by Olivia Miles
“I gave my assistant the week off,” he said, explaining the empty desk. “I’d hoped to do the same, but…Well, you know how it is.”
Did he? The office culture he knew was tense and heated, with closed-door meetings and analysts running numbers. While this…this was quiet and unassuming and as peaceful as a therapist’s office.
He thrust his hands into his pockets and followed William into his office, which boasted the same subdued atmosphere as the lobby in a much larger space. A meeting table occupied one end, while two comfortable visitor chairs faced a large wood desk. William had hung seascapes on the warm gray walls, and, more humbly, his Harvard and Princeton diplomas hung in a corner, partially obscured by a plant.
“It’s not much, but it’s prime real estate, right in the center of everything. And check out this view.” William turned to face the wide windows, where sailboats drifted by, so close Alec felt he could reach out and touch them, divided only by a stretch of grass and some jagged rocks.
“Impressive,” he said, and it was. Understated but traditionally furnished, it was a peaceful place to be. A confident place. More inviting than the class-A office they occupied in the city. Or, rather—he corrected himself—he occupied.
After William had left, he still found himself looking up from his computer screen at eight at night, his stomach grumbling, his eyes strained, and pushing back his chair to go find his brother. It was usually halfway down the hall that he stopped himself. Saw the dark room. Remembered it was empty. That his options were going back to work or grabbing a quick burger at the mediocre steak house on the ground floor of their building. But it didn’t taste the same without William sitting beside him at the bar, sipping a beer, putting perspective on the day and setting all the craziness aside.
Those nights had meant a lot. Maybe more than William could ever know.
“I’d be lying if I said it was the same without you,” Alec said, hating the truth in his words.
“Ah, come on, you were always happier there than I was. You like the fast-paced pressure. You thrive in it.”
It was true that Alec loved the rush that followed landing a new client, but that feeling was quickly replaced with something else once the work that came with it set in. Pressure. Stress. Unhappiness, he realized.
“So you like running your own practice?”
“I love it. It’s steady, but it’s more satisfying, too. I make my own hours. I choose who I want to go after. It’s the same job, but in many ways, it doesn’t feel that way at all.” William hesitated for a minute. “Wouldn’t mind having my brother around, though.”
Alec looked at him sharply. Was he referring to the Boston office or this place? He considered the possibility that William was feeling him out, suggesting he come work here, and for a moment he felt a twinge of excitement, until he realized that was an impossible scenario.
The Montgomery Group was a family business, left to Alec—and once William—once their father retired. If he walked away now, what would become of the company? William was settled, happy; his life was full of other things. But his father…the business was all he had. And as much as Alec hated to admit it, it was all he had, too.
He’d sunk too much into it to walk away now.
“Well,” William said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Hungry?”
“I’m starving,” he said, following his brother back out into the reception area and through the front door.
It was still raining, and he didn’t have an umbrella, but he didn’t care that he was getting a little wet. Alec was just happy to be out of that office. Away from the temptations it held.
* * *
It was raining. But that was not the problem, not really. No, the real problem was that the forecast had not called for rain today. Just like it was not calling for it Saturday. Or Friday. Or Thursday, the night of the lawn party. All outdoor events.
Kate sat at her desk and chewed on her nail, forgetting about her week-old manicure until she saw the damage she had done.
Always a fan of lists, Kate’s therapist had suggested she use this habit to her advantage, claiming that it broke down her worries and fears and made everything feel a bit more manageable. Remembering this tip, Kate opened a fresh document in her word processor and began typing. Problem one: It might rain on the wedding. Solution: There are tents. Problem two: There could be a hurricane…
She stopped typing and set her head in her hands. There were so many things that could go wrong that there was no sense wasting her time typing them. And all it would take was just one for Meredith to find a reason to give her the boot.
She’d successfully dodged her boss all morning and, after checking Meredith’s calendar, was happy to see she would be gone for vendor meetings for most of the day.
