All That Glitters: Glitz, Glam, and Billionaires

by Michele Hauf

“Heck ya, give it to the girls!” Chuck said via internet connection. “I have enough on my plate as it is.”

  “Which girls?” Hal asked.

  “Don’t know, don’t care,” Chuck said, “as long as it isn’t me. Oh, were you asking me or Silas, Hal?”

  “Anyone,” Hal said, “but probably Silas since this is his idea.”

  “All of them,” Silas said. “Gloria is already connected with lots of charities and knows the ins and outs of non-profits. Grace has been running back and forth between at least a dozen foundations, fighting white slavery and establishing recovery houses. And all the young girls – or both Vickie and Ria – have always had that nurturing, helping others bend. I just want to make sure that when we finally find Tori Lynn Whatever-Her-Last-Name is, she’ll have a place to come if she has that same passion, too.”

  “All those in favor say, ‘Aye.’” Roger asked.

  Everyone said, “Aye.”

  “And then they all Thrived…” Chuck said. “I gotta scoot. I have someone waiting for me in the other room. I promise that Ria and I will be there next week for the wedding. We still haven’t got a gift. Any suggestions?”

  “Just yourselves. The young couple insists that it’s a low-key event. For some reason, the groom and groomsmen are all wearing denim and fleece; the ladies, bright tees and flannels,” Grace said.

  “Except for the bride. Vickie said that wearing a white traditional gown was her gift to her mother,” Dusty added.

  “Probably the only bride in this family in generations who deserved it,” Roger said. “Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Shush,” Silas said. “Too much information.”

  “We’ll figure something out for them,” Chuck said. “Later!”

  Silas closed the laptop and looked over at Roger. “Do you think he’d be so easy going if it was Ria getting married?”

  “His day is coming, I’m sure,” Roger said. “Maybe sooner than he thinks.”

  January 30, 2010

  “I’m so nervous,” Gloria said, her hands fidgeting with the corsage sitting in front of her. “I can’t put this on myself!”

  “No one’s asking you, too,” Grace said. “Let me help.”

  Grace picked up the single orchid surrounded with white violets; white on white flowers set on a gathered white lace background. She set her hand under Gloria’s lapel and pinned the corsage on. “You know, I really think this is perfect. Yes, it’s simple, yet elegant. Just like Vickie. She never needed all the bling. We both know it made her uncomfortable. She always rebelled, saying, ‘Diamonds aren’t for everyone.’ But you know what? She’s the diamond. Tough, simple, sharp…”

  “Tough enough to cut through steel and determined enough to do it if needed. Yes, Grace, we brought up a great girl.”

  “I’m just glad you let me in her life!”

  “And I’m glad you gave her life! My goodness, I don’t know what we would have done if you had contested the adoption and tried to get her back. A simple DNA test would have proved you were her mother, and we didn’t have any documentation. Do you know how much I feared she’d send off for one of those DNA kits and find out that Roger and I weren’t her real parents?”

  “But you were her real parents,” Grace said. “Blood doesn’t make a parent. Good grief, look at Victoria! She’s my blood mother and horrid! She’s your sister, but you two couldn’t be more different. You may be my biological aunt, but I feel like you’re my sister. If I could ‘un-mother’ her, I would.”

  “Yes, and as soon as Vickie met you, she fell in love with you. She loved you for you, not because she was obligated by genetics. Blood meant nothing to her then and now. Love means everything and I know that.”

  “Yup, and that’s why she’s getting married today. I’m glad you and Roger are letting her. Those two just seem right together. I’m sure they’ll have a wonderful life, pursuing their dream.”

  “Oh, my God! I thought Chuck was going to pass out when you punked him, coming out in my dress.”

  “He really did believe me for a minute there,” Ria said, changing back into her casual maid of honor outfit – a denim skirt, leather boots, and white tank top with a red plaid shirt over it.

  “Who was that guy you brought to play your intended?” Vickie asked. “He’s kind of cute.”

  “No, he’s an absolute doll! I thought you met him before, though. He was with me for a while at the rehearsal dinner.”

  “No, I was late, remember?” Vickie turned her back to Ria. “Can you zip this for me?”

