She could really use another friend right now and I’m sure the money would come in handy.” She didn’t have time to elaborate as Calbert took her arm and led her to their car.
Char gave Ever a hug as well. “I’m sure you’ll work it out.” When Ever looked at Violet, it was to see her friend shrug. Pushing the suggestion aside, Ever and Rob left their friends and returned home. It wasn’t until a week later that Jenna’s words came back to her.
Chapter 7
It’s about time you two came in, I was starting to think you had gone somewhere else.”
Ever felt a bit surprised at the greeting as Ange led her and Rob to a set of chairs around a small table.
“We’d never do that. You know we think you are the best.”
“Everleigh Harris, I told you months ago to come in as soon as you could.”
Ever rolled her eyes as she looked at her friend. “Look, what is it about weddings? Just like I told Jenna, it’s just one dress and this is just one cake.” Seeing Ange’s mouth drop open, she held up her hand. “No, wait, let me correct myself - I know it’s the cake, but seriously, are you telling me it takes months to bake a cake?”
Ange gave her own eye roll as she answered. “Of course not, but maybe if you continue to be so blasé, I’ll bake yours and just let it sit around until the wedding.” She paused and took a breath. “Look, I know the wedding is still a few weeks away, but I need to make sure I know exactly what you want. It takes a lot of planning to make each wedding cake special.”
Ever attempted to lower the tension just a tad. “Forget special, I just want it to taste good. Believe me, that’s why Rob agreed to come - you promised samples.” She was pleased to see her friend smile even if she was shaking her head.
“Well, if I’d known it was that simple, I’d have been banging on your door with tasters weeks ago. Go ahead and flip through the book and see if anything strikes your fancy. I’ll go get the samples.”
When Ange disappeared through a door, Ever turned to Rob. “Is it just me or did she seem a little upset?”
“Babe, Ange is a firecracker just like you. There’s bound to be some fireworks.” Ever was about to protest his declaration but he cut her off. “Just relax, Ange loves you and just wants to be sure you are happy.”
“Rob, I am happy. Well, I was but this whole wedding planning is ridiculous. All I care about is marrying you. Is all this really necessary? Why can’t we just pick a few cakes from the display? You know we love everything Ange makes.”
Rob shook his head. “Sweetheart, people are going to think you honestly don’t care if you simply wake up, pull on any old dress, exchange vows and eat any pastry that happens to appear.”
“I’m not going to do that! I just don’t see the point in stressing everyone out!”
Evidently her tone wasn’t quite as calm as she’d thought as her fiancé pulled her to him, giving her a one armed hug while he rubbed her bottom before giving it a single hard swat. “Watch your tone, Everleigh. As I said, Ange loves you and I love you. I know you care as well. No one is trying to fight you here. Everyone just wants to help and everythin
g is going to be fine.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head before adding, “Let’s just look at the book, okay?”
They looked through the book and it didn’t take many pages before the beauty of the creations captured Ever’s full attention. Her finger was tracing along a row of delicate piping in a photo when Ange returned with a tray of samples.
“These are beautiful, Ange,” Ever said, giving her a smile. “I knew you were talented, but honestly, the details are exquisite. It’s like you are a painter only you use icing instead of oils. Some of these must take a really long time...” Pausing as she realized what she had just said, she sat back and sighed.
“Okay, I get the point. It takes more than a couple of days to design a cake. You were right and I apologize. I promise we’ll pick something easier.”
“No you most certainly will not!” Ange said emphatically as she set the tray onto the table. “This is your wedding cake and it will be as gorgeous as you are. Now, let’s choose the flavors and then we can go over the design.” She turned to Rob. “And you, sir, can help by deciding on your groom’s cake today as well. I’m not taking the chance that you’ll actually be able to drag our bride in here again.”
The three laughed as the last of the tension drained away. Rob and Ever tried each sample, stating they had no way of choosing as all were incredibly delicious.
Ange suggested they narrow it down to just a few choices and close their eyes. Ever felt a bit silly but when Rob shrugged, she closed her eyes and obediently opened her mouth and allowed Ange to feed her a bite of each one. The trick worked as she and Rob both instantly chose the lightly flavored lemon cake with the raspberry and chocolate genache layers.
Deciding she wasn’t a huge fan of the fondant icing, Ever decided on the traditional butter cream frosting. Borrowing a pencil, Ever sketched a design on Ange’s order pad.
