A flush came across her mother’s face. “I’m afraid I can’t make it this Sunday, honey. I made other plans. Harry is taking me to an art show in Sonoma.”
“Harry?” Then Jenna remembered who Harry was. “Your new neighbor, Harry?”
“Yes. He’s a lovely man and very good company.” She said the words nervously, as if she was afraid that Jenna might not approve.
“I think that’s great. You’ll have to tell me all about it.”
“Thanks, honey.”
Jenna left her mother’s shop and drove the short distance to her studio, thinking about her mother. She was glad that she seemed to be moving on finally and she was curious to meet her new neighbor.
It had been seven years since her father had died on the job. He had been a cop, too, like Quinn and Charlie. He’d been very good at his job and was just a few years from retiring when a routine visit to question a suspect had gone terribly wrong. It was a domestic violence situation and when her father had tried to intervene, he’d been shot and killed. They’d always known it was a risk of the job, but that didn’t make his death any less devastating. It had been a very difficult time for her mother and for Jenna, but she knew it was so much worse for her mother.
She couldn’t imagine being married to someone with such a dangerous job, worrying every day if they would make it home that night. She admired those who did it, like Quinn and Charlie, but she knew it was hard on Bethany at times. After her father’s death, knowing all the worrying her mother had done over the years, Jenna realized she could never handle that in a relationship. Dating a cop was out of the question.
* * *
Charlie was going to one of the biggest mansions in the city for dinner. He dressed appropriately, a tie and blazer, and was looking forward to an elegant evening with one of his favorite people. He pulled into the circular driveway and parked his jeep next to a bright red Mercedes coupe. Her favorite car. He made his way to the door, knocked and then Sam, who had been the butler for as long as he could remember, opened it and greeted him warmly.
“Charlie, so good to see you. She’s been looking forward to your visit.”
“How are you, Sam?” The gray-haired man was in his early sixties and still had a slight English accent, even though he’d been in the states for over forty years.
“Never better. She’s waiting for you in the drawing room. I was just mixing her martini. What can I get for you?”
“I’ll have one as well, thank you.”
Sam raised his eyebrow. “Extra olives?”
“Yes, please.”
“Are those for her?” Sam glanced at the bouquet of tulips that Charlie was holding and he nodded. “I’ll put them in some water.”
Sam walked off toward the kitchen with the flowers as Charlie made his way into the drawing room. When she saw him, her face lit up and she eased off the sofa to greet him. She kissed him loudly on the cheek as he pulled her in for a bear hug.
“How’s my favorite nephew?”
“Your only nephew is just fine. And you look beautiful, as always,” he said with a grin as he settled on the opposite side of the flowered sofa. His Aunt Daisy was wearing one of her many caftans. This one was a silky, midnight blue with silver embroidery and glittering stones around the neckline. Her platinum blonde hair was a masterpiece of carefully arranged waves that just brushed her collar bone. Her piercing, blue eyes twinkled and didn’t miss a thing. She assessed him critically.
“You’ve lost weight. Have you been forgetting to eat again?”
“Just hitting the gym more. Need to keep in shape,” he lied. He had been so preoccupied lately that he had missed a few meals here and there. He always did when he was into his work or otherwise distracted. His aunt knew him well.
“Well, we’ll start fattening you up tonight. I thought we’d get two pizzas from Tony’s. Ricotta and sausage and lemon chicken Alfredo with broccoli, and of course cannoli for dessert. Sound good?”
His stomach rumbled and he tried not to smile as he just realized that he’d missed lunch. “Sounds perfect.”
Sam returned a moment later, carrying a large silver tray that held their martinis, side glasses with their rocks from mixing the drink and an elegant glass vase that held the tulips Charlie had brought. Sam handed each of them their drinks and then set the flowers on the coffee table between them.
“From your nephew.”
“Oh, those are lovely! Thank you, Sam, and thank you, Charlie. Tulips are my favorite.”