  Ria pushed the veil train aside and zipped her in. “Yeah, what was that all about? Late to your own wedding rehearsal dinner? I thought I was going to have to dash out and come back in and fake being you again.”

  “Again? You’ve done it before?” Vickie asked, turning around to give her the evil eye, then laughing at her own joke. “Yeah, I tried it three times but only got away with it once. It’d be easier if we lived closer. Now if the folks are suspicious, they look up to see if I’m wearing a hat or have my hair down. Kind of hard to fake the ears.”

  “Easier for you than me,” Ria said. “You can stuff a wad of modeling clay behind each one to make them stick out. Taping mine back is a little more obvious.” Ria held her ear back with one finger, checking the effect. “Do you think I should get my ears done?”

  “Don’t you dare! I know it’s your body and all that, but you’re perfect just the way you are. Don’t let anyone else’s idea of beauty make you change you, all right?”

  “All right,” Ria said. “Now, hair up or down?” she asked, lifting her loose curls.

  “Let’s go for the elegant country: hair up with denim and red flannel. Show off those angel ears!”

  “So, why were you late to your own rehearsal. Were you and Rich finally getting it on?”

  “Ria!”

  “Ah, that’s an evasive reply. I’ll take that as a yes. Watch it. Grace said she got pregnant the first time.”

  Vickie blushed, lips pursed in frustration, wanting to deny what her sister suspected but knowing it was no use. She blew out her held breath. “Don’t tell anyone, please.”

  “Duh! It’s nobody’s business, including mine. Two days early is close enough. You still deserve to wear white.”

  “What about you, Ria? The hunk? Are you two ‘getting it on’?”

  “Eet!” Ria made a noise like a penalty buzzer. “Not your business!”

  “So, you’re not blushing or mad at me for suggesting it which means you’re not doing anything, but you’d like to be. I know I’ve never met him, but he looks familiar.”

  “Don’t concern yourself with us. You’re the one getting married in,” Ria looked up at the clock, “fifteen minutes. Where are the moms?” she asked, walking through the doorway to look down the hall.

  “Oooh! You said, ‘Don’t concern yourself with us,’ not me. More serious than you want anyone but me to know about. Don’t worry, my lips are sealed.”

  Ria quickly looked back at Vickie and said, “Shush!” then left.

  A moment later, three women came in. “Oh, here you are!” Gloria said, following Ria back into the room, Grace beside her. “We were looking all over the place for you. I still think we should have had the wedding at the Club. At least, I wouldn’t have gotten lost.” Gloria fanned herself with the announcement. “I’m sorry, dear. Danged hot flashes make me moody. This is your day. Really, if this is where you want to have your wedding, it’s fine with us. All of us.”

  “I hope so since it’s almost time. Grace, would you help me with this makeup? I can’t get this eyeliner straight and I know Mom can’t see up close.”

  “Oh, I feel so inadequate,” Gloria moaned.

  “Why don’t you help me with my hair?” Ria asked. “I can’t see the back of my head and want to make sure I don’t have a flat spot. Can you do that for me?”

  “Oh, yes, dear. I’m so glad you and Chuck could come. Where is he?”

  “I th
ink he met a new old friend. They’re getting reacquainted,” Ria said.

  “Man, I wish he’d get a boyfriend,” Grace said. “He’s been alone for way too long.”

  “A boyfriend?” Gloria gasped. “He’s gay?”

  “Well, duh!” Ria said. “Do you think Dusty would let a straight man hug on Grace like that?”

  “Well, I don’t know…” Gloria bent back to picking up the curls in Ria’s hair and pinning them in place. “I guess it doesn’t make any difference,” she said.

  “I know he goes on dates occasionally, claiming he’s ‘going out with the guys.’ But I’ve seen the way some men check him out. Women, too, but he never returns their looks. He is the epitome of discretion. I don’t think he knows that I know. I tried to bring it up once and he got so flustered and embarrassed, I decided that it really wasn’t any of my business. As soon as I’m ready to go out on my own, he can do his own thing, find his Mr. Right, or at least look around for him.”