A break from the office before her next appointment might do her some good. With that in mind, she made a quick call, grabbed her favorite umbrella, and ten minutes later was sliding into a seat across from Bree at Harbor Street Café for a late lunch.
“I’m really happy you called,” Bree admitted as she bit into her stacked veggie sandwich. “I’ve been so busy filling orders, I haven’t allowed myself a lunch break in a week. Is it just me, or does it feel like everyone is getting married?”
Kate raised an eyebrow. “You’re asking me that?”
Bree laughed. “Sorry. I know I have no room for complaint when you’re surrounded by it every day, but you know what I mean.”
“Well, it is June,” Kate pointed out. “But I do know what you mean. It’s hard not to feel left out sometimes.” She sighed, hating that little twinge of loneliness she felt every so often.
“Well, at least you were engaged,” Bree grumbled, and Kate was almost happy for her friend’s lack of discretion. Bree could be blunt, but it was a relief from the usual tiptoeing that people seemed to do around her.
“To a cheating ass,” she pointed out, and the girls shared a laugh. “Still, I don’t know what’s worse. Having that wedding day within reach or feeling like you might never have one.”
“Exactly,” Bree said. She looked up Kate, her expression turning a little nervous. “I have something to ask you.”
Kate stopped pushing the lettuce around her plate and gave her cousin a hard stare. “Oh no. You haven’t gone back to the house to shut the windows yet.”
Bree laughed. “I asked my brother to do it on his way to the college this morning.”
Then what could it be? Something with Simon? She doubted very much that the man had pulled his eyes from the TV long enough yesterday to get down on one knee. No, this wasn’t about her wedding planning services. Meaning, it was personal. “This sounds ominous.”
“Only if you want it to be,” Bree replied. She pursed her lips together, taking a big breath. “I want to set you up.”
“Oh, no.” Kate was shaking her head so hard, her hair was swooshing at her shoulders. “No, I told you, I’m fine on my own for now.”
“But don’t you want a date for the wedding this Saturday?”
“I don’t have time for a date,” she said. “I’m working the event, too, remember?” Besides, there was no room in the seating chart.
Bree gave Kate a scolding look. “Technically I’m working the event, too. And Simon will be there.”
Ah, yes. Simon. Simon with his glasses and lanky physique and long stride. He was sort of adorable and harmless-seeming. At first. Still, Kate understood why Bree had fallen so hard for him. It’s just that she wished she could find someone better.
“It’s just, he’s really handsome, three years older than you, and I think you two would really hit it off.”
Despite herself, Kate asked, “And how did you meet him and why have I never heard of him before?”
“Well, I met him when I was making a delivery.”
“Someone sent him flowers?” Kate stared at her cousin, incredulous.
“No.” Bree dragged out the word, rolling her eyes. “They were for his mother
. He’s staying with her for a bit. She’s not well, you see. And since he’s not from around here—”
“He doesn’t even live in Misty Point?” Kate poked at her salad.
“Seattle.” Catching Kate’s widened eyes, Bree hurried to say, “But he’s so nice. And he could probably use a friend.”
“I appreciate you thinking of me, but no.” Kate sighed at the mere thought of this less-than-ideal arrangement. “The man lives across the country. I don’t need any complications right now. What I need is a strong, sensitive man who is deeply loyal and devoted and happy just to sit by my side.” She chewed on a carrot stick. “Come to think of it, I’ve just described Henry. So there you have it. I already have the only man I need.”
“A dog is not a man.” Bree pursed her lips in disapproval. “Changing topics, how was the dinner last night?”
Kate wondered if she should mention that Charlotte’s name had finally been broached and then decided she was having far too nice of a time to upset herself two days in a row. Lunch with her cousin was always a nice time, even when Bree was trying to set her up on a date with a man who would soon be returning to Seattle.