“I know.” He was glad to see her so happy. His Aunt Daisy was the only family that he had left since losing his parents many years ago, when he was in eighth grade. He’d moved into the mansion then and though it had been an awful time for him, he’d come through it relatively unscathed, because of her love and attention.
Aunt Daisy had always been about fun. She’d married well three times and somehow had managed to stay on speaking terms with her first two husbands. She finally found true love with her third marriage, until he passed away peacefully in his sleep a few years back. Charlie looked up at the sound of tiny footsteps approaching them.
“Oh, look who just woke up,” Aunt Daisy said as a tiny dog ran over to her and she scooped him onto her lap. Goliath was a four-pound Yorkshire terrier and the current love of her life. Charlie had to admit, he was a cute little guy. He looked purebred, but his aunt had rescued him from a local shelter. He’d been sick and his owners didn’t want to bother with giving him medicine.
That’s all Aunt Daisy had needed to hear. Goliath came home with her that day, was on medicine for a few weeks and had been fine ever since. As he always did, when he saw Goliath, Charlie felt the urge to get a dog. But he knew it wouldn’t be fair. He wasn’t home enough to give any animal the attention it deserved.
“You’ve gone quiet on me. Penny for your thoughts?”
Charlie chuckled and then admitted, “I was just thinking I really would love to get a dog, someday.”
Aunt Daisy cocked her head and studied him quietly for a moment.
“Dogs are a big commitment. You know that, though, which is why you haven’t gotten one yet. Are you still dating Marilyn?”
“Marlene, and no. I ended things recently.”
Aunt Daisy perked up at that. “Oh, that’s interesting. I never much cared for her, as you know.”
Charlie nodded. She never held back on sharing her opinion about the girls he dated, if she met them. Which she usually managed to do, if he dated them long enough.
“Yes, you made that very clear. Turns out you were right.”
“I knew it. She was angling to get married? Let me guess…it started soon after you brought her here?”
Charlie hadn’t really thought much about the timing before, but realized his aunt was right. Marlene had been fun, and pretty good company until he brought her to one of his aunt’s cocktail parties. The Sprinkles mansion was famous in San Francisco. It sat high atop a hill and was a massive, three story building that had been built at the turn of the century and had over thirty rooms. It was opulent, and impressive.
Charlie took it for granted, but he knew how it could look to an outsider. Aunt Daisy was insanely rich and no doubt Marlene assumed he was, too. He’d never thought about that, though. There wasn’t a trust fund, though Aunt Daisy had said more than once that everything would go to him someday. He didn’t care about her money, though. He’d rather have Aunt Daisy around and hoped that she’d live well into her 90’s.
“You may be right about that,” he said.
“Good riddance, then. Is there someone new?”
“No, no one. I’m just busy with work right now.” Between work and his special project, there wasn’t a lot of spare time.
“What about that pretty neighbor of yours? Jill?”
“Jenna? She and I are just good friends. She’s great.”
“She’s a sweet girl. I liked her when you brought her by.”
Charlie smiled. Jenna had loved Aunt Dai
sy. They’d gotten along well.
“She liked you, too. Said she wants to be like you when she grows up,” he teased.
His aunt looked thoughtful for a moment, and then pleased with herself.
“She’s a photographer, right? Why don’t you bring her to my Daffodil Derby party? You were planning to come?” Aunt Daisy’s Daffodil Derby party was legendary. It was a celebration of spring with daffodils everywhere and a special viewing of the Kentucky derby.
“She might like that. I’ll ask her.”
“All the important people will be there. It might be good for her,” his aunt said with enthusiasm. From anyone else it would have sounded snobbish, but Charlie knew it was true. It would be a good opportunity for Jenna to meet some influential people and potential clients for her photography services.
Aunt Daisy was an active philanthropist and was very involved in the art community. The party would also be a lot of fun as there would be a lively betting pool for the race as well as live music for dancing later.
“Good. I’m glad we got that settled. Are you ready to eat? Let’s order that pizza.”
