“I am.” There is sparkling wine from Rhodes Vineyards in the cooler Colin carried across the street as well as fresh orange juice.
While we’re setting up, I see that Cameron has a pair of binoculars, even though the distance across the street isn’t that great. She focuses them on the guys, quite possibly on Mike, and smacks her lips. “I like my candy up close and personal,” she says, prompting Daphne and Willow to laugh.
“Who is he?” Cameron whispers. “That one.” She points at Mike.
“Mike Cavendish,” Willow supplies. “Nice guy.”
I blush but no one notices.
Cameron is too busy peering through the lenses. “I haven’t seen him around. I woulddefinitelyhave noticed.”
“That’s because he’s busy running the Cavendish greenhouses,” Daphne says. “Not visiting the ER in Havelock.”
“Can we arrange a minor accident?” Cameron asks. “I’d volunteer to stitch him up.”
“You’d volunteer more than that,” Willow murmurs wickedly and they all laugh together.
I pour drinks, as invisible as any server.
“Better yet, he could have to recuperate under my attentive care,” Cameron says. “Maybe I’ll need a tomato delivery in the middle of the night.”
“So few genuine tomato emergencies,” Merrie muses, opening a container filled with one-bitebruschetta portions and setting them on the table. The women circle around with interest as Colin lines up champagne glasses and I open the first bottle. The bubbles froth over the lip and I can smell the tang of the wine.
“Are these Cavendish tomatoes?” Daphne asks and Merrie nods.
“I’ll have to provide some consumer feedback,” Cameron says, lifting the binoculars again. “Because the view from here is very,veryfine.”
Merrie and I exchange a glance.
“Mackenzie sent the wine,” Willow says quickly, as if she wants to change the subject. “She’s in Toronto at some industry event so can’t be here.”
Cameron takes the last glass. “I think we might be neighbours,” she says to me.
I glance at my watch. “Really?” I’m thinking everyone in Empire is pretty much neighbours, given the size of the town. I need to talk to Mike then get Una to Havelock. I exchange a glance with Merrie and she nods approval.
“Go,” she mouths indicating that all is well. “Thanks.”
“You live with Una Kincaid, right, in the house in the woods?” Cameron says.
“That’s right.”
“Well, Una’s driveway goes right past Daphne’s place. It’s just to the right.”
I nod, picturing the house. “I didn’t realize Daphne lived there.”
“She just bought it last year. And I live beside her. I moved here three years ago.” She sips her drink and gives a sigh of satisfaction. “That is good.” Her smile is infectious. “You’re supposed to ask me why I moved to Empire at all. Everybody does.”
“Maybe you like it here.”
“Maybe I do. Not nearly enough eligible men, but you can’t have everything. I’m a nurse at Havelock General.”
“That’s where I’m headed this morning.”
“Why?”
“My grandmother, Una, has a chemo treatment today.” A bit late, I realize that all the women are listening to me. There are expressions of sympathy from several who evidently didn’t know, which isn’t a surprise as Una didn’t tell anybody. Merrie offers her smoked salmon appetizers to general approval. “Merrie has been awesome in ensuring that Una has things to eat that agree with her.”
Cameron is serious, though. She even removes her sunglasses to look me in the eye. “If you need anyone to stop by or check in on her, let me know. I mean, I’m right there, when I’m not at work and chemo sucks.”