  “Wow! That’s pretty sensitive,” Grace said, sitting back in the chair, overwhelmed with emotions.

  “Brought up by a gay dad who is also a non-profit physician,” Ria said. “Of course, I’m sensitive! Okay, are we about done here? I’m not wearing any makeup because as the sensitive person that I am, I’ll be crying before Vickie takes her first step down the aisle. Sniff, sniff. See what I mean?”

  Gloria opened her purse and handed Ria an embroidered handkerchief. “Here you go, honey. You can keep it. I packed at least a dozen of them.”

  “That’s a good thing,” Grace said, plucking one of them out of her friend’s Coach bag, using it to dab under her nose. “I’m glad you planned ahead.”

  “Everyone decent?” Roger called into the room. “They’re ready for us.”

  All eyes looked at Vickie and grinned.

  “Last chance to back out,” Roger teased. He suddenly became serious when he noticed his daughter was pale and blinking back tears. He moved in close and held her tight. “Because if you don’t want to do this, it’s not too late. Anything you decide is fine with us. No one will think less of you…”

  Vickie reached up and stilled him with a soft hand to his chest. “I’m fine, Daddy. You’re not losing me. You’re gaining a son. I never heard you wish you had had one, but you’re getting one anyhow. All right?”

  Roger nodded and sniffed, then stepped back and took a handkerchief from the inside of his jacket to stifle his liquid emotions.

  “Okay. I’m ready,” Vickie said. She looked around the room. “All noses wiped and tears erased? I hope so because I’m ready to become Mrs. Richard Rickman the Third!”

  Ria lined up the ladies in the order they were entering, making sure all the men were ready to escort the women. “Where’s my dad?” she whispered to Grace.

  “He dashed out of here before we came to see you. He said he had to go get Vickie’s present. What did he get her?”

  “Danged if I know. He’s back to being Mr. Mysterious again.”

  Hal stood at the front of the line, waiting for the others to make last-minute adjustments, anxious at standing so close to his college sweetheart without her husband at her side. Finding a trickle of courage to make a joke, he whispered to Gloria, “I always knew I’d be escorting you down the aisle someday,” and subconsciously added a flirtatious wink.

  She lightly slapped his hand. “That was eons ago,” she whispered harshly but with a tint of levity. She switched it to sincerity. “I’m not sorry Victoria messed everything up between us, though, because I wound up with Roger. But I do regret her latching her claws into you.”

  “Yeah, well she was one vicious tigress. It took me years to get her off my back, but I managed it.” He watched her face carefully and added, “At least I got Grace out of it.”

  She flushed suddenly, her gloved hand up to fan her face. “Damned hot flashes,” she hissed.

  Hal grabbed one of the flyers from the table next to them and offered it to her. “So, are my suspicions true?” he asked. “Victoria had others besides me?”

  “As you have said many times, the only good you ever got out of my sister was Grace. Let’s leave it at that. Blood isn’t everything, right?” she asked, then fixed him with a stare that said, ‘Drop it!’

  Hal took a deep breath and groaned. “You’re right.”

  The electronic keyboard in the hall started playing Mendelssohn's Wedding March, stopping any further discussion on the subject of Grace’s paternity. Gloria looked over at Hal, moistness reddening his eyes. “Your granddaughter – my daughter – is getting married in a minute. Pull it together, Hal. You got this.”

  He looked at her and patted her hand again. “Yeah, I do. Come on, Mom. Let’s go hear them share their I do’s.”

  “I, Richard Othello Albert Rickman the Third, promise to love, cherish, and work through any disagreements with my spouse, through sickness and health, poverty and wealth, whether we’re near or miles apart. You are and always will be my mate for life. Swans have nothing on us, Vickie Lynn Thornwhistle.”

  “I, Vickie Lynn Thornwhistle, promise to be your best friend, confidant, dedicated lover, mother to your children, helpmate, and coworker, and even cook and mend for you, wherever we may be, whatever our financial or health circumstances, forever and ever, amen.”

  “By the power invested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Silas said. He looked up to the audience, scanning for the one missing member of his adopted family – Chuck. He spotted him, grinning at the late arrival when he saw the three people he had brought with him. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rickman the Third!”