Chapter 3
Charlie knocked on Jenna’s door at a quarter to six Thursday night. They were meeting Carolyn and George at Marshall’s Pub, an Irish bar and restaurant just a few minutes down the road. She let him in as she went to find her purse and jacket. Felix came running and rubbed against Charlie’s leg, purring loudly. He bent over and scratched him behind the ears.
“Your cat loves me,” he said proudly.
Jenna laughed. “Felix loves everyone, especially if they give him attention.”
She pulled on her jacket and they headed out to Charlie’s Jeep. Once they were inside and on their way, she felt a hint of nervousness. It had been a long time since she’d been set up with someone.
“Tell me more about George. You like him?” she asked.
“He seems like a nice enough guy. I don’t know him all that well. He’s only been here for a few months. Smart guy, funny sometimes. Not as funny as me, of course.”
“Haha. You’re such a comedian.”
“What about Carolyn? You really think she might be my type?”
Jenna thought about that for a minute, then nodded. “I do. She’s pretty, very stylish, tall and thin. She’s career focused, but seems interested in sports, too.”
“She sounds too good to be true,” he said skeptically. Jenna swatted his arm.
“She’s nice, you’ll see. Even if there’s not a love connection, you’ll like her.”
Charlie pulled into the parking lot and found a spot near the door. They were the first ones there, so they grabbed a corner table in the bar where they could see people as they came in. Irene, their usual waitress, came right over and they ordered a round of drinks, chardonnay for Jenna and an IPA draft beer for Charlie. After Irene returned with their drinks, Jenna saw Carolyn come through the door and waved her over.
She settled next to Jenna and she introduced them to each other. Charlie smiled pleasantly and Jenna had to imagine he found Carolyn attractive. She looked gorgeous with her long blonde hair, skinny jeans, casual sweater and friendly smile. Jenna had liked her immediately when she’d first met her.
Charlie was waving at someone and Jenna followed his gaze to see a tall, dark-haired man coming their way. Charlie made the introductions and then George sat next to Charlie, across from Carolyn.
George was pleasant looking. His hair was short. He wore glasses and had a serious air about him, until he smiled and then seemed more relaxed. Jenna guessed that maybe he was a little nervous about the evening, too. Carolyn, on the other hand, was as cool as a cucumber.
Irene stopped by and both Carolyn and George ordered Guinness draft beers. While they waited for them, Toby, the Trivia guy, stopped by the table to hand out pads of paper and pencils.
“Charlie said you recently moved here from Chicago? How are you liking it?” Jenna asked George as Irene set down their drinks.
He looked her way and smiled. She sensed that he was a bit nervous too. “I like it so far. I miss Chicago, of course, but San Francisco is a great city.”
“How long did you live in Chicago?” Carolyn looked intrigued.
“Forever. Born and brought up there.”
“I’m from Chicago, too. Riverton square. I’ve been here just a few years myself.”
“No kidding? I know Riverton square. Great area. So, three years? Guess you’re liking it, then.” He sounded a bit wistful and Jenna imagined he was still dealing with being a bit homesick.
Carolyn smiled. “San Francisco is home now, but it took me a while to adjust. It’s hard to leave Chicago behind.”
“Do you have any pets? Jenna has a cute cat, very friendly.” Charlie asked George.
George wrinkled his nose. “No pets. I’m deathly allergic to cats.”
“I am too!” Carolyn exclaimed. “I’m more of a dog person.”
“Oh, dogs are great. I have one, my Brady is a Maltese, hypoallergenic.”
“And I have a Yorkshire Terrier, Misty is a doll,” Carolyn said.
“I’d love to get a dog someday,” Charlie admitted.
“What kind would you get?” Carolyn asked.
“I like big dogs, maybe a golden retriever or a lab.”
“Hmmm,” Carolyn did not look enthused.
Charlie and Jenna exchanged glances. Jenna shrugged and Charlie smiled and reached for his beer.