“It was a nice time,” Kate admitted, realizing that it was. Though he had been quiet through the dinner, Alec was a perfect guest, something that should probably make her relax a little about how the rest of the week would carry out. “I think it was the first step in helping Alec and Elizabeth have a fresh start.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that happening between now and Saturday,” Bree said. “Last time I talked to her, she was still quite upset by the reaction they gave when the engagement was announced. She’s sure they don’t think she’s good enough to marry into their family.”
“I hate to think that was the reason for their reaction,” Kate said sadly, but she knew from experience that it was all too possible. She frowned a little, thinking of how Alec had broken the ice when that awkward silence had filled the dining room.
“Speaking of last night, do you know how Colleen’s date went?”
Bree’s mouth twitched. “He was tall and dark all right. And nineteen years old.”
Kate gave a whoop of delight. “Nineteen? I thought he was a lawyer.”
“An aspiring lawyer. You know, when he grows up someday? Colleen said he picked her up in his mother’s car. And he had a bouquet of flowers for her. From the grocery store.” Bree tsked.
“That’s sweet.” Kate pressed a hand to her heart, but she was laughing.
“It’s statutory!” Bree exclaimed. She shook her head. “Colleen seemed pretty upset when I saw her this morning on my way into work. I think she was looking pretty forward to this date. Now the focus is back on my brother, of course.”
Kate tried to imagine the fight that had broken out between Colleen and Fiona over this setup. She made a mental note to stay away from the tea shop for a while.
“Well, I guess I don’t need to worry about the change to the seating charts, then.”
“Not unless you heed your ever-so-wise cousin’s advice and try out this guy I highly recommend.” When she caught Kate’s expression, her own softened. “I just want what’s best for you. That’s what family is all about.”
Was it? Once Kate might have thought so.
She checked her watch. The afternoon was getting away from her. “I have a meeting with the best man himself today. I should call to let him know I’m on my way.” Kate pulled her phone from her pocket and scanned through her contact list for the Beacon Inn. Glancing across the table at Bree, she said, “Now don’t go getting excited. This is just a fitting. I’m not looking for anything.” Or anyone.
But if she were…
Nope. Alec was all wrong. Cute. Rich. Married to his job. And as if that wasn’t enough, he lived in Boston. And she hated Boston now.
She asked to be connected to his room and waited, setting her fork on the side of her plate and taking one last sip of her iced tea. She checked her watch. She’d have to leave right from the café if she wanted to get there in time.
“Ms. Daniels?”
Kate frowned as a man who was certainly not Alec came on the line. “Yes?”
“Mr. Montgomery has asked not to be disturbed.”
She felt her jaw slack. “Yes, but we have an appointment.”
“I understand that, miss, but there is nothing we can do. Perhaps you can try back again later.”
Oh, she would do just that. She turned off the phone and checked her watch again as a crash of lightning lit the sky, making her jump. So much for the rain. A storm had rolled into town the day the best man had set foot in Misty Point.
* * *
Charlotte nervously tapped her foot on the carpeted floor, resisting the urge to check her watch. Audrey would be getting hungry soon, and she hadn’t planned for this interview to go on for so long. She’d only given her upstairs neighbor, a lonely widow with three cats named Mrs. Jansen, two bottles, which she’d thought would be more than enough, considering Audrey slept so much. Honestly, who knew that newborns could sleep so much! Of course, Audrey mostly slept during the day, and usually only on walks, but she could sleep for hours if you pushed her around the park. Charlotte had practically memorized every tree and flower and bench plate.
“You don’t have much work experience.” The man interviewing her—God help her she’d never exactly caught his name—frowned at the paper she’d printed out in the library yesterday afternoon on one of her walks. “And I see a recent gap here. Tell me, what have you been doing since you worked at…Lighthouse Beach, is it?”
Oh, just following my sister’s fiancé to Boston on the off chance he’d want to claim his child, Bob.
Bob! Yes, that was his name. Charlotte smiled in relief.
