Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“What are the rest of you doing after lunch?” Nora asks.
“I’ve got an appointment with Willow over at the salon,” Brianna offers. “I’m getting some highlights for the wedding.”
“I’m getting a massage,” Gina says. “I’ve heard the new guy Willow just hired is amazing.”
Nora nods. “He is. I had an appointment with him last week. In fact, I was his first massage. The man has magic hands.”
Massage…
Now that sounds perfect.
I don’t let myself have a massage very often. Only once or twice a year. It’s a luxury, and I can’t afford too many of those.
“I wonder if he has some time today,” I say.
“God, if only…” Maddie agrees. “You and I could get massages after we go antiquing.”
“Mine is right after lunch,” Gina says. “But why don’t you come over with me before you start antiquing, and we can ask him?”
“Sounds like a plan,” Maddie says.
Nora finishes pouring the wine and then hands out the Diet Cokes and the waters. “Food will be out in just a few minutes.”
A moment later, Nora returns with our salads. “Lisa’s special Caesar, as requested by the bride-to-be.”
The salad looks amazing, except for the tiny fish sitting on top. I wrinkle my nose.
“You okay?” Nora asks.
“Yeah. I just don’t do fish on salads.”
“I’m so sorry.” Nora grabs my plate. “I’ll get you another right away.”
“Please don’t bother. I’ll just take it off.”
“Don’t be silly,” Angie says. “No one can make you eat fish. But this is a white anchovy, and it’s actually quite delicious.”
Maddie, who’s sitting across from me, laughs. “I always take mine off too, Tabitha. Don’t feel bad.”
I smile at her.
Already I know I like Maddie. She’s definitely more down to earth than Brianna and Gina. Even Angie.
She didn’t come from money like they did. She came from a family that had to work hard to make ends meet, just like I did.
Of course, then she married a Steel. So now she never has to worry about money again.
No such luck for me. The only Steel whose eye I’ve caught has turned out to be a bit of a dick.
I hold back a sigh as Nora brings me a fresh salad. I spear a crouton with my fork and bring it to my mouth.
Wowza.
The outside is golden and crisp, toasted just to the edge of dark, with a slight chew still tucked inside from the bread it used to be.
Olive oil is soaked into the crust, and it’s laced with garlic and maybe a little dried thyme or rosemary. Just the perfect amount of salt, too.
“This might be the best thing I’ve ever put into my mouth,” I can’t help saying.
“That’s what she said!” Brianna laughs from the other side of the table.
My cheeks warm.
“Lisa’s croutons are legendary,” Angie says. “All homemade.”
“I can tell.” I take another crouton, adding some greens to it this time.
Maddie smiles from across the table and nods slightly.
She understands.
Already I know we’re going to get along fabulously. I’m actually looking forward to our antiquing. Not that I’ll be able to buy anything, but who cares? I’ll live vicariously through Maddie.
The server sets the lasagna down first—thick, steaming layers of pasta, meat, and cheese with a rich red sauce that fills the air with the smell of garlic and tomato. The cheese on top is browned and bubbling. Next comes a platter of chicken marsala, the cutlets thin and golden and nestled in a glossy sauce of mushrooms and cooked wine. The smell is rich and earthy. Then a large bowl of penne tossed in a light cream sauce with peas and bits of pancetta. Garlic bread follows, piled into a basket.
We pass the dishes around the table, stacking plates and making room as the food makes its way to everyone. Once everyone is served, I’m ready to dig in. I’m just not sure where to start.
Angie’s phone buzzes. She stares at the screen and squeals. “Yay! Jason’s here, and he and Henry are coming into town to join us for dessert!”
Henry.
I’m filled with ambivalence. Except that’s not true. My heart is already racing at the thought of seeing him.
Didn’t Angie say no men allowed this morning when Marjorie suggested inviting Angie’s father?
Probably not the time to bring it up.
Nora, who’s refilling water glasses, perks up at Henry’s name. “Are they on their way?”
“Yeah,” Angie says. “Henry got Jason settled at the house, and they’re about a half hour away.”
“Terrific!” Nora gives a bright smile.
Yeah, terrific.
Just what I need.
Henry here. Nora flirting relentlessly with him.
While I’m still sore.
From his cold attitude.
And from his dick pummeling me last night.
Sixteen
Henry
This wasn’t my idea.
Driving into town to hijack Angie’s bridesmaid luncheon.
It was actually Mom’s suggestion.
“I feel bad that I had to beg out at the last minute,” she said. “Why don’t you two run into town and join them? I know Angie would love it.”