by Lavinia Kent
“And you must be busy with Charlotte’s wedding as well. It’s never easy being a bridesmaid.”
“A bridesmaid?” What was Anne talking about—was there something going on she didn’t know about? Shit. She should have just nodded until she understood.
“I’m planning the reception, so I know you’re on the list for the head table. I assume that means you’re a bridesmaid. Or are you maid of honor?”
What did she say to that? That it was one more trick by her sister, another subtle put-down. “No, I’m not maid of honor. And good for you being asked to plan the wedding. That’s a real compliment. Charlotte is so picky about everything.”
Anne smiled, her mouth tight. “Don’t I know it. I’ve had to bring in six different roses in order to find one that she considered blush. I’ve worked with particular brides before, but always with more time. I can’t believe how much she expects for the time frame. I’m happy to get everything together in a little over two months, but normally the bride understands that means compromise.”
“And Charlotte doesn’t?” That did sound like her little sister. Charlotte expected the best of everything. “No, don’t answer that. I know you can’t say anything about a client—particularly not to her family.” Their father had made it clear that family unity was important, and no matter what schisms might exist, they must never be revealed to the outside world.
Anne just smiled.
“Do you have time to join me for brunch?” Veronica asked. “I was thinking of grabbing something at Lily’s. I noticed the patio was open, so Baxter won’t be a problem. I could really go for a mimosa.”
Anne bit down on her lip. “I don’t often—I mean, Jack normally expects me home on the weekends, but he went into the office and…Oh hell, why not.”
“Then let’s go.” She gave Baxter’s leash that gentle tug, and they headed off down the street.
Chapter 7
Once they were seated, Veronica took a deep breath. She needed this. It had been far too long since she’d had a relaxing lunch with a friend. It was time she did something besides work—and think about Brian. She’d had lunch with Jordan several weeks ago, but that had been the last time—and it had been all about Jordan’s man problems.
Now it was her chance. And if she was going to take advantage of this opportunity to relax, the first thing she needed to do was open up. “I actually don’t think I’m a bridesmaid. If I am, Charlotte hasn’t said anything and the wedding is only three weeks away. I am probably only at the head table because I’m family.” Although it would be just like Charlotte to tell her the day before and then present her with a hideous dress—either a size too small or six sizes too big—but then, surely her sister wouldn’t risk ruining her own wedding.
Anne set her handbag on the extra chair. “Hmm. I don’t know. I’m only responsible for the reception and the flowers for the ceremony. Often the wedding party, particularly the women, get involved—sometimes helping, more often putting in their own demands—but this time I haven’t heard anything from anyone except Charlotte. Forgive me if I made an assumption.”
“No, that’s okay. You know me well enough to be aware that things aren’t always smooth with my family.”
Anne shrugged. “I don’t really have a family, so I can’t comment. I’ve never understood what normal is supposed to be like.”
“I think one thing I’ve learned looking at myself and my friends is that there is no normal. You do what works for you.”
Conversation died for a moment as the server came. Baxter had settled by Veronica’s feet, not even rising at the smell of food from neighboring tables.
“I did want to tell you how much I enjoyed your party a few weeks ago,” Veronica said once they were alone again. “I know I sent a thank-you note, but I meant to call and tell you in person. I can understand why Charlotte asked you to plan her wedding. I hear that your business is really taking off.”
Anne’s brow tightened for a moment. “It’s nice of you to say that, but I think it had more to do with my being available on such short notice—and that the country club put me on their approved list so quickly—something that I think has more to do with my husband than with my reputation. I can’t imagine they’d ever risk offending him.”
“I’m sure it’s more than that.”
“And speaking of the party, didn’t I see you talking to the dog walker there—heading out into the dark? I’d forgotten about it until now.”
Veronica swallowed—and just when she’d decided that nobody had noticed that. It had been three weeks. Surely it should have come up before this—even if she hadn’t talked to Anne. “I can’t deny it. And I’m sorry if I took him away from work. He did say he’d already taken care of his responsibilities.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Anne turned as the server set two mimosas on the table.
“I thought he might be working as a waiter. Wasn’t he? I meant to ask him, but it never came up.” Not that she’d given it a chance to.
Anne’s brow creased again. “I have to admit I can’t be sure. I thought I knew most of the waiters that particular caterer employs—I use them often for parties—but I don’t hire the waiters myself, so I’m not sure. I’d assumed he was somebody from Jack’s list. He always has a bunch of people I don’t know, but normally he introduces me to them, and I admit that I never got an introduction to—”
“His name is Brian Walsh. He’s Mrs. Clouster’s nephew.”
Anne’s brows drew together. “Hmm. I don’t remember the name, but that doesn’t mean anything. I normally just glance at Jack’s list—unless it’s a seated affair and I have to figure out seating arrangements. That’s a whole different story.”
“I can’t imagine how they would know each other.” She was sounding like a snob again. What was it about Forbidden Cove that brought out this side of her? She knew Anne had been working as a cleaning woman when she first met Jack. Veronica could only hope her words weren’t taken the wrong way.