“I recently moved here from Rhode Island,” Charlotte explained. Her stint as a parking guard at the beach in Misty Point was short-lived and not exactly relevant, but it was something, and she needed to give this everything she had. She paused to clear her throat as she thought fast. “I’ve been getting set up in the city, and finalizing some, uh, personal situations.”
“And how do you like Boston?” Bob asked, reaching for his coffee mug.
“I love it,” Charlotte fibbed. She’d always dreamed of getting out of Misty Point, reveling in the energy of the city on their annual weekend getaways to New York and Boston when she was growing up. She’d happily followed Jake to Boston, eager to start a bustling, busy life, excited to give her unborn child the glamorous experiences she so longed for herself.
But after ten months in that dark and depressing garden apartment that smelled a little too much like the Thai place next door, she longed for the feeling of lush, cool green grass between her toes, the salty air in her face, and the wind off the sea in her hair. She imagined Audrey at various stages of girlhood splashing in the water, clutching a plastic shovel with her chubby little hand, or running back to her with a pail full of shells. That was the childhood she wanted to give her daughter. Only now…How could she?
“Do you get out much?” Bob was now asking.
“Oh.” Charlotte jutted her lip, again wise enough to answer correctly. “Enough. I’m a bit of a homebody, though.” These days…
“Well, check out Little Italy if you haven’t already. I’m partial to a good pasta dish myself.”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes marginally.
“Well,” Bob continued, sliding her resume to the side of his desk. “Would you be able to start tomorrow?”
Charlotte suppressed the gurgle of glee that threatened to pop right past her lips, and instead swallowed hard, managing a very professional, “That shouldn’t be a problem. Thank you. Thank you for this opportunity.” And this paycheck! she thought giddily.
Her mind began to spin with possibilities. She’d buy Audrey that sweet little pink sundress she’d seen in a shop window on one of their walks. She hadn’t dared to walk in to the boutique, given the state of her credit card balance. But now…Now she’d giv
e her daughter something pretty, not just something practical. And who knew, she might be starting off as an insurance assistant, but before long, she might be an insurance agent herself.
Sure, it wasn’t exactly the glamorous type of position she’d always dreamed of, but she wasn’t dumb enough to think that dreams came true anymore.
But some did, she thought, thinking of that sweet baby waiting for her at home.
Charlotte stood, forgetting momentarily that she was wearing a maternity dress and that she had so carefully disguised her stubborn stomach bulge by carrying her handbag in front of her into the office.
Bob eyed her abdomen. Charlotte didn’t move. She knew what he was thinking. Probably wondering if she was pregnant, and how far along. Legally, he couldn’t ask; she knew that much. She licked her lips to cover her smile when she thought of how shocked he’d be to hear the real truth. That she was actually quite thin, or at least she used to be, and that no one ever told you that your tummy didn’t just instantly deflate back to normal as soon as the baby was born.
But then, there were a lot of things they didn’t tell you.
Deciding to end the mystery and save further speculation, she grinned and said, “I’ll have to treat myself to some Champagne tonight to celebrate!”
Bob frowned a little and then, seemingly relieved, grinned at her. “Your boyfriend will have to take you somewhere special.”
“Oh. No.” Charlotte shook her head, but there was a traitorous twist to her heart. “I’m on my own…”
Was it just her or did his smile almost turn into a leer? She laughed uneasily, feeling her back teeth graze as she began to edge toward the door.
So it wasn’t ideal. It was a job. And right now, she didn’t have much of a choice.
Chapter Eleven
Clutching the receiver in her hand, Kate closed her eyes as the phone rang a second time down the line. Please don’t be—
“The Beacon Inn, this is Raymond.”
Raymond, she finished her thought with a close of her eyes. She had now spoken with Raymond four times in forty minutes, and the last two times she had detected a telltale hint of amusement in his tone. She contemplated quickly hanging up and then decided against it. Who cared if she looked like a stalker? Saturday was quickly approaching, and it was her responsibility to make sure everything fell into place. If the best man didn’t want to cooperate, then it was her job to hunt him down and make him.
