“You’re the one who gave her another girl’s ring,” Tonya said.
Around, around, around they went. Daffy sank beneath the weight of it all just waiting for her moment of escape.
“All right, enough.” She raised her voice and hands to silence the banter. “This is between Thomas and me.”
“Hello, what’s happening here?” The entire lot jumped to their feet as a smiling Prince Gus leaned on his skis and into the conversation. “Sounds like a good old-fashioned row.”
“Your Royal Highness.” Ella curtsied, as did Leslie Ann, Blinky, Tonya, and Kayle. The men bobbed with a curt bow.
Daffy locked eyes with him. What was he doing here? What about the chair? Was it fixed already? Oh, who cared? She was glad to see him. Happy he interrupted the debate.
“Ella, good to see you.” Gus winked at Daffy, and the tension in her middle over the ring eased. Well, wasn’t he pouring out his princely charm? “Are you missing Florida as much as Daffy and I?”
Daffy and I? Oh, he was definitely having fun at everyone’s expense. When he peered at her again, the bothersome blush crept across her face.
“I am.” Ella grinned. “Very much.”
“Me too.” Leslie Ann pushed forward with one of her fake telly smiles. Which meant nothing but trouble. “Your Royal Highness, please join us.”
“Thank you, Ms. Parker, but I thought I’d take a run down the slopes.” He glanced at Thomas. “You’re the fiancé, I believe.”
“Thomas Dune, sir.”
“Congratulations. You’ve a good one with this lass.”
“Indeed.” Thomas hooked Daffy into his chest with one arm.
“She’s the best.” Gus backed away from the exchange. “Nice to meet you all. I’d better hit the slopes while the light is still good.”
When he’d left the lounge, the group collapsed in a collective hush. Daffy reached for her cocoa but the drink had gone cold. But she didn’t mind. The prince had somehow come to her rescue. She still needed to sort out the ring business, but Gus’s appearing helped de-escalated the situation.
“He’s right.” Leslie Ann moved to the edge of the lounge area, her gaze following the prince’s path. “We’re wasting a good afternoon of skiing. I think I’ll go for another run myself.”
“You said you didn’t want to go,” Jones said.
“I changed my mind.” Leslie Ann picked up her ski jacket. “A final run will be breathtaking.”
Right.
“Sit down,” Daffy commanded her friend. “You’re not fooling anyone. Leave the prince alone. Haven’t you done enough damage?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Leslie Ann tugged on her jacket and hat. “I’m going to ski—get some exercise. Ta-ta.”
The woman left her no choice. Daffy fired off the couch and launched from the center table like Superwoman. She flew over the adjacent couch and landed on Leslie Ann like a duck on a June bug. They crashed to the lodge floor with a resounding thud.
“Get off me.” Leslie Ann kicked and squirmed, struggling against Daffy’s grip.
“Leave. Him. Alone.”
Leslie Ann huffed and puffed, her face a deep red. “Imust…get an interview… There’s still a story… I’m the one to get it. Why did Coral Winthrop leave him…at the altar? Nothing onGood Morning New York…went on and on about God. Good grief, we get it. Jesus saves.” She gave Daffy a final push but Daffy’s strength prevailed. “Let me go! How much do you weigh?”
“Daffy, get up. People are staring.” Thomas lifted her to her feet while Jones and Rick aided Leslie Ann.
“I thought you’re my friend.” She straightened her jacket and smoothed her hair.
“Yeah, well you started this in Florida. You promised to leave me out of your shenanigans.”
“How am I including you? I saw him for myself.”