Luckily Anne smiled. “You’d be surprised. Jack is likely to invite anyone. If he has a good conversation with the guy in the coffee shop he might extend an invite. It’s one of the things I love about him. He cares much more about finding someone interesting than who they are. It’s part of why we don’t have someone at the door asking for invites. I’ve finally persuaded him that he needs to let me know if he invites someone—but even then, he’s far from perfect. I do know that I saw Jack talking to Brian for a long time, and they were having a good laugh. I think I heard something about sports—goals or shots or something. I confess I wasn’t paying attention. Maybe they root for the same team.”
“That explains things.” Veronica laughed. “I couldn’t quite figure out why Brian was there—although I still think he might have been a waiter. That black pants and white shirt thing.”
“It does make it hard to tell. Do you want me to ask Diane? She’s my contact at the catering company. Or I could ask Jack. He’d clearly know something either way.”
“No. I mean, it doesn’t really matter. I was just curious.”
Was Anne’s brow furrowing yet again? “Okay. I won’t ask what you were doing in the dark, then. I’m sure it was all perfectly innocent. You were probably simply discussing your schedule, when you needed him.”
And why did that put a bunch of filthy pictures in her mind? Need him? She needed him right now. She took a long pull of her ice water, wishing she could sponge her face with it. “Something like that.” She paused. Why was she acting like this? “Actually, we were going out so he could give me the sweetest kiss of my life. I don’t know why I was avoiding being honest. I’ve always prided myself on not being ashamed of what I do, but you know my father’s been hinting at making me a partner soon. He talks about retiring and I don’t want to do anything to upset him. There are a couple of other junior partners at the firm
, but it’s his firm and I’m kind of hoping he’ll name me his successor—particularly with Charlotte getting married.”
Anne sighed, “You kissed him?” Clearly that was the only part she was interested in.
“And you don’t care about my father, do you? You only want to know about Brian.” She glanced down at the table, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “Yes, I kissed him, and maybe something else happened, but when I said I didn’t want him to stay he took it far better than I would have believed. He seemed to sincerely care what I wanted, more than he did about his own desires. What kind of man acts like that? I mean, yes, a considerate one, a knowledgeable one, a caring one, a smart one—but other than that?” And she could only hope that answered enough of Anne’s questions without actually giving too much away.
It made Anne smile. “I knew that you didn’t head outside just for fresh air.”
“I was hoping no one noticed. You see, I asked him to Veronica’s wedding. I was figuring that nobody would recognize him, but if you’ve noticed him about town, then…”
“…then every woman in town who has eyes that see has noticed him. You can’t not see him when he runs through town or on the beach. And when he lets all those dogs cuddle up against him—how could any woman resist that?”
“Maybe I should cancel on him, then? I honestly can’t afford…”
“I wouldn’t. Not if you want him as your date. I said every woman, but your dad is definitely not a woman.”
“That’s true. I can’t imagine that he’s ever noticed a dog walker—or a waiter—in his life, and it’s been years since he’s been close enough to the beach to notice someone running on it.”
Anne laughed. “And even when he was going to the beach, it was definitely not the men he was looking at.”
“Fine, I’ll bring Brian. What could go wrong?”
“Well, we both know that plenty could, but if something’s going to go wrong, it won’t matter what you do. However carefully you plan, fate can find you.”
“That’s far truer than I like to believe. Do you think I should talk to Charlotte to double-check that I don’t have a position in the wedding? Oh, don’t answer. I’m really asking myself, even though I already know the answer. Yes, I need to talk to her—gently. I don’t want her to think that I am angling to be a bridesmaid. My goal isn’t to give her any more stress before her wedding. I imagine she’s a bridezilla already.”
Anne looked down at the table. “I did make it sound that way, didn’t I, talking about the roses? But, yes, talk to her—although I am sure I misunderstood.” She looked up again. “No, she’s not, or at least no more than most brides. In fact, she may be better. Yes, she knows exactly what she wants, and demands it, but she doesn’t keep changing the bar on me or get upset by things that can’t be controlled. She’s a hard worker and expects everyone else to be the same way.”
Veronica felt a slow blush rise on her cheeks. Had she wanted Charlotte to be a bridezilla? “I know you’re right. She does work hard and has realistic, if demanding, expectations. I’m actually pleased when we have to work together.” That wasn’t quite true. There was something weirdly competitive between them, but neither one of them ever let it affect the finished product.
Anne leaned forward, both elbows on the table. “Now tell me more about the beautiful Brian. I know you said it was spur of the moment when you asked him to the wedding, but you must have known him at least a little to ask—and to head out into the dark with him.”
The blush rose higher on Veronica’s cheeks. “No, I really didn’t—and I’ve sort of avoided getting to know him since. Mostly I’ve been busy, but…It’s crazy, isn’t it? I mean, I was happy with what happened, but…”
“You’re being very vague about what actually occurred.”