  Rather than bend to kiss her, Rich stepped back, took a deep breath, then gave a graduate-level lion’s roar. Loud and long, he embellished his performance with arms waving in the air before ending with a gasp and a huge smile.

  The audience clapped, hooted, and whistled at his display of victory.

  Vickie Lynn stepped forward and brought her hands up, then lowered them slowly, indicating she wanted everyone to calm down. “Now, as everyone knows, it’s the lioness who actually does the hunting, making sure her mate is well-fed and safe from predators.” She took a deep breath, looked around to make sure she had everyone’s attention, then gave her own resounding roar, eliciting even more cheers, whistles, and foot stomps.

  When she was finished with her loud feline claim, Rich pulled her close and looked her in the eye, letting her catch her breath for what was coming next. “Come here, wife. There’s nothing in this world we can’t conquer together.”

  The two embraced and kissed to more cheers and tears. Even Silas shed a few dribbles of liquid happiness before the couple finally broke apart. “To the banquet room, everyone!” he said. “Line up to kiss the bride, then it’s cake and champagne!”

  “Are you sure we should have come, Luther?” Leanne whispered from the back row, catching glimpses of the newlywed couple over and between the shoulders of the guests, trying to watch the proceedings without being seen. “I mean, we didn’t even get an invitation.”

  “Are you kidding? We got a second-hand verbal and that’s good enough for me. Plus, if Gloria would have known where to send the invite, I’m sure she would have. You’ve been wanting to see the other girls for over eighteen years, and now you’re wanting to leave? Not a snowball’s chance in the Sahara for that one. Look at Tori.”

  Tori Lynn Greene, huddled in-between coats and sweaters hanging from the hooks on the wall, was sneaking a glimpse of the guests, then pulling jacket sleeves back to disappear into the fabric and fur. Why did we have to come here? Who are these people they want me to meet? I want to go home…

  ***The End of Diamonds Aren’t for Everyone: Vickie’s Story***

  ***Book Two of Triplets: Three Aren’t One***

  Afterword

  I’m not leaving out anyone in this series, Triplets: Three Aren’t One. Tori Lynn just takes a bit longer to get to know
folks. She, Vickie and Rhianna, Chuck, Grace and Dusty, and all those wannabe grandpas and everyone else in the family will be back very soon. If you haven’t yet read Grace’s story, check out The Set Up, part of Invincible Secrets box set.

  Here’s a quick overview of the stories in the series:

  Grace – Surviving an evil mother was just the first of her challenges. A gritty women’s fiction story. The Set Up, part of Invincible Secrets box set.

  Vickie – Gloria and Roger’s daughter – is dealing with lifestyles of the rich and famous in Diamonds Aren’t for Everyone, part of All That Glitters box set (release late January 2020).

  Ria and her healing-oriented beau who has That Magic Touch will be giving her dad – Chuck, remember him? – fits in the box set Doctors in Love: Sexy and Committed (release mid-February 2020).

  The Woodstock hippie botanists – Luther and Leanne – have their hands full with their spunky terror. How Love Grows follows Tori Lynn, an independent beauty who doesn’t want to be taken at face value, as she tries not to fall in love with the new hand on her parent’s pot farm. Catch up with the whole oddball crew in the new romantic comedy set Cute But Crazy (release date mid-March 2020).

  Oh, and I haven’t forgotten the three ‘old guys’ – Papa Doc, Hal, and Silas – and the happy-ever-after couple Grace and Dusty. They’ll be popping in and out of these stories, too. Stay tuned!

  Thanks for reading, and remember, authors love to get honest reviews!

  About the Author

  Author Dani Haviland started writing late in life and has been making up for lost time with a flood of works from sports, gritty tales, time travel, and Sweet and Sassy romances to Unforgettable romantic suspense and cozy mystery stories – with a Christmas Short thrown in to round out the reading experience.

  Dani is also the owner of Chill Out! Books, one of the publishers for The Authors' Billboard. Follow her on Amazon and BookBub to make sure you get her latest stories.