As the evening went on, though they all chatted easily and had fun playing trivia, the only potential love connection seemed to be between Carolyn and George. Once trivia ended and they paid their check, Charlie glanced at Carolyn and George, who were lost in conversation and had full drinks in front of them. He raised his eyebrows and Jenna nodded at his unspoken question.
Charlie stood up. “Do you guys mind if we take off? I have an early day tomorrow, but I don’t want to rush the two of you.”
George glanced at Jenna nervously. “You don’t mind if we stay to finish our drinks?”
“Not at all. It was great meeting you.”
“Charlie, it was great meeting you, too,” Carolyn said quickly.
Jenna followed Charlie out to the Jeep and as soon as they were both buckled in, she chuckled.
“Well, we did a good job match-making for the two of them at least.”
“Yeah, they seemed to hit it off well. The Chicago connection helped.”
“It seemed like they had a lot in common. You should encourage him to ask her out…if he’s not doing it already.”
“I will.” Charlie drove home and when he pulled up to her condo, he added, “I totally forgot to mention this earlier, but I saw my aunt over the weekend and she wants you to come to her Daffodil Derby party. As a guest, of course. You can come with me, but she also wants you to take some pictures for her.”
“I remember you told me about last year’s party. Sounds like quite an event. I’d love to photograph it for her.”
“She’s working on a coffee table book on entertaining. If it goes well, she might have more work for you. And she thought you might benefit from meeting some of the people at the party. Lots of mucky muck types, or as she puts it, ‘Important People’. Some of them own art galleries.”
“That would be wonderful. Please thank her for me and tell her I’d be thrilled to help.”
“You can tell her yourself. You’ll see her at the wedding this weekend.”
“Oh, that’s right. Of course. See you soon, then.” Jenna got out of the Jeep and headed inside, thinking about the upcoming wedding. Charlie’s cousin Connor was getting married on Saturday. Jenna would be attending and was the official wedding photographer. This was one wedding she was really looking forward to. She knew both Connor and Anne and thought they were a great couple.
She shook her head, thinking about the evening she’d just had. It was funny how things worked out sometimes. She didn’t mind at all that George had preferred Carolyn. Jenna hadn’t felt ev
en the slightest spark when she shook his hand. She suspected it was the same for Charlie as he and Carolyn hadn’t seemed to connect, either. She’d never had much luck with setups like that and it’s not like she was out there looking yet, anyway.
It had only been a little over a month since she and Walter had ended things. Jenna had been excited about Walter at first. They’d met at a party and had dated for almost a year. But instead of growing closer, they’d grown apart. Walter was a doctor and worked crazy hours, and it seemed to get harder and harder to match their schedules.
When Jenna stopped to really think about it, she realized that she didn’t mind when he wasn’t available or had to cancel plans at the last minute and she didn’t miss him all that much. That’s when she decided to end it. If you didn’t miss someone then there really wasn’t any point in staying together.
Chapter 4
The next night, around six thirty, there was a knock at the door and Charlie let Amber in. She was gorgeous—a typical California girl with long, sun-kissed blonde hair, clear blue eyes and an easy smile. She was also barely twenty-two and practically family as far as he was concerned as she was the little sister of his cousin’s fiancee. But he was excited that she had agreed to help him. She had skills that he needed.
“Would you like a beer or some wine? I can open a bottle?” he offered as he grabbed one for himself.
“A beer would be great, thanks.”
Charlie opened one and handed it to her, along with a Chinese takeout menu.
“Have you eaten yet? I’m starving and was thinking we could order some food to be delivered while we go over stuff on the computer?”
“Sure, I love Chinese.”
They agreed on a few items and then Charlie called the order in as they settled at his kitchen table. He was about to open his laptop when he saw that Amber was already taking hers out of her tote-bag and firing it up.
“I thought we could use mine. It will be easier for me to show you things,” she said.
The Wedding Photo Page 2