And she was going to keep it that way. She bent down to give Baxter a good scratch behind the ears, avoiding Anne’s look. Baxter snorted—or was that a snore? “He walked me outside and, well…he gave me that sweet, sweet kiss—then he got me a ride home.” She wasn’t going to say that he’d gone with her, unless asked directly.
“Tell me more about that kiss. What does sweet mean? I want details.”
“No.” Now, that had been a bit too emphatic. “Sorry. It’s just that it’s hard to explain.”
Anne kept watching her.
“Okay. Fine. He held back, wanting to be sure that I knew what I was doing, that I hadn’t had too much champagne.”
“That sounds good, so…?”
She should have thought it through more before letting the conversation head in this direction. “So, what more is there to say?”
Anne raised one brow. “You know exactly what more there is to say, but I’ll let you off the hook. And it’s fine if you don’t want a relationship—but if you decide you do, he sounds perfect for a bit of fun, and you always were good with that.”
And what was the problem? She’d been telling herself it was not wanting anyone to know, but was that really the truth? “That’s true.”
“I mean, if you weren’t attracted to him or the kiss wasn’t good, that’s one thing, but if he makes your panties damp, then…”
Damp? They were drenched when she thought of him. Was that why she was avoiding him? Was she too attracted to him? Maybe she did need to do something about it, about him. Her desire clearly was not fading away.
Her phone buzzed. Brian? She couldn’t help wishing— No, Charlotte. Can you come over here? I need a little help.
She stared at the phone for a moment. Glancing up at Anne, she shrugged apologetically. Charlotte asking for help. Now, that was unusual—actually, unheard of. What could her sister want? Well, there was only one way to find out.
Where’s here? Dad’s? Her sister would hate any delay, but she couldn’t resist. I could be there in about an hour. I am out now.
The wait for a reply seemed far too long. Charlotte had only just texted her, she probably still had the phone in her hand.
And then, Fine. I’ll see you at my father’s house.
Veronica could almost feel the zing through the phone—but then, she’d known she was asking for it. She picked up her wine and took a good slug. She might need it.
“I need you to pick up some photo albums from the country club and then drop this place-card list off at the printers,” Charlotte said before even greeting her.
Printers? Who still used a professional printer—and wasn’t this exactly the sort of thing that Anne took care of?
Swallowing the It’s good to see you too, she pasted a bright smile on her face. “Sure. I am happy to help in any way I can. I had lunch with Anne Petersen and she told me how excited you are.”
“You had lunch with Anne?” Charlotte’s eyes flashed.
God, she had to stop reading so much into everything her sister did and said. It was only a question, a very simple question. “Yes, I ran into her while I was walking Baxter.”
“Baxter? Who’s Baxter? I don’t think I know a Baxter.”
It was harder to hold the smile. “Baxter, my dog—he used to be Aaron’s.” It was just like Charlotte to forget their dead brother’s dog.
And with that, Charlotte’s face paled. “You don’t need to be mean. I simply don’t like to think about it.”
And clearly Charlotte read too much into her words too. “I wasn’t—or at least I really didn’t mean to be. You just caught me off guard—not remembering. It’s not like I never talk about him.” And even she wasn’t sure if she meant Aaron or Baxter.
Charlotte’s color didn’t return. “I know.” She turned away and looked past Dad’s house, to the water. “I’ve been missing him, thinking about how different everything would be if he were still alive.”
“I think about that too sometimes. I don’t believe I’d ever have gone to work for Dad if Aaron were still alive.
I’d probably have decided to do some sort of human interest law—something he would have liked. I imagine him working for the ACLU or something.”
Charlotte’s lips turned up slightly, but not in a comforting way. “I am not so sure. You never lived with him. Oh, I think he might have started out with something high-minded, but then he would have come to work for Dad, like he was supposed to.”
“I don’t —”
“I know you always thought he was wonderful, but he knew what side his bread was buttered on. It’s easy to do good deeds when your father is willing to buy you a new Lexus as your first car—and that’s simply to help you learn to be responsible.”
“Aaron wasn’t like that. He couldn’t help what Dad did.” Charlotte clearly didn’t know what she was talking about.
“Aaron was exactly like that—not that I blame him. It’s what he was used to. And Dad gave him freedom because he knew Aaron would return when the time was right. I’ve come to think he saw himself in Aaron, free to make youthful decisions, but ready to act maturely when the time was right.”
Veronica didn’t want to believe her sister. “I am not going to argue with you. I just know that my life would have been different if Aaron had lived.”
“That’s true, I am simply not sure it would have been in the ways you imagine. I know that I wouldn’t have been rushing to marry Greg if…”
“If what?”
“Oh, it doesn’t matter. But you know that Dad likes everything set up exactly right, and he thinks it’s time that we married—and he is correct. He told me that he wanted me married before he announced his retirement, that there is no reason to wait, that it would make everything easier.”
“What? I don’t think I understand. Do you mean…?”
Charlotte turned away, making it clear that the moment was over, that sisterly bonding was complete. “Now, I need you to rush over to the Club before they get busy. I would send Mabel, the new housekeeper, but then I’d have to call ahead and clear everything. You’re a member, so it’s so much easier.”
